African

27 June 2024

PRASA makes steady progress in returning passenger trains

Location: News

PRASA makes steady progress in returning passenger trains

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is making steady and significant progress in getting passenger trains back on track with 31 of the 40 rail corridors now operational, says Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Hishaam Emeran.

Addressing the Africa Rail 2024 Conference taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Emeran said PRASA has recovered almost 80% of passenger rail corridors after widespread theft and vandalism destroyed the country’s passenger rail system during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The resuscitation of the 31 corridors translates into the steady return of rail passengers. We are not where we need to be yet, but we are seeing significant progress. A year back, we had 15 million passengers and by the end of March this year, we reached 40million passengers. That’s nearly a 200% increase,” he said on Thursday.

PRASA has invested more than R12 billion in capital projects, creating some 4 500 jobs.

“Over the past 24 months, PRASA has achieved major milestones, and we can see a significant improvement; you can see a turnaround within the rail space in South Africa. That has been possible, in large part, to PRASA’s ability to execute on our capital programme.

“Over the last two years, PRASA has made a significant injection into the economy of our country. It has invested more than R30-billion over the last two years in projects, rolling stock manufacturing and other organisation elements within the rail space. That is a direct injection into the economy, which does not even take into account the knock-on effect of our investment,” Emeran said.

He said PRASA’s turnaround strategy – which has focused on corridor rebuilding, modernisation and safety – has yielded positive results for rail passengers and the country’s economy.

“The modernisation of the rail system is reaping rewards. It is creating jobs and revitalising an essential commuter artery. It is also boosting the manufacturing sector with the building of the new ‘people’s train’ taking place in Gauteng’s East Rand.

“Those trains are manufactured by Gibela and built here in South Africa by young men and women who are engineers, technicians, welders and so on. We have ensured that about 65% of the parts that go into that train are local content,” Emeran said.

With the production of 600 trains for PRASA at the Gibela factory, the agency is spearheading efforts to establish South Africa as the train manufacturing hub for the entire African continent, fully supporting the African Union's vision for South Africa to lead in this critical industry.

“Together with our sister company, Transnet, and our manufacturing company, Gibela, we are spearheading these opportunities for rail as part of the country’s broader economic recovery programme,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 13:37

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27 June 2024

Famous Electricians of Colour

Location: MyPR

At the risk of using a ‘groan-able’ pun Straton Electrical says that this list of famous North American Electricians of colour may shock you into reality: There are several notable African American electricians and inventors who made significant contributions to the field: Granville T. Woods (1856 – 1910) was a prolific African American inventor known …

27 June 2024

Wolvaardt: An Oppotunity To Play More Test Cricket Is ‘Awesome’ For Proteas Women

Location: Sport

CHENNAI: Captain Laura Wolvaardt expresses her excitement at the prospect of more red-ball cricket for the Proteas Women as they prepare...

27 June 2024

DFFE drives transformation within the nature conservation sector for economic growth

Location: News

DFFE drives transformation within the nature conservation sector for economic growth

By Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa

Transformation of the Biodiversity Sector remains sacrosanct and is a major lever to ensure that the sector makes a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country whilst conserving valuable natural resources.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is entrusted with the constitutional mandate to manage, protect, and conserve South Africa’s environment and natural resources, has made significant strides in conserving our natural resources and ensuring sectoral transformation.

This progress is highlighted by the recent revision of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) which seeks to advance an inclusive biodiversity sector that locally beneficiate the reach indigenous biological and genetic resources for a thriving people and nature. This renewed focus on transformation was central to discussions during the 2024 Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba (BEII) held earlier this year in March in Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Many of the over 1000 participants at the BEII reiterated that the Biodiversity Sector as a whole urgently requires transformation. This transformation must ensure the meaningful and equitable inclusion of rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals into the biodiversity economy, and biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in general.

