Posts

Posted on

Government moves to ban harmful captive lion breeding practices

Source: Government of South Africa

Government moves to ban harmful captive lion breeding practices

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is taking decisive action to phase out harmful captive lion breeding practices and reinforcing animal well-being through updated regulations, as part of ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s wildlife.

The department has announced significant progress toward the publication of a Prohibition Notice that will ban the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities in South Africa.

This decisive step forms part of broader efforts to phase out intensive breeding practices for commercial gain and to strengthen the country’s biodiversity laws under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004.

“This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation. By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing critical animal well-being provisions in the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations to be published in due course, we are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa’s natural heritage and address concerns raised by the public, conservation experts, and stakeholders,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Tuesday.

The Lion Prohibition Notice implements a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report and in line with the objectives of the Policy Position on the conservation and Sustainable use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. 

The Notice prohibits the establishment of new captive lion facilities for commercial purposes, aligning with global conservation standards and ethical wildlife management practices.

Since the Notice was tabled before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 10 June 2025, the required 30-day consideration period has passed.

The Minister said the department has completed critical administrative steps for promulgation by the Executive Authority.

Additionally, the department is engaging provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A (3) of NEM:BA to facilitate implementation of this Prohibition Notice. 

The Minister will provide further updates at stakeholder engagements, including the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting in Kruger National Park. 

“We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal wellbeing, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement. The department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay, ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa’s wildlife,” George said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

39 views

Posted on

Angola faz avaliação sobre direitos e proteção dos consumidores focando em reformas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

Angola deu um passo importante para reforçar os direitos dos consumidores com o apoio da Conferência das Nações Unidas sobre Comércio e Desenvolvimento, Unctad.

Com isso se tornou o primeiro país de língua portuguesa na África a passar por uma avaliação voluntária pelos pares da legislação e das políticas em matéria de proteção dos consumidores, liderada pela Unctad e por parceiros globais.

Mercados mais justos

A iniciativa foi ressaltada durante a Conferência da ONU sobre Concorrência e Proteção do Consumidor, que ocorreu no início deste mês. A participação de Angola revela a decisão do país de construir mercados mais justos e inclusivos com base em sua cooperação internacional.

Angola tem atualmente 36 milhões de habitantes numa economia que cresce rapidamente.

Para o diretor-geral adjunto do Instituto Nacional de Defesa do Consumidor em Angola, Wuassamba Neto, a revisão confere ao país uma oportunidade de acelerar a proteção do consumidor ancorada nas melhores práticas internacionais.

O objetivo é promover a confiança nos mercados e não deixar ninguém para trás.

Cooperação Sul-Sul e Norte-Sul

A revisão da Unctad segue instituições governamentais e especialistas de países como Brasil, Portugal e África do Sul. Todos foram convocados pela Unctad, para examinar os quadros jurídicos e institucionais de Angola e oferecer um conjunto claro de recomendações.

A análise de Angola recomenda atualizações jurídicas e políticas fundamentais, incluindo modernizar a lei atual de proteção do consumidor, aprovada em 2003, para incluir aumento do comércio eletrônico e dos serviços digitais; reforçar os direitos dos consumidores em serviços públicos essenciais, como água, energia e telecomunicações e aumentar a transparência nos contratos para responsabilizar as empresas.

Apenas 39% com acesso à internet

A proposta também recomenda incluir a integração dos direitos do consumidor nos programas escolares. 

Em Angola, apenas 39% da população tem acesso à Internet e os serviços podem variar muito entre as 21 províncias e as várias línguas locais.

A revisão voluntária também propõe reformas jurídicas, institucionais e operacionais. Esta última criaria um portal centralizado de proteção ao consumidor e de campanhas públicas.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

Posted on

President Ramaphosa appoints acting Minister of Police

Source: APO – Report:

.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, as Acting Minister of Police with immediate effect.

Minister Mantashe will serve in this capacity until Prof Firoz Cachalia, who will retire from his position at the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month, assumes his position at the start of August.

