Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Experts to Speak at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 in Dakar

Source: APO – Report:

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Two senior officials from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – Dr. Ali Dehghan, Senior Supply Analyst, and Eng. Mohammed Attaba, Senior Downstream Oil Industry Analyst – have been confirmed as featured speakers at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. Taking place in Dakar from December 9-10, the event will be held under the High Patronage of Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye. 

Energy supermajor Chevron (https://apo-opa.co/3WSqAhr) officially entered Guinea-Bissau’s offshore sector in November 2025 through a landmark agreement to operate Blocks 5B and 6B. The move marks a significant expansion of Chevron’s West African exploration portfolio, strengthening its presence across one of the continent’s most promising frontier regions. As such, Dr. Dehghan and Eng. Attaba’s participation exemplifies OPEC’s growing engagement with the rapidly developing energy markets of the MSGBC basin, where major oil, gas and hydrogen projects are reshaping the regional energy landscape. 

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

This year’s edition marks a moment of historic progress across the region. Senegal has emerged as an oil producing nation, with first oil from the 100,000-barrel-per-day Sangomar field (https://apo-opa.co/4nSepMG) achieving first oil in June 2024. Production forecasts for 2025 have since been revised upward to 34.5 million barrels, up from the previous forecast of 20.53 million barrels. Meanwhile, Mauritania and Senegal recently achieved first gas production from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project in December 2024 – followed by its first LNG export in April 2025 – strengthening the countries’ integrated gas-to-power strategies and domestic refining capabilities. 

Meanwhile, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry are intensifying exploration efforts to attract investment. Chevron’s entry into Guinea-Bissau, ongoing data acquisition campaigns in Mauritania and Guinea-Conakry and new partnerships across the basin mark a rising confidence in the MSGBC region’s frontier potential. 

As such, Dr. Dehghan, who plays a key role in analyzing global oil supply dynamics within OPEC’s Research Division, is well-positioned to offer insights into production forecasts and market trends while contributing to discussions on new production and export milestones across the basin. Furthermore, Eng. Attaba – a leading voice in refining and downstream analysis at OPEC – regularly represents the OPEC Secretariat at international forums, providing expertise on the medium- and long-term outlook for the downstream sector. 

“Having OPEC representatives join the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference underscores the basin’s growing significance in global energy discussions. Their insights will provide valuable context as the region transitions from exploration to large-scale production and export. This engagement reflects OPEC’s recognition of the MSGBC basin as one of Africa’s most dynamic emerging energy frontiers,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Le Groupe Africa24 vous offre : UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Du 12 au 13 novembre 2025, le Groupe AFRICA24 (www.Africa24TV.com) vous offre une couverture exceptionnelle du UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum 2025, un événement clé qui agit comme un catalyseur pour des accords profondément transformateurs, ayant un impact concret et significatif sur la vie des populations en Afrique francophone.

Le forum 2025 marque une étape importante dans l’évolution du WCAF, qui accueille plus de 800 délégués à Lomé, au Togo, pour ce qui sera le sommet le plus complet et le plus important en matière de commerce et d’investissement pour l’Afrique de l’ouest et centrale francophone.

WCAF 2025 : Un événement majeur sur 2 jours :

  • 12 novembre : Cérémonie d’ouverture et ateliers par pays
  • 13 novembre : Tables rondes et Awards d’Excellence

A propos du UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum :

Le UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum (WCAF IV), qui se tient à Lomé, au Togo, est une plateforme de premier plan qui a généré plus de 2 milliards de dollars américains d’échanges commerciaux et d’investissements depuis 2022. Après plusieurs éditions réussies à Londres, le WCAF IV rassemble plus de 800 délégués, avec le soutien des gouvernements britannique et togolais et de partenaires tels que le Bénin, le Cameroun et la Côte d’Ivoire. Pendant deux jours, il sera le centre névralgique des chefs d’entreprise et des dirigeants politiques d’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre, favorisant les partenariats, abordant les défis économiques et fournissant des informations exploitables pour une croissance durable.

Le Groupe Africa24 Une couverture 360° et une diffusion mondiale pour 120 millions de foyers

Retrouvez « UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum » Disponible en direct, replay et à la demande sur tous vos écrans :

  • AFRICA24 en français (chaîne 249) et AFRICA24 English (chaîne 254) du bouquet Canal+ Afrique
  • Sur myafrica24 la première plateforme de streaming HD de l’Afrique.
  • Sur www.Africa24TV.com qui vous offre accès intégral à tous les programmes

Avec le Groupe Africa24, Ensemble, transformons l’Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour AFRICA24 Group.

