Venezuela Deepens Strategic Partnership to Advance Hydrocarbon Development

Source: APO – Report:

Venezuela is staging a deliberate return to hydrocarbon production and development as industry reforms create new opportunities for regional and international energy companies seeking high returns in one of the world’s largest oil and gas provinces.

Meetings between Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and the African Energy Chamber (AEC) this week reinforced a shared commitment to accelerating investment while strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing the next phase of Venezuela’s energy reopening.

The AEC delegation, led by Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk and Senior Vice President Verner Ayukegba, met with President Rodríguez alongside Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao, PDVSA President Héctor Obregón, Vice Minister of Hydrocarbon Policy Eduardo Ramírez and other senior officials.

Discussions focused on expanding international cooperation, attracting upstream investment, accelerating project development and strengthening technical collaboration across the oil and gas value chain. The parties also explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in education and skills development, support cleaner hydrocarbon production through gas flaring reduction initiatives and expand access to liquefied petroleum gas to better human lives as a means of addressing energy poverty, improving public health and enhancing quality of life.

A key outcome of the discussions was the AEC’s recognition of Venezuela’s recent energy sector reforms, which the Chamber described as a significant step toward creating a more competitive and investment-friendly operating environment.

“Venezuela possesses one of the world’s greatest hydrocarbon resource bases, but resources alone do not create prosperity. What creates prosperity is a shared commitment between governments and investors to develop those resources through stable policies, long-term partnerships and sustained investment,” said Ayuk. “President Rodríguez is sending a strong signal to international investors: Venezuela is open for investment, committed to collaboration and ready to usher in a new era of hydrocarbon development.”

He added that the reforms implemented by the Venezuelan government demonstrate a clear commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment.

“Combined with the country’s extraordinary resource base, they have the potential to position Venezuela as one of the most attractive oil and gas investment destinations in the Southern Hemisphere while ensuring that resource development delivers long-term economic opportunities and tangible benefits for Venezuelan citizens,” Ayuk said.

The visit comes at a critical time for the country’s energy sector. In July 2026, Venezuela published the long-awaited Regulations of the Organic Hydrocarbons Law, providing one of the clearest frameworks yet for governing the next phase of oil and gas development. The regulations modernize the country’s upstream framework while offering greater transparency on how projects will be structured, evaluated and managed, supporting a new wave of investment as Venezuela works to rebuild production.

The reforms establish a clearer pathway for attracting investment, revitalizing production and repositioning Venezuela as a major global hydrocarbon supplier. They build on a series of milestones achieved in 2026 as international operators return to the market and exports continue their recovery. Export volumes have reached 1.25 million barrels per day, the highest level in years, while companies including Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Shell and bp continue expanding their presence in the country.

The AEC visit reinforced Venezuela’s commitment to sustaining this momentum. Industry analysis estimates that the country will require approximately $183 billion in upstream and supporting infrastructure investment between 2026 and 2040 to achieve its production target of 3 million barrels per day, including roughly $53 billion to sustain existing production. Brownfield redevelopment is expected to provide the quickest gains, with an estimated 300,000-350,000 barrels per day recoverable through relatively low-cost interventions. Longer-term production growth will depend on greenfield investment, with annual capital expenditure of $8-9 billion required through 2040 to support production of 2 million barrels per day by 2030 and 3 million barrels per day by 2040.

“Our meetings in Caracas demonstrated a clear determination from Venezuela’s leadership to move the sector forward, and the AEC stands ready to support that journey by connecting the country with investors, operators and strategic partners capable of delivering the capital, technology and expertise needed for long-term growth,” Ayuk said.

The meetings build on the memorandum of understanding signed between the AEC, PDVSA and Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons in February 2026 to strengthen cooperation on upstream development, refining, investment promotion and technical capacity building. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to unlocking Venezuela’s hydrocarbon potential while ensuring the country’s energy resources contribute to sustainable economic growth, improved energy access and long-term national development.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files

.

NATJOINTS assures security readiness for 46th SADC Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

NATJOINTS assures security readiness for 46th SADC Summit

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, which will take place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 16 to 17 August. 

