Source: APO
On April 1, Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture of Liberia. The two sides exchanged views on agricultural cooperation and agreed to seize the development opportunities during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, striving to advance bilateral agricultural collaboration for the benefit of both nations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.
Source: APO
On April 2nd, H.E. Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Dr. Olushayo Olu, the Country Representative of World Health Organization (WHO) in Liberia. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the field of health.
Ambassador Yin briefly introduced health cooperation between China and Liberia and China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and said that as one of the founding members of the WHO, China is willing to continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the WHO, work together to advance Liberia’s health development, and jointly build a global community of health for all.
Dr. Olu thanked China for its long-term support for WHO, and hoped to deepen cooperation with China within the framework of South-South Cooperation to jointly improve the Liberia’s health cause.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.
Source: APO
Faster action on dangerous trees, the introduction of a national addressing system, and a new national drug survey are among key measures approved by Cabinet, as Vice President Sebastien Pillay outlined a series of reforms aimed at strengthening public safety and improving everyday service delivery.
Cabinet approved the decentralisation of dangerous tree management, transferring operational responsibility from the Forestry Section to the Ministry of Local Government through District Administrations.
District Administrations will now take the lead in identifying and addressing tree related risks within communities. This includes continuous monitoring, early identification of hazards, and timely intervention where trees pose a threat to homes, infrastructure, or public spaces. Tree lopping and removal will be carried out where necessary.
The Vice President emphasised the need for a more responsive and proactive approach, noting that timely intervention is critical to reducing potential damage and safeguarding communities.
He further noted that District Administrations will operate in coordination with environmental authorities, while the Forestry Section will retain its advisory and regulatory role, particularly in relation to protected and endemic species.
Under existing regulations in Seychelles, the cutting or removal of trees requires prior authorisation from the relevant environmental authorities. Property owners are also reminded of their responsibility to ensure that trees on their land do not pose a risk to neighbouring properties or the wider community.
Cabinet also approved the Seychelles National Addressing System Bill, 2026, establishing a framework for the implementation of a standardised, modern, and digitally enabled national addressing system.
The Bill provides for the establishment of a National Addressing Department and a National Addressing Database Unit to oversee governance and data management, alongside the adoption of international addressing standards and postcode structures.
Highlighting the importance of this reform, the Vice President noted that the absence of a proper addressing system has limited Seychelles’ ability to fully engage with international services.
“There are countries that cannot transact with Seychelles because we do not have a proper addressing system. At present, what we use as a postcode is simply four zeros. This new approach is intended to resolve that,” he said.
He added that the system will significantly improve service delivery, including engagement with courier services, logistics, and access to data for planning and research purposes.
“With a proper system in place, locations will have clearly established addresses. What makes an addressing system effective is that it is linked to a place, not to an individual. Ownership may change, but the address remains the same,” the Vice President added.
Cabinet further approved a National Drug Use Prevalence Survey to provide reliable data on drug use in Seychelles. The findings are expected to strengthen policy formulation, guide targeted prevention and treatment interventions, and support informed decision making across relevant sectors.
Cabinet further directed the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to take coordinated steps to strengthen the visibility, use, and preservation of the Seychellois Creole language and culture within schools and across the wider community.
In line with broader reforms, Cabinet approved the Seychelles Culture, Arts and National Heritage Bill, 2026, which repeals the SNICHA Act, 2021, and establishes a new governance framework placing cultural institutions under the Ministry responsible for Culture to improve coordination, oversight, and accountability.
The Bill provides for the reorganisation of key institutions, including the Seychelles Creole Institute, Seychelles Arts and Crafts Agency, Seychelles Creative Agency, Seychelles Museum, Archives and Library Authority (SMALA), and the Seychelles Heritage Agency.
Cabinet also approved in principle the pursuit of a Public Private Partnership for the restoration and sustainable use of Maison St Joseph, with government mandated to engage private sector partners to develop a restoration and long term management framework.
In addition, Cabinet approved the Commission for the Enforcement, Implementation and Monitoring of the Recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission Bill, 2026. The Commission will oversee the implementation of recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission, including matters related to reparations and accountability.
The Vice President described this as a necessary step forward in ensuring closure, accountability, and national progress.
“The government has shown courage in establishing such a commission. When we speak about taxpayers’ money being used to compensate victims, I also pay taxes. I do not have a direct say in how those funds are used, and others may share similar concerns,” he said.
