MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

South Africa’s global business services (GBS) sector presents significant opportunities for economic growth, job creation and youth skills development. This is according to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr John Steenhuisen, who was speaking at the official opening of Atain’s new GBS centre in the Cape Town CBD on Friday, 28 August 2026.

Atain is a global customer experience and business process management company that specialises in AI-driven services and digital technology platforms.

Steenhuisen declared that South Africa’s GBS sector was poised for further growth as Atain expands its South African footprint, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with investors to unlock the sector’s full potential.

“I commend the leadership of Atain for their confidence in our country, and continued investment in our youth. Their vision for employment, skills development, and the advancement of young people into the digital economy is outstanding. Atain has grown from a 50-person operation in 2022 and is now a significant employer in Cape Town with a workforce of approximately 1 500 people. That will soon grow to 2 100, supported by an investment of R70 million,” said Steenhuisen.

He further said that Atain’s investment demonstrated strong investor confidence and endorsement of South Africa as a destination of choice for GBS.

“We welcome the investment and commit to unlocking further growth in the GBS sector,” he added.

Furthermore, Steenhuisen said the investment also demonstrated the importance of putting people at the centre of business growth, as Atain provides employees with a range of benefits, including incentive schemes, medical cover, funeral benefits and door-to-door transport, supporting the creation of a motivated and productive workforce.

The company’s investment in skills development is further demonstrated through the Atain Academy, which focuses on impact sourcing and deliberately recruits young people from disadvantaged and high-risk communities. More than 350 learners have already received training through the academy, creating a pipeline of skilled talent while providing young South Africans with pathways into sustainable employment.

Steenhuisen said the GBS sector was significant as artificial intelligence and other technologies transform the global world, and South Africa is well positioned to benefit from this growth, supported by its time-zone advantages, multilingual capabilities, skilled workforce and established GBS ecosystem.

“Cape Town remains the heart of the GBS sector, but there are huge opportunities for greater expansion across the rest of the country, particularly into provinces where there are deep pools of untapped talent that can be leveraged to grow businesses within the sector,” said Steenhuisen.

While underscoring the importance of investment promotion, Steenhuisen said that the Atain investment also demonstrated the impact of sustained investment promotion efforts by the South African High Commission in India and InvestSA, which is part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). He stressed that both played an active role in pursuing and facilitating the investment, supported by investment promotion engagements, business case development and inward investment initiatives.

In addition, Steenhuisen said as the global economy undergoes rapid technological transformation, Atain’s business model, which combines artificial intelligence with human expertise, demonstrates how South African companies can position themselves to deliver globally competitive services.

“We are here to listen and to use our position within government to co-ordinate other relevant departments, to understand the obstacles and barriers, and to work together to move them out of the way so that we can open up a superhighway of growth, development and opportunity,” said Steenhuisen.

He concluded: “Atain is building more than a business centre. You are building futures. You are building the skills that South Africa so fundamentally needs and, most importantly, building opportunities for South Africans, particularly our youth. InvestSA stands ready to support Atain’s next phase of growth and to work with the broader GBS sector to unlock further investment, employment and skills development opportunities across South Africa.”

Atain’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Amir Bharwani said. “South Africa is a strategic hub for Atain and an important part of our global growth story. We have built a strong presence in Cape Town on the strength of exceptional local talent, and we are committed to scaling our investment further. Our focus is to create meaningful careers, build future-ready skills, and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients globally.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department Of Communications and Digital Technologies, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to self-reliant conflict resolution in Africa, with President John Dramani Mahama advocating an accelerated transition to African-owned peace support operations to end long-standing donor dependence.

Addressing the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola, President Mahama formally endorsed the Luanda Action Plan and the African Union Trigger Model. He stressed that Africa’s evolving security challenges require proactive conflict detection and quick responses to early warning signals.

“Ghana attaches particular importance to sustainable, predictable, and African-owned financing of our peace and security agenda,” President Mahama stated. “Our task must ensure effective implementation, better coordination, and shared responsibility in maintaining international peace and security.”

President Mahama commended the UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), which provides a framework for financing AU-led peace support operations through UN-assessed contributions. He urged stakeholders to operationalise the framework while upholding African ownership and accountability.

Highlighting financial progress, the Ghanaian President welcomed steps to raise $1 billion for the AU Peace Fund. This milestone is supported by a 0.2% import levy and contributions from private sector players and African financial institutions.

Beyond peace and security, President Mahama briefed the AU Assembly on outcomes from the Next Steps Reparations Conference held in Accra. The conference established key institutional mechanisms, including a high-level Advisory Council on Reparatory Justice and a global expert panel dedicated to the restitution of looted African cultural heritage.

Acknowledging the growing global momentum backed by the AU, CARICOM, and the African Diaspora, President Mahama pointed to historic shifts already underway:

“Many countries have started to address the issue of reparations and are returning looted artefacts,” Mahama noted. “France recently repealed the historic Code Noir, which once provided the legal basis for the enslavement of Africans.”

