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As the continent gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in December, South Africa and Zambia will face one another in an international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm CAT. CURRENT FORM In October, South Africa claimed its spot at the 2026 …
Control over water underpins national security, economic stability and social wellbeing, as disputes over rivers from southern Africa to the Nile show.
Luke Fraser ·13 Nov 2025 The South African Reserve Bank is widely expected to cut interest rates next week, with further rate cuts anticipated in the future, given South Africa’s lower inflation target. The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on November 20 is expected to result in a 25-basis-point cut. Market expectations (the …
Parliament asked to investigate worker equity schemes
Checkers is the first supermarket retailer to stock METALAB, South Africa’s fastest-growing protein brand. The launch brings premium, clean-label, high-protein nutrition into the mainstream – with an exclusive 300g pack size designed for trial, variety, and everyday use. This forms part of Checkers’ commitment providing access to market for local innovators that respond to real …
No matter the size or type of workplace, spills and leaks are a constant possibility. Liquids like oil, fuel, cleaning solutions, and chemicals can quickly create safety hazards or damage equipment. The simplest way to prevent this is to use a drip tray. It’s a small, practical solution that helps businesses keep their work areas …
They are systematically excluded from participating in local political life
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $310 million financial package to FirstRand Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Africa. This support will significantly increase access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized business enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on women-led businesses and agribusinesses in South Africa.
FirstRand Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of the FirstRand Group.
This comprehensive financing package demonstrates the African Development Bank's continued support for private-sector-led growth and its confidence in FNB, FirstRand's leading commercial banking franchise, to support South Africa's socio-economic transformation and inclusive growth, particularly through empowering women entrepreneurs and agricultural businesses nationwide.
The package comprises three strategic components: a $200 million line of credit for on-lending to MSMEs across various sectors; a $100 million gender-focused line of credit dedicated to women-led and women-owned MSMEs; and a $10 million concessional line of credit from the Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism targeting women-owned agricultural small business enterprises.
“This approval highlights the African Development Bank's dedication to bolstering the private sector and fostering inclusive economic growth in South Africa,” said Kennedy Mbekeani, African Development Bank's Director General for Southern Africa. “By channeling these resources through FirstRand and, in particular, its commercial banking franchise, FNB, we are working with trusted partners with extensive reach to ensure that MSMEs —particularly those led by women —have access to the capital they need to grow, create jobs, and contribute to South Africa's economic development.”
A defining feature of this approval is its strong gender focus: $110 million — more than one-third of the total financial package – is explicitly earmarked for women MSMEs. This intentional gender approach aligns with AfDB's Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) and the Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism (ACFM) initiatives, demonstrating AfDB's commitment to closing the gender financing gap in Africa.
The concessional funding is, by design, ring-fenced for women-owned small business enterprises operating in South Africa's agriculture sector to significantly increase their access to affordable credit on favorable terms. Most smallholder farmers in South Africa remain excluded from accessing bank credit, yet they make up a significant proportion of the farming population.
The Financial Package will be complemented by technical assistance and Performance-Based Incentives from ACFM and AFAWA initiatives of the African Development Bank. The Technical assistance packages are intended to enhance the bankability of women-led/owned small business enterprises; support FNB's (FirstRand's commercial banking franchise) agriculture offerings; and explore alternative credit scoring.
“The approval of this financing package represents a significant milestone and elevation of this impactful partnership between the African Development Bank and FirstRand. It demonstrates both institutions' shared commitment to driving inclusive economic growth and empowerment of the heavily credit-deprived business communities of South Africa by deliberately channeling credit to women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers”, stated Ahmed Attout, Director of the Financial Sector Development Department at the African Development Bank
“MSMEs are significant contributors to South Africa's economic growth, supporting job creation and community upliftment. FirstRand's commercial banking arm, FNB, has demonstrated a strong track record in providing capacity to women-owned businesses and small businesses in the agricultural sector, which in turn supports community development,” said Bhulesh Singh, FirstRand Group Treasurer.