He added that questions of responsibility must be carefully considered in matters involving compensation.“For example, if taxpayers’ money were to be used to compensate those affected by fungus, should we blame those that constructed the building, or those who assigned workers to operate within it? These are questions that require careful consideration.”
The Vice President emphasised the importance of decisiveness and forward momentum. “If we continue to revisit the same debate, the country will not move forward. Our position is clear. Once a decision is taken, we act on it and move ahead,” he said. He noted that the Commission will determine the process it will follow, with a clear focus on delivering outcomes, ensuring accountability, and advancing national reconciliation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Source: APO
Legislators are furious that the refurbishment of X-ray rooms in 20 hospitals is has stalled because of non-compliance to procurement guidelines by the health ministry.
The revelation came to light in a report from the Auditor General showing that the non-compliance with Section 60(6) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, had affected several procurements.
The report for the financial year ending December 2025 was deliberated upon during a meeting between the Committee on Public Accounts (Central Government) and Ministry of Health officials led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine, on Thursday, 02 April 2026 at Parliament.
Findings of the report further faulted the ministry for failure to prepare a multi-year procurement plan for projects worth Shs 3.43 billion.
Despite the ministry utilising 99.9percent of its Shs 228.8 billion budget, MPs also raised concerns over persistent out-of-pocket payments and underfunded immunisation programmes.
The Kassanda County North MP, Hon. Patrick Nsamba (NUP), challenged the continued reliance on Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) collected from patients seeking specialised services such as X-ray and scans at regional referral hospitals.
“These are services our people cannot easily access elsewhere. If we already know how much is collected annually, why can’t government budget for them so that patients receive them free of charge?” Hon. Nsamba asked.
He argued that incorporating such costs into the national budget would ease the burden on citizens and improve equitable access to healthcare, an objective aligned with Uganda’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage.
However, Atwine indicated that NTR projections are centrally controlled, limiting health facilities’ ability to plan independently. Citing dialysis treatment at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala District, she acknowledged the funding gaps, revealing that government allocations often fall below the actual cost of delivering services.
“A single dialysis session costs about Shs 400,000. Government contributes Shs 215,000, leaving the patient to pay about Shs 150,000. Yet a patient needs at least three sessions per week,” she explained.
This translates to roughly Shs 1.2 million per week per patient, underscoring the heavy financial burden on individuals with chronic conditions.
Atwine admitted that ideally, such services should be fully subsidised, but noted: “There is no country that can fully fund all healthcare needs without a strong pooled financing mechanism like a National Health Insurance or heritage fund.”
The Mawogola County South representative, Hon. Gorreth Namugga, also the committee deputy chairperson, raised alarm over “delays and shortfalls in funding for immunisation programmes,” especially as Uganda now vaccinates against at least 14 diseases under its Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
Atwine said that some vaccines are not fully funded, forcing the ministry to seek supplementary budgets: “We have quantified the gaps and engaged the Ministry of Finance, but often the funding comes late, affecting implementation,” she said.
Kalungu West County MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP), questioned the ministry’s reliance on external donors, noting declining contributions in recent years: “For the last five years, donor support has been inconsistent. What measures have you taken to address this gap?” he asked.
While the ministry demonstrated strong budget absorption, the Auditor General’s report reveals that only 36 out of 51 planned outputs were fully implemented, representing Shs 148.3 billion in expenditure. The remaining 15 outputs worth Shs 80.2 billion were only partially implemented, with some activities either incomplete or not executed at all.
The omission, auditors warned, creates uncertainty in funding and risks delays or cancellation of projects.
In defence, the permanent secretary attributed some gaps to system limitations, including earlier constraints in the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, and pledged improvements in planning and monitoring.
She said they would strengthen work-plan tracking and develop corrective action plans for partially implemented projects in the 2026/27 financial year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Source: President of South Africa –
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his well wishes to South Africa’s Christian community during the Easter weekend.
“For South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations and for Christians around the world, the Resurrection of Christ serves as a powerful call to personal renewal; and is an integral part of faith. This timeless message of retaining hope amidst uncertainty resonates with us all,” President Ramaphosa said.
This weekend, the President will join congregants from the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) at their annual Easter celebrations in Moria, Limpopo.
