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Nigeria’s budget is treated like a government secret: how an online public monitoring system could fight corruption

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tolu Olarewaju, Economist and Postgraduate Supervisor, University of Lancashire; Keele University

Nigerians have no reliable way of scrutinising the national budget. The citizen’s portal of the Nigerian Budget Office of the Federation is often offline, and when it is online, it is highly technical and difficult for ordinary citizens to understand.

Data on the Nigerian budget sourced elsewhere online is also frequently hard to find and incomplete. As a result, the Nigerian budget is treated like a government secret and Nigerian citizens are unable to effectively scrutinise the government’s income and expenditure decisions.

My research shows that this disrupts the social contract between the citizens and the government of Nigeria and creates an opportunity for corruption.

The World Justice Project estimates that corruption has cost the Nigerian economy more than US$550 billion since 1960. And a report by the accounting firm PwC shows that corruption in Nigeria could cost up to 37% of the nation’s GDP by 2030 if it’s not dealt with immediately.

I am an economist whose research focuses on poverty and corruption reduction. In a recent paper, I show how secrecy fuels corruption in the management of Nigeria’s finances. I set out how citizen monitoring and digital engagement can enhance transparency and accountability.

I also identify some obstacles to making this a reality in Nigeria. These include technical capacity limitations, weak enforcement mechanisms, and political resistance.

To overcome these challenges, the government must invest in digital infrastructure. Fostering civic engagement and independent oversight, too, can ensure sustained accountability and effective implementation.

Budgetary secrecy and corruption in Nigeria

The Open Budget Survey is produced by the International Budget Partnership. It provides the main global assessment of budget accountability in the world and evaluates:

  • public participation: formal and meaningful opportunities for the public to engage in the national budget process

  • oversight: institutions such as the legislature, national audit office and independent bodies

  • transparency: comprehensive budget information, made available to the public in a timely and accessible manner.

Nigeria performed poorly in the 2023 survey. It scored 19/100 in public participation, 61/100 in oversight, and 31/100 in transparency. It ranked 92 out of 125 countries. This was below several African peers and the global average of 45.

This marks a decline from 2021. Nigeria scored higher then in public participation (26) and transparency (45), while oversight has remained unchanged.

The drop is largely due to the government’s failure to publish key fiscal reports on time. These include in-year reports and mid-year reviews.

The source of the problem

My research found that government budgetary secrecy and corruption in Nigeria have historical roots. They stem from the era of colonial taxation, when colonialists collected taxes but didn’t invest in the people’s wellbeing.

But these bad practices have intensified since independence. About 47% of Nigeria’s 232.68 million people live in multidimensional poverty. This is a clear sign that Nigeria is not spending its resources wisely. Development, job creation and service delivery are all lacking.

My research found that even when funds are budgeted, secrecy facilitates fraud in a number of ways.

The first way is through vaguely specified budgeted projects. Many projects are listed without quantity or location. They use terms like “empowerment and sensitisation” or “provision of infrastructure”.

Secondly, through the budgeting of non-beneficial initiatives. Nigeria’s approved federal budget for 2025 included US$1.5 billion for health, US$2.5 billion for education and US$1.7 billion for agriculture. However, a whopping US$17 billion was allocated for the presidency.

Thirdly, through inflated figures for budgeted items. For example, the purchase of a car for ₦375 million (US$278,000).

Fourth, through the under-delivery and abandonment of projects.

Nigeria’s budgetary corruption is reinforced by a complex three-tier system of budgeting at the federal, state, and local government levels.

  • At the federal level, the budget is prepared by the executive (president and ministries). It is coordinated by the Budget Office, approved by the National Assembly, and enacted as the “Appropriation Act”. However, limited and delayed fiscal disclosures enable budget padding, vague allocations, and weak expenditure tracking.

  • At the state level, budgets are prepared by governors and state ministries. They are approved by the State Houses of Assembly, focusing on state needs. However, inconsistent publication of budgets and reports at this level makes it difficult to monitor spending and creates room for misallocation.

  • At the local level, budgets are prepared by local government officials. However, they are heavily influenced by state governments and approved by local councils. Here, a lack of financial autonomy and state control over funds leads to diversion, ghost projects, and minimal accountability to citizens.

