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DWS rolls out nationwide activities to mark National Water Month

Source: Government of South Africa

DWS rolls out nationwide activities to mark National Water Month

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced a series of nationwide activities in March to highlight government’s response to water security challenges, infrastructure maintenance and investment, as South Africa observes National Water Month.

Commemorated annually from 1 – 31 March, National Water Month underscores the importance of managing water as a shared national resource and strengthening resilience for future generations.

The campaign is led by the Department of Water and Sanitation, and promotes water conservation, infrastructure development, and collective action to safeguard the country’s limited water resources.

The programme builds on the United Nations’ World Water Day, commemorated globally on 22 March each year. World Water Day raises awareness about the millions of people who still lack access to clean and safe drinking water, and galvanises global efforts to achieve universal access to safe water by 2030, in line with sustainable development goals.

National Water Month expands this focus locally by promoting the sustainable management of freshwater resources and advocating for long-term water security.

Water and gender

This year’s World Water Day focuses on the the, ‘Water and Gender’, under the slogan, ‘Where Water Flows, Equality Grows’. It places women and girls at the centre of water solutions. It calls for their voices, leadership and agency to be fully recognised in water governance and decision-making processes.

The theme advances a transformative, rights-based approach to addressing water challenges.

In a statement, the department noted that in many communities, women and girls spend hours collecting water, limiting their time for education, economic participation and family care.

“Safe access to water eases these burdens, enhancing health, safety and opportunities. When women and girls participate equally in water governance, services become more inclusive, sustainable, and effective. Water then transforms into a catalyst for a healthier, prosperous and gender-equal future, benefiting us all,” the department said.

Infrastructure investment and water supply interventions

The Department of Water and Sanitation is currently implementing various bulk water supply schemes in some parts of the country to ensure municipalities have sufficient potable water to supply to communities.

In addition, large-scale water resource development projects are underway nationally and are reported to be progressing relatively well.

“The DWS is also exploring further water projects development to augment to the current available surface water, such as leveraging on groundwater, desalination of sea water, protection of freshwater springs and wastewater reuse,” the department highlighted.

Throughout the month of March, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation will lead engagements across the country to assess progress on various projects under implementation and bring together communities, experts and innovators to find solutions to water security challenges. Discussions will focus on conservation, pollution, climate change impacts, as well as flood and drought management.

The department will also encourage entities, role players, partners and stakeholders, as well as the general public to participate in a new orientation around the country’s water resources to ensure future sustainability, affordable and reliable access to safe water and sanitation for socio-economic growth, while respecting environment. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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CORRECTION: Africa’s Business Heroes Launches 8th Edition with USD 1.5 Million in Grant Funding Available for African Entrepreneurs

Source: APO – Report:

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its 8th edition, calling on African entrepreneurs who are building businesses defining the continent’s future.

Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s role as a founder-first platform supporting Africa-led solutions with the ambition, scale, and substance to drive lasting economic transformation.

Across the continent, entrepreneurs are solving real problems with bold, innovative solutions—from climate-smart agriculture and digital finance to healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Africa’s Business Heroes is committed to identifying these founders, accelerating their growth, and elevating their stories to inspire and shape Africa’s future.

“Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential,” said Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes. “Beyond the USD 1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is a transformational platform that equips founders with the visibility, mentorship, and strategic support they need to scale sustainable businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that entrepreneurs are both recognised and empowered to build enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel inclusive growth across Africa.”

In 2026, ABH will deepen its on-the-ground engagement across the continent by visiting ten African markets. In line with its commitment to being truly pan-African and inclusive, the programme will prioritize countries that have been underrepresented in its Top 10 finalists to date, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. These visits will bring together local entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and investors through community-building events, workshops, and tailored founder engagements—strengthening local ecosystems and expanding access to the ABH platform.

In addition, this year ABH will expand its recognition pool by announcing Top 100 Finalists rather than a Top 50. This reflects both the growing demand and interest in the competition and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader range of innovative and inspiring African businesses. Since 2019, applications have grown from approximately 10,000 to over 30,000 annually. By recognising more high-potential founders, ABH aims to deepen its impact, provide greater visibility to emerging entrepreneurs, and strengthen its role as a leading platform celebrating Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

More Than a Competition

Now in its eighth year, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a prize competition into one of the continent’s most respected entrepreneurship platforms. The programme combines grant funding with training, mentorship, and long-term community support, enabling entrepreneurs to build businesses designed to last.

Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. Shortlisted heroes also gain access to capacity-building programmes and join a growing pan-African network of peers, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

Past Top 10 finalists also have the opportunity to participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. The programme enables entrepreneurs to connect with one another, engage directly with the Alibaba ecosystem, and gain exposure to global best practices in innovation, digital transformation, and scaling technology-enabled businesses. The latest cohort of past Top 10 finalists will travel to Hangzhou in September 2026.

A Proven Platform for African Entrepreneurs

The 7th edition of Africa’s Business Heroes concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe of Tanzania, Co Founder and CEO of NovFeed, named Africa’s Business Hero. Her biotech venture transforms organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, addressing food security and environmental sustainability challenges across Africa.

“Winning Africa’s Business Heroes was transformative for NovFeed,” said Diana Orembe,“The funding will accelerate our growth, but just as important was the business training, visibility, and network we gained through the programme. ABH challenges you to refine your vision, strengthen your strategy, and think bigger about your impact. It’s not just about the finale, it’s about becoming part of a community committed to building Africa’s future.”

Last year’s edition attracted over 31,000 applications from across the continent and awarded USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten finalists representing 7 African countries, reflecting the depth and diversity of the continent’s entrepreneurial pipeline.

Who Should Apply

Applications are open to founders from across Africa who:

  • Are citizens or legal residents of an African country
  • Lead a registered business headquartered in Africa
  • Have demonstrated 3 years or more of traction
  • Show a commitment to positive societal impact

ABH is a sector agnostic competition and welcomes applications across all sectors critical to Africa’s future, including: food systems, climate and energy, fintech and financial inclusion, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and more.

Applications Now Open

Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted in English or French.

Applications close on April 28th 2026.

Apply at: https://apo-opa.co/4l5l5Hi

– on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

For Press/Media or Partnership Inquires, contact:
pr@africabusinessheroes.org
info@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH):
Africa’s Business Heroes is the flagship philanthropic programme of Alibaba Philanthropy dedicated to identifying, supporting, and celebrating the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to outstanding business leaders creating positive impact in their communities, while providing access to training, mentorship, and a pan-African entrepreneurial network.

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Caribbean Energy Week 2026: Suriname Oil Minister to Chart Upstream Expansion

Source: APO – Report:

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Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment of Suriname, Patrick Brunings, will deliver a keynote address at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, taking place March 30-April 1 in Paramaribo, Suriname. Minister Brunings’ participation is one of the most anticipated contributions to this year’s agenda, bringing firsthand insight into Suriname’s accelerating energy sector transformation and regional collaboration initiatives.

Suriname is rapidly positioning itself as a significant player in the Caribbean’s energy landscape amid a series of deepwater discoveries and expanding upstream activity. The Guyana–Suriname basin has yielded a string of major hydrocarbon finds, with TotalEnergies and partners advancing the GranMorgu project in Block 58 – expected to deliver first oil by 2028 from an estimated 750 million barrels of recoverable reserves. These developments, backed by multi‑billion‑dollar capital commitments, signal a transition from exploration to phased production and infrastructure buildout. At least ten additional wells are anticipated offshore between 2025 and 2027, highlighting the basin’s continued exploration momentum.

In recent months, Suriname’s energy strategy has also extended into natural gas opportunities. Minister Brunings confirmed plans to establish a joint technical team with neighboring Guyana to evaluate combined gas resources and infrastructure scenarios, potentially expanding the scope of regional energy cooperation and unlocking broader investment prospects.

In recent statements, Minister Brunings has expressed both enthusiasm for Suriname’s prospects and caution about managing the sector’s growth responsibly. In late 2025, he underscored the need for structural economic transformation – what he described as accelerating toward “Suriname 3.0” – with a focus on preparedness for incoming investments and ensuring that offshore developments deliver sustainable benefits for the country’s economy.

His participation at CEW 2026 will provide industry and investment audiences with direct insight into Suriname’s evolving regulatory environment, resource plans and regional integration aspirations. As the country prepares to host its first major regional energy summit, Minister Brunings is expected to outline policy frameworks designed to attract foreign capital while strengthening local capacity and environmental stewardship.

