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President Barrow Concludes Official Visit to the Republic of Guinea

Source: APO

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has concluded an official visit to the Republic of Guinea at the invitation of His Excellency President Mamadi Doumbouya.

The visit reaffirmed the cordial relations between The Gambia and Guinea and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Prior to the signing of the Joint Communiqué, the two delegations held bilateral discussions led by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The Gambian delegation was represented by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Sering Modou Njie; the Honourable Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Nani Juwara; the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Hon. Alieu Loum; and the Managing Director of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Mr. Galo Saidy, who engaged their respective Guinean counterparts on key areas of mutual interest and practical cooperation. The bilateral discussions focused on strengthening existing cooperation and identifying new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the areas of agriculture, trade and economic cooperation, defence and security, energy, tourism, science, research and technology, youth and sports, fisheries, higher education and culture. The delegations also exchanged views on regional integration and matters of common interest.

President Barrow and President Doumbouya subsequently held discussions on bilateral relations, regional cooperation and shared development priorities. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Joint Communiqué, witnessed by both Heads of State, reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries.

President Barrow expressed appreciation to President Doumbouya and the Government and people of Guinea for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. The visit represents an important step in consolidating the longstanding relationship between The Gambia and Guinea and reflects the shared commitment of the two countries to building a stronger, mutually beneficial and forward-looking partnership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of The President- Republic of the Gambia.

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Prime Minister Matekane Joined African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Angola and Toured Fertilizer Facility in Zambia

Source: APO – Report:

The Right Honourable, the Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane formed part of the Heads of State and Government who attended the African Union Extraordinary Session in Luanda, Angola.

The session brought together African leaders to deliberate on matters of continental importance and strengthen collective efforts towards Africa’s development and integration.

Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane also visited United Capital Fertilizers (UCF) in Zambia where he toured the facility lead by

UCF Board Chairperson, Mr. Chance Kabaye and his team.

The visit focused on exploring potential partnerships to supply and develop fertilizers suitable for Lesotho’s soils and locally used seeds, as well as opportunities for UCF to establish a fertilizer manufacturing facility in Lesotho.

– on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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Four Nigerian ministries convene global investors in Abuja for the maiden Nigeria NOW! launch

Source: APO – Report:

The Nigeria NOW! takes place on 19 and 20 November at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, under the patronage of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake. Between 500 and 600 delegates are expected across energy, infrastructure and mining.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is partnering with EnergyNet to deliver the first Nigeria NOW!, and has committed to remain involved through the preparatory period rather than at the event alone. The Ministry hosted the Abuja launch, secured the patronage of the Honourable Minister, and convened three further federal ministries as deliberate participants.

Speaking at the launch through Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Dr Alake set out why four ministries participate rather than one. Infrastructure, licensing, financing, technology, security and market access fall across several mandates, and no single ministry can answer an investor’s questions on all of them.

Why Nigeria

Nigeria now issues no mining licence without a plan for a local processing plant. The rule has been applied consistently and the investment following it includes a $1.3 billion partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation covering an alumina refinery, geological mapping and exploration support, a $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border, and a $200 million lithium refinery outside Abuja.

The first working demonstration is already running. A lithium plant at Endo in Nasarawa State, commissioned on 2 July, processes 6,000 tonnes of ore a day on around $250 million of investment. Sector revenue reached over 38 billion naira in 2024 against 6 billion the previous year. A memorandum signed with Türkiye in May covers exploration, technology transfer, digitalisation and training, and the Solid Minerals Development Fund began awarding exploration grants in July under its new EMERGE endowment.

Nigeria’s power sector is moving on the same principle of decentralised decision-making. Two years into the Electricity Act 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has transferred regulatory oversight to sixteen subnational commissions, giving states authority over their own electricity markets for the first time. The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority has put domestic capital behind distributed renewable energy, and industrial self-supply has reached 200MW, with a steel plant among the projects breaking ground against it.

Dr Alake’s own formulation is that the days of exporting raw minerals from pit to port are over.

What the Expo covers

Nigeria NOW! brings government, investors, project developers, financial institutions and development partners together around three sectors, energy, infrastructure and mining, with a focus on projects, capital and partnerships rather than announcements alone. The programme runs across two days at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

“This is the first Nigeria NOW! held in Nigeria, and the Ministry’s commitment to stay involved through the preparatory period is what makes it different from a conference that arrives and leaves,” said Abdoulaye Sylla, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet. “We expect between 500 and 600 delegates, and the Ministry has asked that the Expo be judged on what is delivered after it closes.”