The solution

The Nigerian government says it also has an Open Treasury Portal that provides transparency in its budgeting system. My research shows that this platform also suffers from technical glitches, incomplete data, and low enforcement.

BudgIT, a Nigerian civic technology organisation, uses data visualisation and storytelling to try to make the government budget more accessible to citizens, but its impact is also limited by insufficient data availability.

Advances in information technology make it possible for Nigeria to build a real-time online government budget system that the public can access and monitor. This would cover financial statements and reports across federal, state and local governments. Nigerians could also use a system like this to vote on projects the government should focus on.

South Korea has a similar model. Known as the Digital Budget and Accounting System (dBrain), it is a fully integrated system for budget planning, execution and monitoring of government finances across agencies in real time.

Another country, Georgia, has an e-budget transparency system. It provides real-time budget execution data and is integrated with the goverment’s e-procurement and treasury systems.

The US also has the USAspending.gov service, which tracks federal spending in real time and provides publicly accessible and searchable data on what the federal government spends.

Importantly, real-time online budget monitoring enables quick detection of corruption, but its effectiveness depends on clear and consistently enforced penalties.

What needs to be done

An online government budget system which the public could monitor would improve transparency and accountability in Nigeria. Technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning systems and Integrated Financial Management Information systems enable real-time budget tracking and integrated financial management. Blockchain can further strengthen transparency through secure records. Also, cloud computing can improve accessibility and data security.

Data analytics and AI can enhance forecasting, automate monitoring, and improve decision-making. This would make budgeting more efficient, transparent and responsive.

The Nigeria Tax Administration Act has introduced a digital tax system requiring Nigerian taxpayers to keep accurate transaction records.

The Nigerian government aims to use this to improve efficiency, accuracy and transparency in its tax system. The government should implement a similar system for all its own financial transactions.

– Nigeria’s budget is treated like a government secret: how an online public monitoring system could fight corruption
– https://theconversation.com/nigerias-budget-is-treated-like-a-government-secret-how-an-online-public-monitoring-system-could-fight-corruption-280503

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Qatar Condemns Israeli Occupation Attack on Global Sumud Flotilla

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | April 30, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the Israeli occupation attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing it as a flagrant violation of international law and maritime security, and an extension of the unjust blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the occupation’s approach of besieging Palestinian people by closing crossings, targeting humanitarian aid convoys, and using food as a weapon will further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza.

In this context, the ministry stresses the need for the international community to act firmly to compel the occupation to open the crossings, lift illegal restrictions on the flow of aid, and ensure protection for the Palestinian people.

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Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme to be launched this week

Source: Government of South Africa

Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme to be launched this week

The Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme will be launched later this week at the Moletsane Sports Complex in Soweto.

South Africa records with some 5 700 cases of cervical cancer each year while 3000 women die from cervical cancer-related complications.

However, with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, regular screening, and early treatment, lives can be saved.

“Each year we spend millions of Rands to treat women suffering from cervical cancer. This is a global disease that is the second biggest killer of women after breast cancer.

“Fortunately, unlike with breast cancer, there is a formula to eradicate it. The formula provides, among other actions, that 90% of girls between the ages of 9 to 15 year be vaccinated with HPV vaccine. This year, we are launching a huge campaign to eradicate this cancer.

“The most vital part of the campaign is this vaccination campaign. We plead to parents to give consent [for] their children to be vaccinated. In so doing, they will be saving the lives of their own children,” Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said in a recent post on social media platform X.

Earlier this year, the department launched the 2026 HPV vaccination drive aimed at vaccinating girls aged 9 years and older to protect them from developing cervical cancer later in life.

“The HPV vaccine is safe and most effective when provided from age nine or before girls become sexually active. In South Africa, the HPV vaccination was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority in 2008 for its efficacy and safety. Millions of girls in South Africa have received the HPV vaccine without any serious side effects.

“The success of the campaign to protect girls from this preventable, yet deadly disease hinges on stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly parents and caregivers, who are required to complete the vaccination consent forms issued by schools to eligible girl learners,” the department explained.

The programme will be launched on Friday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister Gwarube calls for urgent Africa-wide investment in early childhood development

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Gwarube calls for urgent Africa-wide investment in early childhood development

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has called for urgent and sustained investment in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as a critical foundation for improving learning outcomes, advancing gender equality, and driving long-term economic growth across Africa. 