The aim of the BEII was to enhance the conversation on the NBES and its contribution to addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. It also aimed to promote multi-stakeholder commitment to strengthening the biodiversity economy sector and enriching the dialogue among industry players around the goals of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity (the White Paper 2023). The Indaba promoted cooperative governance and whole of society approach for effective policy implementation and business-to-business trading, networking, and sustainable partnerships and showcasing market-ready biodiversity products and services from across the biodiversity economy value chains through exhibitions.

Consistent with the policy context of the White Paper, the revised NBES is founded on the key pillars of conservation, sustainable use, beneficiation of biodiversity business value chains, and transformation. These pillars promote sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth and development. This requires growing and sustaining conservation land and seascapes while promoting and facilitating inclusive biodiversity-based businesses that drive the transformation of the biodiversity sector.

South Africa’s approach to biodiversity is holistic, recognizing the benefits that intact ecosystems, healthy species populations, and genetic diversity bring to the economy and society for people and nature to thrive. The country promotes a diverse biodiversity-based economy, balancing ecological, social, and economic elements. This is not about exploiting natural resources for short-term gains but ensuring healthy ecosystems and long-term survival of species, inclusive growth where benefits are shared equitably and people live in harmony with nature.

The NBES, informed by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the White Paper, expands on previous strategies to include marine, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater opportunities. Another vital part of the strategy is ecosystem restoration and the recognition of the importance of ecological infrastructure ensuring that both nature and people can thrive sustainably.

Transformation is a crucial theme in the NBES, aiming to include rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals in the biodiversity economy for rural socio-economic development. Successful examples of biodiversity transformation like the Tshivhula Communal Property Association (CPA), the Makuleke in the Limpopo section of the Kruger National Park, and Babanango in KwaZulu Natal Province showcase how land restitution can lead to socio-economic benefits. These projects demonstrate the potential for community-owned land to be used for conservation businesses while promoting sustainable rural development.

The story of Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris in Limpopo is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives. With 20,000 hectares of land restored to the Tshivhula community, the farm has become a model of biodiversity stewardship, focusing on hunting and ecotourism. Basic infrastructure and capacity support from, national and provincial governments, and public entities like South African National Parks (SANParks) and further investment from private partners has been crucial to this success.

The DFFE's efforts to invite various media houses to witness the success of the Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris illustrate the department’s success in transforming the sector. The media group that attended the BEII Post-Indaba Media Excursion at the facility was able to engage with the CPA, the private partner, employees at Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris, SANParks officials, Limpopo Land Claims Commissioner officials, and DFFE officials. The excursion concluded with a visit to Mapungubwe National Park which is also a World Heritage Site and part of the Transfrontier Conservation Area shared with Zimbabwe and Botswana, where the media group had another opportunity to engage with officials during the game drive and a tour of the museum.

As South Africa continues its journey under the 7th administration, the revised NBES provides a framework for growth and transformation in the biodiversity sector. By balancing conservation with sustainable use and ensuring inclusive socio-economic development, South Africa is demonstrating how natural resources can be used responsibly and in a manner that benefits all citizens and grow the economy.

*Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa is the Deputy Director-General: Biodiversity and Conservation at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Matona
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 13:03

159 views

27 June 2024

Nedbank commits to helping SA youth go from short-term savings to long-term investment success

Location: MyPR

Youth Month in South Africa is a time to recognise the immense value and importance of the country’s young people in shaping its future. As we celebrate the youth’s potential and aspirations, it is crucial to recommit to supporting them in achieving their dreams and goals. Savings and investments are key ways for our country’s …

27 June 2024

Democracy Bus

Location: News

Democracy Bus

Over the past 30 years of our constitutional democracy, we have travelled an exciting journey together with many ups and downs experienced along the way. Despite the turbulence, we have always shown our resolve as a nation to rise above our circumstances and reach this pivotal moment where we celebrate 30 Years of Freedom.

