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Amana en partenariat avec Visa lance la première carte virtuelle au Niger pour accélérer la digitalisation des paiements

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Amana, leader du transfert d’argent au Niger, annonce aujourd’hui, en partenariat avec Visa (http://www.Visa.com), leader mondial des paiements numériques, le lancement de la première carte virtuelle Visa du pays, directement accessible depuis son application.

Cette innovation marque une étape majeure pour l’écosystème financier nigérien en permettant à des millions d’utilisateurs d’accéder, pour la première fois, à une solution de paiement en ligne simple, sécurisée et reconnue à l’international. Elle s’inscrit dans une dynamique déjà observée sur plusieurs marchés africains, où les cartes virtuelles facilitent l’accès aux services digitaux et accélèrent l’inclusion financière.

Acteur incontournable du quotidien des Nigériens, Amana s’est imposé comme une plateforme de référence grâce à un réseau dense et une forte adoption, aussi bien à Niamey que dans les villes secondaires. Historiquement positionnée sur le transfert d’argent, la marque a progressivement élargi son offre pour devenir un véritable hub de services financiers, permettant de payer des factures, de régler des frais de scolarité ou encore d’envoyer et de recevoir de l’argent. Cette centralité dans les usages fait aujourd’hui d’Amana un levier clé pour capter et structurer les flux financiers au niveau local.

Le lancement de la carte virtuelle représente ainsi une extension naturelle de cette proposition de valeur vers les usages digitaux. Entièrement dématérialisée, la carte permet aux utilisateurs de la créer instantanément depuis leur application, de la recharger à tout moment via leur wallet et d’effectuer des paiements en ligne sur des plateformes locales et internationales. Elle offre une expérience fluide et sécurisée, avec un accès permanent et des fonctionnalités permettant de consulter son solde, suivre ses transactions ou gérer sa carte en temps réel. Ce modèle digital répond directement aux besoins d’une population encore largement sous-bancarisée, en offrant une solution accessible, flexible et adaptée aux usages du quotidien.

Au-delà de la simplicité d’usage, cette nouvelle carte ouvre l’accès à de nouveaux cas d’usage essentiels, notamment dans le e-commerce, les abonnements digitaux ou encore les services internationaux. Elle contribue ainsi à connecter davantage les utilisateurs nigériens à l’économie numérique mondiale, tout en renforçant la confiance dans les paiements digitaux.

« Ce partenariat avec VISA marque une étape majeure dans notre ambition de démocratiser davantage l’accès aux services financiers digitaux au Niger.

Avec la carte virtuelle VISA intégrée à AmanaTa, nous offrons à nos clients une solution de paiement moderne, accessible et connectée aux usages internationaux.

Cette innovation vient renforcer notre engagement en faveur de l’inclusion financière et de la digitalisation des paiements, tout en rapprochant davantage les populations des services financiers de nouvelle génération. » s’est félicité Mohamed ATTAIB KALIFA, Directeur Général, Amana Transfert d’Argent et Finance S.A.

« Le lancement de cette première carte virtuelle marque une avancée importante pour l’inclusion financière au Niger. En combinant la portée locale d’Amana avec l’expertise mondiale de Visa, nous permettons à des millions d’utilisateurs d’accéder pour la première fois à des moyens de paiement digitaux simples, sécurisés et reconnus à l’international. Cette initiative illustre concrètement comment l’innovation peut élargir l’accès aux services financiers, faciliter l’adoption du numérique au quotidien et connecter davantage les populations à l’économie digitale. », ajoute Ismahill DIABY, Vice-Président et Directeur Général Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale Francophone & Lusophone, Visa.

Première carte virtuelle du pays, cette initiative positionne Amana comme un acteur pionnier de la digitalisation des paiements au Niger. Elle lui permet de renforcer son rôle au sein de l’écosystème, de capturer de nouveaux usages liés aux paiements en ligne et à l’international, et de consolider sa position dominante sur le marché local.

À travers ce partenariat, Amana et Visa réaffirment leur ambition commune de démocratiser l’accès aux services financiers digitaux et d’accélérer la transformation des paiements en Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour Visa Inc..