Briefing the media on Friday, Chairperson of NATJOINTS Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the safe and successful hosting of the regional gathering, which will bring together 12 Heads of State and Government as well as delegates from across SADC. 

NATJOINTS said comprehensive security plans had already been activated for the summit, with law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services coordinating preparations for the arrival of regional leaders and delegations.

“Comprehensive security plans have already been activated. All law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the successful hosting of this important regional event,” Mosikili said.

The summit will culminate a week-long programme of technical, ministerial and political engagements and will see President Cyril Ramaphosa formally assume the SADC Chairpersonship for the 2026/27 term.
The security arrangements form part of broader efforts to ensure that the summit takes place in a safe and secure environment.

Additional operational details will be communicated closer to the summit.
NATJOINTS said South Africa’s security structures remain fully prepared and coordinated to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law.

The security preparations come as the country continues to strengthen its response to public order challenges, border security and other security concerns.

The Durban summit will mark an important milestone for South Africa as President Ramaphosa formally assumes the chairpersonship of the 16-member regional bloc for the 2026/27 term.

South Africa is hosting the summit under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”

The summit process began this week with technical meetings at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban and will culminate in the meeting of Heads of State and Government on 17 August.

The programme is designed to allow officials and ministers to consider and refine issues before they are presented to Heads of State and Government for adoption.

The Standing Committee of Senior Officials is meeting from 6 to 7 August to consider reports from SADC sectoral structures and make recommendations to Ministers.

The Finance Committee will meet on 8 August to consider the regional budget, resource mobilisation and financial sustainability.

From 9 to 11 August, officials will finalise documentation ahead of the SADC Council of Ministers, which will meet from 12 to 14 August.

READ | All systems go for SADC Summit 

Peace and security
Regional peace and security will receive particular attention ahead of the Heads of State and Government Summit.

The Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is scheduled to meet on 15 August, followed by the Organ Troika Summit on 16 August.

Heads of State and Government are expected to arrive on 16 August ahead of the official opening of the Summit and a State Banquet hosted by President Ramaphosa.

The security discussions take place against a backdrop of continued regional efforts to promote peace, stability and cooperation among SADC Member States.

Migration 
Migration management is expected to be another important issue at the Summit, with South Africa set to use the regional platform to advance greater cooperation on migration-related challenges.

The discussions will take place as South Africa continues to strengthen border security and address irregular migration, including the unlawful employment of undocumented migrants and compliance with immigration and labour legislation.

The country is also pursuing measures to address corruption within migration systems.

Government’s approach is centred on managing migration in a lawful, orderly, humane and effective manner, in line with the Constitution and South Africa’s international obligations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

3

A Venezuela aprofunda a parceria estratégica para impulsionar o desenvolvimento dos hidrocarbonetos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Venezuela está a dar um passo deliberado no sentido do regresso à produção e ao desenvolvimento de hidrocarbonetos, à medida que as reformas do setor criam novas oportunidades para empresas energéticas regionais e internacionais que procuram elevados retornos numa das maiores regiões petrolíferas e gasíferas do mundo.

As reuniões realizadas esta semana entre a Presidente em exercício Delcy Rodríguez e a Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) reforçaram um compromisso comum de acelerar o investimento, ao mesmo tempo que se reforçam as parcerias estratégicas e se avança para a próxima fase da reabertura do setor energético venezuelano.

A delegação da AEC, liderada pelo presidente executivo NJ Ayuk e pelo vice-presidente sénior Verner Ayukegba, reuniu-se com a presidente Rodríguez, juntamente com a ministra dos Hidrocarbonetos, Paula Henao, o presidente da PDVSA, Héctor Obregón, o vice-ministro da Política de Hidrocarbonetos, Eduardo Ramírez, e outros altos responsáveis.

As discussões centraram-se na expansão da cooperação internacional, na atração de investimento a montante, na aceleração do desenvolvimento de projetos e no reforço da colaboração técnica ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor do petróleo e do gás. As partes exploraram também oportunidades para aprofundar a cooperação na educação e no desenvolvimento de competências, apoiar uma produção mais limpa de hidrocarbonetos através de iniciativas de redução da queima de gás e alargar o acesso ao gás de petróleo liquefeito para melhorar a vida das pessoas, como forma de combater a pobreza energética, melhorar a saúde pública e elevar a qualidade de vida.

