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Qatar Participates in Talks on Hormuz Shipping Security

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 17, 2026

The State of Qatar participated on Friday in a meeting on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, hosted by HE President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and HE the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer via video conference.

The State of Qatar was represented by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

The meeting reaffirmed full diplomatic support for unrestricted navigation through the Strait and the need to uphold international law. 

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SA pushes global inequality agenda with proposed UN panel

Source: Government of South Africa

SA pushes global inequality agenda with proposed UN panel

South Africa has announced plans to table a landmark draft resolution at the United Nations aimed at tackling one of the world’s most persistent challenges, inequality.

Speaking at the Plenary on Extremism and Inequality at the In Defence of Democracy initiative, during a working visit in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, 18 April 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa will present a draft resolution on the establishment of the International Panel on Inequality for adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, during its 80th resumed session in 2026.

He said the proposed panel, inspired by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, will monitor global trends and assess drivers and consequences of inequality.

It will evaluate alternative policies for addressing inequality to inform governments, policy makers and the international community.

President Ramaphosa said placing inequality firmly on the global agenda was essential for strengthening democracy and advancing social justice.

“We are gathered not merely to defend democracy but to build democracy [and] more importantly to advance democracy. We have come together because we believe fervently in the right of every person, without exception, to determine their own destiny.

“At the heart of democracy lies the principle that all people must have equal opportunities and equal means to contribute to decisions about their lives, their communities and their environment,” President Ramaphosa said.

The initiative stems from South Africa’s G20 Presidency, during which it commissioned the first-ever global inequality report from a committee of independent experts led by Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz.

The report concluded that inequality is neither inevitable nor permanent and can be addressed through deliberate policy choices.

The committee made the important observation that inequality is neither inevitable nor interminable and can be addressed through the policies adopted and the actions taken.

The President noted that the proposal has received the endorsement of the African Union.

He called on UN member states and all leaders across society to lend their support to “this initiative to ensure that we take forward the struggle to end inequality”.

“If we are to build democracy, to strengthen democracy across the world, if we are to empower people to take charge of their lives, it is essential that we intensify the struggle for equality and social justice,” President Ramaphosa said.

He acknowledged that South Africa is possibly the most unequal society in the world, inherited from a history of Apartheid.

“We are committed to this endeavour and hope you will join us in it. We have the determination and the means to end inequality. Now we must act. This is the time for us to lead the world to address inequality,” The President said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Seychelles and China sign development cooperation agreement supporting national development priorities

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Seychelles, Ms. Lin Nan, signed the Development Cooperation Agreement, on Thursday 16 April, which includes a grant of RMB 100 million, announced by the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Han Zheng during his official visit in March 2026.

In a short address following the signing ceremony, Ambassador Nan noted that Seychelles and China have enjoyed a long-lasting friendship, which has stood the test of time and changing international circumstances. She added that the cooperation between the two countries has deepened over the years, elevating into a strategic cooperation, spanning over different sectors, such as: tourism, trade, health, education, infrastructure, defense and people to people exchanges. She affirmed that she was confident that the grant would positively contribute to the economic and social development of Seychelles.

On his side, Minister Faure noted that the signing of the agreement was being done on a historic occasion as the two countries celebrate five decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties and 50 years since Seychelles received its independence. He remarked that this signing represented a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership, reflecting the continued trust, solidarity and goodwill that has guided the relations between the two countries for the past 50 years. He touched on the areas of national priority that the government had earmarked to use the funding, notably social housing, food, national security, energy transition initiatives and critical infrastructure development; highlighting that these areas formed the backbone of the government’s development agenda.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of mutual goodwill, as both diplomats conveyed their best wishes to the people and leaders of their respective countries.

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

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SA and Lesotho to launch Senqu Bridge as LHWP Phase II gains momentum

Source: Government of South Africa

SA and Lesotho to launch Senqu Bridge as LHWP Phase II gains momentum

South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho will next week officially unveil the completed Senqu Bridge, marking a major milestone in Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

In a significant boost for regional integration and water security, the bridge will be declared ready for use by motorists on 22 April 2026 in Mokhotlong District, Lesotho.