Partners

Nextier joins the Expo as Official Advisory Partner, providing strategic advisory and media support across the programme.

The Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) joins as Women in Mining Partner. The network was recognised at the Abuja launch with EnergyNet’s Leadership Award and a $25,000 grant, following a year in which it took its work with women artisanal miners from three states to all six of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, adding protective equipment, mobile medical visits and cooperative registration to the training programme it began with.

Women in Mining joins as Women in Mining in Nigeria Partner; The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources joins as Lagos State Sponsor; The Electricity Hub joins as Official Podcast Partner.

YES! Nigeria

The Youth Energy Summit runs alongside Nigeria NOW! on 20 November at the same venue, bringing young professionals and entrepreneurs into the same building as the investors and ministries. The Youth Sustainable Development Network joins as a partner for the Nigerian edition, alongside the University of Abuja’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Students as YES! Supporting Partner.

– on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..

Media and partnership enquiries:
Poliana Sperandio
Director, Marketing Strategy & Performance, EnergyNet
Poliana@EnergyNet.co.uk
+44 (0) 207 384 8191

About EnergyNet: 
EnergyNet produces investment forums and digital dialogues across energy, mining and infrastructure in Africa, bringing governments, investors, developers and utilities together around investment, policy dialogue and project delivery. Best known for the Africa Energy Forum, EnergyNet has worked in Nigeria for fifteen years. EnergyNet owns and operates the Energy News Network, its independent editorial platform, and is part of Clarion Events.

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Lesotho’s Key Stakeholders and Climate Technical Experts Gathered to Develop and Validate Disaster Forecasting and Early Action Plans Ahead of El Nino and Other Hazards

Source: APO – Report:

The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) in collaboration with the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) is holding a five-day Sectoral and Sub-National Workshop aimed at developing and validating forecasting and early action products to strengthen Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Management in Leribe.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, technical experts and district sector representatives.

Officiating at the workshop, Public Relations Officer in the District Administrator’s Office in Leribe, Mr. Rasebilo Maqelepo, said the workshop was important in addressing the effects of climate change.

He said the development of an action plan would help communities prepare for and respond to the effects of climate change when necessary.

Speaking at the same event, DMA Director of Emergencies and Response, Mr. Rets’elisitsoe Molefe, stressed the importance of timely planning and mitigation measures.

“Response is more expensive and not timely,” he said.

Explaining the objectives of the workshop, LMS Head of Research and Innovation Development and Action First Lesotho Core Lead, Mr. Moahloli Ntele, said participants would jointly develop and validate Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) products and strengthen operational thresholds.

He said participants were expected to contribute scientific and forecasting expertise, disaster risk management experience, sectoral knowledge, as well as district and community perspectives.

LMS Weather Forecaster, Mr. Rethabile Mphahama, said the main hazards experienced in Lesotho included heavy rainfall, flash floods, river flooding, drought, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds and frost.

He said key functions included coordination with districts and local authorities, disaster preparedness and response, as well as contingency planning.

Mr. Mphahama explained that LMS communicates warnings based on forecast thresholds, expected intensity and duration of hazards.

He said LMS communicates forecasts and warnings to relevant government and emergency response units through radio, television, social media, websites, as well as district and community structures.

– on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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KZN Treasury commends arrests linked to alleged fraud

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Treasury commends arrests linked to alleged fraud

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has commended the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, and other law enforcement agencies for their efforts in investigating and arresting individuals implicated in an alleged R2 million fraud and corruption case involving the eMadlangeni Local Municipality.  

This comes after reports about former municipal officials and private sector representatives, who have been charged in connection with payments allegedly made for a feasibility study that was never undertaken.

Rodgers said these allegations are a serious blow to a predominantly poor municipality that can ill afford the loss of public resources. He warned that every rand lost through corruption is a rand taken away from service delivery and community development.

The MEC said Treasury remains firmly opposed to the looting of public funds and any conduct that undermines local government, urging officials serving in local government to uphold their responsibilities with integrity.

“Those tasked with governing municipalities must remember that their core mandate is to serve and not be served. Communities place their trust in public representatives and officials to improve lives, not to enrich themselves at the expense of the people they are meant to serve,” Rodgers said.

He reiterated that corruption, particularly within supply chain management processes, continues to cripple municipalities and erode public confidence in government institutions.

In addition, he reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting municipalities through improved financial governance, technical assistance, and capacity-building interventions aimed at strengthening accountability and reducing opportunities for corruption.