Contact Média​ :
E-mail: ismaelibrahim@amana-transfert.com
E-mail: yguehi@visa.com

À propos de Amana :
Amana Transfert d’Argent est un acteur majeur des services financiers et du transfert d’argent au Niger et dans l’espace UEMOA. Grâce à son réseau national de proximité et à sa plateforme digitale AmanaTa, l’entreprise développe des solutions innovantes de paiement et de services financiers accessibles au plus grand nombre.

Portée par une vision forte d’inclusion financière et de transformation digitale, Amana œuvre chaque jour à rapprocher davantage les populations des services financiers modernes à travers des solutions simples, fiables et accessibles. En savoir plus sur https://Amana-Transfert.com

À propos de VISA :
Visa (NYSE: V) est un leader mondial des paiements numériques, facilitant les transactions entre les consommateurs, les commerçants, les institutions financières et les entités gouvernementales dans plus de 200 pays et territoires. Notre mission est de connecter le monde grâce au réseau de paiements le plus innovant, le plus pratique, le plus fiable et le plus sûr, permettant aux individus, aux entreprises et aux économies de prospérer. Nous croyons que les économies qui incluent tout le monde partout, élèvent tout le monde partout et nous considérons l’accès comme fondamental pour l’avenir du mouvement de l’argent. En savoir plus sur https://Visa.com

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Updates on the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics

Source: APO


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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (www.IsDBInstitute.org) announces that the IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics will be awarded every two years, alternating between the Knowledge Contribution and Development Solutions categories.

The next cycle of the Prize will be launched in 2027 under the “Development Solutions Achievement” category. This cycle will focus on recognizing and rewarding impactful projects that deliver effective solutions to key development challenges in IsDB Member Countries.

The upcoming 2027 prize cycle includes a cash award of US$100,000 for the first-place winner, while the second- and third-place recipients will receive US$70,000 and US$30,000, respectively.

On another front, the IsDB Institute announces that the 2026 IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics (Knowledge Contribution) has been withheld.

This decision follows a thorough and rigorous evaluation of the nominations received by the Screening Committee and the external referees. The decision reflects the IsDB’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence and impact in Islamic economics. IsDBI remains dedicated to recognizing field-defining knowledge contributions that meaningfully advance sustainable and inclusive development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

Social media handles:
X (Twitter): https://apo-opa.co/4eMZiU1 
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/49Gp2Oc 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3R2Yy3c

About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/

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Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Pre-Conference to Set the Stage for $70B Investment Drive

Source: APO


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The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 conference and exhibition will once again host a dedicated pre-conference on September 8 in Luanda, ahead of the main event taking place from September 9–10. This strategic platform sets the technical and regulatory foundation for high-level discussions shaping Angola’s upstream and midstream investment landscape.

Featuring a series of in-depth presentations and workshops, the pre-conference runs from 09:00 to 18:00 and is designed to deliver targeted knowledge exchange through technical sessions and networking engagements. The program aligns closely with Angola’s objective of attracting approximately $70 billion in oil and gas investment over the next five years, setting the stage for conversation and deals-signings during the main conference agenda.

The pre-conference program emphasizes subsurface imaging and structural analysis across Angola’s most prospective basins, including the Lower Congo, Kwanza, Benguela and Namibe. Discussions will focus on unlocking pre-salt reservoirs, improving seismic clarity beneath complex salt formations and advancing exploration strategies in frontier and mature acreage.

In parallel, the pre-conference will address licensing opportunities and regulatory frameworks under Angola’s multi-year strategy lead by the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency. Insights into the 2025/2026 licensing rounds will highlight offshore and onshore block availability, marginal field opportunities and progress under the Permanent Offer Program.

Fiscal competitiveness will form a central theme, with sessions benchmarking Angola’s evolving terms against global standards. Recent reforms – including reduced petroleum income tax rates, lower royalties for mature assets and increased cost recovery ceilings – have repositioned Angola as a more attractive destination for capital-intensive deepwater and gas projects.