Minister Mantashe will retain his responsibilities as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Posted on

Visit of Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS (PM)] to Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa

Source: APO – Report:

.

Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [Mos (PM)] will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho from 18-22 July 2025 and to the Republic of South Africa from 23-25 July 2025.

2.​ During his visit to Eswatini, MoS (PM) is scheduled to pay courtesy call on His Majesty King Mswati III and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He is expected to hold meeting with Foreign Minister of Eswatini to discuss matters of mutual interest and to review the progress of bilateral relations. The visit will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade & investment, capacity building, development partnership and people-to-people exchanges. MoS (PM) will also engage with the Indian diaspora and participate in events highlighting India’s development partnership initiatives in Eswatini. This visit is expected to further enhance the longstanding and friendly relations between India and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

3. ​In the Kingdom of Lesotho, MoS (PM) is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III, and the Right Honourable Mr. Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Lesotho. MoS will also have bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is expected to meet the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology & Innovation, the Minister of Education & Training, and the Minister of Labour and Employment in Maseru. This Ministerial visit to Kingdom of Lesotho is being undertaken after a gap of 10 years following the first-ever Ministerial visit from India to Lesotho by Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) Culture, Tourism & MoS for Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, on 9 July 2015 as Special Envoy of Hon’ble Prime Minister to deliver invitations for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit to the leadership of the Government of Lesotho.

4.​ In South Africa, MoS (PM) will lead a delegation to participate in the upcoming G-20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) on 24-25 July 2025 in Skukuza, South Africa and is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with the South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon’ble Ms. Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa and other Ministers responsible for Development and Heads of Delegations of other G20 Members, invited countries and International Organizations participating in the DMM.

5. ​MoS (PM) is also expected to have bilateral engagements and interactions with prominent leaders of businesses and members of the Indian community in Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa.

– on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

Posted on

Official Launch of the African Union Fellowship Programme on Disarmament and Non- Proliferation

Source: APO – Report:

.

The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, on behalf of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the Commission officially launched the African Union Fellowship Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation on 15 July 2025. He was joined by Amb. Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council for the month of July and Amb. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union.

The AU Fellowship Programme was established following the decision by the AU Peace and Security Council in May 2024 and it represents not only a training initiative but a strategic investment in nurturing the next generation of African peacemakers, negotiators, and disarmament specialists.

The programme is designed to equip participants with knowledge on multilateral arms control frameworks, sharpen their diplomatic negotiation skills, and strengthen their capacity to broker mutual agreements between and among states. These efforts are intended to advance regional stability, limit the proliferation of weapons and promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology in Africa with the over-arching view to contribute to global peace and security.

The target groups for the programme include diplomats from AU Member States, AU Special Envoys, High Representatives, Special Representatives of the Chairperson of the Commission, AU Mediators, Heads of AU Missions and other Strategic-level Leaders. It also extends to individuals working in the disarmament field across Africa, as well as representatives from civil society, academia, policy makers, practitioners, and international partners.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Posted on

Qatar’s Minister Of Labor Pays Courtesy Visit To Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, Reaffirms Bilateral Cooperation

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Minister of Labor of the State of Qatar, Dr. Ali Bin Sammikh Marri, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown, reaffirming his country’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Sierra Leone, particularly in the areas of labor and employment.

Introducing the visiting delegation, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Labor and Employment, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, informed the President that the Qatari Minister was on an official visit to explore ways to expand collaboration between the two nations’ labor sectors.

“Your Excellency, I am pleased to introduce my counterpart, the Minister of Labor from Qatar, who is here to engage with us on strategic collaboration and deepen the ties between our two ministries,” Minister Swaray stated.

In his remarks, Dr. Ali Bin Sammikh Marri thanked President Bio for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He recounted his early academic exposure to Sierra Leone more than 30 years ago, noting with delight that he had finally visited the country he once studied.