To draw South Africans from across the country into our celebrations, the South African Road Agency in partnership with government has launched the Democracy Bus that will travel to different parts of our amazing country – from our nation’s towering cities to deep rural communities.

Through this journey we will share our unique story of South Africa rising from a turbulent past to a vibrant hopeful nation. Reaching this national milestone would not have been possible without the many people across our nation who made an extraordinary impact in both fighting for and preserving our freedom.

Government calls on all South Africans to “get on the bus” so that they can see and experience the changes we have gone through, as well re-live the many pivotal moments in our democratic journey.

Through the various planned activations along the route, citizens will have an opportunity to engage with government and to share their stories and experiences of living in a democratic and free South Africa.

In getting everyone talking, we can appreciate our journey and use our experiences to heal the wounds of the past. Through sharing our stories, we will start realising that we all subscribe to the same basic set of values such as mutual respect, democracy, freedom, equality and justice.

Our stories should create an understanding that our respective journeys to freedom might have been different, but we are united in our love for the country and passion to move the country forward.

The gains made by our society would also be better appreciated when viewed against what life was like before 1994. As a starting point we can undoubtedly say that life has improved and that South Africa is a much better place.

We have made significant progress in transforming the apartheid state into a democratic one founded on the values of human dignity, non-racialism and non-sexism, the rule of law, and universal adult suffrage, as enshrined in the Constitution.

We have succeeded in lifting millions of people out of poverty. Millions now have access to water, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and many other basic services, which they did not have before 1994. When looking back over the past 30 years, all South Africans can be proud of the progress we have made as a young nation.

Of course, our trajectory since 1994 has not been without many challenges and headwinds. But what has remained clear is the ability of South Africans to rise above adversity and to pull together in our darkest hours. The story of South Africa has always been about our people and now more than ever the collective future resides in the hands of the people.

Through our dialogue in the Democracy Bus initiative, we can take stock of our democratic gains, as well as track the reach and effectiveness of government programmes thus far. It allows us to focus on what still needs to be done to build a better tomorrow for everyone.

As the bus travels on our roads across all provinces to 30 locations in various parts of our country, citizens will have an opportunity to be part of our ‘Spot the Bus’ campaign. Citizens can keep a look out for information on the bus’s journey through a digital map that will be published on various social media platforms.

The bus is also expected to stop at GCIS Thusong Service centres, which are earmarked as key activation sites. It will also stop at venues for community meetings, Izimbizo and national events, as well as dams, police stations, schools, clinics and hospitals built over the years.

Whilst much has been achieved over our democratic journey, plenty of work remains as we build our nation. Through our resilient and hopeful spirit, there are no limits to what we can achieve as a nation. Let us join in the celebration of our journey thus far and together forge a path forward towards even greater development.

*Vusi Mona is General Manager: Communications at the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL)

Neo
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:21

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27 June 2024

CSA Announce SA U19 Women’s T20 Series To Ramp Up World Cup Prep

Location: Sport

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed the South Africa under-19 Women’s T20 series against Namibia and the Eastern Storm...

27 June 2024

Dream Hotels & Resorts and CityBlue Hotels Forge Strategic Partnership to Promote Pan-African Hospitality

Location: News

Dream Hotels & Resorts (Dream) and CityBlue Hotels (CityBlue) (www.CityBlueHotels.com) are proud to announce a strategic sales and representation partnership aimed at fortifying their market presence across Africa.

Embodied by the tagline, ‘Collaborating for a Brighter African Hospitality Future', the alliance marks a significant milestone in bringing together two renowned African hospitality companies with a shared vision of sustainable growth.

Considered a prominent player in South Africa's hospitality industry, Dream's portfolio comprises 23 mixed-used properties. CityBlue, Africa's fastest-growing local hotel chain with properties across Accra, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala, Kigali, Lamu, Mombasa and Nairobi plans to reach 50 operating hotels by 2028.