The pre-conference also places strong emphasis on local content development and procurement optimization. With local participation reaching approximately 12% in 2025 and a national target of 20% by 2027, discussions will explore strategies to expand domestic capacity, strengthen supply chains and increase value retention within Angola’s energy economy.

Digital transformation is another core pillar of the program, reflecting the sector’s shit toward data-driven operations. Topics include the integration of AI-enabled systems, real-time monitoring of offshore assets, centralized data infrastructure and the modernization of regulatory oversight through digital platforms to enhance transparency and efficiency.

The structure of the day combines invitation-only networking sessions, in-depth technical workshops and targeted discussions on institutional strengthening. It concludes with a networking cocktail designed to facilitate deal-making and partnership building ahead of the main conference and exhibition.

The value of the pre-conference is underscored by outcomes of the 2025 edition, which delivered early insights into licensing rounds, supported multiple deal signings during the main event and introduced new engagement formats connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors and operators.

With participation expected from regulators, investors and technical experts across the energy value chain, the AOG 2026 pre-conference offers a focused environment to assess opportunities, understand regulatory direction and position for upcoming projects. Attendance is limited and demand is high. With slots filling up quickly, stakeholders are encouraged to secure their place at the AOG 2026 pre-conference to access critical insights and engage with key decision-makers shaping Angola’s next phase of energy growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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DHL Express expands global portfolio with new Heavy Weight Express Service for shipments up to 3,000 kg

Source: APO – Report:

  • Heavy Weight Express enables global heavyweight express shipping up to 1,000 kg per piece / 3,000 kg per shipment
  • Proactive shipment control through dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks ensures high reliability and customer service support
  • DHL Express expands in the heavyweight segment, responding to growing demand

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) announced the worldwide expansion of its Time Definite International portfolio with the introduction of Heavy Weight Express (HWX), an express air solution for shipments up to 1,000 kilograms per piece and 3,000 kilograms per shipment. With this launch, DHL Express strengthens its role as a leading global integrator capable of moving heavyweight cargo with express speed and reliability across more than 220 countries and territories, supported by a dedicated aviation and ground network that ensures stable uplift, predictable transit times, and globally consistent handling standards.

Heavy Weight Express is designed to meet the needs of industries where shipment reliability and timing are critical business drivers. The service integrates fast, time‑definite delivery with full end‑to‑end control, proactive monitoring, and transparent all‑in pricing that eliminates the rate volatility and cost uncertainties associated with other areas of freight. Customers benefit from guaranteed express transit times, comprehensive shipment visibility at every stage, and DHL’s uncompromising operational standards, including stringent handling procedures for shock‑sensitive, high‑value, or regulated goods.

DHL Express CEO John Pearson said “Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains. As industries face rising volatility, increasingly complex production cycles, and significant financial exposure from delays and supply chain disruption, DHL’s ability to offer express‑level speed, access to capacity and higher reliability for shipments up to 3,000 kilograms fundamentally changes the service levels that customers can expect from their logistics provider.”

“Across Sub‑Saharan Africa, we are seeing customers move larger, more critical shipments at faster speeds as industries scale, modernise and integrate into global value chains. Heavy Weight Express responds directly to that need—combining DHL Express’ unmatched time‑definite reliability with the capability to move complex, heavyweight shipments without compromise. This service gives businesses certainty, visibility and control at a time when supply‑chain performance is a key competitive advantage,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO DHL Express SSA.

The introduction of HWX is supported by the introduction of dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks around the world. These specialized teams are responsible for proactive tracking, early exception detection, real‑time intervention, and direct communication with customers to ensure uninterrupted shipment flow. Each heavyweight shipment receives dedicated case ownership, giving customers predictability and personal attention often associated with smaller or specialist logistics providers, but with the additional advantage of DHL’s global integrator infrastructure, standardized processes, and 24/7 operational control.