He also highlighted landmark gestures of accountability, including formal apologies from the Vatican and the Archbishop of Canterbury. During his recent visit to Ghana, the Archbishop announced a £100 million reparatory justice fund to engage local Anglican communities.

Looking ahead, President Mahama expressed confidence that the upcoming 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA) session this September will yield further international support for Africa’s reparatory justice agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The Office of the Deputy President has noted the article published by Sunday World concerning the Deputy President’s health and his absence from some public engagements.

The Office reiterates the position communicated previously: the Deputy President became unwell while at home in Johannesburg and, under the supervision of his medical team, sought medical attention. He was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation, was subsequently discharged, and has continued to receive appropriate medical care and rest.

The Deputy President is recovering well and remains in contact with his office. His programme and official responsibilities continue to be managed appropriately during his recovery.

The Deputy President joined Parliament and has been participating in other crucial meetings related to his work on virtual platforms.

The Office respects the Deputy President’s right to medical privacy and will therefore not comment on speculative or unverified claims. 

We urge members of the public and media to rely on information issued through official channels rather than speculation or anonymous sources.

The Deputy President appreciates the messages of support and well wishes he has received and looks forward to resuming his full programme of official engagements when advised by his medical team.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

But, behind these daily activities lies an increasingly visible threat: plastic waste and other debris entering Lake Albert.

Leaders of the local fishing community are warning that without urgent action, pollution could endanger fish stocks and, as a consequence, the lives of future generations.

Like the local fishers, the UN has also warned of the decline of freshwater species due to pollution and environmental degradation in recent decades.

Surface water bodies are shrinking or being completely lost in areas home to 93.1 million people, while more than a quarter are becoming increasingly cloudy because of pollution, according to a 2024 report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Water.

In celebration of World Lake Day, marked annually on 27 August, Solomon Wamara, the chairperson for fishers on Lake Albert, said the community cannot continue to view the lake as a source of livelihood while allowing it to be filled with waste.

“It is a good time to highlight the threats facing this lake that is our lifeline,” he told UN News.

Plastics threaten fish breeding grounds

For Mr. Wamara, plastic waste is not just a sanitation issue. It directly affects the future of fishing and food security.

He said that when plastic bags and other waste are thrown away, they eventually end up in the lake, where they can affect the areas where fish breed and grow.

But the pollution doesn’t stop at the lake’s shores.

Agricultural activities and waste disposal often carry waste from the Wambaya, Waki and Nguse rivers into Lake Albert, Mr. Wamara said.

“River pollution affects fish breeding grounds and also food security. These rivers are essential for the survival of fish and communities that depend on the lake,” he said. “The lake is our life.”

Society’s responsibility

The community should change the way it cares for the lake, according to Mr. Wamara.

He urged communities living around Lake Albert to stop dumping waste – especially plastic – and to participate in environmental sanitation activities.

Mr. Wamara supports monthly the cleanliness campaigns and say such efforts should be expanded and involve more communities.

Conservation efforts should also consider the financial situation of the people whose livelihoods depend on the lake, he said.

Rather than excessively taxing traditional fishers, he said authorities should help them continue fishing sustainably and within the law.

A common resource

Godwin Angalia, the Kikuube district commissioner, who also comes from a fishing community and was once a fisher, said the government sees lakes as an important pillar of local economies and people’s lives.

“As a government, we value lakes because they enable the lives of millions of citizens,” Mr. Angalia said. “They also provide various resources that support society.”

However, Lake Albert faces several challenges, including environmental pollution and illegal fishing.

According to Mr. Angalia, the government continues to take steps to combat pollution resulting from human activities while also aiming to protect the water sources that feed the lake.

“Of course, rivers like Nguse and Wambaya have been polluted,” he said. “Also, the Bugoma Forest is very important for the life of Lake Albert and the creatures in it.”

Mr. Angalia said efforts are ongoing to protect the Bugoma Forest and the rivers that empty their waters into Lake Albert from destruction and pollution.

He has also urged village leaders to be vigilant and report people who pollute the environment or destroy lake resources to the relevant authorities.

Fishers’ role

In addition to government measures, Mr. Angalia said the community should be part of the solution.

The government has begun forming indigenous community committees that will assist in fisheries management in their areas.

Mr. Angalia said fishers’ participation is important because they are familiar with the lake’s environment and understand how its resources can be used without depleting them.

“We fishermen ourselves know that we should not catch young fish,” he said. “We use natural and environmentally friendly methods in fishing.”

For Mr. Angalia, fishers are at the center of discussions around conservation, not only as part of the problem, but also as important guardians of the resources they depend on.

Future in everyone’s hands

As human activity increases, so does the pressure on Lake Albert’s ecosystem.

For surrounding residents, the message is clear: the lake cannot be protected by the government alone.

If Lake Albert is to continue sustaining the food, income and livelihoods of communities like Mr. Wamara’s, protecting it isn’t an option, but a necessity.

“If we protect the lake, we protect our lives and the lives of future generations,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in a meeting with the Chairperson of the Eskom Board on Thursday 27 August 2026, reaffirmed South Africa’s energy reform path as imperative to achieve an affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply for all South Africans.