“Collaboration is a powerful force that brings together diverse perspectives,” says Nick Dickson, Director of Dream Hotels & Resorts. “By combining our resources, expertise, and extensive networks, we're establishing a unified approach to market expansion, while delivering even greater value to our guests.”

According to Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels, their East & West-meets- South partnership will include joint marketing campaigns, co-branded promotions, combined trade show representation, and the exchange of contracted agents, wholesalers, and clients to ensure a diversified market reach.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” he adds. “By working together in complementary markets, we are endorsing the opportunities of pan-African collaborations, which ultimately leads to a more resilient, robust and unified industry.”

An official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dream and CityBlue will take place at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Windhoek the week of 25 June 2024. Their cohesive partnership aligns with AHIF's mission of fostering investment, collaboration, and growth in African hospitality.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.

About Dream Hotels & Resorts:
Founded in 1988, our mission at Dream Hotels & Resorts is to deliver dynamic and exceptional hospitality solutions in Africa that connect local and global travellers to our communities in a sustainable and relevant manner. With a growing portfolio of over 23 properties, including exclusive membership and ownership opportunities, we have adopted a more purposeful approach to the guest experience, leading with greater compassion and intent, while creating a healthy balance between our actions, our communities, and the environment.

About CityBlue Hotels:
CityBlue Hotels, Africa's fastest-growing local hotel chain, operates properties across some of East and West Africa's major cities. Renowned for its modern, comfortable accommodations and strong focus on business travellers, CityBlue's mission is to open African doors and extend care to everyone through the celebration of diversity. CityBlue aims to build the future of African hospitality by harnessing the power of technology to democratise travel.

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27 June 2024

Last-minute Lottery funding for the National Arts Festival

Location: News

Following a successful appeal, the festival has finally got R10-million

27 June 2024

SA requests establishment of two panels at WTO

Location: News

SA requests establishment of two panels at WTO

South Africa has this week requested the establishment of two panels at a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This was to examine what, in South Africa’s view, are unscientific and discriminatory measures placed on citrus imported from South Africa by the European Union (EU).

These steps were taken to address the EU’s regulations on two separate plant health issues: Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and False Codling Moth (FCM).

The regulations are being challenged by the South African government to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the local citrus industry.

Currently, South African citrus growers are spending billions of rands per year to comply with CBS and FCM measures that the industry considers unscientific and unnecessarily restrictive as South Africa already has an effective world-class risk management system that ensures safe citrus exports.

Emerging citrus growers are especially hit hard by the EU measures.

The request to establish the two panels is a significant development. This is the first time that South Africa progresses a dispute at the WTO beyond the panel state of the established DSB process.

On 15 April 2024, South Africa requested consultations with the EU on the CBS matter, which initiated a process that has ended without any results.

On FCM, South Africa initiated consultations in July of 2022, with no satisfactory conclusion as well. A panel will now also be formed on the FCM matter.

While the EU did not at this time accept South Africa’s request for the two panels, the set DSB procedure is that the requested adjudication panels will be established at its next meeting in July 2024. A DSB panel report can usually be expected after nine months.

The Government's representatives reiterated the legal basis of their complaints at the WTO headquarters in Geneva this week. These included the following arguments:

• The measures are not based on scientific principles and are maintained without sufficient scientific evidence.

• The measures are applied in a manner that is not in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, of which the EU is a signatory.

• The EU fails to apply the measures in a uniform, impartial and reasonable manner.

• The measures are more trade-restrictive than required to achieve protection, and there are reasonably available alternatives which are technically and economically feasible, that would achieve protection in a significantly less trade-restrictive manner.

The SA Government has the support of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA).

"Last year, we exported 36% of all our citrus to the EU. That shows what an important market it is for our growers. It is the very foundation of citrus profitability in SA.

“Should the EU continue with the implementation of these measures, or intensify them in any way, the profitability of hundreds of growers will be negatively affected and the industry will suffer severe revenue and job losses.