The solution directly addresses six critical heavyweight use cases observed across global industries: avoiding production downtime, managing program and product launches with immovable timelines, optimizing working capital by reducing inventory buffers, supporting procurement‑driven large‑scale shipping environments, complying with stringent special handling requirements, and stabilizing complex multi‑site supply chains. These use cases are especially prominent in the technology sector, automotive manufacturing, engineering and machinery, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas and energy sectors—industries where even small delays can result in severe financial impacts.

Reducing shippers’ dependence on fluctuating airline capacity and removing the cost variability of add‑on fees and handling surcharges, HWX offers customers the stability of a single carrier from pickup to delivery. DHL Express manages its own aircraft fleet, hubs, gateways, customs operations, and last‑mile delivery—providing customers with predictability even during periods of global disruption or limited air capacity.

– on behalf of DHL Express.

Media Contact:
DHL Group
Media Relations
Dirk Heinrichs
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

About DHL – The logistics company for the world: 
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

On the internet: https://apo-opa.co/49qTITA

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Africa has the world’s greatest genetic diversity, yet it’s missing from research: we’re filling the gap

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Michele Ramsay, Director of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Professor in the Division of Human Genetics, University of the Witwatersrand

Throughout history, most of the world’s genomic research has relied on DNA data from people of European ancestry.

A genome is the full DNA code of about three billion (a thousand million) bases, including all the chromosomes. Each person has two genomes: one from their mother and the other from their father.

Well resourced environments favour European-based research generating hundreds of thousands of whole human genomes with associated health data. Yet modern humans, our species, evolved on the African continent. African populations therefore contain the deepest branches of human genetic history and the greatest genetic diversity on the planet. Yet the continent remains strikingly underrepresented in global genomic databases.

The African continent is populated by people from over 2,000 ethnolinguistic groups, yet genetic data exist for fewer than a hundred groups. This is akin to having a GPS map of a city with only 5% of the streets marked and the rest left blank.

This bias has profoundly shaped modern medicine, from disease prediction tools to ancestry testing. And it’s why researchers increasingly recognise that studying African genomes has the potential to reveal insights and health-related biological pathways never observed before.

As a team of researchers we were involved in identifying under-represented groups in nine African countries for human whole-genome sequencing. Our multidisciplinary team involved in the Assessing Genetic Diversity in Africa project (AGenDA) has worked out ethical ways to obtain, record and share genetic material and to add to global databases.

The AGenDA dataset alone is expected to uncover millions of previously unknown genetic variants and analyses are underway. These discoveries will inform research into diseases that affect populations in African and worldwide. They include diabetes, heart disease, cancer and neurological or mental health conditions.

This is only a first step. Capturing the full scope of African genomic diversity will require hundreds of thousands of genomes. The project aims to bridge some of the most obvious gaps rather than fully map the continent’s diversity.

But expanding African genomic data is not only important for Africa. It will strengthen global biomedical science.

What it takes

Modern genomic science relies on large databases of DNA sequences to understand disease risk, ancestry and human evolution. These databases underpin a wide range of scientific and medical tools. They are used in medical research, disease prediction, drug development, ancestry testing and increasingly in artificial intelligence models that analyse health data.

When a population is absent from a reference database, a library of whole genome sequences, science simply cannot detect it. Genetic algorithms work by comparing individuals to reference populations. In the absence of a specific reference population, the algorithms will assign the closest available match.

This problem becomes particularly visible in ancestry testing. This is a form of genetic testing often used to learn more about biological heritage. Because African reference data remain incomplete, people with African ancestry may receive vague or misleading results about their origins.

Without more African genomic data the assignment of specific ancestry may be incorrect. In addition, disease risk predictions would be misleading. For example it has been shown that standard doses for medications like warfarin (a blood thinner) or efavirenz (an HIV medication) could be ineffective or toxic for people who harbour specific variants that are more common in African populations.

Prior knowledge of the distribution of such variants in a population could be key to deciding the suitability of a drug for patients from that population.

Filling some of the gaps

The AGenDA project was designed to begin addressing some of the gaps in genome data and African representation. This project involved large multi-country scientific collaborations across the continent. It also required co-ordinating research across multiple ethics committees, regulatory frameworks and institutions. Scientists collaborated with research partners in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.