“Sustainable and inclusive development is at the heart of Suriname’s energy vision, and Caribbean Energy Week,” said Sandra Jeque, International Conference Director at Energy Capital & Power. “Minister Brunings’ keynote will be invaluable for delegates seeking a clearer understanding of how Suriname intends to leverage its resource potential, foster cross‑border cooperation and balance growth with responsible stewardship.”

Caribbean Energy Week will convene policymakers, investors and industry leaders to discuss licensing rounds, financing models and energy transition pathways as the Caribbean region – led by frontier producers like Suriname – reshapes its role in global energy markets.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Department’s interventions restore governance and trust in SETAs

Source: Government of South Africa

Department’s interventions restore governance and trust in SETAs

Interventions implemented by the Higher Education and Training Department six months ago have restored governance and trust in three Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Minister Buti Manamela said on Tuesday.

Addressing the media on progress made by administrators appointed to stabilise three SETAs, the Minister reflected on his decision of 19 August 2025 to place the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) under administration.

Manamela said the decision, announced less than a month after his appointment, was a necessary and decisive step to stabilise governance, restore institutional integrity, enforce consequence management, and protect the credibility of South Africa’s skills development system.

“Six months later, the evidence is clear: the decision was not only justified, but essential,” Manamela said, noting that his report to the public comes against the backdrop of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which reaffirmed skills development as central to South Africa’s economic renewal.

The Minister detailed systemic governance failures at each institution that necessitated intervention.

CETA had accumulated four consecutive qualified audit opinions and overcommitted discretionary grant (DG) funds by R1.4 billion against an annual income of only R500 million, placing public funds at severe risk. The total commitments stood at R2.7 billion, while internal controls had collapsed, litigation exposure was rising, and labour relations were strained.

Services SETA had received seven consecutive qualified audit opinions, without consequence management over a seven-year period. Investigations uncovered systemic supply chain failures, a former CEO who failed to disclose his relationship with an awarded bidder, and a pattern of pre-payment for services before contracts commenced.

“Despite three major investigations, not a single official had been held accountable,” the Minister said.

LGSETA faced findings from a National Treasury forensic report confirming the irregular appointment of its Chief Executive Officer and the unlawful dissolution of its Audit and Risk Committee.

A criminal case was registered with the South African Police Service on 10 October 2025, while a protracted dispute with the Auditor-General, compounded by a cyberattack that corrupted financial records, creating a discrepancy exceeding R1.5 billion, had paralysed the institution’s governance and audit readiness.

“In each case, administration was the appropriate and proportionate remedy under the Skills Development Act,” Manamela said.

Governance reform and recovery

Manamela said the administrators were given a clear mandate to “restore controls, strengthen financial and operational management, rebuild stakeholder trust, and re-anchor these institutions in their statutory responsibilities. Let me report on delivery against that mandate”.

At CETA, Administrator Oupa Nkoane implemented a four-phase recovery plan comprising 35 activities across 11 performance areas.

Of these, 23 have been fully achieved and 12 are in progress, and “not one has been abandoned.”

The Minister announced that a permanent Chief Financial Officer assumed duty on 2 March 2026, ending nearly two years of acting leadership.

“All key oversight committees, i.e. the Audit and Risk Committee, Clean Audit Task Team, EXCO and Extended EXCO, have been reconstituted and are operational. More than 20 internal audit findings in ICT have been resolved. Salary negotiations have been concluded, restoring workforce stability.

“Seven Skills Centre projects are underway across KwaZulu-Natal, the North West, the Northern Cape, and Western Cape, implemented in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa as implementing agent. The institution’s reputational recovery is tangible: social media reach expanded from 15 000 accounts in the entire previous calendar year, to over one million accounts between January and February 2026 alone — a 6.567% increase,” the Minister highlighted.

At Services SETA, Administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga reduced legacy commitments from R3.4 billion in March 2025 to R2.8 billion by January 2026.

A legal and accounting review classified 1 434 transactions, with many declared prescribed and eligible for cancellation. Notices totalling R2.3 billion were also issued through national platforms, with potential recoupment of up to R2.8 billion for reinvestment into discretionary grants.

An acting CA(SA)-qualified CFO was appointed in February, and no new irregular or wasteful expenditure has been recorded since administration began.

“For beneficiaries, the 20 000-internship programme, providing two-year workplace exposure with host employers, is operational. Furthermore, the Services SETA has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with Takealot to create 20 000 training and job opportunities for unemployed youth.

