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Ghana’s innovation hubs move from recovery to resilience


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From Accra to outlying areas, Ghana’s innovation hubs are showing what’s possible when local knowledge meets international support. This is how they’re scaling solutions, building networks, and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

After the pandemic, many of Ghana’s innovation hubs faced significant challenges. Several hubs struggled to deliver services, support startups effectively, or sustain their own business models. Without intervention, the broader ecosystem risked fragmentation.

‘We were coming off the back of COVID, and most hubs had been hit hard,’ says Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Ghana Hubs Network. ‘Their service and product models had collapsed. They needed to rebuild, and quickly.’

From 2022 to 2025, the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ghana Tech project supported Ghana’s innovation hubs with targeted training and expert guidance. The NTF V project partnered with the Ghana Hubs Network and international trainers to help hubs improve their operations, deliver better support to startups, and play a stronger role in the innovation economy.

Investing in foundational skills

In 2022, NTF V launched an eight-week training programme for hub staff and leadership. Led by Swiss-based business models and tools expert Nadine Reichenthal, the programme introduced tools such as the business model canvas, empathy mapping, and value proposition design. Additional sessions covered marketing, communication, business planning and startup coaching techniques.

‘This training helped hubs gain structure and clarity,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘It enabled them to rethink how they operate and how best to support the startups in their network.’

In 2023, the focus shifted to coaching hub leaders to apply the tools in practice. By 2025, the Ghana Hubs Network had taken full ownership of this process and began delivering training and guidance independently.

‘That was a turning point,’ he says. ‘It meant the ecosystem no longer depended on external facilitation. We were now equipped to sustain and scale the knowledge locally.’

Practical application in the field

AgricoHub, an rural hub focused on agritech and entrepreneurship, is one of the many hubs that completed the full training cycle. Co-founder David Yeboah joined the first cohort in 2022.

‘Before, we supported startups, but not in a structured way,’ he says. ‘Now, we use tools like the empathy map and value proposition canvas to help founders identify customer needs and refine their offerings.’

Yeboah highlights the success of one entrepreneur who manufactures and exports shea butter. ‘We worked closely with her using what we’d learned. She’s now been accepted into UNICEF’s Startup Lab (based in the capital). That’s the kind of result we’re aiming for.’

AgricoHub has since trained over 20 startups, several of which are now part of a Startup Cooperative Credit Union to access funding and peer support. ‘We’ve embedded these tools into our daily work,’ Yeboah says. ‘They’ve become part of how we do business.’

“The training built my confidence. I now mentor other hub leaders, and we’re building a peer-learning platform for startups to share knowledge with one another.” David Yeboah, AgricoHub co-founder

Strengthening partnerships and access to funding

A critical barrier for many hubs was limited access to funding and difficulty meeting grant requirements. In response, NTF V introduced a follow-on programme in 2025 focused on grants, fundraising, and partnership development. This was done in conjunction with the Ecosystems and Institutions division with training led by Tonia Dadwe. Participants learned how to identify funding opportunities, engage with donors, and build sustainable funding strategies.

‘This filled a major gap,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘Hubs were previously unable to position themselves well with funders. The training gave them the tools to meet requirements and communicate their value more effectively.’

National reach, local impact

Over 50 hubs across Ghana participated in the training, ensuring that all regions had the opportunity to benefit.

‘We were deliberate about geographic spread,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘Hubs in smaller towns and rural areas play a vital role in job creation and problem-solving in their communities. Strengthening them is critical to inclusive economic growth.’

He adds that well-equipped hubs often become anchors for local innovation. ‘They support MSMEs (small businesses), encourage entrepreneurship, and enable solutions to local challenges. That’s how you strengthen the economy from the ground up.’

Reaching underserved regions

While the formal training under NTF V has ended, both Adu-Gyamfi and Yeboah are clear that this is just the beginning. There is increasing demand for maker spaces in underserved regions, and a growing need for support in agritech, green economy, and digital services.

‘There is real appetite for hands-on facilities like maker spaces in rural areas,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘Many young people have ideas, but no access to tools or prototyping resources. That’s something we must address.’

AgricoHub’s startup cooperative encourages peer learning and reduces overreliance on coaching staff. ‘We want startups to take ownership of their development and learn from each other’s experience,’ says Yeboah.