The aim was not simply to increase the number of African genomes in global databases. Instead, the team carefully selected populations to address major geographic and ethnolinguistic gaps in genomic data.

But generating large genomic databases requires careful community engagement and consent from participants to share their data. Biological samples for DNA extraction must be collected and the sequencing performed one base at a time.

We therefore built community engagement and culturally appropriate consent processes into the project from the beginning.

More than 1,000 whole genomes were sequenced from communities that had rarely been included in previous genetic studies. These included:

  • hunter-gatherer populations

  • Nilo-Saharan-speaking communities

  • Afro-Asiatic speakers

  • understudied Bantu-speaking populations

  • communities from north Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.

Selecting samples required careful consideration of what African diversity actually represents.

Genetic diversity does not map neatly onto modern national borders. Instead, researchers considered a range of additional factors. These included:

  • poorly represented geographic regions in genomic databases

  • major ancestral population histories

  • languages spoken and self-identified ethnic groups

  • recent patterns of migration.

In some cases, neighbouring communities may appear close due to geographic proximity but have distinct genetic histories that reflect population separations thousands of years ago.

Why studying African genomes benefits science everywhere

African genomes contain more genetic variation than populations on any other continent. This diversity provides a powerful resource for scientific discovery. When researchers study more diverse populations they are better able to achieve a number of things.

Firstly, they can identify new genetic variants.

Secondl,y they can investigate evolutionary forces, like natural selection, that have shaped the genomes of people in different parts of the world.

And thirdly, they can pinpoint variants that influence health and disease.

More inclusive genomic datasets are also essential as genomics becomes integrated with artificial intelligence systems that analyse medical data and predict health outcomes. Future medical technologies could be biased to work best for whoever is represented in the data.

Ultimately, expanding African genomic representation will help ensure that the benefits of genomic medicine are shared more equitably. At the same time, it will improve the accuracy and depth of understanding in global genetic science.

– Africa has the world’s greatest genetic diversity, yet it’s missing from research: we’re filling the gap
– https://theconversation.com/africa-has-the-worlds-greatest-genetic-diversity-yet-its-missing-from-research-were-filling-the-gap-278809

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Simelane to lead delegation to urban forum in Azerbaijan

Source: Government of South Africa

Simelane to lead delegation to urban forum in Azerbaijan

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane will lead South Africa’s delegation to the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026.

Convened under the theme: “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”, the WUF13 aims to raise awareness of sustainable urbanisation among stakeholders and constituencies, including the public; and improve collective knowledge on sustainable urban development through open and inclusive debate, exchange of best practices and policies, and sharing of lessons learnt.

It also aims to promote collaboration and cooperation between different stakeholders and constituencies engaged in the advancement and implementation of sustainable urbanisation.

It is highly anticipated that the WUF13 will shine a global spotlight on the urgent need to address the global housing crisis and position housing as a driver of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development.

South Africa’s participation comes amid continued urban growth. At the time of adopting the New Urban Agenda, the country was over 60% urbanised. Recent data estimates that this figure has grown to 68.82%, with projections indicating it could reach 71.3% by 2030.

While urbanisation has created opportunities for economic and social development, the department noted that it has also contributed to persistent spatial inequality, challenges in basic services delivery, infrastructure backlogs, and overburdened municipal governance systems, which remain defining characteristics of South African cities.

The department noted that informal land use, housing, and livelihoods pose significant developmental, policy, and management challenges within urban spaces. 

“These issues highlight both the dynamic nature of urbanisation and the limitations of current planning and service-delivery systems,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.

WUF13 will explore how housing can advance inclusion, equity, and resilience, with a focus on practical solutions that connect homes to broader urban systems.

This includes integrated planning, climate adaptation, land and tenure security, inclusive governance, and locally driven action.

“The South African delegation will play significant role through participation in dialogue, roundtable discussions, Ministerial bilateral meetings and stakeholder engagements by placing the country at the centre of global discussion aimed at finding lasting solutions to the world housing crises,” it said.