The President says: “The Easter weekend was a welcome break and a time for reconnecting with family and friends.
“No matter where we may be this weekend, let us take to heart the Easter message by observing ubuntu, empathy and tolerance – in our communities, in social gatherings, on the roads and above all, in our homes.”
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Source: APO
Mauritian listed business group ER Group (https://ERGroup.mu) has established a regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, and created a regional fund with equity partners to expand investment and partnerships across East Africa. The Group, created in 2025 through the merger of Mauritian business flagships ENL and Rogers, marks a new step in its regionalisation strategy by strengthening its presence in one of Africa’s most dynamic economic regions.
Regional expansion is one of the pillars of ER Group’s ten-year strategy, set out earlier this year. In line with this roadmap, the Group, which is present in 17 territories worldwide, is accelerating its expansion in Africa through a measured approach focused on sectors it knows well. The priority is to grow in industries and countries the Group already operates, working with trusted partners to expand sustainably.
Through this approach, ER Group aims to increase the contribution of international activities from around 15% of revenue today to 30% over the coming decade. East Africa has been identified as a priority region within this strategy, with Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, and Uganda forming the first phase of expansion.
To back this ambition, ER Group has created, together with equity partners, a regional fund of MUR 1 billion to accompany the expansion of its subsidiaries across Africa. The fund is designated to providing capital for growth, supporting selective investments and providing additional capacity to pursue opportunities in markets and sectors where the Group has established expertise.
On the ground, ER Group has appointed Rasmus Bentzen as its regional representative in Nairobi. Bringing over a decade of experience in private equity and regional investment across East Africa, he will anchor the Group’s regional expansion agenda by identifying investment opportunities, developing strategic partnerships and supporting growth of its subsidiaries in Africa.
Gilbert Espitalier-Noël, Group Chief Executive Officer of ER Group, said: “Regionalisation is a central part of our long-term strategy. We focus on markets where our businesses already have operational expertise and where partnerships can support sustainable growth. Establishing a regional office in Nairobi strengthens our ability to identify opportunities and support the expansion of our subsidiaries across East Africa.”
As it accelerates its regional ambition, ER Group, one of Mauritius’s most profitable and diversified business groups, continues to combine strong financial performance with dedicated investment, giving it the capacity to support its expansion with discipline and long-term perspective. For the first half of FY26, the Group, listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and included in its Sustainability index (SEMSI), reported:
The Nairobi presence, combined with the creation of dedicated regional investment capacity, marks the start of a more active phase of expansion for ER Group, building on its existing footprint and financial capacity to deepen partnerships and pursue opportunities across East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ER Group.
For more information, please contact:
Céline Guillot-Sestier
Chief Communication Executive | ER Group
E. celine.guillotsestier@ergroup.mu
T. +230 404 9500
About ER Group:
ER Group is a leading Mauritian organisation listed on the Official Market of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. The Group was created following the strategic merger of ENL and Rogers.
Today, ER Group employs more than 13,000 people and operates across 17 territories worldwide. The Group operates across seven business segments: Agribusiness, Real Estate, Hospitality & Travel, Logistics, Finance, Commerce & Manufacturing and Technology & Energy.
Guided by its purpose “Ignite today for a better tomorrow”, ER Group focuses on responsible growth and long-term value creation across the markets in which it operates.
An established operating presence across Africa
With operations across 17 territories worldwide, ER Group has an established presence across African markets, reflecting the steady expansion of its business segments beyond Mauritius.
Logistics
Velogic, ER Group’s logistics arm, has been active in Kenya since 2016 and strengthened its position through the acquisition of Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd in 2023. Velogic provides cross-border freight forwarding, supply chain management, warehousing and transport solutions across the globe. The company also operates in Tanzania, Madagascar, India, Mauritius, and Réunion Island and generates around 50% of its profit from overseas activities.
Hospitality & Travel
ER Aviation supports airline operations across Africa through a range of aviation services. These include airline representation, ground handling coordination, aircraft support services and distribution of travel products.
It operates in Mauritius, Réunion Island, Mozambique, South-Africa, the Comoros, Mayotte, Namibia and Madagascar, working with international airlines and aviation partners such as Air France, Air Seychelles, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Air Austral, LATAM Airlines, Air Mauritius Cargo and TAAG Angolan Airlines, to support regional air connectivity.