Contact :
Direction de la Communication – Groupe Africa24

Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email : onana@africa24tv.com
Tél. : +237 691 30 03 40

Suivez-nous :
@ africa24tv
www.Africa24TV.com

A PROPOS DU GROUPE AFRICA24 :
Initié en 2009, le Groupe Africa 24 est le premier éditeur TV & média digital du continent avec 4 chaînes full HD en diffusion dans les plus grands bouquets. Leader chez les décideurs et cadres dirigeants du continent, Africa 24 en Français et Africa 24 English, le Groupe est le pionnier et leader des chaînes d’informations sur l’Afrique. Africa 24 a renforcé ce leadership à travers le sport avec Africa24 Sport, première chaine en Afrique dédié à l’information sportive et aux compétitions et Africa24 Infinity, première chaîne dédiée aux industries créatives qui valorisent le génie créatif de la jeunesse africaine dans l’art, la culture, la musique, la mode, le design…

Première marque audiovisuelle du continent, le Groupe AFRICA24 dispose de 4 chaînes de télévisions en full HD chacune leader dans son segment :

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leader de l’information Africaine en Français, édité par AMedia
  • AFRICA24 English : Leader de l’Information Africaine exclusivement en Anglais
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : La chaîne des talents créatifs dédiée à la Musique, l’art, la culture.
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Première chaîne d’information sportive et des compétitions

Le Groupe AFRICA24 édite myafrica24 (Google store et App Store), la première plateforme de streaming HD mondiale sur l’Afrique disponible sur tous les écrans (Télévision, tablette, smartphone, ordinateurs) …Plus de 120 millions de foyers ont accès aux chaînes du Groupe Africa24 à travers les plus grands opérateurs : Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell…et plus de 8 millions d’abonnés sur les différentes plateformes digitales et réseaux sociaux.

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The Africa24 Group offers you: UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum

Source: APO

From 12 to 13 November 2025, the AFRICA24 Group (www.Africa24TV.com) will provide exceptional coverage of the UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum 2025, a key event that acts as a catalyst for deeply transformative agreements with a concrete and significant impact on the lives of people in Francophone Africa.

The 2025 forum marks an important milestone in the evolution of the WCAF, which will welcome more than 800 delegates to Lomé, Togo, for what will be the most comprehensive and important summit on trade and investment for French-speaking West and Central Africa.

WCAF 2025 :  A major two-day event :

  • 12 November: Opening ceremony and country workshops
  • 13 November: Round tables and Awards of Excellence

About the UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum :

The UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum (WCAF IV), being held in Lomé, Togo, is a leading platform that has generated more than US$2 billion in trade and investment since 2022. Following several successful editions in London, WCAF IV brings together more than 800 delegates, with the support of the British and Togolese governments and partners such as Benin, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. For two days, it will be the nerve centre for business leaders and political leaders from West and Central Africa, fostering partnerships, addressing economic challenges and providing actionable insights for sustainable growth.

The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households

Watch ‘UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum’ live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at :

  • AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle
  • On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.
  • On www.Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes.

Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact:
Communication Department – Africa24 Group

Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tél.: +237 694 90 99 88

Follow us on:
@ africa24tv 
www.Africa24TV.com

ABOUT THE AFRICA24 GROUP:
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.…

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia
  • AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English.
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform in Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) … More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.

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Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Senegal to Host Exclusive Workshop on Local Content, Gas Sector Development at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025

Source: APO


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Non-profit organization the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Senegal will host a dedicated pre-conference workshop as part of this year’s edition of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. Taking place on December 8 in Dakar, the session will bring together industry professionals, government representatives and investors to explore local content opportunities, gas field management challenges and strategies for production optimization in Senegal’s rapidly growing energy sector. 

Established in December 2024, SPE Senegal is the local chapter of the global Society of Petroleum Engineers. It supports professionals and students across the energy sector and aims to enhance technical expertise and capacity building in Senegal, a country that has emerged as a new oil and gas producer. 