“It is a pleasure to be in Sierra Leone,” he said. “Over 30 years ago, as a student, I was asked to write about Sierra Leone. Today, I am here in person, as Qatar’s Minister of Labor, to explore collaboration, especially in labor market policies. With Your Excellency now serving as Chairman of ECOWAS, we see an opportunity to align with your leadership in regional labor development and cooperation.”

Minister Marri also conveyed a message of congratulations on behalf of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to President Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“I bring you fraternal greetings and congratulations from your brother, the Emir of Qatar, on your recent appointment. We appreciate your hospitality and look forward to strengthening our bilateral ties,” he concluded.

In his response, President Bio warmly welcomed the Qatari Labor Minister and expressed appreciation for the visit and message from the Emir of Qatar. He noted that it was particularly meaningful that Dr. Marri, after writing about Sierra Leone three decades ago, was now visiting the country as a high-level representative of Qatar.

“Thank you very much for visiting. On behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, we welcome you,” President Bio said. “We have had a growing relationship with Qatar and look forward to expanding cooperation, especially in agriculture, education, and the digital economy, areas where we are investing heavily and seeing meaningful progress.”

President Bio also welcomed the opportunity to explore broader labor collaboration across the ECOWAS region during his tenure as Chairman and emphasized the importance of leveraging international partnerships to advance a common African interest.

“It is an exciting moment to lead ECOWAS, and I see it as an opportunity to further engage the international community on shared priorities for West Africa,” he concluded.

– on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Posted on

Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rehana Cassim, Professor in Company Law, University of South Africa

Bribery is one of the most common forms of corruption in South African companies and state institutions. This has a number of harmful outcomes.

Firstly, research shows that it weakens democracy and slows down economic growth. It also creates expensive barriers for honest businesses to succeed because it distorts fair competition. If bribery is not stopped or punished it has a demoralising effect, because it erodes trust and creates a culture where ethical conduct is undermined.

In 2024 a new law came into force in South Africa that puts a duty on companies to take proactive steps to prevent bribery. This law falls under a broader law dealing with corruption in South Africa.

The new provisions make it a crime for companies to fail to prevent bribery by an associated person. This is a major policy shift in South African anti-corruption law, and aligns with the United Kingdom’s anti-bribery legislation.

An associated person is anyone who performs services for the company. This can include suppliers, joint venture partners, distributors, consultants, and other professionals advising the company. It can even be other companies, like subsidiaries.

In my research I found that South Africa took inspiration from the United Kingdom (UK) Bribery Act 2010. The law makes it a criminal offence for commercial organisations to fail to prevent bribery by associated persons.

Despite some successes, enforcement of the UK Bribery Act has been slow and the volume of prosecutions has been low.

Based on my research into company conduct, given the current challenges in law enforcement and the low conviction rates for crimes of corruption, the new law might not work as well as hoped.

But with improved enforcement, it has potential to reduce bribery in South Africa.

What’s behind the new law?

The new addition to the law was introduced after a commission of inquiry found evidence of widespread bribery and corruption under former president Jacob Zuma.

For example, Angelo Agrizzi, former chief operating officer of African Global Operations (Pty) Ltd (formerly known as Bosasa), testified that Bosasa won about US$129 million in government tenders by paying about US$4 million in bribes to politicians and government officials. He said that every contract in which Bosasa was involved was linked to bribery and corruption.

The new law is designed to prevent this from happening.

If a person associated with a member of the private sector or an incorporated state-owned entity gives, agrees or offers to give a bribe (or gratification) to another person, the company could be held liable. This applies to companies as well as individuals, partnerships, trusts and other legal entities.

The bribe must be given by the associated person to get business for the company or to gain a business advantage for it. Importantly, a company can be found guilty even if it didn’t know about the bribe.

What counts as a bribe?

A bribe (or gratification) is not just money. It includes avoiding a loss or other disadvantage, releasing any obligation or liability, or giving any favour or advantage.

The bribe does not actually have to be given. It is enough if the associated person agrees or offers to give the bribe.

