South Africa’s Made by Basketball Bounce Back, Record First Win in the BAL
The Thunder were led by Evans Ganapamo (21 points) and Tylor Ongwae (20 points), but were shooting 36 percent from the floor and could not hold to the lead late in the fourth. It was MBB's first win in the competition (1-2) as they look for a slot in the upcoming BAL Playoffs and Finals back home in Pretoria (June 6-14). After three games in Kigali, the Thunder (0-3) are still searching for a win.
In the second game, Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) beat APR (Rwanda) 90-68, becoming the only undefeated team in the Nile Conference. Jean Jacques Boissy and Naseim Badrush combined for 52 points, 11 rebounds and six steals for Al Ahli, while Obadiah Noel and Chasson Randle scored 18 points each for APR, who were missing Aliou Diarra due to injury. After three games, Al Ahli (3-0) sits on top of the Nile Conference, with APR (2-1) losing their first game in the competition.
The BAL continues on Thursday when Al Ahli takes on Nairobi at 4 p.m. CAT and APR faces MBB at 7 p.m. CAT.
POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE:
- MBB vs Nairobi City Thunder (https://apo-opa.co/3YT6kOi) (MBB: Head Coach Sam Vincent; Teafale Lenard Jr.; Thunder: Head Coach Bradley Thomas; Evans Ganapamo)
- Al Ahli Tripoli vs APR (https://apo-opa.co/3H3wUy0) (Tripoli: Head Coach AbouAbou Charca Joseph Fouad; Deon Thompson; APR: Head Coach James Maye Jr.; Obadiah Noel)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
African Development Bank’s Adesina Warns of Economic Shockwaves from U.S. Tariffs, Calls for Strategic Global Engagement
As the United States imposes higher tariffs with global ramifications, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has warned that these measures could trigger significant economic disruptions across Africa, affecting numerous nations and accelerating a strategic shift in global partnerships.
In an exclusive interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Dr Adesina revealed that 47 of Africa's 54 countries will be impacted directly by the new U.S. trade policies, with potential declines in export revenues and foreign exchange reserves.
“When those currencies weaken, two things will happen: first, you will find that most of these countries are import-dependent. So, you're going to find that high inflation becomes a problem,” said Adesina. “And secondly, you find that the cost of actually servicing a lot of their debt, which is foreign currency debt, but in local currencies, is going to get worse.”
Almost all African countries have been hit by higher tariffs announced by the Trump administration, with at least 22 nations facing up to a whopping 50 percent for almost all their products. Among the hardest hit countries are Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Botswana, Angola, Algeria, and South Africa.
The impacts of these higher tariffs are further exacerbated by significant cuts to USAID programs, which have already begun affecting access to essential medical supplies and humanitarian services in many countries, raising serious concerns about the future trajectory of U.S.-Africa relations.
Africa's Strategic Response
Despite the challenges, Adesina emphasized that Africa cannot afford a trade confrontation with the United States, noting that the continent accounts for only 1.2 percent (approximately $34 billion) of America's global trade—with a trade surplus of just $7.2 billion.
Instead, he proposed a pragmatic three-point strategy for the continent: Engage the U.S. through flexible and constructive trade negotiations, diversify export markets to reduce dependency on any single partner, and accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area implementation to unlock the potential $3.4 trillion market.
He stressed the need to expand Africa's domestic market and boost domestic savings to develop consumption as a bigger share of its GDP, leveraging its massive population growth. More importantly, the continent must take advantage of the increasing external interest in its natural resources, such as cobalt and lithium, to negotiate a better trade and investment deal.
Addressing speculation that Africa may shift more decisively toward China in response to the higher U.S. tariffs, Adesina dismissed any notion of binary alignment. “U.S is a key ally of Africa—and so is China,” he stated. “Africa is building bridges, not isolating itself.”
He stressed that Africa seeks balanced, transparent, and mutually beneficial partnerships with all major global players, including the U.S., China, the European Union, and the Gulf states. “I think at the end of the day, we want to make sure that whatever deals that are being done with Africa are transparent, fair, equitable, and led by Africa and in Africa's interests,” Adesina reiterated.
Beyond Aid: Driving Africa's Self-Reliance
Dr. Adesina, who concludes his second and final term as president of the Bank in September, firmly rejected the long-standing paradigm of foreign aid dependency. “The era of aid as we've known it is completely gone,” he declared, calling instead for bold investments in domestic resource mobilization, infrastructure, and value-added industrialization.
He said aid must be turned into concessional financing to allow multilateral financial institutions like the African Development Bank to do more for the continent by mobilizing more private capital to develop and derisk projects.
While Africa represents nearly 20 percent of the global population and under three percent of global GDP, the Bank Group chief pointed to a resilient and transformative growth narrative: ten of the world's twenty fastest-growing economies are in Africa.
He highlighted flagship initiatives under the African Development Bank's “High 5” agenda that have impacted more than 565 million people through investments in power, food security, industrialization, regional integration, and initiatives to improve the quality of life of the people of Africa.
Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested more than $55 billion in infrastructure to bolster economic integration across Africa, alongside other critical investments to drive inclusive growth. It is by far the largest financier of infrastructure across Africa.
Adesina also cited the great potential of the Mission 300 project, a joint initiative by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. “Because without electricity, what can you do? You can't industrialize, you can't add value, you can't be competitive in the dark,” he said.
He highlighted the achievements of the Africa Investment Forum, launched in 2018 by the Bank and eight other partners, saying it has since mobilized more than $225 billion in investment interest to the continent. The Forum is a multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary platform that advances projects to bankable stages, raises capital, and accelerates deals to financial closure.
Adesina believes that despite its challenges, Africa is the largest greenfield investment destination in the world, and it remains “the investor's dream.”
“We got hydropower. We have a massive youth population that can become the labor force of the world. Sixty-five percent of the arable land left in the world to feed almost 9.5 billion people by 2050 is in Africa, so what Africa does with it will determine the future of food in the world,” he affirmed.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
FHS Africa 2025 Honours David Green, William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany for Visionary Leadership and Lasting Impact on the Hospitality Industry
The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award.
The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact.
William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name ‘Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time - and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission.
David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development - supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. “Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,” Green reflected.
“It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.”
Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation - principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. “True leadership is not about titles or accolades,” she said. “It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.”
All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025.
Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry - visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.”
FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh
+44 (0) 20 7602 5262
+44 (0) 7770 816 070
Email: David@Tarsh.com.
About FHS Africa:
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa – formerly the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supported By: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at www.TheBench.com
GE Vernova modernizes Sasol’s Secunda power plant in South Africa
- The new upgrade increases operational efficiency at Sasol's plant, while reducing NOx emissions significantly
- Project is expected also lead to water consumption savings equivalent to about 64 Olympic pools per turbine annually
- GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com) announced this project at Enlit Africa 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) today announced the successful completion of the modernization of global energy and chemical company Sasol's Secunda power plant in Mpumalanga. The modernization included the replacement of the existing pre-combustor system with a new DLN1+ combustor supplemented by the Fuel Gas Module (FGM) skid to increase the operational efficiency of the two installed 9E gas turbines and reduce carbon emissions.
This project serves as a model for modernizing power plants across Africa. As the continent faces increasing energy demands, initiatives like this highlight how innovative solutions can enable more efficient energy production with reduced emissions, without requiring entirely new infrastructure.
The upgrade led to significant improvements, including:
- Reduction of NOx emissions significantly below the guaranteed values of 25 ppm, representing a reduction of three quarters from previous level.
- Avoidance of using water as a diluent with the DLN technology, with an expected water consumption saving equivalent to about 64 Olympic pools per turbine annually.
- There was an efficiency improvement compared to the previous combustor, translating to approximately 10,000 metric tons less CO2 emitted per gas turbine, supporting Sasol's environmental objectives.
- Extension of the maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs.
- Enhanced reliability of the power supply delivered to the national grid.
"This project exemplifies our purpose to electrify the world," said Joseph Anis (http://apo-opa.co/4k6G5fI), President and CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. "Building on our advanced combustion technologies, we are helping Sasol address South Africa's energy needs more efficiently. Together, we are demonstrating how advanced technologies can deliver tangible benefits for both businesses and communities."
This project will be showcased at Enlit Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4k3OEYH), taking place from 20 – 22 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa. GE Vernova's participation will include interactive activities at booth C22 in Hall 3 and speaking sessions covering a wide range of topics, including: a keynote on technology driven transformation, smart grids and the future of energy management, digitization and modernization of projects and accelerating women in energy.
GE Vernova has contributed to the development of the energy infrastructure in Africa for over a century, supporting power generation, transmission and distribution solutions, energy sector software applications, talent development, and community outreach.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.
Additional Link: https://apo-opa.co/4dJXJnj
Notes to editors:
© 2025 GE Vernova and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
For more information, contact:
Media Contact – GE Vernova
Winnie Gathage
Africa Communications Leader
GE Vernova
winnie.gathage@gevernova.com
Laura Aresi
Media Relations Leader, Power
GE Vernova
Laura.aresi@gevernova.com
Lesego Malete
Group Account Director
Burson Africa
lesego.malete@bursonglobal.com
About GE Vernova:
GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 75,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company's purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com), GE Vernova in Middle East & Africa (https://apo-opa.co/435wb81), and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4jY25JD). GE Vernova's Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future. It is a global leader in gas turbines and gas power plant technologies and services with the industry's largest installed base.
Forward Looking Statements:
This document contains forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements often address GE Vernova's expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and the expected performance of its products, the impact of its services and the results they may generate or produce, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about planned and potential transactions, investments or projects and their expected results and the impacts of macroeconomic and market conditions and volatility on the Company's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain and world economy.