The President reiterated government’s commitment to establish a fully independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) with ownership and control of transmission assets, to create a level playing field for competition and unlock investment in the electricity sector.

The implementation of the reforms are being developed by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), which will oversee the process, and includes representatives of The Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, and the National Transmission Company South Africa.

President Ramaphosa further emphasised that the TSO will remain state-owned, as a strategic national asset serving the public interest.

In response to matters of concern raised by the Eskom Board Chairperson, Mr Mteto Nyati, President Ramaphosa reiterated government’s commitment to continue working closely with Eskom, the NTCSA, and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform is implemented in a manner that preserves Eskom’s financial position; ensures that the TSO is able to invest in expanding and strengthening the transmission network, and engages lenders and funders in a transparent and responsible manner.

The Chairperson confirmed the Board’s strong support for the policy direction determined by government and committed to ensuring continued alignment between the Board and shareholder in this regard going forward.

The August 27 meeting followed a recent engagement between President Ramaphosa and the leadership of the National Union of Mineworkers and was in line with the President’s commitment to continued engagement with all affected parties throughout the process.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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 A proposed law to regulate foreign aid risks undermining the independence of civil society organizations and shrinking civic space in Nigeria, Human Rights Watch said today. The National Assembly should reject provisions that would give authorities undue influence over the funding and activities of independent organizations. 

In May 2026, the Senate introduced the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, which seeks to regulate the use of foreign aid, grants, and donations in Nigeria. The bill would establish a regulatory commission to oversee foreign aid. The bill says its intention is to promote transparency and accountability, align aid with national development priorities, prevent the misuse and duplication of projects, and improve public access to information about foreign-funded activities.

“Independence is essential to the work of civil society organizations working to scrutinize government actions, expose wrongdoing, hold those in power accountable, and advocate for reforms,” said Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Legislation that seeks to align foreign funding with government priorities risks expanding government control over independent civil society and suppressing dissent.” 

The bill, which Human Rights Watch has reviewed, has passed its first and second readings, indicating the Senate’s approval of its general principles. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs for detailed review, public hearings, and stakeholder consultations. The committee will report its recommendations to the Senate before the bill proceeds to a third reading and final vote. If passed by the Senate, it will also require approval by the House of Representatives and presidential assent before it becomes law. The committee was given four weeks from July 22 to conduct its review and consultations and is expected to report its recommendations to the Senate at any time. 

Nigeria’s National Assembly has, over the years, considered several legislative proposals seeking to expand government regulation and oversight of civil society organizations. Many faced significant opposition and failed to advance, including a 2016 bill to establish a Nongovernmental Organizations Regulatory Commission that stalled after a public hearing in 2017, and a similar bill introduced in 2020 was withdrawn following opposition from legislators. 

The bill raises many of the same concerns for civic space as its predecessors, Human Rights Watch said. It would require, among other things, that “foreign aid-funded activities shall align with Nigeria’s national development plans and priorities.” This vaguely worded provision offers no meaningful clarity on how that would be assessed, or what activities could be considered inconsistent with government priorities. Its broad and ambiguous language creates significant uncertainty for organizations engaged in human rights, governance, anti-corruption, and other accountability-related work that may challenge official policies or expose government shortcomings. Failure to comply with the bill’s requirements could trigger financial penalties, revocation of operating licenses, and even jail terms.

Independent organizations play a vital role in promoting transparency, documenting abuses, advocating reforms, and holding those in power accountable, Human Rights Watch said. Requiring all foreign-funded activities to align with government priorities would undermine civil society independence and could be used to restrict organizations whose work is critical of those in power, creating opportunities to suppress dissent and limit democratic participation.

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of expression and association. These rights are also protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which Nigeria has ratified and is obligated to uphold.

The United Nations special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association has repeatedly affirmed that the ability of associations to seek, receive, and use resources, including foreign funding, is an integral part of the right to freedom of association and essential to the effective operation of independent organizations.

Likewise, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa affirm that associations should have the right to seek, receive, and use funds freely, including from foreign states, international organizations, and other external sources. The guidelines state that governments should not restrict otherwise legitimate activities simply because an organization receives foreign funding.

Conditioning access to foreign funding on conforming with government priorities would severely undermine civil society independence, Human Rights Watch said. 

The proposed bill also includes an array of new requirements around financial integrity. Organizations operating in Nigeria already face extensive registration, financial reporting, and regulatory requirements. Nonprofits must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission as incorporated trustees or other appropriate entities and comply with applicable annual reporting requirements. Organizations are also subject to registration and reporting obligations under the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, tax authorities, and other regulators. The bill does not include any explanation of why its additional reporting and other requirements are necessary, or how they would complement existing processes and requirements.

“Transparency and accountability are legitimate objectives, but they should not become a pretext to undermine the independence of civil society,” Ewang said. “Nigeria should not create new layers of regulation that give the authorities excessive control over organizations simply because they receive foreign funding.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).