“A R1.3 billion bursary fund supports 10 000 TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] College students and 5 000 university students. The SETA has settled outstanding bursary payments previously owed to universities and colleges, a failure that had directly harmed students. The Hawks and the Public Protector are conducting independent investigations into alleged fraud and corruption,” the Minister said.

At LGSETA, Administrator Zukile Mvalo prioritised the implementation of the forensic report. Disciplinary processes against the implicated CEO are underway, and a legal dispute with the Auditor-General has been resolved to restore governance stability.

The Labour Court ruled in favour of the Minister and LGSETA regarding the former CEO’s employment challenge.

Manamela said the progress demonstrates that decisive intervention can restore accountability and ensure that levy payers’ funds serve their intended purpose, equipping South Africans with skills to drive economic growth and social development. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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CORRECTION : Africa’s Business Heroes lance sa 8e édition avec 1,5 million de dollars de subventions disponibles pour les entrepreneurs africains

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), l’initiative philanthropique phare d’Alibaba Philanthropy et de la Jack Ma Foundation, a ouvert les dépôts de candidatures pour sa 8e édition, faisant appel aux entrepreneurs africains qui créent des entreprises définissant l’avenir du continent.

Lancée sous le thème « Définir l’avenir de l’Afrique dès aujourd’hui », l’édition 2026 renforce le rôle d’ABH en tant que plateforme centrée sur les fondateurs, soutenant les solutions africaines qui ont l’ambition, l’envergure et la substance nécessaires pour mener une transformation économique durable.

Partout en Afrique, des entrepreneurs relèvent des défis concrets grâce à des solutions audacieuses et novatrices : l’agriculture intelligente face au climat, finance numérique, santé, logistique, industrie et technologies émergentes. Africa’s Business Heroes s’engage à identifier ces fondateurs, à accélérer leur développement et à mettre en exergue leurs parcours pour inspirer et façonner l’avenir de l’Afrique.

« L’avenir de l’Afrique est façonné par des entrepreneurs qui s’attaquent aux défis les plus pressants du continent et libèrent son potentiel économique », a déclaré Zahra Boateng-Baitie, directrice générale d’Africa’s Business Heroes pour l’Afrique. « Au-delà des 1,5 million de dollars de subventions, ABH est une plateforme transformationnelle qui offre aux fondateurs la visibilité, le mentorat et le soutien stratégique dont ils ont besoin pour développer des entreprises durables. Notre engagement est de veiller à ce que les entrepreneurs soient à la fois reconnus et habilités à créer des entreprises qui génèrent des emplois, stimulent l’innovation et favorisent une croissance inclusive dans toute l’Afrique. »

En 2026, ABH renforcera son engagement sur le terrain à travers le continent en visitant dix marchés africains. Conformément à son engagement à être véritablement panafricain et inclusif, le programme donnera la priorité aux pays qui ont été sous-représentés parmi ses 10 finalistes à ce jour, notamment la Namibie, la Tunisie et la Zambie. Ces visites rassembleront des entrepreneurs locaux, des partenaires de l’écosystème et des investisseurs à travers des événements de renforcement communautaire, des ateliers et des engagements personnalisés avec les fondateurs, renforçant ainsi les écosystèmes locaux et élargissant l’accès à la plateforme ABH.  

De plus, cette année, ABH élargira son panel de lauréats en annonçant les 100 finalistes plutôt que les 50 finalistes. Cela reflète à la fois la demande et l’intérêt croissants pour le concours et l’ambition d’ABH de mettre en avant un éventail plus large d’entreprises africaines innovantes et inspirantes. Depuis 2019, le nombre de candidatures est passé d’environ 10 000 à plus de 30 000 par an. En récompensant davantage de fondateurs à fort potentiel, ABH vise à renforcer son impact, à offrir une plus grande visibilité aux entrepreneurs émergents et à consolider son rôle de plateforme de premier plan célébrant la prochaine génération de chefs d’entreprise africains.

Plus qu’un simple concours

Aujourd’hui dans sa huitième année, Africa’s Business Heroes a évolué au-delà d’un simple concours pour devenir l’une des plateformes d’entrepreneuriat les plus respectées du continent. Le programme combine des subventions avec des formations, du mentorat et un soutien communautaire à long terme, permettant aux entrepreneurs de créer des entreprises conçues pour durer.