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Senegal’s oil sector has seen accelerated development following first oil (https://apo-opa.co/3LFaaqg) from the $5 billion Sangomar Phase 1 project, operated by Woodside Energy in partnership with state-owned Petrosen. Since starting operations in June last year, production from the project has ramped to over 94% capacity, delivering early reserves additions of more than 31 million barrels of oil equivalent. Meanwhile, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (https://apo-opa.co/3Lz2sOx) gas project achieved first gas in December 2024, with commercial operations commencing in June 2025. The joint venture, led by bp, Kosmos Energy, Petrosen and Mauritania’s SMH, is designed to produce 2.5 million tons of LNG annually in its first phase, consolidating Senegal’s position as a regional energy hub. 

At the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 workshop, SPE Senegal will guide participants through three key areas: local content opportunities in gas infrastructure, gas field management challenges and development strategies for production optimization. Local content opportunities will include gas-to-power projects, floating LNG support services, pipeline network development, and logistics and supply chain management. These initiatives align with Senegal’s 2021 Local Content Law, which encourages the use of national goods, services and labor across the energy sector. 

The session will also address technical and commercial challenges, including infrastructure gaps, deepwater field complexity, market volatility and balancing LNG exports with domestic energy needs. SPE Senegal is set to showcase strategies to enhance production efficiency through digitalization, capacity building and governance transparency, while also highlighting environmental, social and governance priorities. 

The workshop offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage with Senegal’s emerging energy sector and gain insights into optimizing local participation and long-term project value. As the country ramps up its oil and gas output, the session underscores the critical role of technical expertise, collaboration and strategic planning in unlocking sustainable growth. 

“SPE Senegal’s workshop at this year’s conference exemplifies the country’s commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and technical excellence in the MSGBC region. Attendees will undoubtedly gain valuable perspectives on local content opportunities, production optimization and effective strategies for managing Senegal’s emerging gas and oil fields,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. 

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

President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the National Construction Summit 2025

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 13 November 2025, address the National Construction Summit 2025.

The two-day Summit takes place at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng.

This year’s theme is, “Unlocking Infrastructure Delivery: Raising Construction Industry Performance”.

It is the second annual Summit this year, which is earmarked to bring together leaders from government, business, labour and civil society to discuss various issues.

Deliberations will, among other objectives, focus on how to improve the efficiency of infrastructure delivery and performance.

The Summit will be updated on efforts to combat construction mafia and eliminate construction site disruptions.

Delegates will also discuss as transformation and skills development.

The Summit details are:

Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025
Time: 08h00
Venue: Birchwood Hotel Boksburg, Gauteng 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

AFRICA NEWS ROOM – Gabon: Trial of Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo

Source: APO

In Gabon, the trial in absentia of former First Lady Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and her son Noureddin Bongo Valentin promises to be a major test for the independence of the judiciary. Accused of embezzlement of public funds and money laundering, they are scheduled to stand trial before the Special Criminal Court on 10 November 2025. 

The Africa24 Group brings you an exclusive debate in the Africa News Room, exploring the issues at stake in this trial of major symbolic significance. It reflects the new authorities’ commitment to breaking with the practices of the former regime, while representing a crucial test for the credibility and independence of the Gabonese justice system on the international stage, as well as a decisive step towards restoring citizens’ confidence in judicial institutions.. 

Tune in to this special programme,  

Africa News Room – Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo’s trial   

  • Broadcast on 15 November 2025 from 17:15 and 23:15 GMT. 
  • Rebroadcast on 16 November 2025 from 17:15 and 23:15 GMT. 

These programmes are exclusively rebroadcast on www.Africa24TV.com, on the myafrica24 app, Africa’s leading HD streaming platform, on Africa24 TV (Canal+ 249) and Africa24 English (Canal+ 254). 

The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households 

Watch ‘Gabon: Trial of Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo’ live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at : 

  • AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle 
  • On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.  
  • On www.Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes. 

Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact: 
Communication Department – Africa24 Group 
Gaëlle Stella Oyono 
Email : onana@africa24tv.com   
Tél. : +237 694 90 99 88  

Follow us:
@ africa24tv
www.Africa24TV.com  

ABOUT THE AFRICA24 GROUP :  
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.… 

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :  

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia 
  • AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English. 
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.  
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.  

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform on Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) … More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks. 