In the hospitality sector, subsidiary New Mauritius Hotels, which operates Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, owns luxury hospitality assets in the Seychelles and Morocco and is currently finalising the acquisition of a five-star hotel in Zanzibar.
Finance
Rogers Capital, also plays a strategic role in ER Group’s regional expansion. Based in Mauritius, Seychelles and South-Africa, through its fiduciary, corporate and fund administration services, it supports international investors and African businesses in structuring cross-border investments. The company acts as a trusted service provider for clients investing into and across Africa and serves as a bridge between Africa and Asia through Mauritius’s international financial centre.
Rogers Capital is also a founding member of the Tax Africa Network, which brings together specialised firms across the continent to deliver coordinated tax and advisory solutions.
Technology and Energy
Rogers Capital Technology provides technology infrastructure and digital services across the region, including data centre infrastructure, connectivity services, cybersecurity solutions and enterprise digital platforms. The business operates in Madagascar and Rwanda and has also deployed fibre optic networks with points of presence in South-Africa and Kenya.
On the energy side, Ecoasis delivers sustainable energy solutions, through customised system design, installation and maintenance, supporting one of the largest photovoltaic footprints in Mauritius. It is also expanding with the recent launch of Ecoasis Zanzibar and a commercial partnership with Axian Group to serve Madagascar’s industrial energy market. Ecoasis is also building up presence in Seychelles to serve the local hospitality and real estate markets.
This footprint is reinforced by associates FRCI and Superdist. FRCI, in which ER Group holds 47%, adds enterprise technology and digital capabilities and is building export activity, while Superdist, 45%-owned, strengthens the segment’s position in IT distribution and services. Together, these associates extend the segment’s presence in Mauritius and Madagascar.
Source: APO
Ghana has moved to boycott the upcoming Africa Energies Summit in London this May, a decision that reflects growing frustration across the African oil and gas industry over discrimination, exclusion and the marginalization of African voices at events that claim to represent the continent’s energy future. Energy Chamber Ghana has released a statement calling on Ghanaian energy authorities to reconsider their participation in the summit, expressing deep concerns regarding discriminatory hiring practices and the continued exclusion of African professionals. The move sends a strong signal: Africa’s energy industry must be shaped with African institutions and companies at the center of the conversation.
The decision to withdraw mirrors similar actions taken by other African industry stakeholders in recent months and reflects a broader shift across the sector, where governments, national oil companies and indigenous firms are increasingly pushing back against platforms that exclude African participation. Mozambique made the decision to withdraw from the summit in March 2026, while petroleum ministers from the African Petroleum Producers Organization also moved to boycott the event. Ghana’s boycott is not simply about one event; it is about principle, representation and ensuring that African countries are treated as equal partners in discussions about their own resources.
The announcement by Energy Chamber Ghana follows careful consultation with stakeholders across the country’s petroleum, gas and broader energy ecosystem, with the Chamber calling on Ghanaian institutions, policymakers, engineers, investors and academics to take the approach – at least until corrective action is demonstrated by Frontier Energy Network, the organizers of the summit. The Chamber highlighted that “Ghana is not a spectator in Africa’s energy story,” and that, “Africa cannot be treated as a marketplace for attendance while Africans are treated as optional participants in execution.”
“Ghana has invested heavily in building engineers, economists, regulators and nnovators who are shaping this continent’s energy trajectory. Platforms that carry Africa’s name must reflect Africa’s people. Until we see transparency and measurable inclusion, it is both reasonable and responsible for stakeholders across our ecosystem to reconsider participation,” Joshua B. Narh LLM, MBA and Executive Chairman of the Energy Chamber Ghana said on LinkedIn.
Ghana’s decision to boycott the event comes at a critical time for the country. With goals to stabilize oil production, monetize gas and shift capital toward infrastructure that anchors long-term industrial growth, the country is promoting African-led investment and development across its market. In 2026, the country is seeing consolidation by IOCs as well as accelerated expansion by indigenous operators. Around $3.5 billion has been committed to infill drilling and reservoir management to stabilize output, while efforts are underway to unlock new frontiers in the Voltaian Basin. The Jubilee and TEN licenses have been expanded to 2040, while advancements at the Second Gas Processing Plant, the 1.2 GW Thermal Power Plant and downstream LPG are anchoring Ghana’s gas strategy. These projects showcase a market that is moving in the right direction and eager to unlock more value from its resources.