He said the department will continue to monitor the matter closely as it proceeds through the courts. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Call to use water responsibly amid Spring Day celebrations concerns

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to use water responsibly amid Spring Day celebrations concerns

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on South Africans to rethink how water is used during Spring Day celebrations and in everyday life.

The call follows concerning incidents of water wastage and the mistreatment of members of the public during Spring Day activities on 1 September. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department acknowledged that Spring Day is a time for people, particularly young people, to come together, have fun and welcome the arrival of spring. However, celebrations should never result in the unnecessary waste of water or come at the expense of another person’s dignity, safety or rights.

“The department has observed with deep concern the extent to which water is sometimes used during Spring Day celebrations. In a country where communities continue to experience water challenges, deliberately wasting water for entertainment is concerning and highlights the need for a change in how water is valued and used. 

“This concern is even more pressing as South Africa anticipates the effects of El Niño, which can bring higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and drier conditions in some parts of the country. These conditions can place additional pressure on already limited water resources and make responsible water use even more important,” the department said. 

No tradition should violate another person’s rights

The department also raised concerns about reports and incidents in which people have been subjected to humiliation and intimidation in the name of Spring Day celebrations.

“Celebration should never mean forcing another person to participate in an activity against their will or subjecting them to conduct that compromises their dignity or safety. No tradition, social activity or celebration should be used as an excuse to violate another person’s rights,” the department said.

The department called on young people and communities to find enjoyable and creative ways of celebrating Spring Day without wasting water or harming others. 

It emphasised that responsible water use should not only become a priority when a municipality introduces restrictions, or when a community is facing an immediate shortage.

“It needs to become part of everyday behaviour and simple actions such as avoiding unnecessary water use, reporting leaks and using water wisely can collectively make a meaningful difference.”  

While government continues to work to strengthen water security, maintain and improve water infrastructure, support municipalities and protect the country’s water resources, the department said these efforts require the support of the public.

“Government programmes and infrastructure alone cannot secure the country’s water future if water continues to be unnecessarily wasted. South Africa is a water-scarce country, and every drop saved contributes to protecting water availability for communities today and for future generations,” the department said.

The department has also urged parents, educators, community leaders and young people to help build a culture in which water is valued and used responsibly. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Call for built environment industry to embrace technology

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for built environment industry to embrace technology

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has urged the built environment industry to embrace technological innovation to improve safety and performance at construction sites.

Speaking at the Built Environment Summit currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Zikalala said modern project management must increasingly rely on technological tools to strengthen inspection, oversight, and delivery outcomes.

He told the gathering that using technology in the construction sector is no longer simply a matter of modernisation, but an “indispensable intervention” needed to improve performance, reduce failure rates, and ensure projects are completed efficiently, on time and within budget. 

Zikalala also addressed concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could displace workers, stressing that it should be viewed as an accelerator of productivity rather than a threat to employment. 

“The integration of technology presents an opportunity to revolutionise how projects are monitored, controlled, and delivered. Far from being a threat to employment, AI serves as a powerful catalyst for efficiencies and productivity gains. 

By automating routine and repetitive tasks, AI frees up skilled professionals to focus on higher-value activities that require critical thinking and creativity,” he said on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted the growing role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital technologies, drones, AI, and advanced data analytics in strengthening inspection systems. 

These tools can enhance visibility on sites, provide stronger evidence-based oversight, and help identify risks earlier, before they escalate into failures.

Zikalala also called for closer coordination across all spheres of government to increase the number of registered building inspectors, arguing that this is critical to protecting both construction infrastructure and workers on the ground. 

The Deputy Minister’s remarks come as South Africa continues to grapple with safety challenges and project delivery issues within the built environment sector. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Police arrest 54-year-old man for drug possession at OR Tambo International Airport

Source: Government of South Africa

Police arrest 54-year-old man for drug possession at OR Tambo International Airport

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested a 54-year-old man at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs while travelling to Hong Kong, China.

Police said the arrest followed intelligence-led information about a suspect travelling to Hong Kong, China.

“A search of the suspect and his luggage led to the discovery of suspected cocaine concealed in the luggage. The exact value and weight of the drugs are yet to be determined and will be confirmed in due course,” police said in a statement.

The arrest comes a week after police intercepted two separate cocaine consignments at the same airport, with a combined estimated value of R200 million.

“The SAPS remains committed to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations and targeted interventions at ports of entry,” police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SIU, AFU successes underscore government’s anti-corruption stance

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU, AFU successes underscore government’s anti-corruption stance

The fight against corruption has yielded significant financial recoveries, with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) clawing back some R8.3 billion in unlawfully obtained gains.