Chaque année, ABH attribue 1,5 million de dollars de subventions à dix entrepreneurs exceptionnels. Les héros présélectionnés ont également accès à des programmes de renforcement des capacités et rejoignent un réseau panafricain en pleine expansion composé de pairs, d’investisseurs et de leaders de l’écosystème.

Les anciens finalistes du Top 10 ont également la possibilité de participer à une expérience d’apprentissage immersive entièrement sponsorisée sur le campus d’Alibaba à Hangzhou, en Chine. Le programme permet aux entrepreneurs de se rencontrer, de s’engager directement dans l’écosystème Alibaba et de se familiariser avec les bonnes pratiques mondiales en matière d’innovation, de transformation numérique et de développement des entreprises technologiques. La dernière cohorte des anciens finalistes du Top 10 se rendra à Hangzhou en septembre 2026.

Une plateforme reconnue pour les entrepreneurs africains

La 7e édition du concours Africa’s Business Heroes s’est achevée en décembre 2025 avec la nomination de Diana Orembe, cofondatrice et PDG de NovFeed, en Tanzanie, au titre d’Africa’s Business Hero. Son entreprise de biotechnologie transforme les déchets organiques en protéines durables pour l’alimentation animale, répondant ainsi aux défis de la sécurité alimentaire et de la durabilité environnementale à travers l’Afrique.

« Remporter le prix Africa’s Business Heroes a été une véritable transformation pour NovFeed », a déclaré Diana Orembe. « Le financement va accélérer notre croissance, mais la formation commerciale, la visibilité et le réseau que nous avons acquis grâce au programme ont été tout aussi importants. ABH vous met au défi d’affiner votre vision, de renforcer votre stratégie et d’élargir la portée de votre impact. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de la finale, mais aussi de faire partie d’une communauté engagée dans la construction de l’avenir de l’Afrique. »

L’édition de l’année dernière a attiré plus de 31 000 candidatures provenant de tout le continent et a octroyé 1,5 million de dollars de subventions à dix finalistes représentant sept pays africains, reflétant ainsi la richesse et la diversité du vivier entrepreneurial du continent.

Qui peut postuler ?

Les candidatures sont ouvertes aux fondateurs de toute l’Afrique qui :

  • Sont des citoyens ou des résidents réguliers d’un pays africain ;
  • Dirigent une entreprise enregistrée dont le siège social se trouve en Afrique ;
  • Ont fait preuve d’une activité soutenue pendant au moins trois ans ;
  • Font preuve d’un engagement pour un impact social positif.

ABH est un concours ouvert à tous les secteurs et accueille les candidatures de tous les secteurs essentiels à l’avenir de l’Afrique, notamment : les systèmes alimentaires, le climat et l’énergie, la fintech et l’inclusion financière, la santé, la logistique, la fabrication, l’intelligence artificielle, etc.

Les candidatures sont désormais ouvertes.

Les entrepreneurs qui définissent l’avenir de l’Afrique sont encouragés à postuler. Les candidatures peuvent être soumises en anglais ou en français.  

Le dépôt de candidatures sera clôturé le 28 avril 2026.

Postulez sur : https://apo-opa.co/3OIkakd

Distribué par APO Group pour Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

À propos d’Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) :
Africa’s Business Heroes est le programme philanthropique phare d’Alibaba Philanthropy, qui a pour vocation d’identifier, de soutenir et de célébrer la prochaine génération d’entrepreneurs africains. Chaque année, ABH octroie 1,5 million de dollars américains de subventions à des chefs d’entreprise exceptionnels qui ont un impact positif sur leur communauté, tout en leur donnant accès à la formation, au mentorat et à un réseau entrepreneurial panafricain.

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IPID head acting period extended

Source: Government of South Africa

IPID head acting period extended

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has extended the acting period of the Executive Director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Dr Hlengani Bila, until the vacancy is filled.

“This extension, also supported by the Portfolio Committee on Police, is intended to ensure continued stability and effective leadership within the Directorate,” Cachalia said on Tuesday.

Dr Bila has been acting in this capacity since August 2025, after the contract of the former IPID Head, Jennifer Ntlatseng, ended.

“The process to fill the Executive Director position is currently underway, and further updates will be provided as developments unfold,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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KFC honours 55 women who give Africa more

Source: APO

When Lesego Chombo was crowned as Miss Botswana in 2022, she immediately set up a foundation to support disadvantaged youngsters and their parents in rural areas.