The delegation will include representatives from all spheres of government, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, entities within the human settlements sector, Members of Executive Councils (MECs), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), mayors and Members of Mayoral Committees (MMCs) responsible for human settlements from all metropolitan municipalities, as well as civil society and academia. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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eThekwini Mayor urges residents to pay for services

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini Mayor urges residents to pay for services

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has called on residents to pay for municipal services to help sustain service delivery and maintain infrastructure.

Xaba made the appeal while presenting the eThekwini Municipality’s proposed R74.7 billion 2026/27 Budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) during a public engagement at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, south of Durban.

Addressing thousands of residents on Monday, 11 May 2026, the mayor urged residents facing financial difficulties to engage the municipality and make payment arrangements.

He emphasised that payment for municipal services is critical to sustaining operations and maintaining infrastructure.

“As the municipality, we do not produce water ourselves. We purchase it from uMngeni-uThukela Water at a cost of R250 million every month and distribute it to residents. Similarly, we buy electricity in bulk from Eskom and supply it to communities.

“If residents do not honour their accounts, we risk being unable to maintain existing infrastructure and expand services to new developments,” Xaba said.

Relief measures for vulnerable households

The mayor outlined a range of social relief measures aimed at assisting struggling ratepayers.

He said residential properties valued at up to R350 000 will be fully exempt from paying rates. Additional relief will also be available, upon application, to owners of properties valued between R350 000 and R750 000, provided total household income does not exceed R7 000 per month.

“Pensioners, child-headed households, disability grant recipients, and medically boarded property owners would also qualify for rates exemptions, where their annual rates do not exceed the maximum rebate threshold of R5 290,” the mayor said.

As part of the social relief package, qualifying households will receive the first six kilolitres of water free to properties valued below R350 000, while properties valued up to R350 000 will also be exempt from domestic refuse removal tariffs.

Infrastructure and service delivery projects

Xaba also announced several key service delivery projects planned for wards in Umlazi:

•    Ward 78: R3.7 million for housing and hostel construction.
•    Ward 80: R23 million for replacement of a waste management compaction unit.
•    Ward 81: R3.2 million for a housing project.
•    Ward 82: R4.3 million for refurbishment of the Umlazi Fire Station.
•    Ward 82: R15.2 million for traffic safety improvements and the Griffiths Mxenge Highway intersection upgrade.
•    Ward 83: R3.5 million for construction of a pedestrian bridge.
•    Ward 83: R24 million for housing and hostel development.
•    Ward 84: R4.5 million for construction of the Umlazi Community Hall.
•    Ward 86: R14 million for sanitation infrastructure repairs in the Y-Section.

The mayor said the municipality would continue addressing challenges related to electricity, roads, housing, water, and sanitation infrastructure, including implementing a coordinated plan to tackle sewer system issues across all wards.

Residents are invited to review the draft budget and IDP on the municipality’s website https://www.durban.gov.za and submit comments via email to comments2021@durban.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strengthens Angolan Oilfield Operations as Easy People Backs Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Sponsor

Source: APO – Report:

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Angola’s oil and gas sector is entering a new phase of digital acceleration, where artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and enterprise IT systems are becoming integral to operational performance. Within this transition, IT services and consulting company Easy People is positioning itself as a partner of choice for operators seeking to scale efficiency through digital solutions.

Easy People has been confirmed as a Silver Sponsor of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition, taking place September 9–10, with a pre-conference day on September 8. The sponsorship reflects its commitment to placing digital infrastructure at the forefront of Angola’s hydrocarbon development. Its participation comes amid a broader AI-driven evolution in the country, where digital tools are increasingly being deployed to address operational challenges across the oil and gas value chain.

With a target of sustaining crude production above one million barrels per day, Angolan operators are under pressure to reduce costs while improving efficiency. To balance these priorities, many are moving beyond traditional workflows toward integrated digital environments that optimize exploration, production and asset management. AI-enabled analytics, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring are beginning to reshape asset performance, particularly in complex offshore operations where inefficiencies can quickly translate into cost overruns.