Um resultado fundamental das discussões foi o reconhecimento, por parte da AEC, das recentes reformas no setor energético da Venezuela, que a Câmara descreveu como um passo significativo no sentido de criar um ambiente operacional mais competitivo e favorável ao investimento.

«A Venezuela possui uma das maiores reservas de hidrocarbonetos do mundo, mas os recursos por si só não geram prosperidade. O que gera prosperidade é um compromisso partilhado entre governos e investidores para desenvolver esses recursos através de políticas estáveis, parcerias de longo prazo e investimento sustentado», afirmou Ayuk. «O presidente Rodríguez está a enviar um sinal forte aos investidores internacionais: a Venezuela está aberta ao investimento, empenhada na colaboração e pronta para inaugurar uma nova era de desenvolvimento dos hidrocarbonetos.»

Acrescentou ainda que as reformas implementadas pelo governo venezuelano demonstram um compromisso claro com a criação de um ambiente propício ao investimento.

«Aliadas à extraordinária base de recursos do país, têm o potencial de posicionar a Venezuela como um dos destinos mais atrativos para o investimento em petróleo e gás no Hemisfério Sul, garantindo simultaneamente que o desenvolvimento dos recursos proporcione oportunidades económicas a longo prazo e benefícios tangíveis para os cidadãos venezuelanos», afirmou Ayuk.

A visita surge num momento crítico para o setor energético do país. Em julho de 2026, a Venezuela publicou o tão aguardado Regulamento da Lei Orgânica dos Hidrocarbonetos, proporcionando um dos quadros normativos mais claros até à data para reger a próxima fase do desenvolvimento do petróleo e do gás. O regulamento moderniza o quadro normativo do setor a montante do país, ao mesmo tempo que oferece maior transparência sobre a forma como os projetos serão estruturados, avaliados e geridos, apoiando uma nova onda de investimento à medida que a Venezuela trabalha para reconstruir a produção.

As reformas estabelecem um caminho mais claro para atrair investimento, revitalizar a produção e reposicionar a Venezuela como um importante fornecedor global de hidrocarbonetos. Baseiam-se numa série de marcos alcançados em 2026, à medida que as operadoras internacionais regressam ao mercado e as exportações continuam a sua recuperação. Os volumes de exportação atingiram 1,25 milhões de barris por dia, o nível mais elevado dos últimos anos, enquanto empresas como a Chevron, a ExxonMobil, a ConocoPhillips, a Shell e a bp continuam a expandir a sua presença no país.

A visita da AEC reforçou o compromisso da Venezuela em manter este impulso. Análises do setor estimam que o país necessitará de aproximadamente 183 mil milhões de dólares em investimento em infraestruturas a montante e de apoio entre 2026 e 2040 para atingir a sua meta de produção de 3 milhões de barris por dia, incluindo cerca de 53 mil milhões de dólares para sustentar a produção existente. Espera-se que a reabilitação de instalações existentes proporcione os ganhos mais rápidos, com uma estimativa de 300 000 a 350 000 barris por dia recuperáveis através de intervenções de custo relativamente baixo. O crescimento da produção a longo prazo dependerá do investimento em novos projetos («greenfield»), sendo necessários gastos de capital anuais de 8 a 9 mil milhões de dólares até 2040 para sustentar a produção de 2 milhões de barris por dia até 2030 e de 3 milhões de barris por dia até 2040.

«As nossas reuniões em Caracas demonstraram uma clara determinação por parte dos líderes da Venezuela em impulsionar o setor, e a AEC está pronta para apoiar esse percurso, ligando o país a investidores, operadores e parceiros estratégicos capazes de fornecer o capital, a tecnologia e os conhecimentos especializados necessários para o crescimento a longo prazo», afirmou Ayuk.