“But this is also potentially good news for the European consumer. Their orange prices last summer were at an all-time high. However, if their supply is unfettered, consumers will benefit," said Justin Chadwick, the CEO of the CGA.

"The citrus industry supports 140 000 jobs at farm level alone," explained Mooketsa Ramasodi, the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

"The government is acting to safeguard these livelihoods and the central role the citrus industry plays in so many of our rural communities," Ramasodi said.

The Acting Director-General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, further clarified government's actions at the WTO: "The EU's measures on CBS and FCM are not justified, proportionate or appropriate. It must be understood, however, that the WTO process is not confrontational or aggressive. The goal is scientific truth and fairness.

“We are making use of the WTO mechanisms available to us to find an amicable solution."

The South African citrus industry is currently entering its peak export season, with oranges heading to the ports.

It is estimated that South Africa will export a total of 170 million 15kg cartons this year. The exceptional quality of local citrus has made it sought-after internationally. South Africa is the world's second largest exporter of citrus. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 06/26/2024 - 14:28

740 views

26 June 2024

SA: An impressive example for democracies

Location: News

SA: An impressive example for democracies

As the indelible ink used to register voters in the recent general elections has almost faded from the left thumb; work to move South Africa Inc forward has been moving ahead steadily.

Following the hotly contested 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE), which produced no outright winner, South Africa is traversing partially new ground with the possible formation of a government of national unity (GNU).

I say partially new ground because the country adopted a GNU following the historic elections of 1994 which saw everyone who was eligible to, cast their vote for the first time and the African National Congress (ANC) win the polls. The elections ushered in a new democratic dispensation as well as the decision to put in place a three-party GNU under President Nelson Mandela, despite there being an outright winner.

However, following the 29 May 2024 polls, no political party received an outright majority, necessitating consideration of a number of options, including a GNU which President Cyril Ramaphosa has described as “the beginning of a new era.”

President Ramaphosa said the first GNU was established to promote nation building and inclusivity from a racially divided past during a period of political transition.

While many are wondering what the new GNU will entail in detail, what is clear is that our 30-year-old democracy is growing and maturing.

In other parts of the world, an unfavourable elections outcome for a ruling party could very likely be met with violence and a disregard for organisations established under chapter nine of the Constitution, like the Electoral Commission. Additionally, this violence would be closely followed by intolerance and instability as uninvited guests to an already tumultuous party.

However, in South Africa’s case, the will of the people exercised at the ballot box, is being implemented through the GNU. And before we moan and complain about the time it is taking to announce the new Cabinet, we ought to appreciate the fact that lives have not been lost or disrupted because of the Constitution-provided right for adult citizens to vote in elections and to do so in secret. Dialogue and engagement have been the first port of call - a clear indication that our 30-year-old democracy is dependable, resilient and respected.

To date, we’ve seen the swearing in of Members of Parliament, the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces as well as the election and inauguration of President Ramaphosa.

The President affirmed this in his first address to the nation as President of the seventh administration. In his address following his inauguration at the Union Buildings, the President said: “In their multitude, in voices that are many and diverse, the people of South Africa have voted and made known their wishes, their concerns and their expectations. They did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone.”

While the election results were not fully favourable for all parties, the results have been largely accepted and this is evidenced through the 10 of 18 parties with seats in Parliament having signed the GNU’s Statement of Intent.

According to President Ramaphosa’s recent weekly newsletter, the Statement of Intent commits signatories to a set of foundational principles that include respect for constitutionalism, accountability, transparency and community participation in government, evidence-based policy and decision-making, professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance.

In addition, the election results are proof that voting is not a futile exercise. The act of making one’s X on a ballot goes a long way. It has the potential of changing the trajectory of the country.

While that stubborn indelible ink may have faded off the left thumb, its impact has not only been an eyesore for those with beautifully manicured fingernails, but has also produced a new valuable chapter in South Africa’s autobiography that we can learn from.