This operation aligns with the African Development Bank's Four Cardinal Points development priorities. It also supports the Bank's Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033), which focuses on inclusive growth, private sector development, and gender equality.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Midrand, South Africa – When a tumble dryer stops working, it creates more than just an inconvenience for busy households—it can disrupt entire family routines. Appliance Repairs Centre, a trusted appliance repair company serving Pretoria, Centurion, and Midrand, has published a comprehensive guide to help homeowners navigate the challenge of managing laundry when their dryer …
Pretoria, South Africa – Property management companies and facilities service providers face mounting challenges recovering rental arrears whilst maintaining tenant relationships and service delivery. OAK Law, a distinguished commercial law firm specialising in debt collection services, provides strategic guidance on protecting revenue streams through legally compliant debt recovery procedures. Rental arrears create compounding problems for …
Marvelzap Unveils UR Robot: New in Freshwater Conservation Technology November 13, 2025 — Marvelzap today announced the launch of its revolutionary UR Robot, a patented innovation technology. This cutting-edge technology represents a major step forward in sustainable automation, with eco-efficient engineering. It is described as a “Human Fluid Recycling Technology” that uses a Cold-Plasma system …
Gender-affirming healthcare can be life-saving, but access is limited
Sandton, South Africa – Healthcare workers, teachers, retail staff, and other professionals who spend their workdays on their feet face unique challenges when it comes to foot health. M Maddocks Inc, a specialist podiatry practice, has released comprehensive guidance on managing one of the most painful and disruptive conditions affecting standing professionals: ingrown toenails. The …
Leading vinyl frosting company shares expert insights on UV protection, branding consistency, and durable design choices Cape Town & Gauteng, South Africa – Window Art, South Africa’s premier vinyl frosting and window treatment specialist, has published a comprehensive three-part guide series addressing critical challenges faced by homeowners, franchise owners, and property developers across the country. …
Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), has joined the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – taking place in Johannesburg on November 21, 2025. Moagi's participation comes at a time when South Africa is implementing measures to accelerate oil and gas exploration across on- and offshore basins and is expected to support new deals and partnerships as the country pursues near-term oil and gas production.
With significant resource potential across onshore and offshore basins, South Africa is taking steps towards transforming its energy sector through upstream development. In October 2025, the country announced that it is lifting the moratorium on shale gas exploration, paving the way for new investments across strategic areas such as the Karoo Basin. While unproven, the basin is estimated to hold up to 200 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable shale gas resources, the development of which could become a catalyst for enhancing energy security and supporting a just energy transition.
South Africa's oil and gas potential transcends onshore margins, with proven resources revealed in the offshore Outeniqua Basin – home to the Brulpadda and Luiperd finds – and estimated resources in the Orange Basin – which extends into Namibia. While environmental and financial challenges have impacted development, the country's offshore market is witnessing renewed interest by global operators. Notably, energy major Shell secured approval for a five-well drilling campaign in the Northern Cape Ulrta Deep block, while TotalEnergies is targeting a two-well wildcat campaign in South Africa's portion of the Orange Basin. These campaigns stand to unlock these basins, introducing a new source of energy for South Africa's high-demand market.
Supporting these efforts, South Africa also signed its Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act into law in 2024, offering a separate regulatory framework for the country's upstream oil and gas sector. The act aims to accelerate exploration and production, facilitate development and support foreign investment by providing a transparent and industry-focused piece of legislation, highlighting the government's commitment to the industry.
The establishment of the SANPC in 2025 is also a strong reflection of the country's commitment to improving industry oversight, transparency and growth, while strengthening the operational capacity of South Africa's state-owned entities. Created through a merger of iGas, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund, the SANPC aligns with regional trends in governance and is positioned as a vehicle for investment and project development. For international operators, the establishment of the SANPC signals the emergence of strong, competitive national partner, thereby enhancing South Africa's attractiveness as an oil and gas investment destination.
The scale of capital and expertise required to develop shale and offshore resources calls for robust partnerships between the state, private operators and international investors. The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum provides the ideal platform for advancing this agenda. Bringing together global financiers, energy leaders and policymakers, the forum will showcase South Africa's reformed upstream framework and investment-ready opportunities. For SANPC, it represents an opportunity to position the company as the linchpin of the country's exploration revival, attracting strategic partnerships and securing funding for future drilling programs.
“By enabling exploration both onshore and offshore, and by fostering collaboration with experienced international partners, South Africa can finally move from energy scarcity toward energy abundance. The SANPC has a vital role to play in ensuring that exploration delivers tangible benefits - not just in energy supply, but in job creation, industrial growth and technological advancement,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Mitchan Adams, CEO and Co-founder of Aions Ventures For a founder, having the right mindset is essential. Think of funding as an accelerant and not a substitute for doing. If you are not already testing, learning, and selling, then capital will not save you. In my mind, there are three archetypes. There is the business …
Africa's green energy sector is entering a period of rapid growth, driven by continental efforts to enhance power generation, support an energy transition and make energy poverty history. With over 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves and abundant solar and wind potential, the continent is well-positioned to use its green energy sector as a catalyst for achieving these goals. Realizing these objectives will require significant investment, underscoring the need for innovative financing mechanisms, strengthened global partnerships and private-led project development.