It is not clear yet if hospitality or promotional expenditures count as bribes.

Under the UK Bribery Act a hospitality payment is not regarded as a gratification unless it is disproportionate. In my view South Africa should follow the same approach.

For example, if paying for transport from the airport to a hotel for an on-site visit, taking clients to dinner, or giving them tickets to an event aligns with the norms for the industry, this probably will not be seen as a bribe.

Facilitation payments is another tricky area. These are small bribes made to minor officials to get routine administrative tasks done, such as applying for visas, clearing customs or getting licences.

The new law doesn’t say whether facilitation payments are regarded as bribes. In my view, they should be.

What companies need to do

Companies can avoid liability under the new law if they can prove that they had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery by associated persons.

But the law doesn’t explain what “adequate procedures” are. Until the South African government provides guidance on this, it is useful to look at the guidance provided under the UK Bribery Act. It recommends the following:

  • Companies should adopt procedures that are proportionate to the bribery risks they face and the nature, scale and complexity of their activities.

So a larger company operating in a high-risk market where bribery is known to be common must do more to prevent bribery than a smaller company in a low-risk market where bribery is less common.

  • The company’s board of directors should foster a culture where bribery is never acceptable.

  • Companies should periodically assess their exposure to potential bribery risks.

  • Companies should carry out due diligence procedures on their associated persons.

  • Companies should communicate their anti-bribery polices internally and externally. They should also provide training to ensure that everyone understands their anti-bribery position.

  • Companies should monitor their procedures and improve them where necessary.

The way forward

The South African government should urgently publish official guidelines to help companies understand what they must do to comply with the new law.

The principles of South Africa’s corporate governance code, the King IV Report, can also be used to help companies comply with the new law. These principles promote ethical leadership, an ethical culture, risk management, accountability and transparency.

Guidelines are also important for small and medium enterprises. They also have a legal duty to put in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery.

Companies that have not already put in place anti-bribery procedures should act quickly. And they should check that their corporate hospitality policies are reasonable and proportionate to their businesses.

Companies should also evaluate their relationships with the people associated with them.

Setting up anti-bribery procedures may have cost implications. But not having them could cost far more. Having adequate procedures in place is the only defence under the new law.

– Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act
– https://theconversation.com/bribery-in-south-africa-law-now-puts-a-duty-on-companies-to-act-260148

Posted on

La Commission économique pour l’Afrique (CEA) et la République du Congo explorent des solutions de commerce électronique pour renforcer les chaînes de valeur agricoles et lutter contre la faim

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Atteindre l’objectif de l’Union africaine d’éliminer la faim d’ici 2025 et l’objectif mondial de Faim « Zéro » d’ici 2030 reste un défi majeur pour le continent.

En République du Congo, malgré les efforts continus du gouvernement visant à améliorer la production et la distribution alimentaires nationales, seulement 4 % des terres arables sont actuellement cultivées. L’accès à la nourriture reste limité par des infrastructures inadéquates et de graves déséquilibres entre l’offre et la demande, laissant environ 455 000 personnes en situation d’insécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle.

Afin de relever ces défis, la Commission économique pour l’Afrique (CEA), par l’intermédiaire de ses bureaux sous-régionaux pour l’Afrique de l’Est et l’Afrique centrale, a mené une mission d’enquête en collaboration avec le ministère du commerce. La mission, organisée du 30 juin au 4 juillet 2025, à Brazzaville et Pointe-Noire, visait à explorer comment le commerce électronique et les outils numériques peuvent accélérer le commerce alimentaire et améliorer l’accès, en particulier pour les populations vulnérables, tout en renforçant les chaînes de valeur agricoles nationales et régionales.

Cette initiative s’inscrit dans le cadre du programme phare de la CEA : « Commerce numérique innovant dans le cadre de la ZLECAf pour la promotion de la sécurité alimentaire et des chaînes de valeur agricoles en Afrique ».