As reuniões baseiam-se no memorando de entendimento assinado entre a AEC, a PDVSA e o Ministério dos Hidrocarbonetos da Venezuela em fevereiro de 2026, com o objetivo de reforçar a cooperação em matéria de desenvolvimento a montante, refinação, promoção do investimento e reforço das capacidades técnicas. Em conjunto, estas iniciativas refletem um compromisso comum de desbloquear o potencial de hidrocarbonetos da Venezuela, garantindo simultaneamente que os recursos energéticos do país contribuam para o crescimento económico sustentável, para um melhor acesso à energia e para o desenvolvimento nacional a longo prazo.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Construction de la Grande Côte D’ivoire : Le Président Alassane Ouattara Appelle a la Contribution de Toutes les Forces Vives de la Nation

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République, Alassane Ouattara, a appelé l’ensemble des forces vives de la Nation, notamment les jeunes, les femmes, les entrepreneurs et les agriculteurs, à contribuer à la construction de la Grande Côte d’Ivoire. C’était lors de son traditionnel message à la Nation, à la veille de la commémoration de la Fête nationale, le jeudi 06 août 2026 à Abidjan.

« Nous devons être confiants en l’avenir. La Grande Côte d’Ivoire à laquelle nous aspirons sera le fruit du travail, du talent, de l’engagement et de la confiance de tout un peuple. J’invite chaque Ivoirienne et chaque Ivoirien à saisir pleinement les opportunités et à y apporter son énergie, son talent, ses idées et son engagement », a insisté le Chef de l’État.

Aux jeunes, il a dit que la Côte d’Ivoire croit en leur talent, en leur créativité, en leur capacité à ouvrir de nouveaux chemins : « Vous êtes l’avenir et le présent de notre pays et rien de ce que nous entreprenons ne se fera sans vous ».

À l’endroit des femmes, Alassane Ouattara a soutenu que leur courage, leur engagement et leur esprit d’initiative constituent une force essentielle du développement du pays.

Concernant les entrepreneurs, le Président de la République a indiqué que la Côte d’Ivoire a besoin de leur audace, de leur capacité d’innovation et de leur volonté d’investir pour créer davantage de richesses et d’emplois.

Il a affirmé que les agriculteurs demeurent les premiers artisans de notre souveraineté alimentaire et de notre prospérité.

« Notre avenir commun se construira dans l’unité, le travail et la discipline, la solidarité et la confiance. Ensemble, poursuivons notre ambition avec détermination et construisons une grande nation pour nous-mêmes et pour les générations futures », a réaffirmé le Chef de l’État.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Media files

Qatar Condemns Explosion in Syrian City of Jaramana

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | August 07, 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its condemnation and denunciation of an explosion that targeted a minibus in the city of Jaramana in the Arab Republic of Syria, which led to injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs renews the State of Qatar’s firm position of rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of the motives, stressing its complete solidarity with the Syrian government in all measures it would take to maintain security and stability.

The Ministry expresses the State of Qatar’s wishes for a swift recovery for the injured.

Qatar Condemns Houthi Attack on Najran Region in Saudi Arabia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | August 07, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the Houthi attacks on the Najran region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that injured several civilians, considering it a severe violation of sovereignty and international law, as well as a dangerous escalation that threatens the region’s security and stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the State of Qatar’s complete rejection of the targeting of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical facilities, while stressing its complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all measures it would take to maintain the safety of its land as well as its security and stability.

The Ministry expresses the State of Qatar’s wishes for a swift recovery for the injured, praying to Allah the Almighty to keep the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people from harm’s way.

Government continues focus on law enforcement efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

Government continues focus on law enforcement efforts

Government has intensified its multidisciplinary response to undocumented migration, illegal employment and other forms of non-compliance. 

Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said government’s approach remained focused on enforcing the law while ensuring that operations were conducted within the Constitution and applicable legislation.

The update comes amid continued anti-illegal immigration protests in parts of the country, as government also moves to counter misinformation surrounding criminal incidents allegedly linked to such campaigns.

Operation Shanela remains at the centre of government’s crime-fighting and enforcement operations, with daily intelligence-driven deployments taking place across all provinces.

The operations target wanted suspects, illegal firearms, drugs, organised crime, dangerous criminals and undocumented foreign nationals.