This is according to Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who delivered an address to the University of Johannesburg Combating Corruption Summit.

“For our part, as the criminal justice system, we have a number of cases that are ongoing. Perhaps the most notable success is the asset forfeiture associated with the Zondo cases. 

“So far, the National Prosecuting Authority Asset Forfeiture Unit has recovered a total of R8.3billion. Of this, R3.68 billion was paid to victims, and R4.6billion was paid to CARA [Criminal Assets Recovery Account]. In the past year, the Asset Forfeiture Unit continued to ensure that crime does not pay by obtaining freezing orders of R858 million and recovering assets valued at R532 million.

“These successes are in part because of AFU’s strengthened collaborative work with the Anti- Corruption Task Team, the Inter-Agency Working Group on Illicit Financial Flows, State Capture, Health Sector Corruption and the Fusion Centre under the auspices of the Financial Intelligence Centre [FIC],” the Minister said on Wednesday.

In the same vein, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered assets and cash worth R 936 million against a target of R 1 billion in the past financial year.

“They have ensured that R 25.6 billion has been set aside as invalid against a target of R 5 billion, and they have prevented R 1.6 billion from being lost against a target of R 1 billion.

She said 761 matters have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for the perpetrators to be prosecuted.

“The successes of our corruption-fighting [efforts] are significant, but the challenges are immense,” Kubayi said.

Despite these successes, the Minister acknowledged as “worrisome” the revelations at the Madlanga Commission, which have exposed the growing trend of organised crime and syndicate activity, including the capture of law enforcement agencies.

“Perhaps the most worrisome aspect of the revelations at the commission is how much law enforcement agencies have been captured by organised crime organisations and how individuals at all levels of the law enforcement agencies are working in cahoots with criminals to repurpose and weaken law enforcement agencies fighting against crime,” she stated.

To address this, Kubayi highlighted the urgent need to protect whistleblowers, who are critical in revealing hidden networks and secret transactions.

In response to this, the government has introduced the Public Disclosures Bill, which seeks to introduce a strengthened and comprehensive framework for whistleblower protection.

“Importantly, the Bill introduces enhanced protections, including confidentiality safeguards, protection against occupational detriment, and access to witness protection mechanisms where required.

“This simply means that this Bill introduces mechanisms to ensure that no whistleblower is punished or suffers any harm for having come forward with information about wrongdoing regardless of the position of the alleged wrongdoer in an organisation. Accordingly, this Bill specifies that the provisions of the Witness Protection Act, 1998 apply to a discloser or related person.

“In addition, the Bill provides for legal assistance to disclosers who cannot afford to pay for legal representation through Legal Aid South Africa in appropriate cases,” she said.

Looking ahead, the Minister noted that the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council – appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa – has handed over its report to the President, recommending the establishment of the Office of the Protector of the Public Interest (OPI) as a permanent, independent, overarching anti-corruption body.

“[We] are inviting interested parties to present to us their views on what they think should be the shape and form of the future anti-corruption agency for the country.

“Whatever form and shape that it will take, our country needs a dedicated, multidisciplinary investigative and prosecutorial anti-corruption agency shielded from political interference or external manipulation,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Strengthens Arms Transfer Controls Through Training of National Focal Persons in Ghana

Source: APO

Organised by the Small Arms Division of the ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms of Ghana (NACSA), the three-day training, brought together officials from key national institutions with mandates relating to the acquisition, procurement, importation, transfer, regulation, authorisation and oversight of arms and ammunition. The Exemption Procedure constitutes an important component of the ECOWAS regional architecture for preventing the uncontrolled proliferation, diversion and illicit circulation of SALW. The initiative sought to deepen national understanding of the ECOWAS Exemption Procedure and strengthen coordination among institutions responsible for its implementation.

The training provided an important platform for reviewing the status of implementation of the ECOWAS Exemption Procedure in Ghana, identifying implementation challenges and exploring measures to strengthen the effectiveness of the process. It enhanced participants’ knowledge of the ECOWAS regional arms transfer regime, the application process for the ECOWAS Exemption Certificate, the use of relevant documentation and the respective roles of national institutions in preventing the diversion and illicit circulation of arms and ammunition. Practical simulation and scenario-building exercises during the training enabled participants to apply the knowledge acquired by preparing documentation and working through simulated applications for the ECOWAS Exemption Certificate.

The activity contributes to the broader efforts of the ECOWAS Commission to strengthen responsible arms transfer controls, enhance national implementation of the ECOWAS Convention and support Member States in addressing the proliferation and illicit circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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