The Ghana Hubs Network is now exploring new partnerships to scale this work.

‘We’ve made significant progress, but there are still more hubs and startups that need support,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘With the right partners, we can build on what we’ve started and expand the impact.’

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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Uganda: Supplementary can resolve teacher pay disparity – Ssenyonyi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has advised government to table a supplementary request to Parliament to address the pay disparities between science and arts teachers.

He offered the advice during plenary on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, wherein he warned that arts and humanities teachers across the country had gone on strike, demanding pay equity and the matter needs to be addressed.

Ssenyonyi also said that curbing public corruption would unlock the much needed funds. “The IGG says we lose over Shs 10 trillion to corruption every year. Stop stealing taxpayers’ money and there will be money to pay the teachers,” he said.

Arts subject teachers began striking in early June over salary disparities, earning less than half of what their colleagues in other subjects receive. 

“They are saying they are teachers too, just like the science teachers, but they have been discriminated against severely. They have warned that they are not going to carry out assessments, and that is a big concern for our young people who are in school,” Ssenyonyi said.

According to available information, graduate science teachers earn Shs4 million while diploma holders earn Shs3 million. Most arts teachers meanwhile earn below Shs1 million.

Teachers with similar qualifications and workloads, the leader of the Opposition noted, were being paid grossly unequal salaries, with arts teachers earning up to four times less than their science counterparts.

“We are happy science teachers got a raise. But you cannot do it for some and not others,” he argued.

He further pointed to absurd situations where headteachers with arts qualifications supervise science teachers who earn more than them, calling it a “management crisis.”

He also cited the Auditor General’s report for the year ending 2024, which revealed that retired science teachers receive pensions higher than the monthly net pay of currently serving arts teachers.

In response, the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, confirmed that engagements between the education ministry and the leadership of arts teachers were ongoing.

“There is no intimidation at all, we believe in dialogue and consensus,” he assured the House.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa who chaired the House acknowledged the urgency of the matter and asked the sector minister to update the House once negotiations conclude.

The Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Chrysostom Muyingo, said the ministry had held a number of meetings with the teachers and that their leadership had agreed to suspend the strike.

“Government is committed to raise the salaries of all our public servants in a fair manner,” Muyingo said, promising feedback from consultations by Thursday.

Meanwhile Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman Representative) added her voice to the debate, highlighting equally pressing concerns about pay disparities among government lawyers.

“There is a serious pay disparity among the lawyers working in the police force and other lawyers in government,” Opendi said.

She warned that the discrepancy was fueling an exodus of legal officers from the Uganda Police Force to other departments, particularly the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General’s Chambers, where pay is significantly higher.

“This matter was presented here. The last time, the Attorney General said they had appealed. I want to confirm, there is no active appeal,” she said.

The Deputy Speaker backed her call and directed that the Attorney General update the House on the issue. 

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Strengthening safe blood supply to help save lives

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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In line with this year’s theme marking the World Blood Donor Day celebrated on 14 June the South Sudan National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) conducted several activities. With support from World Health Organization (WHO) and the Red Cross, NBTS organized a blood donation campaign and drive to raise awareness of the life-saving role of blood and plasma donation and to encourage regular donation from first-time and long-term donors. Additionally, NBTS held a round table with leaders from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Laboratory, the Red Cross, and the community to advocate for more support for sustainable national blood programs and promote values of compassion, community and solidarity.

The theme for this year is “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives”. It encapsulates the essence of blood donation and highlights the power of community and solidarity in saving lives. Blood and blood products are essential life-saving medicines, without a substitute. One blood donation often saves three lives. At the global level, blood is needed to save 14 million lives of mothers involved in childbirth annually, while South Sudan needs blood for mothers during childbirth, traumatic injuries, and babies and children with severe anaemia, malnutrition, and severe malaria.

From the blood donation campaign and drive, 86 units of blood were collected from 54 long-term donors and 32 new donors that will save lives of those in need. The campaign also featured an awareness and advocacy component, with the participation of various stakeholders, including high-level government officials.”

Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative to South Sudan commended the Ministry of Health’s efforts and reaffirm WHO’s commitment to collaborate with the NBTS and partners to improve the provision of essential healthcare services, including blood transfusion services. 
“WHO has been working closely with the Ministry of Health, specifically the NBTS to streamline and promote blood transfusion services” Said Dr Karamagi “Going forward, WHO will support NBTS in reviewing and updating the strategic plan and implementation guidelines, enhancing their capacity to provide blood transfusion services, and increase availability of blood products through the Health Sector Transformation (HSTP) Project”  

“This partnership shows that when we work together, we can overcome critical gaps in ensuring there is a safe and adequate blood supply. The blood collected will directly save lives in our health facilities,” said Dr. Angelo Aruop Akeen, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Services.

WHO staff who volunteered to donate described the experience as meaningful and fulfilling.
“Knowing that a small act like this can make a difference in someone’s survival is deeply motivating,” said Dr Bayo Pontius, Reproductive, Maternal and Neonatal Health Officer, one of the WHO staff who participated in the drive. “This is a powerful reminder that each of us can contribute to saving lives.”

Every drop counts! “A blood donation can save a mother, a baby, a future.”

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

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H.E. Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Holds Bilateral Meetings with the Managing Director of the World Economic Forum and the Chairman of ACWA Power to Discuss Areas of Joint Cooperation

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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As part of her participation in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, held in Tianjin from 23 to 26 June, focused on agile & innovative economic policies to manage evolving global trends, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, held two high-level meetings with Ms. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Mr. Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of ACWA Power.

During her meeting with the WEF Managing Director, the two sides discussed the activation of the Letter of Intent signed in January 2025 during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The agreement aims to develop “Egypt’s Future of Growth Accelerator “. This initiative supports national efforts to advance inclusive economic development and draws on the expertise and insights of the WEF’s Centre for the New Economy and Society.

Discussions also covered the ongoing collaboration between the World Economic Forum and the technical teams at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation to operationalize the Accelerator in the coming period.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also reviewed the integration between the proposed Accelerator and Egypt’s soon-to-be-launched “Advancing Economic Development in Egypt: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience” narrative. This narrative promotes a transition towards a private-sector-led growth model, focused on tradable and export-oriented sectors, enhancing foreign direct investment, and supporting industrial localization across the country.

In a separate meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat met with Mr. Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, to discuss the latest developments in the company’s renewable energy investments in Egypt. The Minister emphasized that ACWA Power is a key partner in the implementation of renewable energy projects under the energy pillar of Egypt’s NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food and Energy) platform. She highlighted the central role of international partnerships and blended concessional finance in unlocking greater private sector participation—both domestic and international—in Egypt’s green energy transition.

H.E. the Minister reiterated the Egyptian government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the private sector, enhancing its contribution to national development efforts across all sectors. She underscored that regulatory and legislative reforms are underway to strengthen private sector engagement, while simultaneously improving the governance and efficiency of public investments to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic growth.

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation recently published the second progress report on the NWFE program. Under its energy pillar, the program aims to add 10 GW of new renewable energy capacity, backed by approximately $10 billion in investments, while phasing out 5 GW of fossil-fuel-based electricity generation by 2028.

Over the past two and a half years, Egypt has successfully mobilized $4 billion in concessional financing to support 4.2 GW of renewable energy projects. These efforts involve key global and regional partners, including Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, Masdar, Infinity Power, Norway’s Scatec, UAE-based AMEA Power (a subsidiary of Al Nowais Group), as well as local developers such as Orascom Construction and Hassan Allam Utilities.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

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South Africa: Committee Urges South African Police Service (SAPS) to Prioritise Training to Ensure that all Stations Respond Adequately in Missing Children Cases

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Police has reiterated its concern that some South African police stations continue to ignore the National Commissioner’s directive that police must respond immediately in cases of missing persons. The committee held a follow-up meeting with the SAPS and Women Empowerment Platform on violence against children regarding the matter of Jayden Lee Meek and other missing children.

“What came out of all the cases of missing children is the lethargy that the SAPS at police stations have generally responded when the case is reported. If the SAPS adhered to the directive that there is no waiting time to respond, many of these children could have been found alive,” said Mr Ian Cameron.

The committee reiterated that no 24- or 48-hour rule precludes members of the public from opening a missing person’s report. A missing person report must be opened and investigated immediately. An insistence to prevent the opening of a missing person report is irresponsible and runs counter to the directive issued by the National Commissioner of the SAPS. “The committee has also emphasised that in a case where an officer refuses to open a case they can be reported.