Speaking at the Southern and East Africa Regional Childcare Conference on Monday, which she co-hosted with the World Bank, the Minister emphasised that inequalities in education outcomes begin long before children enter formal schooling.  

She illustrated this through the contrasting experiences of two children, one who benefited from early learning and support, and another who did not, highlighting that disparities in opportunity, not ability, determine educational success. 

The Minister noted that more than 60% of South African children are not developmentally on track by the age of five, while 7% suffer from stunting due to malnutrition. 

These early setbacks significantly undermine children’s ability to learn and thrive in later years. 

“Learning does not begin in Grade 1. It begins in the earliest years of a child’s life. If we fail to act during this critical window, we entrench inequality before formal education even begins,” Minister Gwarube said. 

She reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening early childhood care and education, highlighting key interventions already underway. 

These include the registration of over 13 300 early childhood development centres in a single year, exceeding national targets and the allocation of R10 billion over three years to support ECD subsidies. 

Government is also partnering with the private sector and philanthropic organisations to raise R496 million to expand access to quality childcare, particularly in underserved rural areas.  

The Minister underscored that childcare is a social priority as well as an economic imperative. Access to affordable and reliable childcare enables more women to participate in the workforce, contributing to broader economic growth and stability. 

She further called for stronger regional collaboration, stressing that no country can address early childhood development challenges in isolation. 

The conference provides an opportunity for countries across Southern and East Africa to share best practices, align on quality standards, and develop scalable, inclusive childcare systems. 

With Africa’s young population presenting a significant demographic opportunity, the Minister warned that this potential can only be realised through deliberate investment in children’s early years. 

“The measure of our success must be the number of children who arrive at school ready to learn, to thrive, and to succeed,” she said. 

The Minister concluded by urging stakeholders to move beyond commitments and towards concrete action, emphasising that the future of the continent depends on the decisions made today. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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A African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 lança uma plataforma dedicada à Inteligência Artificial (IA) e aos centros de dados, fazendo a ponte entre a transformação digital e energética de África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Conferência e Exposição da African Energy Week (AEW) — que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo — acolherá a primeira Faixa de IA e Centros de Dados de sempre, posicionando o continente na intersecção entre a expansão da infraestrutura digital e a transformação do sistema energético. Liderada pela Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org), a faixa foi concebida como uma plataforma para alinhar decisores políticos, investidores e intervenientes tecnológicos em torno de uma estratégia unificada para aumentar a produção de energia através de uma procura orientada por dados. À medida que África avança para reforçar a segurança energética, a próxima sessão irá demonstrar como os investimentos impulsionados pela IA podem apoiar o continente nos seus esforços para tornar a pobreza energética uma coisa do passado. 

A introdução da sessão dedicada à IA e aos Centros de Dados reflete uma mudança estrutural que já está em curso nos mercados energéticos globais. Os centros de dados — impulsionados pela inteligência artificial, computação em nuvem e serviços digitais — estão a tornar-se rapidamente uma das maiores fontes de procura incremental de eletricidade. A nível global, prevê-se que a procura de alimentação ininterrupta apenas para equipamento de TI atinja os 249 GW até 2030, com a capacidade instalada total a subir para 374 GW.

Embora a penetração dos centros de dados em África tenha sido comparativamente mais lenta, o investimento está a aumentar gradualmente nestas áreas. A África do Sul lidera a expansão dos centros de dados no continente, com zonas de nuvem da Microsoft e da AWS já em funcionamento e a Google a seguir-se. O Quénia tem cerca de 40 MW de capacidade de carga de TI e uma CAGR projetada de 30% até 2028. Apesar deste progresso, são necessários mais investimentos para acompanhar o ritmo da evolução digital de África. Notavelmente, espera-se que a utilização de dados quadruplique por telemóvel até 2028, enquanto a IA generativa e a aprendizagem automática estão a influenciar a procura. 

Embora a Europa tenha atendido grande parte da procura digital de África, os crescentes requisitos de latência e as regulamentações cada vez mais rigorosas em matéria de soberania de dados estão a motivar uma mudança para centros de dados nacionais — reforçando ainda mais o argumento a favor do investimento. Isto acontece num momento em que a procura de energia em África continua a aumentar e prevê-se que mais do que duplique até 2040. Neste contexto, África representa tanto um mercado de fronteira como uma oportunidade estratégica — e uma região onde o crescimento da procura de energia pode ser moldado, em vez de adaptado, em torno da infraestrutura digital emergente.