One of the clearest examples of this shift is Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol. The company inaugurated a new corporate data center in 2026, consolidating previously fragmented systems into a single, high-security hub. Designed to centralize operational control, the facility supports Angola’s broader digital and energy transition agenda. By enabling faster processing of seismic and production data, it is helping move decision-making toward real-time, AI-enabled workflows and away from siloed legacy systems.

Angola’s Block 15 partners are also advancing AI-driven applications across operations. ExxonMobil is deploying autonomous drones for visual and acoustic inspections, reducing inspection times by around 60%. At Blocks 17 and 32, TotalEnergies is using Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications drone technology to measure methane emissions, while service providers such as Cabship are leveraging AI-powered software to improve operational visibility and accelerate decision-making.

Within this evolving ecosystem, Easy People plays a supporting but increasingly strategic role. By delivering scalable IT solutions tailored to operator needs, the company enables both major producers and independent players to integrate digital tools into core workflows. This is particularly relevant as independent operators expand their footprint in Angola and require flexible, cost-effective systems to remain competitive alongside larger incumbents.

AOG 2026 provides a platform to align these technology capabilities with industry demand. As Angola works to sustain production, address infrastructure constraints and improve project economics, digital transformation is emerging as a parallel priority alongside upstream investment. The participation of companies like Easy People reflects a broader recalibration in the sector: the next phase of Angola’s oil and gas growth will increasingly be shaped by data integration, systems intelligence and the operational application of AI.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Two fatal accidents on N1 near Bela-Bela under investigation

Source: Government of South Africa

Two fatal accidents on N1 near Bela-Bela under investigation

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that two separate fatal accidents on the N1 near Bela-Bela in Limpopo are under investigation, following a sequence of events involving the official vehicle of Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

According to a SAPS statement issued on Tuesday, the incident involving the Minister’s official vehicle occurred on Saturday, 9 May 2026. The state vehicle was being driven by a member of the Protection Security Services (PSS) at the time of the collision.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a woman was attempting to cross the highway with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back, when they were struck by the Minister’s vehicle.

Police said the family had reportedly been trying to reach the scene of an earlier accident on the same stretch of road, where the woman’s husband had allegedly been struck and killed by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer.

The mother and her baby sustained fatal injuries in the second collision and were declared dead. 

The second child survived, although authorities have not yet disclosed details about the child’s condition.

The SAPS said the Minister, his close protection officer and the driver of the official vehicle stopped immediately after the accident and remained at the scene until emergency services and police arrived.

“Statements were subsequently obtained from those present at the scene,” the SAPS said.

Authorities have opened two separate culpable homicide cases as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding both accidents.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation because both drivers involved in the incidents are members of the SAPS.

SAPS has extended its condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incidents as a tragic loss. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at Africa's Travel Indaba 2026, Nkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cllr Cyril Xaba,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers from across the African continent,
Leaders of tourism authorities from across our continent,
Exhibitors, buyers, members of the media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, 
 
Sanibonani. 
 
It is a joy to welcome you all to Durban, a city that embodies the spirit of African hospitality. 
 
This is a city where cultures meet and where Africa gathers once again to tell its tourism story. 
 
Today, as we open Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, we do so with a sense of pride.
 
We take pride in the resilience of the tourism sector. 
 
We take pride in the partnerships that have carried us through some of the most challenging years the global tourism industry has faced.
 
Tourism is more than a sector of the economy. It is a living expression of who we are as a people. 
 
Last year, South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors to our shores, a clear sign that the world is rediscovering our country with renewed enthusiasm. 
 
It is significant that three-quarters of international arrivals come from the SADC region. 
 
This tells us something important: Africans are choosing Africa. 
 
That is why South Africa is working with our neighbours to advance the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, which would enable seamless, borderless travel for tourists across SADC member states.
 
We are also working to expand our one-stop border posts and develop cross-border itineraries that showcase the richness of our region. 
 
When Africans travel within Africa, we strengthen our economies, deepen our cultural ties and build a more integrated continent. 
 
Earlier this year, in my State of the Nation Address, I made a call to our tourism industry, authorities and communities. I said:
 
“We must now promote unique cultural, historical and natural attractions that reflect the country’s identity.” 
 