After ending her term as Miss World Africa in November 2024, the 26-year-old became the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana’s history when she was appointed as Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs and she is now leading the charge on a Gender-Based Violence Bill focusing on protection, care and support of victims, as well as prevention.

Raïssa Banhoro realised that lack of literacy, limited numeracy and a lack of accessible digital tools were standing in the way of women’s digital literacy in Côte d’Ivoire, so she developed Lucie, the country’s first mobile literacy app with local-language vocal assistance that addressed all three challenges.

Then she pioneered a model of free, intensive digital training for youth not in employment, education or training, achieving a 100% employment rate for graduates.

Chombo and Banhoro are two of the 55 women KFC Africa is celebrating to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March and honour the occasion’s global theme of Give to Gain.

“These are not just stories of individual achievement,” says Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa. “These are stories of women who give Africa more.

“They give access where there was exclusion. They give opportunity where prospects were limited. They give hope where there was none.”

Power of giving

For 55 years, KFC Africa has been giving to communities and empowering women, who make up 60% of its workforce.

To mark International Women’s Day in 2024 it celebrated 53 female firsts across its 22 markets, and last year it honoured 54 women who were accelerating action towards gender equality.

This year the focus shifts to the power of giving, often by women who embody this spirit daily without recognition, resources or fanfare.

The 55 women honoured, one for each year the brand has been in Africa, also include:

  • Nice Leng’ete from Kenya, who in 2014 persuaded Maasai elders to formally abandon female genital mutilation. Working with Amref Health Africa and her own foundation, she has helped over 21,000 girls escape the practice.
  • Dr. Germaine Retofa from Madagascar, who has transformed maternal care in one of the country’s most impoverished regions into a life-saving system that ensures a woman’s location or income does not affect her chances of survival.
  • Alexandra Machado from Mozambique, who is pioneering a circular mentorship model that has impacted 25,000 Mozambican women, tripling school transition rates and proving that investing in female leadership is a high-return strategy for national development.

From visibility to voice

“For this year’s list of Africa’s female firsts we deliberately sought out women whose influence may not fill stadiums but whose impact fills hearts,” says Qengqe.

“They include women who have built tech networks for their female peers, expanded access to healthcare, made menstrual care a national priority, targeted girls for improved education access and tackled the gender pay gap.

“These are women from diverse backgrounds – lawyers, politicians, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, authors, technologists and community organisers. Some are well-known figures. Many are not.

“What unites them is what they give: mentorship, protection, access, knowledge, visibility, opportunity, resources and time.”

The ripple effect of giving

Chief People, Culture and Purpose Officer, Nolo Thobejane, says the Give to Gain theme resonates deeply with KFC’s approach to empowerment.

“For years, we’ve seen how giving creates exponential returns,” she says. “When KFC Add Hope gives meals to vulnerable children through women-led feeding centres, communities gain nutrition and dignity.

“When Women on the Move provides leadership development for women in our business, the entire organisation gains stronger, more diverse leadership. When our Streetwise Academy gives young women accredited qualifications, families gain economic mobility.”

Thobejane says many women in the KFC Africa team are giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. “We have restaurant managers who mentor young women entering the workforce. We have team members who run after-school programmes in their communities. We have franchisees who create pathways for other women to access business ownership. Their giving happens quietly, consistently, and with deep purpose.”

When communities gain, Africa rises

The International Women’s Day 2026 theme challenges the world to recognise that giving has a multiplier effect. When women are given respect, visibility, opportunity, mentoring, resources and access, communities benefit.

Qengqe says that while progress towards gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa has stalled – the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3OYsxIp) projects that gender parity is 107 years away – KFC’s list of African female firsts prove that transformation is possible.

“These 55 women are not prepared to wait more than a century,” she says. “They are giving now so their communities can gain now. And when communities gain, Africa rises.”

The full list of 55 Women Who Give Africa More is available at: https://apo-opa.co/3MZ2rEs

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.

Media contact: 
aloma@kamuses.co.za

To nominate women who give Africa more:
za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com

About KFC Africa:
KFC has been part of Africa’s story since 1971, when the first restaurant opened in Johannesburg. Today, with more than 1,500 restaurants across 22 sub-Saharan countries, it stands as the continent’s leading quick service restaurant brand and home of the Original Recipe® fried chicken that millions love.