«África tem uma oportunidade única de ultrapassar os sistemas legados, alinhando o seu crescimento energético com a economia digital. Os centros de dados e a IA não são apenas consumidores de energia — são catalisadores de investimento, inovação e acesso. Se estruturarmos isto corretamente, não estaremos apenas a alimentar servidores; estaremos a alimentar economias e a colmatar a lacuna de acesso à energia em grande escala. Vamos iniciar uma revolução dos centros de dados e da IA na Cidade do Cabo», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC.

A vertente de IA e Centros de Dados da AEW 2026 posiciona a evolução digital de África como âncora para a expansão energética do continente. As oportunidades são duplas. Em primeiro lugar, estes centros requerem grandes volumes de eletricidade fiável e ininterrupta, criando assim uma procura previsível e rentável para os investidores em energia. Em segundo lugar, reforçam a necessidade de nova capacidade de geração e expansão da rede, fortalecendo os sistemas energéticos nacionais e introduzindo fontes de energia acessíveis nos mercados locais.

É aqui que a plataforma da AEC procura reformular a narrativa. Em vez de tratar os centros de dados como projetos de infraestruturas isolados, a nova vertente posiciona-os como uma procura âncora capaz de desbloquear a produção de energia em grande escala. Demonstrando a mentalidade inovadora da AEC, a plataforma abordará também os quadros regulamentares e fiscais, com a Câmara a trabalhar com os governos para implementar as políticas adequadas que impulsionarão a expansão dos centros de dados, da IA e da energia. A Câmara já envolveu empresas de classe mundial no desenvolvimento da plataforma, garantindo a conformidade e o alinhamento com a dinâmica do setor.

Ao integrar a agenda da IA e dos centros de dados na AEW 2026, a AEC está efetivamente a integrar a infraestrutura digital no discurso energético dominante. À medida que a procura global de energia é cada vez mais moldada pela infraestrutura digital, África está a posicionar-se para captar essa procura – e, ao fazê-lo, remodelar a sua própria trajetória energética.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Launches Artificial intelligence (AI) and Data Center Platform, Bridging Africa’s Digital and Energy Transformation

Source: APO


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The African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition – taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town – will host the first-ever AI and Data Center Track, positioning the continent at the intersection of digital infrastructure expansion and energy system transformation. Led by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org), the track is designed as a platform to align policymakers, investors and technology players around a unified strategy for scaling power generation through data-driven demand. As Africa moves to strengthen energy security, the upcoming track will demonstrate how AI-driven investments can support the continent as it strives to make energy poverty history. 

The introduction of the AI and Data Center Track reflects a structural shift that is already underway across global energy markets. Data centers – driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services – are rapidly becoming one of the largest sources of incremental electricity demand. Globally, the demand for uninterruptible power supply for IT equipment alone is forecast to reach 249 GW by 2030, with total installed capacity expected to climb to 374 GW.

While the penetration of data centers in Africa has been comparably slower, investment is gradually increasing in these areas. South Africa is leading the continent’s data center expansion, with cloud zones from Microsoft and AWS already live and Google expected to follow. Kenya has around 40 MW of IT load capacity and a projected 30% CAGR through 2028. Despite this progress, more investment is required to keep up with the pace of Africa’s digital evolution. Notably, data usage is expected to quadruple per mobile by 2028, while generative AI and machine learning are impacting demand.  

While Europe has serviced much of Africa’s digital demand, rising latency requirements and growing data sovereignty regulations are motivating a shift to domestic data centers – strengthening the investment case even further. This comes as African energy demand continues to rise and is projected to more than double by 2040. In this context, Africa represents both a frontier market and a strategic opportunity – and a region where energy demand growth can be shaped, rather than retrofitted, around emerging digital infrastructure.