Constructed at a cost of approximately R2.4 billion, the Senqu Bridge is the largest of three major bridges being developed as part of Phase II, alongside the Mabunyane and Khubelu bridges. 

These crossings are designed to ensure continued access across the Polihali Reservoir once water levels rise following the dam’s completion.

Measuring about 825 metres in length and standing roughly 90 metres high, the Senqu Bridge will provide a vital transport link across the reservoir, maintaining connectivity to the national road network via the A1 route, which links Mokhotlong to Maseru.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, the bridge is a “legacy infrastructure asset” that will ensure uninterrupted access to key areas such as Mokhotlong and surrounding communities, even after existing routes are submerged by the Polihali Dam. 

Strengthening a flagship regional project

The Senqu Bridge forms part of the broader LHWP, a multi-phased, treaty-based partnership between South Africa and Lesotho established on 24 October 1986 to address water security, energy generation and socio-economic development.

The project harnesses the Orange–Senqu River system through a network of dams and transfer tunnels, supplying water to South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System, which supports the economic hub of Gauteng. 

At the same time, Lesotho benefits through hydropower generation, infrastructure development and long-term economic opportunities.

Phase II of the project is currently under construction and includes the Polihali Dam, a concrete-faced rockfill structure approximately 165 metres high, as well as a 38-kilometre transfer tunnel that will connect the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Once completed, this phase will increase water supply capacity from 780 million cubic metres per annum to 1 270 million cubic metres per annum, significantly strengthening long-term water security for South Africa.

Engineering achievement and economic impact

Beyond its strategic importance, the Senqu Bridge represents a major engineering accomplishment in one of Southern Africa’s most challenging terrains.

It is the first extradosed bridge in Lesotho, combining cable-stayed and prestressed girder design, and was constructed using an incremental launching method to improve safety and reduce environmental disruption. 

The project has also delivered tangible economic benefits. It created approximately 250 000 person-days of employment, with a peak workforce of around 1 200 workers, the majority of whom were Basotho. 

In addition, procurement processes were structured to promote inclusivity, with significant expenditure directed towards local enterprises in both countries, including South African black-owned firms.

Phase I: Laying the foundation

Phase I of the LHWP, completed in 2003, laid the foundation for the current expansion. It comprised two sub-phases and included the construction of major infrastructure such as the Katse and Mohale dams, as well as the Muela Hydropower Station.

The Katse Dam, completed in 1997, is one of the highest dams in Africa and serves as the main storage reservoir of the project. It is connected to the Mohale Dam through a transfer tunnel, forming an integrated system that delivers water to South Africa via an extensive network of tunnels.

Phase I currently delivers approximately 780 million cubic metres of water annually to South Africa, significantly enhancing water security for Gauteng and surrounding areas, while enabling Lesotho to generate hydropower and earn revenue through water royalties.

Phase II: Expanding capacity and impact

Phase II, which commenced in 2022 following earlier delays, builds on this foundation and is estimated to cost around R42 billion.

Key components include the construction of the Polihali Dam, a 165-metre-high concrete-faced rockfill dam, and the 38-kilometre transfer tunnel linking Polihali to Katse. Additional infrastructure includes bridges, feeder roads, accommodation facilities, power lines and telecommunications.

Once completed, Phase II will increase water transfer to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres per year, raising total supply to approximately 1 270 million cubic metres annually into the Integrated Vaal River System.

Progress on major components is advancing steadily, with the Polihali Dam over 50% complete and tunnelling work nearing the halfway mark.

Build-up event to spotlight tunnel construction

Ahead of the official launch, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko will on 20 April unveil the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the Polihali construction site.

The TBM is a critical piece of equipment that will be used to drill the 38-kilometre tunnel connecting the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, a central feature of Phase II aimed at increasing water transfer capacity to South Africa.

Advancing regional integration and development

The LHWP continues to stand as a flagship example of regional cooperation, demonstrating how shared natural resources can be managed through rules-based collaboration for mutual benefit.

Through joint governance structures and coordinated implementation, the project reflects a high level of trust and interdependence between South Africa and Lesotho.