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AFRICA NEWS ROOM – Gabon : Procès de Sylvia et Noureddin Bongo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Au Gabon, le procès par contumace de l’ex-Première dame Sylvia Bongo Ondimba et de son fils Noureddin Bongo Valentin s’annonce comme un test majeur pour l’indépendance de la justice. Accusés de détournement de biens publics et de blanchiment de capitaux, ils sontt jugés devant la Cour criminelle spéciale le 10 novembre 2025. 

Le Groupe Africa24 vous offre un débat inédit dans l’Africa News Room, explorant les enjeux de ce procès d’une portée symbolique majeure. Il reflète l’engagement des nouvelles autorités à rompre avec les pratiques de l’ancien régime, tout en représentant un test crucial pour la crédibilité et l’indépendance de la justice gabonaise sur la scène internationale, ainsi qu’un pas déterminant pour restaurer la confiance des citoyens dans les institutions judiciaires. 

Retrouvez cette émission spéciale,  

Africa News Room – Procès de Sylvia et Noureddin Bongo  

  • En diffusion ce 15 Novembre 2025 à partir de 17h15 et 23h15 GMT 
  • En rediffusion ce 16 Novembre 2025 à partir de 17h15 et 23h15 GMT 

Ces émissions sont en multirediffusion en exclusivité sur www.Africa24TV.com, sur l’application myafrica24, première plateforme de streaming HD en Afrique, sur Africa24 TV (Canal+ 249) et Africa24 English (Canal+ 254). 

Le Groupe Africa24 Une couverture 360° et une diffusion mondiale pour 120 millions de foyers 

Retrouvez « Gabon : Procès de Sylvia et Noureddin Bongo » Disponible en direct, replay et à la demande sur tous vos écrans : 

  • AFRICA24 en français (chaîne 249) et AFRICA24 English (chaîne 254) du bouquet Canal+ Afrique 
  • Sur myafrica24 la première plateforme de streaming HD de l’Afrique.  
  • Sur www.Africa24TV.com qui vous offre accès intégral à tous les programmes 

Avec le Groupe Africa24, Ensemble, transformons l’Afrique. 

Distribué par APO Group pour AFRICA24 Group.

Contact : 
Direction de la Communication – Groupe Africa24 
Gaëlle Stella Oyono 
Email : onana@africa24tv.com   
Tél. : +237 691 30 03 40 

Suivez-nous :
@ africa24tv
 www.Africa24TV.com   

A PROPOS DU GROUPE AFRICA24 :  
Initié en 2009, le Groupe Africa 24 est le premier éditeur TV & média digital du continent avec 4 chaînes full HD en diffusion dans les plus grands bouquets. Leader chez les décideurs et cadres dirigeants du continent, Africa 24 en Français et Africa 24 English, le Groupe est le pionnier et leader des chaînes d’informations sur l’Afrique. Africa 24 a renforcé ce leadership à travers le sport avec Africa24 Sport, première chaine en Afrique dédié à l’information sportive et aux compétitions et Africa24 Infinity, première chaîne dédiée aux industries créatives qui valorisent le génie créatif de la jeunesse africaine dans l’art, la culture, la musique, la mode, le design… 

Première marque audiovisuelle du continent, le Groupe AFRICA24 dispose de 4 chaînes de télévisions en full HD chacune leader dans son segment :  

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leader de l’information Africaine en Français, édité par AMedia 
  • AFRICA24 English : Leader de l’Information Africaine exclusivement en Anglais 
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : La chaîne des talents créatifs dédiée à la Musique, l’art, la culture.  
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Première chaîne d’information sportive et des compétitions  

Le Groupe AFRICA24 édite myafrica24 (Google store et App Store), la première plateforme de streaming HD mondiale sur l’Afrique disponible sur tous les écrans (Télévision, tablette, smartphone, ordinateurs) …Plus de 120 millions de foyers ont accès aux chaînes du Groupe Africa24 à travers les plus grands opérateurs : Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell…et plus de 8 millions d’abonnés sur les différentes plateformes digitales et réseaux sociaux.  

Media files

Government to save R6.7 billion by reducing wasteful spending

Source: Government of South Africa

Government to save R6.7 billion by reducing wasteful spending

Government’s assessment over the last few months on budgeting effectively and efficiently, shows that the state could save R6.7 billion by removing low-priority or underperforming programmes over the medium term.

This is according to the Targeted and Responsible Savings (TARS) initiative, which systematically identifies duplication, eliminates waste, and reorganises programmes to deliver value for money.