Despite this momentum, the actions of international conference producers to continue excluding African professionals’ risks undermining the very partnerships and growth the industry is trying to build. At a time when African countries are working to attract capital, build local capacity and strengthen regional energy cooperation, industry platforms should be supporting these goals – not creating barriers to participation. Energy Chamber Ghana highlighted valid concerns surrounding Frontier’s discriminatory approach to hiring Black professionals, emphasizing that Africa must not be invited to events to simply attend conversations about itself. According to the Chamber, local content must not be positioned as a conference theme, but reflected in practice by conference organizers themselves.
“Africa’s energy sector cannot accept a future where conferences built on African participation exclude African professionals from meaningful roles behind the scenes,” he noted.
Ultimately, Ghana’s call to boycott the Africa Energies Summit is about more than a single summit in London. It reflects a broader industry movement toward African-led development, African-led dialogue and African-led investment strategies. If Africa is to fully develop its oil, gas and energy resources, the continent must not only control its resources, but also its narrative, its platforms and its partnerships.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –
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O Gana decidiu boicotar a próxima Cimeira Africana das Energias, que se realizará em Londres em maio deste ano, uma decisão que reflete a crescente frustração no setor africano do petróleo e do gás face à discriminação, à exclusão e à marginalização das vozes africanas em eventos que afirmam representar o futuro energético do continente. A Energy Chamber Ghana divulgou uma declaração apelando às autoridades energéticas ganesas para que reconsiderem a sua participação na cimeira, manifestando profunda preocupação relativamente às práticas de contratação discriminatórias e à contínua exclusão de profissionais africanos. Esta medida envia um sinal forte: a indústria energética africana deve ser moldada com as instituições e empresas africanas no centro do debate.
A decisão de se retirar reflete ações semelhantes tomadas por outras partes interessadas da indústria africana nos últimos meses e reflete uma mudança mais ampla em todo o setor, onde governos, companhias petrolíferas nacionais e empresas locais estão cada vez mais a opor-se a plataformas que excluem a participação africana. Moçambique tomou a decisão de se retirar da cimeira em março de 2026, enquanto os ministros do petróleo da Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo também decidiram boicotar o evento. O boicote do Gana não se refere simplesmente a um evento; trata-se de princípios, representação e de garantir que os países africanos sejam tratados como parceiros iguais nas discussões sobre os seus próprios recursos.
O anúncio da Câmara de Energia do Gana surge na sequência de uma consulta cuidadosa com as partes interessadas de todo o ecossistema do petróleo, gás e energia em geral do país, tendo a Câmara apelado às instituições, decisores políticos, engenheiros, investidores e académicos ganenses para que adotem esta abordagem — pelo menos até que sejam demonstradas medidas corretivas por parte da Frontier Energy Network, os organizadores da cimeira. A Câmara salientou que «o Gana não é um mero espectador na história energética de África» e que «África não pode ser tratada como um mercado para atrair participantes, enquanto os africanos são tratados como participantes opcionais na execução».
«O Gana investiu fortemente na formação de engenheiros, economistas, reguladores e inovadores que estão a moldar a trajetória energética deste continente. As plataformas que levam o nome de África devem refletir o povo africano. Até vermos transparência e inclusão mensurável, é razoável e responsável que as partes interessadas de todo o nosso ecossistema reconsiderem a sua participação», afirmou Joshua B. Narh, LLM, MBA e Presidente Executivo da Energy Chamber Ghana, no LinkedIn.
A decisão do Gana de boicotar o evento surge num momento crítico para o país. Com o objetivo de estabilizar a produção de petróleo, rentabilizar o gás e redirecionar o capital para infraestruturas que sustentem o crescimento industrial a longo prazo, o país está a promover o investimento e o desenvolvimento liderados por africanos em todo o seu mercado. Em 2026, o país está a assistir a uma consolidação por parte das IOCs, bem como a uma expansão acelerada por parte de operadores locais. Foram comprometidos cerca de 3,5 mil milhões de dólares para perfuração de preenchimento e gestão de reservatórios, com vista a estabilizar a produção, enquanto estão em curso esforços para explorar novas fronteiras na Bacia do Volta. As licenças Jubilee e TEN foram prorrogadas até 2040, enquanto os avanços na Segunda Unidade de Processamento de Gás, na Central Térmica de 1,2 GW e no setor a jusante do GPL estão a sustentar a estratégia de gás do Gana. Estes projetos demonstram um mercado que está a avançar na direção certa e ansioso por extrair mais valor dos seus recursos.