As Phase II progresses, infrastructure such as the Senqu Bridge is expected to play a critical role not only in supporting construction and connectivity, but also in enabling long-term development outcomes, including improved mobility, access to services and expanded economic opportunities. 

The launch of the bridge signals continued progress in one of Africa’s most ambitious water infrastructure projects, reinforcing the role of regional partnerships in addressing shared development challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Merck Foundation and Kenya First Lady mark a Landmark Moment for Supporting Girl Education with their “Educating Linda” Program at Kenya State House

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their Educating Linda program in Kenya in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” at the Kenya State House. The program was chaired by Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H..

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign said, “I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, and officially launch our Educating Linda program in the country, to support girl education.

As a part of Educating Linda, we are providing annual scholarships to 47 deserving, high performing, yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, till they finish their education. This will ensure they are not forced to abandon their education due to financial hardship. We truly believe that an educated girl transforms the entire community.”

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, expressed, “I deeply appreciate all the programs of Merck Foundation including the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to our 47 deserving schoolgirls to support their education until they graduate. We believe that every girl in Kenya, and across Africa, deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Every barrier that prevents a girl from going to school must be dismantled, and this program is one powerful means of doing exactly that. I am confident these young girls will reach their full potential and go on to inspire many others.”

During the program, the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with the First Lady of Kenya, took the opportunity to meet and encourage the Kenyan schoolgirls who are the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program, and to hear directly from them and their parents about the impact the scholarships have had on their lives.

The Educating Linda program by Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies, is providing annual scholarships to more than 1,250 schoolgirls across 21 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others. The program also ensures that thousands of schoolgirls across Africa receive essential school supplies, removing further practical obstacles to their education.

“When a girl is educated, entire nation is empowered. Educated girls grow into empowered women, who drive prosperity, strengthen families, and advance nations. That is the vision behind everything we do: Girl Education today for Women Empowerment tomorrow,” said Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation together has provided 328 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties; including Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Gastroenterology, Psychiatry, Neurology, and many more. During the visit, Merck Foundation also conducted their Alumni Summit 2026, to acknowledge and meet their Alumni. Moreover, they also met and recognized the Merck Foundation Awards Winners of 2024 and 2025.

Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya is also launching children’s storybooks: “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These storybooks address critical social and health issues and will be available in both English and Swahili. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren across Kenya.

Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Kenya also annually launch their 8 important awards for best media, film, fashion designs and songs. Together they have also conducted several editions of Merck Foundation Health Media Training Program, enabling Kenyan journalists to be equipped to be the voice of the voiceless and report responsibly and effectively on sensitive subjects including infertility, child marriage, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Apply here: http://apo-opa.co/4sLIoZd

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook:  http://apo-opa.co/4vDk6TO
X: http://apo-opa.co/4tOMfp3
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4mzw4tD
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4sJ44oS
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4mB2xjd
Flickr:https://apo-opa.co/4sEWbR0
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/42dRyCJ

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4vDk6TO), X (http://apo-opa.co/4tOMfp3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4sJ44oS), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4mzw4tD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4mB2xjd) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4sEWbR0).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Media files

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Uganda – Shs46bn Idle Funds for Science Ministry leave Members of Parliament (MPs) furious

Source: APO


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The Budget Committee has summoned officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to explain why Shs 46 billion meant for innovation remains unutilised for two consecutive financial years, raising concerns over accountability and stalled research interventions.

The move follows findings by the Committee on Presidential Affairs, which revealed that despite the government releasing the funds in the Financial Year 2024/2025, the money remains idle on accounts held by the Uganda Development Bank (UDB).

According to the report, the funds were earmarked to support innovation projects, including research into anti-tick solutions, which are considered critical in addressing tick-borne diseases affecting Uganda’s livestock sector.

However, by the time of the committee’s assessment, no funds had been disbursed to the intended beneficiaries.

“The committee observes the burden of tick-borne diseases in Uganda and the need for homegrown solutions to enable import substitution. But by the time of this report, no money had been received by the intended grantees,” said the Chairperson of the Committee on Presidential Affairs, Hon. Alex Byarugaba, while presenting the report to the Budget Committee on Friday, 17 April 2026.