Renforcer le commerce électronique pour le développement agricole

Au cours de la mission, la CEA a collaboré avec près de 200 parties prenantes, dont trois ministres : le ministre du commerce, des approvisionnements et de la consommation ; le ministre de l’agriculture ; et le ministre des petites et moyennes entreprises, de l’artisanat et du secteur informel. De hauts fonctionnaires des ministères de l’agriculture, des télécommunications et de l’économie numérique ont également participé à la mission, aux côtés de représentants de MTN, d’Airtel, de l’Agence de régulation des communications électroniques, de l’Agence congolaise de la qualité et de la normalisation, de banques commerciales, d’entreprises agroalimentaires et de partenaires de développement tels que le Bureau du Coordonnateur résident des Nations Unies, la FAO et le PAM.

La mission s’est centrée autour de l’évaluation du commerce numérique, à savoir comment celui-ci peut soutenir les stratégies nationales de développement alimentaire et comment le commerce électronique alimentaire peut être développé pour améliorer la sécurité alimentaire et les chaînes de valeur agricoles.

« Si les tendances actuelles se poursuivent, l’Afrique risque de ne pas atteindre l’Objectif de développement durable 2 – Faim « zéro » – d’ici 2030 », a déclaré la Chargée des affaires économiques au Bureau de la CEA pour l’Afrique de l’Est, Simone Assah Kuete.

« Les produits alimentaires sont hautement périssables et nécessitent des infrastructures spécialisées pour leur manutention, leur stockage et leur distribution. Sans chaînes du froid fiables et logistique efficace, maintenir la qualité des aliments de la ferme à la table devient pratiquement impossible ».

Elle a souligné qu’en 2023, 20 % de la population d’Afrique subsaharienne souffrait de malnutrition sévère, un chiffre alarmant, contre 8,1 % en Asie, 7,3 % en Océanie et 6,2 % en Amérique latine. De plus, entre 2019 et 2023, le nombre de personnes en situation d’insécurité alimentaire en Afrique subsaharienne est passé de 258 millions à 358 millions, soit une augmentation de 39 %, tandis que d’autres régions ont connu une baisse. « Dans ce contexte, tirer parti des outils numériques pour réduire les asymétries d’information sur les marchés et renforcer les systèmes alimentaires n’est plus une option, c’est un impératif urgent », a-t-elle ajouté.

Engagement national en faveur de la réforme du commerce électronique

La Conseillère spéciale auprès du ministère du commerce, Lenda Sitou Milandou, a salué la mission et la solide collaboration qui en a assuré son succès.

« La sécurité alimentaire demeure une priorité absolue de notre programme de développement national », a-t-elle affirmé. Pour y parvenir, nous devons développer des cadres juridiques, réglementaires et institutionnels solides afin de favoriser la croissance du commerce électronique des produits alimentaires.

Principaux résultats et prochaines étapes

La mission a identifié les produits alimentaires nationaux à forte demande et évalué l’utilisation actuelle des plateformes de commerce électronique en République du Congo. Elle a également exploré les possibilités d’amélioration des systèmes de paiement numérique, actuellement limités, grâce à des partenariats avec des banques commerciales et des opérateurs de réseaux mobiles.

Le dialogue a révélé des défis majeurs en matière de production et de commerce alimentaires, des lacunes politiques, des besoins en infrastructures et en capacités, ainsi que le rôle potentiel des intermédiaires numériques dans l’amélioration des systèmes alimentaires.

Cette initiative marque une étape cruciale vers l’alignement des stratégies de commerce électronique sur la transformation agricole en République du Congo. Elle reflète l’engagement continu de la CEA à soutenir les États africains à exploiter l’innovation pour favoriser une croissance durable et inclusive.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Posted on

Un immeuble avenue Foch au cœur d’un bras de fer judiciaire entre la Guinée équatoriale et la France

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Au cœur du différend : un somptueux hôtel particulier situé au 42 avenue Foch, à Paris, confisqué par la justice française dans le cadre de l’affaire dite des « biens mal acquis », du nom d’une loi du pays visant l’acquisition de patrimoine par des dirigeants étrangers et leur proches au moyen de ressources frauduleuses.