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Russia trails other powers in positive assessments across Africa; citizens urge governments to remain neutral in Russia-Ukraine war

Source: APO

Fewer than four in 10 Africans see Russia’s economic and political influence on their country as positive, well below assessments for China, the United States, and international organisations, the latest Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) survey findings reveal.

Data from 38 African countries show that views of Russia’s influence vary widely across 38 surveyed countries, from overwhelming approval in Mali to majority negative, neutral, or “don’t know” responses across much of the continent.

Among citizens who have heard of the Russia-Ukraine war, most want their own government to adopt a neutral stance on the war.

Key findings

  • On average across 38 African countries, 36% of respondents say Russia’s economic and political influence on their country is “somewhat positive” or “very positive,” while 23% say it is somewhat or very negative. But a plurality (42%) do not offer an assessment (Figure 1).
  • By a wide margin, Malians offer the most positive assessments (88%), followed by Cameroon (60%), Guinea-Bissau (55%), and Côte d’Ivoire (55%). In contrast, fewer than one in six respondents hold positive views in four Southern African countries: Zambia (15%), Lesotho (14%), Eswatini (14%), and Botswana (13%).
  • Positive perceptions of Russia fall far below those for China (62%), regional economic organisations (56%), the African Union (55%), the United States (52%), and the European Union (50%) (Figure 2).
  • Seven in 10 Africans (70%) say they have heard about the Russia-Ukraine war, ranging above nine out of 10 citizens in Cabo Verde (98%), Seychelles (94%), and São Tomé and Príncipe (91%) (Figure 3).
  • Among those who have heard about the war, more than seven in 10 (72%) say their country should remain neutral. Mali is the only surveyed country where a majority favour one side (72% for Russia) (Figure 4).

Afrobarometer surveys

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews with nationally representative samples of adults in the language of the respondent’s choice that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Asafika Mpako
Communications coordinator for Southern Africa
Email: ampako@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +27 83 979 8299

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Mercy Ships soutient les efforts nationaux face aux conséquences du cyclone Gezani à Madagascar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Pour faire face aux conséquences du cyclone dévastateur qui a frappé la côte  de Madagascar, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) s’est joint aux efforts des autorités du pays chargées de la gestion des catastrophes à Toamasina (Tamatave) en livrant des fournitures de secours essentielles.

Le cyclone Gezani a causé des dégâts considérables dans la région, déplaçant des milliers de personnes et affectant gravement les habitations, les infrastructures publiques et les établissements de santé.

« Dans des moments comme ceux-ci, les partenariats et la solidarité sont essentiels », a déclaré Nicholas Ahadjie, Directeur de Mercy Ships à Madagascar. « Nous nous engageons aux côtés du gouvernement et veillons à ce que l’aide parvienne aux communautés où les besoins sont les plus urgents. »

Dans ce cadre, Mercy Ships a livré près de 550 sacs de riz, 1 000 tôles de toiture et 1 000 repas prêts à consommer. Ces fournitures sont arrivées à Toamasina et ont été officiellement remises aux équipes de coordination gouvernementale chargées de la réponse aux catastrophes, pour distribution aux communautés touchées.

Les matériaux de toiture permettront aux familles, aux écoles et aux dispensaires locaux d’entamer les réparations urgentes. Le riz sera distribué aux familles affectées par la tempête qui disposent encore de moyens de cuisson opérationnels, tandis que les repas prêts à consommer apporteront un soutien immédiat aux personnes déplacées.

Bien que l’Africa Mercy, le navire-hôpital de Mercy Ships, soit actuellement en maintenance programmée en Afrique du Sud, les préparatifs sont en cours pour son retour à Madagascar. Dès le mois de mai, il est prévu qu’il reprenne ses interventions chirurgicales et ses programmes de formation médicale en collaboration avec le ministère de la Santé.