Last month, 16 208 illegal foreign nationals were arrested through Operation Shanela and related multidisciplinary operations.

Since January, the number of undocumented foreign nationals arrested has reached 59 947.

“These operations will continue without interruption,” Mosikili said.

Deportations and repatriations

 Government has also continued with the repatriation and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

 As of 3 August 2026, a total of 77 184 undocumented foreign nationals had been repatriated to various countries.

Between 1 April and 31 July, 18 816 people were formally deported, while 3 016 undocumented foreign nationals were awaiting deportation at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.

Government has also begun demobilising the Repatriation Centre in Musina after thousands of undocumented foreign nationals were processed and repatriated.

Just over 500 people remain at the centre and are expected to be repatriated in the coming days.

Mosikili said the operation had been conducted through cooperation between government departments, foreign missions and other stakeholders. 

“This marks a significant milestone in our coordinated operation, which has been carried out in an orderly, humane and lawful manner through the collaboration of all relevant government departments, foreign missions in South Africa and stakeholders,” she said. 

Government said immigration enforcement would continue while ensuring that enforcement measures remained lawful, humane and consistent with the Constitution and applicable legislation.

Workplace inspections

The enforcement drive extends beyond immigration status, with government also targeting illegal employment, labour exploitation and non-compliance with labour legislation.

A total of 6 317 labour inspectors are conducting workplace inspections countrywide as part of the National Multidisciplinary High-Impact Blitz Operations coordinated by the Department of Employment and Labour.

The inspections are intended to ensure compliance with labour laws while protecting workers and legitimate businesses.

Compliance inspections at spaza shops are also continuing nationally.

The inspections cover municipal by-laws, food safety regulations, business licensing requirements and immigration legislation where applicable.

During July, the Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of inspections, with 14 948 spaza shops inspected. 

This was followed by the Free State with 10 406 inspections, Gauteng with 2 631, KwaZulu-Natal with 2 617, Limpopo with 1 315, North West with 1 101, Northern Cape with 915 and Mpumalanga with 229.

Government said the inspections would continue as part of its broader compliance programme.

Border security

Border security remains another key component of the government’s enforcement strategy.

The Border Management Authority continues to strengthen operations through technology and intelligence-led interventions.

At the Lebombo Port of Entry, the introduction of the Vehicle Targeting System has improved the detection of stolen vehicles, smuggling activities and other illicit cross-border crimes.

The BMA works jointly with the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force, South African Revenue Service Customs and other departments.

A total of 93 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted during June, followed by another 81 in July.

NATJOINTS said the operations continued to produce positive results.

Warning against misinformation

The intensified enforcement operations have also been accompanied by concern over misinformation circulating on social media.

NATJOINTS said several videos being shared online falsely suggest that certain criminal incidents are linked to anti-illegal immigration campaigns.

“This is incorrect. We urge the public not to share unverified information,” Mosikili said. 

Among the incidents identified by NATJOINTS are the fatal shooting of a Zambian truck driver on South Coast Road in KwaZulu-Natal on 26 June, the murder of a Ugandan national in Estcourt and the shooting of a Ghanaian national in Nyanga, Western Cape, which is believed to have been extortion-related.

A 42-year-old Nigerian national also died after collapsing while in police custody during a SAPS operation in Bellville on 23 July. 

Drugs and an unlicensed firearm were recovered during the operation, and the matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

In KwaZulu-Natal, two suspects have been arrested following the murder of an Ethiopian national in Elandslaagte.

NATJOINTS said investigations into the various incidents were continuing and cautioned the public against attributing criminal incidents to anti-illegal immigration operations without evidence.

Protests 
The enforcement measures are taking place against a backdrop of anti-illegal immigration protests that have declined significantly since the nationwide demonstrations of 30 June.

While Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal continue to experience isolated and localised demonstrations, NATJOINTS said most protests had remained peaceful and within the confines of the law.

Where violence, intimidation, road blockades, infrastructure damage or other criminal conduct occurred, police responded in accordance with Public Order Policing protocols.

NATJOINTS said everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully, but no person has the right to take the law into their own hands.