“Honourable Members, eliminating waste and inefficiency in government is non-negotiable if we are to maintain public trust that tax money is spent responsibly. We are implementing medium-term savings of R6.7 billion by closing or scaling down low priority and underperforming programmes immediately,” Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said on Wednesday.

Presenting the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) at a sitting of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber in Parliament, the Minister said more than half of this involves identifying people who are double-dipping and defrauding the social grants system.

“We are also scaling down the public transport network grant. The grant has failed to meet the objective, and some cities have failed entirely to get the projects off the ground,” the Minister said.

The reforms that have been identified, coupled with performance-oriented frameworks and stronger oversight mechanisms, are intended to bolster efficiency, protect frontline services and create space to increase spending on government priorities, including growth-enhancing infrastructure.

A programme assessment matrix has been introduced to enable the systematic review of programmes so that departments can identify low-priority or underperforming programmes to be considered by Cabinet for review and rationalisation.

The matrix uses standardised metrics to measure the degree to which programmes: 

  • Are aligned with legislation and policy, and do not duplicate effort.
  • Perform effectively, delivering the desired outputs and outcomes.
  • Use resources efficiently, with staffing, administrative overheads, institutional capacity and delivery models that deliver value for money.
  • Are financially sustainable, exhibit sound budget discipline and have potential for external funding.

Changes are being implemented in phases in the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). 

Additional measures undertaken in the budget reform process include the following: 

  • Implementing the recommendations of the Department of Public Service and Administration’s personnel expenditure review.
  • Reviewing the sector education and training authorities.
  • Assessing incentives managed by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
  • Reviewing several local government conditional grants to address inefficiencies in infrastructure service delivery.
  • Reducing administration costs, including through expanding the use of transversal contracts – bulk-buying arrangements negotiated by the National Treasury to reduce costs – in high-value areas. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Interim measures introduced for municipal Eskom debt

Source: Government of South Africa

Interim measures introduced for municipal Eskom debt

Despite the introduction of the municipal Eskom debt relief programme in 2023, municipalities are still battling to address ballooning debt to the power utility.

According to the department’s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), the debt has grown to some R94 billion as of the end of March this year – up from some R55 billion.

“While 24 municipalities have qualified for the first one-third write-off after 12 consecutive months of payments and 21 have generally maintained payments, as of 7 May 2025, 47 municipalities remain in default. 

“This is the combined result of weak collections, excessive electricity and water losses due primarily to a lack of maintenance, and inadequate credit control. Measures are being taken to assist municipalities in raising revenue, including expanding smart prepaid metering,” Treasury said.

As an interim measure, struggling municipalities will “transition, where appropriate, to distribution agency agreements (DAAs)”.

“Under these agreements, Eskom will operate municipal electricity services for a defined period, support cost-reflective tariff setting and loss reduction, and assist with collections. 

“During this period, municipalities will be required to select the most appropriate service delivery mechanism, phase in cost-reflective tariffs and limit rebates,” the department said.

Municipalities are urged to direct funding from grants like the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to rehabilitating existing water and electricity infrastructure, which are conduits for revenue generation.

“Additional conditions include strict adherence to pro-poor policies to ensure that local governments are providing the required amounts, doing so within national limits and ring-fencing electricity revenues.

“The DAA pathway is intended to stabilise cash flows, improve payment discipline and create a bridge to longer-term structural reforms in the local government fiscal framework.

“The interim measure does not rule out stronger interventions where failures persist,” National Treasury said.

Municipal Infrastructure Grant

At the same time, National Treasury has announced reforms to the Municipal Infrastructure Grant in a bid to cut out underspending, misuse of funds and capacity constraints.

The reforms include a split delivery model aimed at assisting municipalities to accelerate service delivery infrastructure delivery.

“Where municipalities demonstrate proven capacity, funding will continue to be allocated directly. However, in cases of persistent capacity and governance failures, delivery will shift to an indirect model through institutions such as the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent and the DBSA [Development Bank of South Africa]. 

“This will be accompanied by time-bound capability plans aimed at restoring municipalities to direct funding. The shift to a split-delivery model balances the urgent need to accelerate service delivery with building resilient, capable local government that can sustainably meet the infrastructure needs of their communities,” Treasury noted.