Condamné en 2021 par la France pour blanchiment et détournement de fonds publics, le vice-président de la Guinée équatoriale, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue – surnommé « Teodorin » – avait vu plusieurs de ses biens saisis, dont cet immeuble évalué selon la presse à plus de 100 millions d’euros. La Guinée équatoriale exige aujourd’hui sa restitution, en invoquant la Convention des Nations Unies contre la corruption de 2003.

Une requête « urgente » devant la CIJ

Lors de l’audience, la délégation équato-guinéenne, conduite par son ambassadeur auprès de la France, Carmelo Nvono-Ncá, a demandé à la cour d’interdire la vente du bien, qu’il a jugée « imminente ». 

M. Nvono-Ncá a également demandé de garantir l’accès immédiat à l’immeuble de son gouvernement et de faire obstacle à tout acte de nature à aggraver le litige. Malabo affirme que la police française aurait changé les serrures de plusieurs portes le mois dernier.

Paris conteste l’urgence de la demande 

La France, représentée par Diégo Colas, directeur des affaires juridiques au ministère français des affaires étrangères, a pour sa part demandé le rejet de l’ensemble des mesures demandées, qu’il a jugées sans fondement, à commencer par la « prétendue urgence » invoquée concernant l’imminence de la vente de l’immeuble. 

« À supposer que la procédure se poursuive au rythme habituel pour la cession des biens de nature comparable, celle-ci ne pourrait pas être conclue avant de nombreux mois », a-t-il affirmé.  

Un précédent contentieux tranché en 2020

Ce n’est pas la première fois que ce bâtiment fait l’objet d’un contentieux devant la CIJ. En 2016, la Guinée équatoriale soutenait que cet hôtel particulier abritait sa mission diplomatique en France, invoquant les protections garanties à de tels locaux par la convention de Vienne. La France estimait quant à elle que le bien servait de résidence privée à « Teodorin », le fils aîné du président de la Guinée équatoriale. Dans un arrêt rendu en 2020, la Cour avait refusé de reconnaître au bien un statut diplomatique.

La CIJ, organe judiciaire principal de l’ONU, entame désormais ses délibérations. La date de sa décision sera annoncée ultérieurement. Si ses arrêts sont juridiquement contraignants, leur mise en œuvre reste largement tributaire de la bonne volonté des États concernés.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

Posted on

Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile during the Opening Ceremony of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), Shunyi Centre, Beijing, China

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director;
His Excellency, Vice Premier, He Lifeng;
Mr Ren Hongbin, Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT);
Mr. Parks Tau, Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa;
Mr Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Representatives of International Organisation;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
CEOs and Business Executives;
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my honour to address you today at the opening ceremony of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), a prestigious event that showcases the latest developments in supply chain management. 

This high-level expo is crucial for both our nations because it promotes trade, investment, cooperation, innovation, and learning within the global supply chain ecosystem.

South Africa is committed to strengthening global supply chains and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In today’s rapidly changing world, the global supply chain landscape is facing unprecedented challenges, from natural disasters to political upheavals.

 Despite ongoing challenges, South Africa’s supply chain sector is experiencing growth, driven by increased e-commerce activity and technological advancements.

Our business communities have been resilient and adapting through strategies like diversifying suppliers, holding more inventory, and investing in digital transformation.

As government, we have also adopted policies and strategies that are conducive for business to strive. We understand the importance of building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and ensure the efficient flow of goods and services.

Our diverse economy and strategic location make us a natural gateway for trade and investment, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.

As we gather here in China, a key partner in our economic journey, I see great opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. Together, we can leverage our strengths and capabilities to further build supply chains that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also sustainable and resilient.

The fact that China and South Africa have a strong desire to diversify and expand trade between Africa and China is crucial to our efforts to create a solid supply chain.