“Our message remains clear. South Africa is governed by the rule of law. No one is above the law. No person may take the law into their own hands,” Mosikili said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

5

Cabo Verde: Primeiro-Ministro Francisco Carvalho inaugura estradas asfaltadas de Levada e Achada Costa em São Lourenço dos Órgãos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O Primeiro-Ministro, Francisco Carvalho, presidiu, na tarde desta quinta-feira, 6 de agosto, a cerimónia de inauguração das novas estradas asfaltadas das localidades de Levada e Achada Costa, no município de São Lourenço dos Órgãos, numa iniciativa que visa reforçar a mobilidade, melhorar a segurança rodoviária e impulsionar o desenvolvimento socioeconómico da região.

As obras contemplaram a asfaltagem de cerca de 800 metros de estrada na localidade de Levada e de um quilómetro em Achada Costa, tendo sido financiadas integralmente com recursos próprios da Câmara Municipal de São Lourenço dos Órgãos, liderada pelo presidente Euclides Cabral.

O Chefe do Governo usou da palavra para felicitar o presidente da autarquia pelo empenho e pela capacidade de concretização demonstrados na execução das obras, sublinhando os desafios que os municípios enfrentam para mobilizar recursos e responder às necessidades das populações.

“Quero felicitar o Presidente da Câmara Municipal, Euclides Cabral, pelo trabalho realizado. Sei, por experiência própria, as dificuldades que existem para concretizar obras desta natureza. É preciso criatividade, dedicação, coragem e muito compromisso com as populações para transformar projetos em realidade. Estas duas obras são o reflexo de um trabalho sério e responsável”, afirmou Francisco Carvalho.

O Primeiro-Ministro aproveitou ainda a ocasião para reafirmar o compromisso do Executivo com o poder local, garantindo uma relação de proximidade e cooperação institucional com todas as câmaras municipais do país.

“Vamos ter um Governo amigo de todas as câmaras municipais. Trabalharemos com todos os municípios, independentemente da sua cor política, porque todas as câmaras pertencem aos cabo-verdianos e devem merecer o apoio do Governo para responder às aspirações das suas populações”, reiterou.

As novas vias de acesso representam uma importante melhoria para as comunidades de Levada e Achada Costa, proporcionando maior conforto e segurança na circulação de pessoas e bens, além de criarem melhores condições para o desenvolvimento das atividades económicas e sociais locais.

Segundo o presidente da Câmara Municipal, Euclides Cabral, estas infraestruturas integram uma visão mais ampla de desenvolvimento e ordenamento do território, contribuindo para uma melhor articulação entre as diferentes localidades do concelho e para a valorização das potencialidades da região.

Visivelmente satisfeito, Francisco Carvalho sublinhou o impacto positivo que as novas estradas terão na vida das populações, reiterando que investimentos desta natureza são fundamentais para promover a coesão territorial, melhorar a qualidade de vida dos cidadãos e criar novas oportunidades de desenvolvimento para o interior da ilha de Santiago.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Ministro da Economia, Comércio, Indústria e Transição Digital promove consulta estratégica sobre o futuro digital de Cabo Verde

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O Ministro da Economia, Comércio, Indústria e Transição Digital, António Baptista, promoveu, esta quinta-feira, 6 de agosto, na cidade da Praia, a Consulta Estratégica «Transformação Digital em Cabo Verde: Situação Atual e Caminhos para o Futuro».

A iniciativa enquadra-se na visão do Governo de acelerar a transformação digital do país, assumindo-a como um instrumento estratégico para a modernização do Estado, o reforço da competitividade da economia, a melhoria dos serviços públicos e a criação de novas oportunidades para os cidadãos e as empresas.

O encontro reuniu representantes da Administração Pública, do setor privado, da academia, especialistas e diferentes atores do ecossistema tecnológico nacional. A diversidade dos participantes permitiu promover um diá. abrangente e estruturado sobre o atual estágio da transformação digital em Cabo Verde, os principais desafios existentes e as prioridades que deverão orientar a próxima etapa deste processo.