The report further highlights that a portion of the funds, including Shs25 billion in grants intended for anti-tick research developers, has remained unutilised for two years, raising alarm among legislators about inefficiencies within the STI ministry and delays in implementing key government priorities.

MPs expressed frustration over the continued inactivity of the funds, questioning both the accountability mechanisms and oversight within the ministry.

The Chairperson of the Budget Committee, Hon. Patrick Isiagi Opolot, described the situation as unacceptable and indicative of possible abuse of office.

“To say that money was received and never utilised equals abuse of office. Who is that accounting officer who gets money for two years and sits on it?” Isiagi Opolot asked.

He also faulted the Committee on Presidential Affairs for not escalating the matter earlier to Parliament for decisive action.

Legislators called for stricter action including halting further funding to the ministry until accountability is ensured.  

The Budget Committee directed officials from the STI ministry to appear before the committee within a week to explain the continued non-utilisation of the funds and warned that failure by the ministry to justify the idle funds could result in denial of future budget allocations.

However, the Chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi, cautioned that the Budget Committee’s mandate is limited during the appropriation stage and advised that the matter be referred to the full House for comprehensive investigation and action.

The Budget Committee is currently scrutinising sectoral committee reports on ministerial budget projections for the Financial Year 2026/2027.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Ambassador of Belarus D.Krasouski meets State Minister on Agricultural Investment and Input Supply Development Sector of Ethiopia

Source: APO


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On April 16, 2026 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Kenya and Ethiopia (concurrently), Dzmitry Krasouski, met with the State Minister on Agricultural Investment and Input Supply Development Sector of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Sofiya Kassa.

The parties discussed ways to intensify cross-sectoral cooperation, including a range of issues relating to the mechanisation of agriculture in Ethiopia through the use of Belarusian technologies, equipment and financing mechanisms. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

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Bénin – Recrutement de 150 fonctionnaires des Douanes au titre de l’année 2024 : La date de démarrage de l’épreuve psychotechnique connue

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Direction générale des Douanes porte à la connaissance des candidats retenus à l’issue des épreuves sportives et des candidats aux postes de personnels techniques et administratifs au concours de recrutement de cent cinquante (150) fonctionnaires des Douanes au titre de l’année 2024, que les épreuves psychotechnique se tiendra le Samedi 25 avril 2026.

  • Les candidats sont invités à se présenter dans leur centre de composition respectif, conformément à la liste annexée au présent communiqué prenant en compte le département choisi par chaque candidat lors de son inscription. Aucun changement de centre ne sera, dès lors, autorisé.
  • Les candidats sont convoqués à 06 heures précises. Aucun retard ne sera permis.
  • Les candidats doivent se munir de leur pièce d’identité en cours de validité et de leur convocation.

Pour tous renseignements complémentaires, se rapprocher de la Direction générale des Douanes, des Direction régionales des Douanes ou appeler le numéro vert au 01 91 13 13 13

La Direction générale des Douanes compte sur l’esprit de compréhension de tous les candidats.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Govt communicators urged to uphold professionalism and ethical standards

Source: Government of South Africa

Govt communicators urged to uphold professionalism and ethical standards

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Deputy Director-General Michael Currin has urged government communicators to uphold ethical communication, integrity, honesty and professionalism at all times.

“We are not merely conveyors of information; we are the bridge between government and the citizens we serve,” he said on Friday.

Currin was addressing participants of the Mastering the Art of Government Communication course, hosted jointly by GCIS and the National School of Government at the GCIS head office in Pretoria.

He emphasised that the work of government communicators plays a critical role in shaping public understanding, building trust and supporting effective service delivery.

“We are operating in a time where communication can either stabilise a nation or deepen uncertainty. We have seen this both locally and globally,” Currin said.

He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of misinformation created confusion and, at times, resistance to life-saving interventions.

“False claims about vaccines, treatments, and government interventions circulated widely, demonstrating how quickly unverified information can influence public behaviour.

“On the global stage, we continue to witness how communications shape geopolitical realities. The Russia-Ukraine war is not only being fought on the battlefield but also in the information space where narratives, propaganda and information influence international opinion and police decisions,” Currin said.