At the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – taking place November 21 in Johannesburg – representatives from leading green energy and carbon credit companies are expected to share insight into Africa's emerging green energy economy. Discussions will center on how innovative financing can bridge the continent's investment gap, advancing impactful projects and strengthening Africa's energy systems. As the continent accelerates a just and inclusive energy transition, the forum will serve as a launchpad for new investments.
Diversified energy represents the cornerstone of Africa's energy transition and companies such as Levene Energy are leading this strategy. With projects in natural gas, oil and renewable energies, Levene Energy is driving Nigeria's energy development. The company is expanding midstream gas infrastructure, supporting the transportation of low-carbon gas as a substitute for diesel, while providing emission reduction services for upstream projects. In the renewable energy sector, Levene Energy has a partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency focused on implementing rural generation projects and manufacturing solar systems. During the G20 Forum, Levene Energy's CEO Nzan Ogbe is expected to share insight into this strategy and how diversification can fuel energy security in Africa.
In the power sector, companies such as Clarke Energy are addressing Africa's energy challenges by providing distributed power plant solutions in the gas sector. The company specializes in energy efficient, low-carbon and flexible energy systems, delivering projects such as gas engines, biogas upgraders, battery energy storage systems and carbon dioxide capture. These solutions are supporting Africa's economic growth by leveraging natural gas to fuel operations. In Nigeria, the company is harnessing as to support agriculture processing through the 1.5 MW Jenbacher plant, powered by CNG. In Tunisia, the company deployed a CHP plant to enhance power supply and support textile manufacturing. These developments showcase the role gas-fired power generation can play in reducing emissions while supporting operations across a variety of industries. At the G20 Forum, Kara Neale, Commercial Leader at Clarke Energy, is expected to provide further insight into these applications.
Beyond renewable energy and natural gas projects, Africa's carbon credit market is beginning to gain traction. As a viable solution for driving investment across Africa's energy sector, carbon credits have significant growth potential across the African market. Companies such as Green Asset Exchange – Africa's first locally developed trading platform for environmental assets – have emerged as a pathway for African carbon credits and Renewable Energy Certificates to reach international buyers. The company – launched in South Africa – enables transparent, standardized transactions, playing a key role in addressing the continent's energy finance gap and supporting project development across the continent. Green Asset Exchange's Managing Director Nick Rowley is speaking at the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, where he is expected to shed light into Africa's carbon credit market, including strategies opportunities and challenges.
“To make energy poverty history, we need financing mechanisms that reflect Africa's realities. The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum is more than a dialogue; it's a platform to unlock real investments that will turn Africa's vast renewable and natural gas potential into reliable energy for our people. This is how we build an inclusive, sustainable future,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/47VAMuC).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The scholarships will provide more global opportunities for African professionals, equipping them with strategic writing and communications skills to build their careers and navigate challenges in business and media Lagos, Nigeria, 13 October 2025 — Bloomwit, Africa’s best business communications academy, has partnered with TEDxAjegunle to award scholarships to African youths, supporting the development of …
The Defender Trophy – a new kind of epic adventure with a greater purpose that marks the original British adventure brand’s return to global challenge events – has officially begun, with the first qualification event completed. Naoki Imamura will represent Japan alongside 33 other individuals at the global final in Africa next year, hosted with …
The only reason Western Cape Premier Alan Winde had for withholding the report that he requested from the Western Cape Police Ombudsman was that it exposed how absolutely toothless the whole exercise was.
The post PREMIER’S SECRET POLICE REPORT CONTAINS NOTHING: MADLANGA COMMISSION CORRECT BODY TO PROBE GANG/POLICE COLLUSION appeared first on For Good.
The 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) presented by Minister Enoch Godongwana is one of the better statements produced by the Ministry of Finance in many years. It reflects encouraging signs of an improving economic environment, with stronger revenue collections, a reduced debt-to-GDP ratio, and savings on debt-service costs showing indications of stabilisation and a …
Brussels (November 12th, 2025) — Bridgestone, a global leader in premium tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has unveiled its latest ultra-high-performance tyre: the Bridgestone Potenza Sport EVO with ENLITEN Technology. Building on the multi-award-winning Potenza Sport, the new tyre offers enhanced sports performance, wet control, longevity and fuel/energy efficiency, alongside expanded size range. The new …
Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku is angered at the tragic shooting that occurred earlier this morning at the Nyanga Terminus Taxi Rank, less than 24 hours after he visited the same site as part of the Department’s ongoing road user education initiative. “This senseless act of violence has not only claimed the lives …
Dear Editor Seventeen South African men, aged between 20 and 39, were allegedly promised lucrative jobs overseas but ended up being sent to fight for Russian-aligned forces in Ukraine’s Donbas region. It is alleged that they thought they were departing for legitimate security or training work but were forced into combat once they arrived. President …