The committee also emphasised the communication shortcomings from the SAPS in keeping families updated on the progress of the case. According to the committee, continuous updates are necessary to assure communities and families that the SAPS is continuously investigating and that justice will be attained. It is important that SAPS also follow every lead to ensure justice. It is unacceptable that some cases are closed as undetected. For example, the case of Mia Botha has been ongoing for over 1 000 days, and there has not been tangible progress.

The importance of the police K9 unit was also highlighted as an intervention that could have assisted the search in the Jayden Lee Meek and other similar cases. It remains unacceptable that the K9 unit in the SAPS remains severely underfunded and under-resourced. “The continued disregard of this critical capability in the SAPS is illogical and undermines the police’s ability to undertake effective search and rescue missions, “Mr Cameron emphasised.

Despite these concerns, the committee welcomed the active participation of civil society, such as the Women Empowerment Platform on violence against children. The contributions by civil society in finding solutions to the high crime rate must be encouraged. “We reiterate the call that combating crime requires a whole-of-society approach if it is to be successful. The SAPS alone cannot effectively fight crime,” Mr Cameron said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson reiterated the committee’s apologies for the miscommunication that resulted in erroneous reporting following the meeting held on 11 June 2025. The committee emphasised that there was no clarity that the meeting will be virtual and that representatives of the Women Empowerment Platform had planned to travel to Parliament and to hand over a memorandum. The committee reiterate its agreement with the Women Empowerment Platform that cases of violence against children must be investigated to ensure justice.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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SA’s G20 Presidency should focus on humanity’s most pressing challenges, says UN Resident Coordinator

Source: South Africa News Agency

As South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency approaches its final six months, the focus should be on fostering multilateral cooperation and finding collective solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges. 

According to the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, the world’s major economies should aim to develop innovative approaches to complex global issues related to poverty, unemployment, and sustainable development.

“The countries that carry the economy of the world must come together and find each other and resolve some of the challenges. 

“They need to agree on some of the common solutions they can advance to resolve issues of inequalities, poverty, unemployment, governance, and trade. So, I think group, which is often referred to as a ‘ginger group’, is really an important platform as part of the wider multilateral system which the UN embodies.” 

Muffuh was speaking to SAnews during the third Sherpa meeting of the G20, which began on Wednesday.

The Sun City Convention Centre in the North West was filled with representatives from the world’s largest economies and organisations as Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, delivered his opening remarks.

Muffuh believes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is making significant progress in addressing global challenges, with an emphasis on promoting solidarity, equality, and sustainability. 

Halfway through its Presidency, the country has already held 70 out of a planned 132 meetings across various working groups, focusing on critical issues affecting the international community.

“So, we need to look at where we’re with regards to the momentum towards achieving some of the envisaged outcomes around reform of the international financial architecture, capitalisation of the multilateral development banks, financing for the SDGs [Sustainable Developmental Goals] and financing for climate action, Just Energy Transition, the tackling of inequalities. A lot of these issues have been discussed extensively,” he told SAnews. 

According to the UN official, the Presidency should strengthen multilateral cooperation as global tensions hinder collective progress.

“We’re not on track to achieve the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals, for example. So, I think the focus really should be on ensuring we do not lose track, despite the concerns, despite the intentions to still find ways of coming together, find each other, and common ground to make progress.”

A central theme emerging from meetings is the urgent need to overcome geopolitical divisions and work collaboratively on pressing global challenges. 

Despite ongoing tensions, including notable absences like the United States, Muffuh said the G20 remains committed to creating a platform for constructive dialogue and finding common solutions.

He believes that the upcoming international gatherings, such as the Financing for Development Conference, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30 Summit), and the UN General Assembly, will create additional opportunities to enhance the G20’s collaborative efforts and advocate for meaningful global progress. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Ramaphosa calls for ‘all hands on deck’ approach to transformation

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all South Africans, regardless of race, to work together in a united national effort to drive economic transformation, ensure inclusive growth and foster meaningful participation in the economy. 

The President was speaking during questions for oral reply session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on Wednesday.

“The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act remains a fundamental lever for transformation, as part of our broader strategy to achieve more rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country. As I have said before, we must dispense with the false notion that we must make a choice between growth and transformation.