Currin explained that the purpose of the programme is to professionalise government communications across all spheres and to equip communicators with the skills and tools needed to navigate complex and often volatile environments.

“It is about strengthening our ability to plan strategically, craft meaningful messages and ensure alignment with broader government priorities. These are not just technical skills, they are essential capabilities that enable us to communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose,” he said.

Currin stressed the importance of recognising the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation.

“As communicators, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified information. This requires us to be proactive, vigilant, and responsive.

“It also calls on us to use platforms effectively to counter false narratives and to build public trust through transparency and consistency,” he said.

Speaking to SAnews, Craig Jansen from the National School of Government (NSG) said the development of the course started in 2021.

“In 2024-25, we ran a pilot programme at the GCIS, and it was successful,” Jansen said.

Four groups have been trained so far.

“To date, we have trained approximately 100 officials in various capacities, these include Media Liaison Officers (MLOs) and Heads of Communication in various government departments. Invitations were extended to managers in the public sector,” Jansen said. 

The programme will be officially launched in May this year by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi. 

It marks a significant milestone in strengthening the government communication system.

It is designed to equip communicators and managers with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively communicate government programmes, achievements, and opportunities to the people of South Africa.

The course also aims to equip communication practitioners and managers in the public sector and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with knowledge, skills and capabilities to foster a service-oriented culture and ethos.

This includes enhancing understanding of communication processes in government, producing useful information about departmental operations, encouraging professional, honest, and considerate behaviour, and implementing government policies and programmes to improve service delivery. 

The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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The IMF enjoys preferred creditor status: why it shouldn’t be the judge when it comes to other lenders

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) should not be an arbiter of discussions about which other multilateral financial institutions should qualify for preferred creditor status. This is because the IMF is a direct beneficiary of the creditor hierarchy policy.

A preferred creditor status gives multilateral development institutions priority for the repayment of their loans should a borrower run into financial difficulties. This means preferred creditors have no non-performing loans on their balance sheets. This preserves their low-cost funding channels. Non-preferred creditors have high risk exposure and borrowing costs.

The events leading to Fitch Ratings’ downgrade in January 2026 of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the rating agency’s subsequent withdrawal of the bank’s ratings illustrate this IMF conflict.

Fitch acted on a statement by the IMF declaring that Afreximbank was not treated as a preferred creditor in the finalisation of Ghana’s debt restructuring.

The effect of the IMF’s statement was to throw into doubt Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status, which it qualifies for by convention and through its member shareholders.

The IMF’s interpretation was that the agreement between Ghana and Afreximbank was consistent with the comparability of treatment under the official creditors’ committee framework. Official creditors are governments, government agencies, or international organisations such as the IMF and the World Bank. Comparability of treatment is the principle that debtor countries must restructure all external debt on broadly equivalent terms. This is aimed at ensuring fairness and equal sharing of losses when a country defaults.

The official creditors committee was formed in terms of the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments. The framework was created by the G20 to enable low-income countries that have hit financial trouble to restructure their debts, working with creditors.

Based on my work on rating agencies and African countries, I argue that the IMF’s statement on Afreximbank should not have been treated as a fact. In addition, no attempt was made to verify the specific terms with Ghana or Afreximbank. Fitch admitted in its rating report that it did not have details of the loan terms.

And based on the same agreement between Ghana and Afreximbank, GCR, a subsidiary of Moody’s, took a different view, affirming Afreximbank’s globally comparable ratings. Most importantly, GCR revised the bank’s rating from “rating watch evolving” to stable, arguing that Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status was strong.

Despite the differences in interpretation of the agreement between Afreximbank and Ghana, the IMF statement triggered a chain reaction. Fitch Ratings first downgraded the bank’s rating and later completely withdrew its rating of the bank.

But beyond the technical jargon of debt restructuring lies a deeper, more troubling reality. The IMF is not a neutral arbiter on any discussions relating to preferred creditor status. It is itself a direct beneficiary of the very creditor hierarchy it is pushing to maintain as policy.

Ghana and Afreximbank agreement

In December 2025, Afreximbank and Ghana announced that they had reached an agreement on a US$750 million facility.