“Africa has a unique opportunity to leapfrog legacy systems by aligning its energy growth with the digital economy. Data centers and AI are not just consumers of power – they are catalysts for investment, innovation and access. If we structure this correctly, we are not just powering servers; we are powering economies and closing the energy access gap at scale. We will start a data center and AI revolution in Cape Town,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

The AEW 2026 AI and Data Center Track positions Africa’s digital evolution as an anchor for the continent’s energy expansion. The opportunities are two-fold. Firstly, these centers require large volumes of reliable, uninterrupted electricity, therefore creating predictable and bankable demand for energy investors. Secondly, they strengthen the case for new generation capacity and grid expansion, strengthening national energy systems and introducing affordable sources of power to local markets.

This is where the AEC’s platform is attempting to reframe the narrative. Rather than treating data centers as isolated infrastructure projects, the new track positions them as anchor demand capable of unlocking large-scale power generation. Showcasing the AEC’s innovative mindset, the platform will also tackle regulatory and fiscal frameworks, with the Chamber working with governments to implement the right kind of policies that will drive data center, AI and energy expansion. The Chamber has already engaged world class companies to develop the platform, ensuring compliance and alignment with industry dynamics.

By embedding the AI and data center agenda within AEW 2026, the AEC is effectively integrating digital infrastructure into mainstream energy discourse. As global energy demand becomes increasingly shaped by digital infrastructure, Africa is positioning itself to capture that demand – and, in doing so, reshape its own energy trajectory.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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GWM Global All-Scenario Test Drive: Finding Answers for the World, in China

Source: APO

During the Beijing Auto Show, GWM (www.GWM-Global.com) hosted an unprecedented global test drive event at its global R&D Center and proving ground. The program brought together leading automotive media from international markets and key dealer partners to experience GWM’s latest lineup, including the ORA 5, WEY V9X, TANK 700, and WEY G9—spanning hybrid, pure electric, and internal combustion powertrains.

By organizing a large-scale global driving experience at its headquarters, GWM aims to present the full strength of its product portfolio to international markets, while demonstrating its commitment to offering consumers genuine freedom of choice.

Global Adaptability Across All Powertrains

For many overseas consumers, doubts about Chinese brands rarely center on technical specifications. Instead, they come down to a deeper concern: trust. Laboratory data is often obtained under ideal conditions, but real-world vehicle performance—especially under extreme environments and complex scenarios—requires tangible validation.

By hosting this event on its “home ground,” GWM seeks to build confidence through transparent, real-world testing.

After experiencing the TANK 300 on a professional off-road course, one automotive editor commented:“GWM’s Hi4T new energy off-road powertrain is highly impressive. The brand places strong emphasis on driving feel, and GWM off-road grading system can provide valuable guidance for beginners. It aligns perfectly with evolving consumer expectations today.”

The event featured multiple dedicated modules, including track driving, off-road terrain challenges, and intelligent driving assistance scenarios—each designed to replicate typical usage conditions across global markets.

During the dealer test drives, a representative from Australia noted: “Overseas customers have high expectations for all-wheel-drive capability and off-road performance. The Hi4 system left a strong impression on me—especially its torque vectoring response, which is much quicker than I anticipated. It inspires great confidence when cornering.”

A participant from Southeast Asia highlighted another perspective: “Traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur and flooded roads during heavy rain in Bangkok are among the most common concerns from our customers. The Hi4 system’s smoothness under frequent stop-and-go conditions, as well as its vehicle stability on waterlogged roads, exceeded my previous expectations of Chinese brands.”

Intelligent Driving, Ready to Adapt to Local Markets

Among the most closely watched elements of the event was the urban NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) system featured on the WEY G9 and WEY V9X.

The test took place on real urban roads in China, including construction detours, mixed traffic with electric two-wheelers, complex intersections, and unprotected left turns—some of the most challenging everyday driving scenarios.

One international automotive content creator completed the entire urban NOA route without manual intervention and remarked: “This is incredible. We’re not talking about a controlled test track—the city environment is extremely complex, with a wide range of road users. The system’s ability to recognize and predict their behavior exceeded my expectations.”

Another journalist observed: “The core concern among overseas consumers is whether Chinese intelligent driving technologies can truly function in foreign markets. This real-world test showed that the system already covers pretty much every scenario you can think of, so we can easily roll it out in our local market.”

In a lighter moment, media representatives from Morocco used the WEY G9’s intelligent cockpit audio system to perform Adele’s “Someone Like You.” The clear high notes and rich vocal reproduction quickly drew a crowd—offering a vivid demonstration of the vehicle’s product quality through sound.