While this autobiography displays all the good, such as increasing enrolment in public universities from 494 356 in 1994 to over a million students in 2023, steadily edging closer to the National Development Plan’s target of 1.6 million enrolments by the year 2030, as well as the provision of social grants to the most vulnerable - the story also lays bare some ugly truths, such as the ongoing battle against inequality, gender-based violence and unemployment that continues to plague society.

Citizens should be proud of how far the country has come. Our Constitution has been stretched and tested. Yet, it is still standing. Our country has not descended into chaos.

Democratic South Africa’s manuscript may have its fair share of stains across its pages in history. What is clear however, is that it has not found itself under the thumb of undemocratic practises. As in 1994, when South Africa showed the rest of the continent and globe that a peaceful transition, together with an inclusive government is possible - again, 30 years later, we are shining the same light of hope for the rest of the world, as we begin our new era. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Wed, 06/26/2024 - 12:10

418 views

26 June 2024

Celebrating Significant South African Electrical Engineers

Location: MyPR

It is said that if you don’t know where you come from you will struggle to find out where you are going. Today the Electrical Contracting/Engineering industry stands on the shoulders of giants in the industry. Straton Electrical acknowledges these famous men and women that contributed to our industry to make it what it is …

26 June 2024

Complainants Get R386-milllion Back In Insurance Payouts

Location: MyPR

The Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance (OLTI) and the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance (OSTI) have published their last joint annual report for 2023, as they have now been incorporated into the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO). From 1 March 2024, the NFO, an industry ombud scheme, commenced operations with the merger of four separate …

26 June 2024

African Development Bank expands urban support program to six new cities

Location: News

The African Development Bank's (www.AfDB.org) Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) (https://apo-opa.co/4exYmAh) has expanded its African Cities Program to cover six new cities across the continent. The expansion, approved by the Fund's 13^th Oversight Committee, will help bolster urban development and address critical challenges faced by rapidly growing African cities.

The newly included cities are:

Kolwezi, the Democratic Republic of Congo: mining town grappling with rapid urban growth and environmental issues.
Grand Nokoué, Benin: an economic hub with over two million inhabitants.
Buffalo City, South Africa: a coastal city prioritizing climate resilience.
Joal, Senegal: A medium-sized city focusing on integrating environmental and social issues into economic development.
Juba, South Sudan: Prioritizing essential services for a growing, vulnerable population;
Nouakchott, Mauritania: Planning to combine projects on climate resilience, urban mobility, and sustainable energy.

The Bank launched the UMDF in 2019 in response to growing demand from countries and cities for urban development support. It receives contributions from the Nordic Development Fund and the governments of Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as the Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency.

The Fund provides financial and technical assistance to national and local governments for improving governance, planning, and to prepare investments in sustainable urban development for more climate resilient, resilient, liveable and productive cities, underpinning national socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

UMDF will provide funding for each of the six cities over several months, including a detailed analysis of the strengths and vulnerabilities, especially regarding economic, social, climate, and gender issues. The goal is to identify transformative infrastructure projects that can attract public and private sector investments.

The committee also reviewed the Fund's progress and approved its 2024 work program, allocating over $4.7 million to identify and develop urban infrastructure projects and bring them to maturity.

Mike Salawou, Director of the African Development Bank's Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, committed to strengthening the Fund's operational effectiveness and capacity to mobilize more funding and partnerships for greater impact.

“The question of urban development is at the heart of the Bank's new ten-year strategy for 2024-2033, of which the Urban and Municipal Development Fund is a strategic implementation mechanism,” he emphasized. The Bank ten-year strategy 2024-2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3L73NIF) includes data and research from publications (https://apo-opa.co/3XEbJbS) financed by the Fund and its partners.

It is hoped that the Fund will act as a catalyst in boosting access of African municipalities to public and private finance, a priority defined by the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, at the Africa Investment Forum (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com) 2023 Market Days in Morocco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

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26 June 2024

SA requested the establishment of two panels at WTO