South Africa’s export portfolio to China comprises mainly basic commodities. While the trade volumes confirm South Africa’s natural endowment, the heavy slant towards mineral-based exports belies our advanced infrastructure, our diversified industrial base, and our leading service sectors.  

Our inaugural participation at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) provides the opportunity to showcase this diversity. Once again, let me reiterate our gratitude for the facilitation and the courtesies extended to the South African official and business delegation.  

We are accompanied by 30 manufacturers and producers of uniquely South African products and services. These products and services showcase the diversity of South African exports, ranging from ethically sourced and clean cosmetics comprising pure natural extracts as well as durable electro technical equipment that has passed the tests of extreme African climate conditions. 

Naturally, our offering would not be complete without companies that are showcasing the finest of South African Clothing, Leather and Footwear! 

We are exceptionally proud of the delegation that comprises plastics, chemical and mining engineering firms whose services have met the Chinese standards such that they have been able to jointly complete infrastructure projects with Chinese firms.

Esteemed delegates,

It is our firm belief that CISCE will be instrumental in linking up Chinese buyers and importers with the South African producers at the stands today. One of the most critical steps in South Africa’s journey to balancing its trade with China will be the extensive listing of South African products on e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.

We are also making efforts to ensure the placement of quality South African products in various Free Trade Zones throughout China.

These various opportunities to obtain first-hand market information and to understand the Chinese distribution channels, barriers and procedures for entering and supplying the Chinese market will crystallise our efforts to strengthen business relations between the South African companies and Chinese entities with the aim of developing long term business. 

Furthermore, South Africa’s strong industrial base, advanced financial sector, and strategic location make it well-positioned to contribute to the implementation of free trade agreements, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This area fosters economic integration, increased trade, and investment within Africa while also providing opportunities for China to deepen its engagement with the continent. For South Africa, the AfCFTA offers a chance to diversify exports, especially manufactured goods, and reduce reliance on traditional markets.

For China, it presents an opportunity to further its economic partnerships with African nations by investing in value chains and potentially becoming a key destination for African exports.

To diversify its energy balance, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy security, South Africa is also rapidly increasing its dependence on renewable energy sources. We have set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment, particularly in solar and wind power.

Through the Renewable Energy Masterplan, we have set out how South Africa can set up a new manufacturing industry in renewable energy and battery storage value chains. The masterplan also aims to attract at least R15 billion (US$784 million) in investment by 2030 and train “green workers” for employment in 25,000 direct jobs.

Our country also has a robust pipeline of investible projects, particularly in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and key infrastructure. SEZs offer incentives, including tax breaks and streamlined regulations. Infrastructure projects, including those in energy, water, sanitation, and transport, are also a key focus for attracting investment and driving economic growth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As the Chair of the G20 in 2025, we firmly believe that the establishment of enduring business relationships must occur within the framework of a fair, inclusive, and rules-based global economic order. This order should prioritise industrialisation, investment in green technologies, and digital infrastructure as key components of sustainable development, especially for developing economies.

We aim to foster mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs, and advance sustainable development for both nations through these efforts.

These priorities are reflected in the overall CISCE programme, which closely aligns with areas of potential cooperation between South Africa and China. We therefore invite our Chinese counterparts to support and participate in the key pillars of our G20 agenda by investing in green industrial projects, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and regional manufacturing initiatives in South Africa and across the African continent.

Through such collaboration, we can deepen our strategic partnership and ensure that the outcomes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency reflect the shared aspirations of the Global South.

Against this backdrop, we also look forward to hosting Chinese and other international buyers, importers and distributors in a tailored procurement mission that we will arrange on the margins of the G20 Summit in November 2025. A preview of what awaits you in South Africa can be found at the South African pavilion. 

We urge all stakeholders to seize these opportunities, foster partnerships, share best practices, and collectively shape the future of supply chain management to build a more connected, resilient, and prosperous world.

I thank you – Xie Xie!