Apesar deste impulso, as ações dos organizadores de conferências internacionais para continuar a excluir profissionais africanos correm o risco de comprometer as próprias parcerias e o crescimento que a indústria está a tentar construir. Numa altura em que os países africanos estão a trabalhar para atrair capital, desenvolver capacidades locais e reforçar a cooperação energética regional, as plataformas da indústria deveriam apoiar estes objetivos – e não criar barreiras à participação. A Câmara de Energia do Gana destacou preocupações válidas em torno da abordagem discriminatória da Frontier na contratação de profissionais negros, enfatizando que África não deve ser convidada para eventos apenas para assistir a conversas sobre si própria. Segundo a Câmara, o conteúdo local não deve ser posicionado como um tema da conferência, mas refletido na prática pelos próprios organizadores da conferência.
«O setor energético africano não pode aceitar um futuro em que conferências baseadas na participação africana excluam profissionais africanos de papéis significativos nos bastidores», observou.
Em última análise, o apelo do Gana ao boicote da Cimeira Africana de Energias vai além de uma única cimeira em Londres. Reflete um movimento mais amplo da indústria no sentido de um desenvolvimento liderado por África, um diá. liderado por África e estratégias de investimento lideradas por África. Para que África desenvolva plenamente os seus recursos de petróleo, gás e energia, o continente não deve controlar apenas os seus recursos, mas também a sua narrativa, as suas plataformas e as suas parcerias.
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
Le Ghana a décidé de boycotter le prochain Sommet sur les énergies en Afrique, qui se tiendra à Londres en mai prochain. Cette décision reflète la frustration croissante qui règne au sein du secteur africain du pétrole et du gaz face à la discrimination, à l’exclusion et à la marginalisation des voix africaines lors d’événements qui prétendent représenter l’avenir énergétique du continent. La Chambre africaine de l’énergie a publié une déclaration appelant les autorités ghanéennes chargées de l’énergie à reconsidérer leur participation au sommet, exprimant de vives inquiétudes concernant les pratiques d’embauche discriminatoires et l’exclusion persistante des professionnels africains. Cette initiative envoie un signal fort : l’industrie énergétique africaine doit être façonnée en plaçant les institutions et les entreprises africaines au centre du débat.
Cette décision de retrait fait écho à des actions similaires menées par d’autres acteurs du secteur africain ces derniers mois et reflète une évolution plus large au sein du secteur, où les gouvernements, les compagnies pétrolières nationales et les entreprises locales s’opposent de plus en plus aux plateformes qui excluent la participation africaine. Le Mozambique a pris la décision de se retirer du sommet en mars 2026, tandis que les ministres du pétrole de l’Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole ont également décidé de boycotter l’événement. Le boycott du Ghana ne concerne pas simplement un événement ; il s’agit d’une question de principe, de représentation et de la garantie que les pays africains soient traités comme des partenaires égaux dans les discussions concernant leurs propres ressources.
L’annonce de l’Energy Chamber Ghana fait suite à une consultation approfondie avec les parties prenantes de l’écosystème pétrolier, gazier et énergétique au sens large du pays. La Chambre appelle les institutions ghanéennes, les décideurs politiques, les ingénieurs, les investisseurs et les universitaires à adopter cette approche, au moins jusqu’à ce que des mesures correctives soient prises par Frontier Energy Network, l’organisateur du sommet. La Chambre africaine de l’énergie a souligné que « le Ghana n’est pas un simple spectateur dans l’histoire énergétique de l’Afrique » et que « l’Afrique ne peut être traitée comme un marché où l’on se contente d’être présent, tandis que les Africains sont considérés comme des participants facultatifs dans la mise en œuvre ».
« Le Ghana a investi massivement dans la formation d’ingénieurs, d’économistes, de régulateurs et d’innovateurs qui façonnent la trajectoire énergétique de ce continent. Les plateformes qui portent le nom de l’Afrique doivent refléter les peuples africains. Tant que nous ne constaterons pas de transparence et d’inclusion mesurable, il est à la fois raisonnable et responsable pour les parties prenantes de notre écosystème de reconsidérer leur participation », a déclaré Joshua B. Narh, titulaire d’un LLM et d’un MBA et président exécutif de l’Energy Chamber Ghana, sur LinkedIn.