I am greatly encouraged by the response to this call. 
 
Last month, we launched the upgraded Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct at the southernmost tip of Africa. 
 
This is where the warm Indian Ocean and cold Atlantic Ocean meet.
 
This follows the opening in June 2025 of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State’s Golden Highlands National Park, where the world’s oldest dinosaur embryo was discovered.
 
Since the launch of the centre more than 88,000 people have visited the site. 
 
The City of eThekwini has recently added two new attractions to its famous tourism offering. In March, we unveiled the statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo here in Durban. 
 
This demonstrates the importance of expanding and diversifying our tourism offering, catering to a broad range of domestic and international travellers.
 
The increases we have seen in tourism figures are not merely of statistical interest.
 
They represent families supported, small businesses revived and communities that are being uplifted. 
 
According to Statistics South Africa, the tourism sector accounts for nearly one million direct jobs in this country. 
 
This means that around 1 in 18 workers is directly employed in tourism. 
 
Africa’s Travel Indaba has become one of the most powerful platforms for tourism growth on the continent. 
 
Last year, about 10,000 delegates gathered here in Durban and more than 1,300 exhibitors showcased the best of African tourism. 
 
In itself, the Indaba contributes to local economic and social development.
 
The benefits are felt not only in boardrooms but also in small businesses, township enterprises and the homes of ordinary South Africans.
 
The benefits of this Indaba are felt across our country and aross the continent as new destinations are discovered and new linkages are formed.
 
Last year, South Africa had the honour of hosting the first ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil. 
 
That event was a declaration that Africa is ready to shape global conversations. 
 
During our G20 Presidency, we championed the priorities of the Global South, including sustainable tourism, infrastructure investment and equitable growth. 
 
The G20 year allowed us to pilot the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which is now being rolled out to simplify travel for millions of visitors. 
 
It is one of several reforms that are making South Africa and the continent more accessible, more competitive and more welcoming. 
 
Tourism cannot grow without connectivity. 
 
In South Africa and across the region, we have seen an increase in airline seat capacity over the last year.
 
This growth has been driven primarily by African and Asian routes, reflecting the rising demand for travel to our region. 
 
These developments are part of a broader continental movement, a recognition that Africa’s future lies in being connected to itself and to the world. 
 
As we look to the future, we must continue to diversify our source markets. 
 
We are strengthening our presence in China, India, Southeast Asia, Mexico and Brazil, all countries and regions with rapidly growing outbound travel markets. 
 
Our new visa reforms, including the Electronic Traveller Authorisation system and the Digital Nomad Visa, are designed to make travel easier and more seamless. 
 
We must nurture these relationships, expand air access and ensure our tourism products meet visitors’ expectations. 
 
It is fitting that Africa’s Travel Indaba is taking place in Africa Month.
 
We are reminded at this time that we are called to bring Africans closer together. 
 
We do so within the framework of the African Union’s African 2063 agenda which aims to enable all citizens in the continent to move freely. 
 
We do so to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to drive commerce, investment and trade between African countries.
 
Pan-Africanism is not only a political philosophy. 
 
It is a driver of economic progress. 
 
It is the foundation of our shared prosperity. 
 
At its heart, tourism is about people. 
 
It is about the young entrepreneur in Soweto who is building a digital platform for township experiences. 
 
It is about a rural cooperative in Limpopo that offers authentic cultural encounters. 
 
It is about the young innovators who are developing apps, safety tools and high-tech solutions that are reshaping the visitor experience. 
 
Our youth are not waiting for the future. They are creating it now. 
 
They are proving that tourism is not only about destinations but that it is about innovation, creativity and opportunity. 
 
Every conversation at this Indaba, every partnership formed, every idea shared, these are the building blocks of a continent that is rising, confident in its potential and united in its purpose. 
 
Let us continue to work together – as government, industry, communities and our young people – to ensure that this jewel called tourism continues to shine brightly for generations to come. 
 
Africa is not waiting. Africa is leading.

I thank you.