A consulta reforçou a importância de uma abordagem participativa na definição das políticas públicas, mobilizando conhecimentos, experiências e diferentes perspetivas para a construção de soluções ajustadas à realidade e às ambições do país.

Durante os trabalhos, foram analisadas questões relacionadas com a modernização e a interoperabilidade da Administração Pública, a simplificação e a digitalização dos serviços, o desenvolvimento de competências digitais, a inovação empresarial, o empreendedorismo tecnológico, a inclusão digital, a proteção de dados e a cibersegurança.

A reflexão incidiu igualmente sobre as condições necessárias para estimular uma economia mais digital, inovadora e competitiva, capaz de gerar emprego qualificado, atrair investimento, apoiar a internacionalização das empresas cabo-verdianas e reforçar o posicionamento de Cabo Verde nos mercados regionais e internacionais.

As contribuições recolhidas durante o encontro permitirão aprofundar o diagnóstico nacional e apoiar a definição de prioridades, orientações e medidas para a futura agenda de transformação digital do país.

Para o Governo, a transformação digital não se limita à adoção de novas tecnologias. Representa uma mudança estrutural na forma como as instituições funcionam, os serviços são prestados e o Estado, as empresas e os cidadãos interagem.

Este processo deverá contribuir para a construção de uma Administração Pública mais moderna, eficiente, transparente e próxima da população, bem como para a criação de um ambiente mais favorável à inovação, ao investimento e ao desenvolvimento do tecido empresarial nacional.

Esta agenda será desenvolvida de forma transversal e articulada, envolvendo os diferentes departamentos governamentais, o setor privado, a academia, a sociedade civil e os parceiros de desenvolvimento.

A realização desta consulta estratégica reafirma o compromisso do Governo com uma transformação digital inclusiva, sustentável e centrada nas pessoas, procurando garantir que os benefícios da tecnologia cheguem a todas as ilhas, comunidades, empresas e cidadãos.

Cabo Verde pretende, assim, consolidar-se como uma referência regional em matéria de governação digital, inovação e prestação de serviços públicos de qualidade, colocando a tecnologia ao serviço do desenvolvimento económico e social do país.

A Consulta Estratégica «Transformação Digital em Cabo Verde: Situação Atual e Caminhos para o Futuro» representa uma etapa importante na construção de uma visão nacional partilhada, assente em prioridades claras, na mobilização dos diferentes setores da sociedade e numa forte orientação para a implementação e a obtenção de resultados.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Government investment in community media continues

Source: Government of South Africa

Government investment in community media continues

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has welcomed the upgrading of broadcasting facilities at Star FM 102.9, saying it is a reflection of government’s commitment to strengthen community media.

“This investment reflects government’s continued commitment to strengthening community media as an essential pillar of our democracy and ensuring that every community has access to reliable, diverse and locally relevant sources of information,” the Deputy Minister said on Friday.

He said the radio station is an important platform for communities.

This was as he, together with the  Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), officially handed over Star FM’s newly digitised broadcast studio in Klerksdorp, in the North West province.

Broadcasting from Klerksdorp, the community radio station serves listeners across the province in multiple languages, providing a platform for local news, community dialogue and development-focused programming.

He said the diversity of the North West province is one of its strengths, as Star FM reflects this in its multilingual programming. The station broadcasts in languages including isiXhosa, Setswana, English and Afrikaans.

“While we celebrate the completion of the upgraded facility, we are reinforcing a platform that promotes diversity, dialogue and strengthens democratic participation and ensures that local voices for our communities continue to share the conversations that matter most,” he said.

He explained that the occasion was significant as the country commemorates Women’s Month. South Africa will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings on Sunday.

Morolong said the women who marched in 1956 remind the nation of the courage of women.

“Their courage is one of the defining moments in our democratic journey. Their call for justice, dignity and equality continues to inspire our efforts to build a society where every voice is heard,” he said.

The Deputy Minister referred to other anniversaries the country is commemorating this year, namely 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution; 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising; 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals in District Six.

Speaking at the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the uMfolozi TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, the Deputy Minister said the provincial leg of the campaign forms part of the wider rollout of the Milestones of Freedom campaign, which was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June this year. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

Neo

10