Added to that, a performance-linked incentive is also being introduced to “reward municipalities that deliver fit for purpose infrastructure on time and budget, at reasonable cost, with funded maintenance plans and climate-resilience measures”.

“The reform will be supported by clearer criteria for determining funding modalities, stronger oversight through annual delivery compacts and embedded technical support to build municipal planning, procurement and asset management capability.

“The necessary conditional grant framework amendments will be tabled in the 2026 Division of Revenue Bill, with pilot implementation commencing in 2026/27,” the department added.

Furthermore, a municipal utility reform programme will also be piloted at the Mbombela, Govan Mbeki, Lekwa and eMalahleni municipalities later this year.

“The National Treasury, working with the African Development Bank [AfDB] and donor partners, is implementing a pilot Municipal Utility Reform Programme, under a results-based AfDB concessional loan of up to US$400 million.

“It aims to stabilise and professionalise core municipal utilities [water and electricity] by reducing losses, introducing cost-reflective tariffs with protections for poor households, ringfencing revenues, improving asset care, and enhancing governance and reporting,” Treasury said.

Lessons drawn from the pilot will be used to expand the programme to “municipalities in other provinces facing severe delivery challenges”.

“The scale-up will align with conditional grant reforms and, where appropriate, will disburse grants linked to independently verified milestones to safeguard delivery and fiscal sustainability,” Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Economic growth to slow marginally in 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Economic growth to slow marginally in 2025

National Treasury expects South Africa’s economy to grow by some 1.2% this year – marginally down from the 1.4% forecasted in the 2025 Budget.

This according to the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) released by National Treasury on Wednesday.
The department noted that the outlook reflects a moderate improvement with steady progress in structural economic reforms.

“Government is meeting its fiscal targets and continued strengthening of macroeconomic stability will increase confidence and reduce borrowing costs across the economy, helping to revive investment and employment.

“Over the past year, domestic growth has been affected by greater global uncertainty and volatility, logistical constraints and low levels of business and consumer confidence.

“However, inflation has fallen, and together with prudent fiscal policy, this has reduced the risk premium – the additional return that investors demand to hold South African assets. As a result, borrowing costs have declined and growth prospects have improved,” the department noted.

The real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to reach some 1.2% in the same period – also reduced from the 1.4% in Budget 2025.
“The revision reflects weaker growth outcomes in the first half of the year, a subdued external environment and low levels of consumer and business confidence.

“Household consumption remained resilient, supported by moderating inflation, lower interest rates and improved credit conditions, but weaker investment, state spending and exports tempered overall expenditure growth,” National Treasury noted.

Over the medium term, however, GDP is expected to average some 1.8%.

“Investment is expected to strengthen over the medium term as measures to lift infrastructure spending take effect and reform implementation gains traction.

“Investment will also benefit from the reduced cost of capital, supported by lower interest rates and the country’s improving risk premium,” said Treasury.

Risks to domestic growth are on the downside.

“Further delays in implementing reforms, particularly in energy and logistics, would impede much-needed growth-enabling investment.

“Conversely, lower inflation and interest rates, and improvements in infrastructure spending would support higher growth,” the department said.

Government has focused the economic growth strategy on four elements: maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing structural reforms, building state capability and supporting public infrastructure investment.

National Treasury emphasised that raising the growth trajectory “depends on continuing to strengthen macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, building a capable state and improving public-sector infrastructure investment”.

“Progress is evident but delays in key structural reforms have held back investment, limiting potential opportunities offered by resilience in the global economy.

“This underscores the importance of continued efforts to improve policy certainty, deal decisively with economic blockages and bolster capacity in infrastructure and service delivery,” it said.

A look abroad

On the global front, growth is expected to slow to 3.2% in 2025 with the outlook weaker than a year ago due to tariff shocks and geopolitical challenges.

“Tariffs have not risen as sharply as expected when the US administration made its announcements in April of this year. However, the delayed price effects of such measures, growing protectionism and supply chain disruptions may increase costs, reduce productivity growth and weigh on medium-term economic growth.

“The prospect of higher tariffs buoyed trade in the first half of the year as companies brought forward imports and exports, but this is expected to wane over the remainder of 2025 – as is the impact of deficit spending in advanced economies.

“Global inflation is expected to continue easing over the next two years, led by lower energy and food prices. However, renewed trade disruptions, higher energy costs or the delayed effects of tariff measures could increase price pressures,” Treasury noted. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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