“Black economic empowerment is not only compatible with investment and growth but is essential to achieve broad-based growth and prosperity. It must be seen as a process through which we take measures to bring those who were excluded from economic activity into the economic mainstream,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that bringing previously disadvantaged people into the economic fold will not happen spontaneously.

“To think that it will happen on its own when, in the past, measures were taken including laws, to ensure that only a minority benefits, we would be deceiving ourselves. We must, therefore, be very clear and direct and make sure that this objective of achieving equality does happen.

“If we don’t do so, it will not happen. So therefore, we need to take demonstrable steps to make sure that there is clear movement,” he said.

The President acknowledged that although much has been achieved, “we can do better”.

“As with any other policy, we must constantly assess whether we are achieving our goals and where we can make improvements.

“The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is therefore considering a review of broad-based black economic empowerment measures to align with government priorities of ensuring industrialisation, inclusive growth, localisation and facilitating access to finance for emerging…black enterprises.

“This should be seen as a national project. All of us must be involved in this including those who benefitted under the previous system. They must be seen to be actively involved in advancing the interests of all…failing to do so could lead to lack of growth in our economy…[and] reversals. 

“All hands – black and white – must be on deck to promote transformation in our country to enable all South Africans to play a role in the economy of our country,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President told the members of the NCOP that transformation and empowerment is for the benefit of all South Africans.

“Our economy was only structured for participation by a white minority…they even passed laws to prevent everyone from participating including for jobs. 

“So, we are saying that we want to benefit all South Africans not just a few. Therefore, the process of transformation needs to be embraced by all because it is to our collective benefit.

“We are all given a chance to correct the injustices of our past as set out in our Constitution. So, I call on all of us to join hands and embark on this process of transformation,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Protocol to improve safety in schools

Source: South Africa News Agency

When schools are unsafe, when learners, educators and support staff live in fear, it robs learners of the very essence of learning and development, says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

“Our country’s future rests in the hands of our children. And as parents, first and foremost, we all desire the same thing – that our children live good, meaningful lives. We know that a solid education is the foundation of that good life,” Mchunu said.

He was speaking at the launch of the Collaborative Implementation Protocol between SAPS and the Department of Basic Education in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Mchunu jointly unveiled the Collaborative Implementation Protocol, pledging to create safer, child-friendly learning environments amid high statistics of violence.

The Collaborative Implementation Protocol between SAPS and the Department of Basic Education is aimed at improving safety in schools around the country.

This document will be a practical guide to bring urgent action in every district, in every province and in every school.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the SAPS, in 2011, formed a partnership to safeguard schools from crime and violence to protect learners and teachers.

A new implementation protocol was necessary to clarify each party’s roles, ensure a proper division of work plan activities and to ensure the protocol’s objectives are executed effectively at local level. This will also include implementing joint SAPS and DBE led crime prevention programmes within schools.

The protocol focuses on the following goals: promoting collaboration between the DBE and SAPS to implement pillar two of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) for early violence prevention and connecting schools with local police stations for swift responses to crime and violence. 

In addition, the protocol includes conducting searches and seizures in line with the South African Schools Act (SASA), when there is a reasonable suspicion of illegal substances or weapons; combatting social ills such as school-related Gender-Based Violence, sexual abuse, alcohol and drug use among learners; and addressing gangsterism in schools and surrounding communities.

Mchunu said there was a need to supplement the existing minimum safety standards in schools and that the Protocol served as one of those measures to strengthen safety and security in schools.

“During school holidays especially, we see a rise in burglary and vandalism. These are not victimless crimes. They rob our children of resources, time, and opportunity,” Mchunu said.

Criminal elements disrupt the education process and destabilise the very environments meant to nurture growth.

“As government leaders, elected by the people of this country, we carry a constitutional duty to realise the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The right to safety, the right to dignity and the right to education are not negotiable. 

“These rights must be protected and upheld in every schoolyard, in every classroom and in every community. 

“For us in the SAPS, our mandate is clear, to ensure that South Africans are and feel safe. But policing is not a one-department responsibility. It requires what we call a whole of government, whole of society approach. 

“That means government institutions must work hand in hand. It means that communities, parents, civil society organisations and schools must come together and actively participate in efforts to make our environments safe and resilient,” Mchunu said.

