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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will undertake an Official Visit to the Republic of Chile from 22 to 25 July 2023 to co-chair the Eighth Meeting of the Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) between South Africa and Chile.

South Africa and Chile enjoy cordial diplomatic relations that were formally normalised in October 1991. Bilateral relations between the two countries are underpinned by the values of respect for democracy, human rights and sustainable development. At the global level, the two countries agree on respect for the rule of international law, multilateralism and South-South Cooperation in pursuit of the development agenda of the South.

Bilateral and multilateral cooperation between South Africa and Chile is conducted within the framework of the JCM, which is co-chaired at the Deputy Ministerial level and meets every second year.

The areas of cooperation between the two countries include astronomy, fisheries and aquaculture; mining; education, science, and innovation; social development; sport, arts and culture; trade and investment and parliamentary relations.

The JCM also provides a platform to exchange notes and facilitate cooperation on regional and multilateral issues.

The Deputy Minister will also have a business networking session with South African and Chilean companies.

On 25 July 2023, Deputy Minister Botes will take part in the launch of the Exhibition: 10th Year Remembrance of Nelson Mandela under the theme: “The Legacy Lives on through You”, at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights in Santiago.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

By forming strategic alliances with African energy producers and major international players in the market, French-based, globally integrated energy company Technip Energies has assumed a leading position in advancing the energy revolution. In recognition of their significant contributions to the industry, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) is honoured  to announce that Technip Energies will participate as a Gold Sponsor at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023, scheduled to take place on October 16–20 in Cape Town. The involvement of Technip Energies at Africa's largest energy event is crucial for highlighting industry challenges as well as presenting solutions and opportunities for market optimization and sustainable practices.

The company's delivery of cutting-edge project management, engineering and construction services has been crucial in fostering growth within the energy sector, placing it at the forefront of industry progress.

Technip Energies operates in 34 countries with 15 000 members of staff dedicated to bringing their clients' visions to life. Over the past six decades, Technip Energies has conducted more than 100 successful projects in Africa. Some of their onshore projects include the PP Secunda Plant (Sasol) in South Africa, Rovuma LNG (Exxon Mobil) in Mozambique and Tilenga (Total Energies/CNOOC) in Uganda. Its offshore projects include Coral South FLNG (ENI) in Mozambique and BP Tortue (BP) in Senegal/Mauritania, to name a few.

Technip Energies holds prominent positions in the thriving fields of LNG, hydrogen, and ethylene, making it a valuable asset for ongoing LNG projects in Africa and the development of new hydrogen and LNG ventures across the continent. Notably, the company played a pivotal role in the successful Coral South FLNG project in Mozambique, which recently achieved a milestone by exporting its first LNG shipment to Croatia.

Furthermore, Technip Energies has partnered with Empresa Nacional de Hydrocarbonetos Logistics to establish the first engineering company in Mozambique, primarily staffed by Mozambicans. This collaboration has significantly contributed to the growth of human capital in the regional energy sector, empowering the local workforce and enhancing the region's energy expertise.

Beyond its notable project developments in Africa's energy sector, the company goes the extra mile by actively championing local content and human capital development. This steadfast commitment to capacity-building initiatives underscores their dedication to shaping a brighter energy future for the continent. The company's emphasis on increasing human capital and its strong focus on promoting local content are instrumental in equipping the region with crucial skills needed for further advancements in the fields of engineering and technology.

In June, during the Invest in African Energies Paris Forum, which was hosted by the AEC, Technip Energies and Congo's Ministry of Hydrocarbons joined forces to sign a pivotal cooperation agreement. The primary goal of this agreement is to enhance capacity building for sustainable onshore and offshore energy projects. With a strong emphasis on energy transition principles such as LNG, zero-carbon solutions, and decarbonization, the deal sets a clear path towards a more sustainable future.