La décision du Ghana de boycotter l’événement intervient à un moment critique pour le pays. Avec pour objectifs de stabiliser la production pétrolière, de monétiser le gaz et de réorienter les capitaux vers des infrastructures qui ancrent la croissance industrielle à long terme, le pays encourage les investissements et le développement menés par l’Afrique sur l’ensemble de son marché. En 2026, le pays assiste à une consolidation par les compagnies pétrolières internationales ainsi qu’à une expansion accélérée des opérateurs locaux. Environ 3,5 milliards de dollars ont été engagés dans le forage d’intercalation et la gestion des réservoirs afin de stabiliser la production, tandis que des efforts sont en cours pour ouvrir de nouvelles frontières dans le bassin de la Volta. Les licences Jubilee et TEN ont été prolongées jusqu’en 2040, tandis que les avancées concernant la deuxième usine de traitement du gaz, la centrale thermique de 1,2 GW et le GPL en aval ancrent la stratégie gazière du Ghana. Ces projets témoignent d’un marché qui va dans la bonne direction et qui est désireux de tirer davantage de valeur de ses ressources.
Malgré cette dynamique, les actions des organisateurs de conférences internationaux visant à continuer d’exclure les professionnels africains risquent de compromettre les partenariats et la croissance mêmes que le secteur tente de mettre en place. À l’heure où les pays africains s’efforcent d’attirer des capitaux, de renforcer les capacités locales et de consolider la coopération énergétique régionale, les plateformes du secteur devraient soutenir ces objectifs – et non créer des obstacles à la participation. L’Energy Chamber Ghana a mis en avant des préoccupations légitimes concernant l’approche discriminatoire de Frontier en matière de recrutement de professionnels noirs, soulignant que l’Afrique ne doit pas être invitée à des événements simplement pour assister à des discussions la concernant. Selon la Chambre, le potentiel local ne doit pas être présenté comme un thème de conférence, mais se refléter dans la pratique des organisateurs de conférences eux-mêmes.
« Le secteur énergétique africain ne peut accepter un avenir où des conférences fondées sur la participation africaine excluent les professionnels africains des rôles significatifs en coulisses », a-t-il noté.
En fin de compte, l’appel du Ghana à boycotter l’Africa Energies Summit va au-delà d’un simple sommet à Londres. Il reflète un mouvement plus large de l’industrie vers un développement, un dialogue et des stratégies d’investissement menés par l’Afrique. Si l’Afrique veut développer pleinement ses ressources pétrolières, gazières et énergétiques, le continent doit non seulement contrôler ses ressources, mais aussi son discours, ses plateformes et ses partenariats.
Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.
Source: Government of South Africa
Gauteng Community Safety Committee calls for a safe and peaceful Easter
The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature has called on residents to prioritise safety during the Easter weekend.
The committee warned of increased risks on the roads over the holiday while also raising serious concern over the reported fatal shooting of a teenager by a police officer.
“As families travel and gather to observe this sacred period, we urge all road users to exercise heightened caution and responsibility,” the committee said in a statement, stressing the importance of obeying traffic laws and avoiding reckless behaviour.
The committee extended its wishes for a “safe, peaceful and blessed Easter weekend” to residents, noting that the holiday remains a time of reflection, renewal and spiritual significance for many Christians.
However, it cautioned that the period is often marked by a surge in traffic volumes, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Motorists were urged to refrain from drinking and driving and to comply fully with road regulations, as law enforcement agencies are expected to heighten visibility across the province.
Alongside its holiday message, the committee highlighted a troubling incident involving the alleged shooting death of a 16-year-old boy by a police officer.
While details remain unclear, the committee described the matter as one of “utmost gravity”.
It welcomed the ongoing investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), emphasising the need for a thorough, transparent and swift process.
“The safety and security of all residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and women, remain a priority,” the committee said, adding that such incidents underscored the need for professionalism and accountability within law enforcement.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the case closely, expressing confidence that appropriate action will be taken in line with the law.
As the province heads into the Easter period, the committee reiterated its appeal for unity, compassion and vigilance, urging residents to celebrate responsibly while prioritising the safety of all. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