Mchunu said the Protocol was designed to promote a community-based, inclusive approach to school safety.

“There is a need to establish functional communication lines between schools and police stations. 

“To this end, the Protocol formalises the linkage between schools and their nearest police stations, ensuring that we have timeous, coordinated responses to incidents and proactive interventions to prevent crime,” he said.

To fully give effect, there is a need to recognise the urgent need to ensure that police stations are well resourced to adequately respond to incidents and that policing is proactive, responsive, efficient and effective.

“We cannot do this without parents, they must be active participants in the fight against crime starting in their own homes, in their streets and in their communities.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Migrants in South Africa’s economic powerhouse often go hungry: the drivers and what can be done about it

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Adrino Mazenda, Senior Researcher, Associate Professor Economic Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

About 281 million people globally have migrated from their country of origin to another country. This movement can be temporary or permanent and can occur for various reasons, including economic opportunities, family reunification and education. Then there are also millions who are escaping conflict and seeking refuge in another country.

Countries at different stages of development also experience large volumes of internal migration. Migration within a country can be temporary or permanent too, and reflect economic reasons or insecurity.

Both types of migrants sometimes experience food insecurity: the physical and financial inability to access nutritious, safe and sufficient food to fulfil a person’s dietary requirements.

There are an estimated 2.89 million documented foreign migrants in South Africa, accounting for about 5% of the country’s population. Most immigrants in South Africa come from the Southern African Development Community countries. South Africa also experiences a high annual internal migration rate. About 850,0000 people temporarily and permanently relocate from rural to urban areas.

Gauteng, the province which contributes more than a third of South Africa’s economic output, attracts a disproportionate share of internal and international migration.

As social scientists who have been studying migration and food security, we conducted research to explore the food security status of migrant households (international and internal) and native Gauteng households, and to understand their differences, if any.

The study used data from the 2020/21 Quality of Life survey. This is one of the largest social surveys in South Africa, and respondents include both internal and international migrants. It is conducted every two years by the Gauteng City Region Observatory. Quantitative research methods and statistical analysis were then applied to identify patterns and relationships between food insecurity and migration variables.

Food insecurity remains a pressing concern in South Africa’s major cities, particularly among migrant populations. Not all migrants experience food insecurity the same way, however. Internal and international migrants differ not only from native Gauteng residents but also from one another. There are different factors influencing their vulnerability.

The differences

One differentiating factor between the internal and foreign migrants is government social support services. They seem to play a key role in determining the well-being of internal migrants. International migrants don’t qualify for such services. But they sometimes fared better than internal migrants or natives, likely due to age, education, or resourcefulness (social support networks).

Internal migrants experienced their own set of challenges. For example, poor health service provision and lack of medical aid were strong predictors of food insecurity. This suggests that addressing food access requires improvements in health services, insurance, and broader social infrastructure.

Improved access to healthcare reduces the financial burden on households dealing with medical expenses, so they can spend more on food. Access to maternal and child health services enhances nutritional knowledge and practices. That in turn improves the way households use food. Health insurance and unemployment insurance protect households from income shocks that could otherwise lead to food insecurity.

A stronger social infrastructure improves food access by enhancing education, healthcare, and social protection systems. Education boosts income and nutritional knowledge. Preventive healthcare reduces illness and medical expenses, freeing up resources for food. Social protection measures help households withstand financial shocks, ensuring consistent access to food.

Of course all this support has a cost that needs to be funded from the public purse, but its benefits may well outweigh the cost.

Gender disparities

Immigrants contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy. Migration enhances labour market flexibility, promotes economic dynamism, and supports livelihoods in both urban and rural areas, making it essential for inclusive economic growth. Internal migrants provide labour in sectors such as mining, construction and services, while also supporting rural households through remittances. They help stimulate urban informal economies.

International migrants bring valuable skills and resilience to various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and construction. They contribute local income taxes. Some operate small and large formal businesses, which adds to job creation.

However, employment data reveals a pronounced gender disparity among international migrants and internal migrants.

In all population groups (native residents, internal migrants and international migrants), men are more likely to be employed than women. Among international migrants, over 1 million men were employed compared to 400,000 women. More women (281,553) than men (88,598) were classified as economically inactive – not available for work.