Technip Energies' expertise in health, safety, and environmental studies will play a crucial role in contributing to these sustainability efforts. This partnership signifies a significant stride in fostering a domestic LNG market and elevating Congo's status as a regional hub and global exporter, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

With LNG projects gaining traction in many African countries, partnerships with Technip Energies have assisted with the advancement of new technologies in the field as well as providing services that ensure sustainability.  

Additionally, in 2021, Technip Energies actively engaged with stakeholders to build an inclusive and comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Roadmap, demonstrating dedication to transparency and collaboration in tackling global challenges. This holistic approach aims to foster a sustainable industry ecosystem by positively impacting the environment, empowering communities, and upholding ethical governance practices. The roadmap focuses on four pillars: driving climate solutions through decarbonization and innovation; enabling people to thrive with an inclusive culture and well-being; collaborating to create sustainable impact; and leading responsibly with ESG accountability and transparency. Through this commitment, Technip Energies aspires to be a responsible corporate leader, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future for all.

“The Chamber celebrates the milestone of having a global energy leader such as Technip Energies support our efforts to make energy poverty across the African continent history by 2030. With a strong focus on sustainability, the company's cutting-edge project management and engineering services have contributed to numerous successful projects in Africa, both onshore and offshore. Its commitment to local content and human capital development demonstrates their dedication to empowering local communities and fostering a domestic LNG market,” states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, “We are proud to have Technip Energies as a Gold Sponsor of the continent's biggest energy event and look forward to a wide range of deals being signed at the event in October.”

As a gold sponsor of AEW, Technip Energies' involvement underscores the significance of creating a sustainable energy landscape for the region. Through its support and expertise, the company plays a crucial role in driving sustainable energy solutions in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week:
AEW is the AEC's annual conference, exhibition and networking event uniting African energy policymakers and stakeholders with global investors to discuss the opportunities across the continent's energy industry. For more information about AEW 2023, visit https://AECWeek.com

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President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired a meeting of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) on Thursday 20 July 2023.   

PEAC members commended President Ramaphosa and other African leaders for the steps that have been taken to advocate and work for an end to the destabilising Ukraine-Russia war, maintaining that a return to peace would be in the economic interests of Africa and other parts of the world.

PEAC members further supported President Ramaphosa's efforts in sending envoys to the United States and other G7 economies to clarify South Africa's role in working for peace. The meeting recognised that as South Africa seeks to deepen economic ties with BRICS countries, the country must at the same time continue to strengthen bonds with historical trade and investment partners.

The PEAC members welcomed the progress that has been made in implementing the reforms and encouraged the President to continue driving the reform agenda across the electricity, water, rail, ports, telecoms and skills sectors to revive economic growth and create the millions of jobs that are needed.

It was reiterated that these economic reforms must be undertaken at the same time as the government works towards repairing the country's weak fiscal position.

The meeting noted government's ongoing efforts to push back against state-capture, corruption and violence that are damaging society and the country's economic prospects

The meeting further highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and well balanced approach in the execution of the Energy Action Plan that will promote significant levels of new investment for the fundamental modernisation and restructuring of the country's electricity sector.

President Ramaphosa thanked the members of PEAC for their well-considered and crafted inputs and advice to government, providing assurance that government remains on track in the implementation of reforms in a purposeful manner, despite the enormity of the task that means significant results will take time to materialise.  

The PEAC members will continue to provide economic advice to the President in an ongoing manner.  

The purpose of the PEAC is to provide advice to the President on economic policy matters, to allow for detailed discussion on current economic developments, and to allow for the consideration of new economic proposals.

PEAC members, who were appointed on a purely voluntary basis from October 2019 for a three-year term, which has subsequently been extended until the first half of 2024, comprise a team of 19 local and international economic experts drawn from academia, policy and business circles.  The President invites members of his cabinet involved in economic policy matters to join the PEAC meetings.

A major focus of the PEAC work over the past few years has been to advise the President on reforms needed for inclusive, sustainable growth, and PEAC advice also played a significant role in shaping the South African government's economic response to the Covid pandemic.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.