Dealers: Long-Term Commitment Matters Most

Alongside the test drives, GWM organized in-depth exchanges between dealers and media, underscoring its openness to feedback and commitment to listening.

A dealer representative commented: “European consumers are beginning to take notice of GWM, but their main concern is whether the brand will have a long-term presence in Europe. This event helped me find my own answer. Customers don’t just want products; they want to know the company’s technical ability and adaptability. What I’ve seen today gives me real confidence in GWM’s ‘integrity’ — or in other words, their work ethic and long-term global strategy.”

This was not a one-way narrative of a Chinese brand showcasing its products to the world, but a genuine two-way validation.

As the event concluded, GWM summarized its intent with a clear message: “We didn’t invite you here simply to demonstrate our product strength or to ask for praise. We invited you to give us honest feedback—so we can build better products for consumers in your local markets.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GWM.

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Government reaffirms commitment to media freedom

Source: Government of South Africa

Government reaffirms commitment to media freedom

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a free and vibrant press in South Africa.

The commitment coincides with the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, observed this year under the theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”

South Africa remains the highest-ranked country in Africa in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, placing 21st out of 180 countries globally.

“This year’s World Press Freedom Day is a call to harness the power of the media to shape narratives that promote discourse on global peace and human rights.

“Government commends media institutions committed to fair and ethical journalism and emphasises the responsibility to provide accurate and verified information,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Sunday. –SAnews.gov.za

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 lance une plateforme dédiée à Intelligence Artificielle (IA) et aux centres de données, faisant le lien entre la transformation numérique et énergétique de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La conférence et le salon African Energy Week (AEW), qui se tiendront du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, accueilleront le tout premier volet consacré à l’IA et aux centres de données, plaçant le continent à la croisée de l’expansion des infrastructures numériques et de la transformation du système énergétique. Dirigé par la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org), ce volet est conçu comme une plateforme visant à aligner les décideurs politiques, les investisseurs et les acteurs technologiques autour d’une stratégie unifiée pour développer la production d’électricité grâce à une demande fondée sur les données. Alors que l’Afrique s’efforce de renforcer sa sécurité énergétique, ce nouveau volet démontrera comment les investissements axés sur l’IA peuvent soutenir le continent dans sa lutte pour éradiquer la pauvreté énergétique. 

La mise en place du volet « IA et centres de données » reflète une évolution structurelle déjà en cours sur les marchés énergétiques mondiaux. Les centres de données – alimentés par l’intelligence artificielle, le cloud computing et les services numériques – sont en passe de devenir l’une des principales sources de croissance de la demande en électricité. À l’échelle mondiale, la demande en alimentation électrique sans coupure pour les équipements informatiques devrait atteindre 249 GW d’ici 2030, la capacité installée totale devant grimper à 374 GW.

Si la pénétration des centres de données en Afrique a été relativement plus lente, les investissements augmentent progressivement dans ces domaines. L’Afrique du Sud est à la tête de l’expansion des centres de données sur le continent, avec des zones cloud de Microsoft et AWS déjà opérationnelles et Google qui devrait suivre. Le Kenya dispose d’une capacité de charge informatique d’environ 40 MW et d’un TCAC prévu de 30 % jusqu’en 2028. Malgré ces progrès, des investissements supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour suivre le rythme de l’évolution numérique de l’Afrique. Il convient de noter que l’utilisation des données devrait quadrupler par appareil mobile d’ici 2028, tandis que l’IA générative et l’apprentissage automatique ont un impact sur la demande. 

Alors que l’Europe a répondu à une grande partie de la demande numérique de l’Afrique, les exigences croissantes en matière de latence et le renforcement des réglementations sur la souveraineté des données incitent à se tourner vers des centres de données nationaux, ce qui renforce encore davantage l’argument en faveur de l’investissement. Cette évolution intervient alors que la demande énergétique africaine continue d’augmenter et devrait plus que doubler d’ici 2040. Dans ce contexte, l’Afrique représente à la fois un marché de pointe et une opportunité stratégique – ainsi qu’une région où la croissance de la demande énergétique peut être façonnée, plutôt que adaptée a posteriori, autour des infrastructures numériques émergentes.