« Notre présence à Madagascar est continue », a ajouté Nicholas Ahadjie. « Pendant que le navire est en maintenance, notre engagement auprès de nos partenaires se poursuit. Nous restons aux côtés du peuple malgache aujourd’hui et demeurons déterminés à renforcer les capacités du système de santé pour l’avenir. »

Depuis plusieurs années en effet, Mercy Ships collabore avec Madagascar pour offrir des chirurgies spécialisées gratuites, des formations médicales professionnelles et un soutien aux infrastructures. La récente catastrophe ne mettra pas fin à l’engagement de l’ONG envers le peuple malgache ; bien au contraire, sa mission de renforcement des systèmes de santé nationaux perdure.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

A propos de Mercy Ships :
Mercy Ships est une organisation humanitaire internationale qui déploie les deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux civils au monde, l’Africa Mercy et le Global Mercy, pour fournir des soins de santé gratuits et de première qualité aux plus démunis. L’ONG internationale soutient également le développement des systèmes de santé des pays hôtes par la formation des professionnels de la santé et la rénovation d’infrastructures. Fondé en Suisse en 1978 par Don et Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships est intervenu dans 55 pays. A bord de ses navires, une moyenne de 2 500 bénévoles par an, issus de 60 pays, contribuent à l’œuvre de Mercy Ships. Des professionnels tels que chirurgiens, dentistes, personnel infirmier, formateurs dans le domaine de la santé, cuisiniers, marins, ingénieurs … dédient leur temps et leurs compétences à cette cause. Avec des bureaux dans 16 pays et un centre opérationnel pour l’Afrique basé à Dakar, au Sénégal, Mercy Ships se met au service des nations en restaurant santé et dignité.

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La Russie est devancée par d’autres puissances en termes d’évaluations positives en Afrique ; les citoyens exhortent les gouvernements à rester neutres dans la guerre russo-ukrainienne

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Moins de quatre Africains sur 10 perçoivent l’influence économique et politique de la Russie sur leur pays comme positive, un chiffre bien inférieur aux évaluations concernant la Chine, les Etats-Unis d’Amérique et les organisations internationales, selon les derniers résultats de l’enquête Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org).

Les données provenant de 38 pays africains montrent que les opinions sur l’influence de la Russie varient considérablement d’un pays à l’autre, allant d’une approbation massive au Mali à une majorité de réponses négatives, neutres ou « ne sait pas » sur une grande partie du continent.

Parmi les citoyens qui ont entendu parler de la guerre russo-ukrainienne, la plupart souhaitent que leur gouvernement adopte une position neutre sur ce conflit.

Résultats clés

  • En moyenne à travers 38 pays, 36% des répondants estiment que l’influence économique et politique de la Russie sur leur pays est « quelque peu positive » ou       « très positive », tandis que 23% la jugent quelque peu ou très négative. Cependant, une pluralité (42%) ne se prononcent pas (Figure 1).
  • Les Maliens sont de loin ceux qui perçoivent positivement l’influence de la Russie (88%), suivis des Camerounais (60%), des Guinéens-Bissau (55%) et des Ivoiriens (55%). A l’inverse, moins d’une personne sur six ont une opinion positive dans quatre pays d’Afrique Australe : la Zambie (15%), le Lesotho (14%), l’Eswatini (14%) et le Botswana (13%).
  • Les perceptions positives à l’égard de la Russie sont bien inférieures à celles de la Chine (62%), des organisations régionales (56%), de l’Union Africaine (55%), des Etats-Unis d’Amérique (52%) et de l’Union Européenne (50%) (Figure 2).
  • Sept Africains sur 10 (70%) ont entendu parler de la guerre russo-ukrainienne, dont plus de neuf citoyens sur 10 au Cabo Verde (98%), aux Seychelles (94%) et à São Tomé et Príncipe (91%) (Figure 3).
  • Parmi ceux qui ont entendu parler de la guerre, plus de sept sur 10 (72%) estiment que leur pays devrait rester neutre. Le Mali est le seul pays où une majorité se prononcent en faveur d’un des camps (72% pour la Russie) (Figure 4).

L’enquête Afrobarometer

Afrobarometer est un réseau panafricain et non partisan de recherche par sondage qui fournit des données fiables sur les expériences et les évaluations des Africains en matière de démocratie, de gouvernance et de qualité de vie. Dix rounds d’enquêtes ont été réalisés dans un maximum de 45 pays depuis 1999. Le Round 10 des enquêtes (2024/2025) couvre 38 pays.

Les partenaires nationaux d’Afrobarometer conduisent des entretiens en face à face dans la langue choisie par les répondants, ce qui permet d’obtenir des résultats nationaux avec une marge d’erreur de +/-2 à +/-3 points de pourcentage à un niveau de confiance de 95%.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afrobarometer.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :
Hassana Diallo
Chargé des communications d’Afrobarometer pour l’Afrique francophone
Téléphone : +221 77 713 72 53
Email : hdiallo@afrobarometer.org

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