The details of the agreement were not disclosed. But both Ghana and Afreximbank said they were happy with it.

Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status is not just a matter of convention. It is granted to the bank by its member shareholders.

If Ghana had treated Afreximbank’s loan facility as commercial, it would have bundled it together with other commercial lenders in the restructuring. Eurobond holders, for example, took a nominal 37% reduction in the value of what they had lent Ghana.

The ‘baby multilateral’ prejudice

The Ghana-Afreximbank case is one example of how conflicted the Bretton Woods institutions – the IMF and the World Bank Group – are when they are engaging on matters of global financing. This conflict of interest is at the heart of key challenges bedevilling global financial governance.

The IMF, together with the Paris Club (an informal group of official creditors), has long treated African multilateral financial institutions such as Afreximbank as second-class entities.

Their associate economists have dismissively referred to African multilateral financial institutions as complicating debt restructuring by claiming to be preferred creditors. Analysts also prejudicially referenced African multilateral banks as “baby multilaterals” relative to the size of IMF and the World Bank.

They have strongly resisted any suggestion that African multilaterals should be accorded status equal to the World Bank or the IMF, or even that they should be allowed to use the term “multilateral” development banks.

But the opposite could be true. Small multilaterals need the preferred creditor status more than Bretton Woods institutions. This is because the status is a strategic advantage.

Concessional lending argument is flawed

The IMF’s justification for why African multilateral banks should be denied preferred creditor status often sounds reasonable on the surface. It suggests that this status should be reserved for institutions that lend on highly concessional terms, with long maturities and low interest rates.

By this logic, African multilaterals do not quality for the same protection because they lend at slightly higher interest rates relative to bigger institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF. But this argument is fundamentally flawed for two reasons.

First, preferred creditor status is not a reward for concessionality, it is a functional necessity for any multilateral lender that must recycle funds across multiple countries. The function of a multilateral development bank is to take wholesale risk so that its members do not have to. Size and concessionality – more favourable terms compared to commercial lenders – are not the criteria. Credibility and a developmental role are.

Second, if the IMF genuinely wanted African multilaterals to grow and lend at more concessional rates, it would have supported their access to resources. For example, through its quota system, the IMF constrained the 2021 reallocation of unused Special Drawing Rights that had been proposed for rechannelling to African multilateral financial institutions.

The Special Drawing Right is not a currency and derives its value based on a basket of currencies comprising the US dollar, the euro, the Chinese renminbi, the Japanese yen, and the British pound sterling.

Of the US$650 billion in available Special Drawing Rights, it imposed a limit of just US$15 billion for allocation across all multilateral development banks. The African Development Bank was the only African multilateral financial institution that accessed the Special Drawing Rights fund.

The argument was technical. But the effect was political – keep African institutions small and dependent, and then point to their small size as a reason to deny them equal status. That is not neutrality but gatekeeping.

What needs to change

The IMF demands that African multilaterals prove their creditworthiness without preferred creditor status, while the IMF itself would likely see its own credit rating downgraded if it were treated as a common creditor. The IMF enjoys preferred creditor status not because it is the largest or most concessional, but because the system has been designed to protect it. It can thus not credibly adjudicate on whether others deserve it.

This needs to change in the following ways.

First, the global financial architecture must confront legitimate issues affecting developing countries and their institutions with neutrality. Creditors should establish clear, transparent and consistent criteria for preferred creditor status that apply equally to all multilateral lenders across the globe.

Second, rating agencies must stop treating IMF statements as presumptively correct, especially when the IMF has a direct stake in the outcome.

Lastly, African governments and their multilateral banks must collectively challenge the “baby multilateral” narrative, not by begging for recognition but by building alternative mechanisms.

If this does not change, the global financial architecture will remain a a two-tier system with the World Bank, IMF and their associates at the top and African-led institutions holding the bottom.

– The IMF enjoys preferred creditor status: why it shouldn’t be the judge when it comes to other lenders
– https://theconversation.com/the-imf-enjoys-preferred-creditor-status-why-it-shouldnt-be-the-judge-when-it-comes-to-other-lenders-280509