« L’Afrique dispose d’une occasion unique de dépasser les systèmes hérités en alignant sa croissance énergétique sur l’économie numérique. Les centres de données et l’IA ne sont pas seulement des consommateurs d’énergie : ce sont des catalyseurs d’investissement, d’innovation et d’accès. Si nous structurons cela correctement, nous n’alimentons pas seulement des serveurs ; nous alimentons des économies et comblons le fossé d’accès à l’énergie à grande échelle. Nous allons lancer une révolution des centres de données et de l’IA au Cap », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

Le volet « IA et centres de données » de l’AEW 2026 positionne l’évolution numérique de l’Afrique comme un pilier de l’expansion énergétique du continent. Les opportunités sont doubles. Premièrement, ces centres nécessitent de grands volumes d’électricité fiable et ininterrompue, créant ainsi une demande prévisible et bancable pour les investisseurs énergétiques. Deuxièmement, ils renforcent l’argument en faveur de nouvelles capacités de production et de l’extension du réseau, consolidant les systèmes énergétiques nationaux et introduisant des sources d’énergie abordables sur les marchés locaux.

C’est là que la plateforme de l’AEC tente de redéfinir le discours. Plutôt que de traiter les centres de données comme des projets d’infrastructure isolés, ce nouveau volet les positionne comme une demande phare capable de débloquer une production d’électricité à grande échelle. Témoignant de l’esprit novateur de l’AEC, la plateforme abordera également les cadres réglementaires et fiscaux, la Chambre travaillant avec les gouvernements pour mettre en œuvre les politiques appropriées qui stimuleront l’expansion des centres de données, de l’IA et de l’énergie. La Chambre a déjà fait appel à des entreprises de classe mondiale pour développer la plateforme, garantissant ainsi la conformité et l’alignement avec la dynamique du secteur.

En intégrant le programme relatif à l’IA et aux centres de données au sein de l’AEW 2026, l’AEC intègre efficacement les infrastructures numériques dans le discours énergétique dominant. Alors que la demande énergétique mondiale est de plus en plus façonnée par les infrastructures numériques, l’Afrique se positionne pour capter cette demande – et, ce faisant, redéfinir sa propre trajectoire énergétique.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Africa’s Travel Indaba to drive economic growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Africa’s Travel Indaba to drive economic growth

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says Africa’s Travel Indaba is a powerful celebration of the continent’s extraordinary potential to drive economic growth through tourism.

“This is where travel industry professionals gather, including tour operators, hotels, airlines and tourism boards to showcase products, network, negotiate deals and form partnerships with buyers,” De Lille said on Monday.

Speaking at the media launch of Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban this morning, De Lille said President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open the indaba on Tuesday, 12 May.

The indaba will be held from the 12 -13 May in Durban under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”.

“[The President’s presence] reflects the strategic importance of tourism at the highest level of government and affirms our collective understanding that tourism is not peripheral to economic growth; it is central to it,” she said.

De Lille said Africa’s tourism economy is poised for extraordinary growth.

“The tourism sector remains one of the continent’s most powerful economic contributors. Through the geographic spread of tourism, the sector creates job opportunities and stimulates investment even in the most remote villages.

“Here in South Africa, domestic tourism continues to be the backbone of the sector. Between January and February 2026, total trips grew by 35.6% when compared to the previous year.

“Equally important are meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), which continue to contribute immensely towards the range of the country’s tourism offerings.”

De Lille said South Africa is world-renowned for hosting events. 

“Hosting major business events injects billions into the GDP and drives tourism beyond leisure.”

The Minister described tourism as a “soft power asset”, which has the ability to shape international perception. “Tourism is a gateway sector for investment, influencing investor confidence, country image and new project development.

“It is for this reason that the Inaugural Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, held in September 2025, launched eight bankable projects worth approximately R1 billion, with three of them already securing funding.”

De Lille said some recent major investments in the tourism sector include the R24 billion V&A Waterfront expansion. 

According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa Report, in 2024, the tourism sector accounted for 953 981 direct jobs. This means 1 in 18 workers was directly employed in tourism.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar.

It showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracts international buyers and media from across the world. Africa’s Travel Indaba is owned by South African Tourism.

According to the organisers of Africa’s Travel Indaba, the indaba has won the award for Africa’s Best Travel and Tourism Show for two years in a row. This award was presented by the Association of World Travel Awards. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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