The primary reason for internal migration among both men and women was the search for paid employment. For men, the second most common reason was job transfers or accepting new employment.

In contrast, female migrants cited moving to live with or be closer to a spouse, family, or friends, often due to marriage, as their main motivation.

Way forward

Our study highlights the determinants of food insecurity among migrant populations. It also challenges harmful stereotypes and invites more inclusive thinking about social support and job creation.

The study’s findings can help inform the public about who needs more support and why. It shows that food aid and government support systems aren’t working as intended.

The main conclusions we reached from the study were that:

  • Rural health infrastructure is in dire need of public support.

  • Increased inequities in healthcare access are unjustified.

  • The medical and health bills of foreign citizens can be shared between home and host countries to reduce the strain on the host’s infrastructure through a combination of policy reforms, bilateral agreements and global cooperation mechanisms. Key to this is an inter-government billing system where host countries track migrants’ healthcare use and send bills to their home country governments or insurers.

  • It is desirable for migrants to hold valid health insurance as a condition of entry or residency.

  • Policies to promote agriculture and rural areas, particularly developing new rural housing schemes, appear to be a promising way to abate food insecurity.

  • Revitalising special economic zones, the designated areas offering incentives to attract investment, boost trade and create jobs, can help limit the concentration of migrants in Gauteng.

– Migrants in South Africa’s economic powerhouse often go hungry: the drivers and what can be done about it
– https://theconversation.com/migrants-in-south-africas-economic-powerhouse-often-go-hungry-the-drivers-and-what-can-be-done-about-it-256907

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Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Meets Representatives of Chinese Business Community and Investors on Sidelines World Economic Forum (WEF) Meetings in Tianjin


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H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, held an expanded meeting with a number of leaders and representatives of the Chinese business community, with the participation of Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.

The meeting took place during her participation in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Tianjin, China, and included several CEOs from Chinese companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, financial, and digital transformation sectors, among others.

During the meeting, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat emphasized the deep and distinguished Egyptian-Chinese relations, which span decades of close cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests. She noted that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, launched in 2014, represents a successful model for South-South cooperation and contributes to achieving mutual development.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that in recent years, the Egyptian state has adopted an ambitious program of economic and structural reform aimed at enhancing the investment environment, stimulating private sector participation, and developing infrastructure. This creates promising opportunities for joint investment in priority sectors such as industry, renewable energy, telecommunications, technological infrastructure, and logistics.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that China is a key partner in this vision, as economic relations between the two countries are witnessing remarkable development, both in terms of trade volume and direct investments. She highlighted the unique investment opportunities Egypt offers, based on its distinguished geographical location, a network of free trade agreements, and legislative frameworks that support business growth.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the Egyptian government seeks to strengthen cooperation with Chinese companies and institutions wishing to expand into the Egyptian market, especially within the framework of Egypt’s Vision 2030, which includes targets related to sustainable growth, green transformation, and the localization of strategic industries.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed that the government is working to consolidate macroeconomic stability and preserve development gains to deal with successive regional and international challenges. She noted that the state continues to implement a comprehensive program of economic and structural reforms aimed at enhancing the economy’s resilience, improving the business climate, and expanding the growth base led by the private sector. She mentioned that these reforms, along with continuous investments in infrastructure and legislative modernization, make Egypt an attractive and growing destination for foreign direct investment.

At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat invited the Chinese business community to take advantage of cooperation opportunities with Egypt as a gateway to African, Middle Eastern, and European markets. She stressed the state’s commitment to providing all means of support to serious investors and building long-term partnerships that contribute to achieving common interests and balanced development.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in its role of developing and strengthening economic relations with development partners, is working to advance relations on various levels with the Chinese side, particularly in the field of exchanging expertise and technology and enhancing scientific research. The Chinese side contributes to supporting and developing Egyptian expertise in the field of satellite assembly and testing, and training Egyptian cadres.

In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding for the Global Development Initiative (GDI) was signed during Dr. Rania Al-Mashat’s visit to China. This MoU lays the foundation for a new phase of joint work with the Chinese side. Through this, an integrated strategy for development cooperation between Egypt and China for 3-5 years will be formulated for the first time in light of the joint relations between the two countries. The two countries also signed their first MoU for debt-for-development swap, which the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation is working to activate.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.