Deputy President Mashatile Engages With South African and French Businesses
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has, today, 20 May 2025, engaged with South African and French businesses during a Roundtable Breakfast Dialogue hosted by MEDEF International in Paris.
MEDEF is France's largest business federation, representing over 750,000 companies, from SMEs to large multinationals. It plays a central role in promoting French economic diplomacy, supporting private sector development, and facilitating international investment and trade relationships.
The Business Dialogue is an important platform for businesses from both countries to expand on existing cooperation and identifying new areas of cooperation with a specific focus on trade and investment.
Addressing the Business Dialogue, the Deputy President said, "The South African Government has committed to spending more than R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years. This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports, and power our economy. Moreover, investors have an opportunity to collaborate with the South African Government by investing in infrastructure such as ports, rail, electricity, and manufacturing to improve local value-addition and boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area."
The Deputy President also touched on the European Union-SA Summit, which took place in Cape Town in March 2025, where there was an announcement of the EU investment package of around R90 billion to support investment projects in South Africa.
In addition, the Deputy President met with Mr Thierry Deau, Group CEO of Meridiam and Chairman of the Global Long-Term Infrastructure Investors Association.
Meridiam is a global investment firm specializing in public infrastructure, with assets under management exceeding €12 billion. It focuses on long-term investments in transport, energy, social infrastructure, and environmental projects, with a commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
During the meeting, the two discussed, among others, the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including infrastructure investors, policymakers, and academia, as being crucial for promoting responsible and long-term private capital deployment in public infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Deputy President indicated that he is certain that South Africa and France can achieve new heights of prosperity through strengthening their economic links and encouraging closer cooperation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
TotalEnergies to Drill in 2026, Regulatory Reform Gains Momentum
TotalEnergies is preparing to begin offshore drilling in South Africa in 2026, pending final regulatory approvals, according to Mike Sangster, the company's SVP for Africa Exploration & Production. Speaking at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, Sangster emphasized the company's ambition to expand its multi-energy strategy on the continent, with South Africa poised to play a central role in that vision.
The announcement coincides with significant legislative developments in South Africa's oil and gas sector. In April, the government published the draft regulations for the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, inviting public comment and signaling a renewed commitment to reform. The regulations will outline the procedures for implementing the Act – approved in November but not yet in effect – ushering in a more modern, investor-oriented framework for hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Establishing a Fit-for-Purpose Framework
For years, the lack of a clear and sector-specific legal framework has impeded South Africa's ability to attract sustained exploration activity and unlock its offshore potential. The Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act aims to rectify this by establishing transparent licensing systems, defining state and Black Economic Empowerment participation and clarifying production-sharing mechanisms.
Crucially, the Act seeks to create an enabling environment that balances investor interests with national development goals. It provides detailed guidance on the application and granting of exploration and production rights, introduces more predictable fiscal terms and offers mechanisms to manage environmental and social responsibilities. By aligning South Africa's regulatory framework with international best practices, the government is positioning the country to compete more effectively for operator capital, particularly as global exploration budgets become more selective and carbon-conscious.
Igniting Interest in the Orange Basin
South Africa's offshore acreage, particularly in the Orange Basin, has been gaining momentum on the back of transformational discoveries in neighboring Namibia. Within South African waters, the Brulpadda and Luiperd finds in Block 11B/12B remain the most commercially significant to date, estimated to hold more than 600 million barrels of oil equivalent. While TotalEnergies has since exited the block, citing internal portfolio shifts, the company's re-engagement with the broader South African market suggests continued belief in the basin's long-term potential.
Last August, TotalEnergies officially became operator of offshore exploration Block 3B/4B, positioned southeast and on trend with neighboring oil discoveries, including the company's Venus discovery in Namibia. The Orange Basin represents one of the last untapped frontiers capable of delivering large-scale oil and gas volumes. With a more supportive regulatory backdrop taking shape, South Africa is well-positioned to attract the kind of deepwater investment needed to de-risk its acreage and build out its domestic gas infrastructure — a critical step toward energy security and industrial growth.
Positioning South Africa for Investment at AEW 2025
As the government works to implement the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town offers a high-profile platform to promote the country's renewed upstream vision. AEW is expected to convene regulators, IOCs and service companies to discuss the commercial implications of the legislative overhaul and chart a path forward for exploration and development in South Africa.
“For companies like TotalEnergies – whose multi-energy strategy includes natural gas, renewables and decarbonized operations – a stable and transparent regulatory framework is key. Sangster's statement reflects growing confidence in South Africa's policy direction, and signals to the broader investor community that the country is preparing to welcome a new wave of responsible, large-scale investment,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Castle Lager Sign On As Sponsors For Proteas’ ICC World Test Championship Final
JOHANNESBURG: Castle Lager will be the official team sponsor to the Proteas Men for the duration of ICC World Test...
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Must Push for Reforms to Protect Women and Girls, Urges Equality Now
Equality Now (www.EqualityNow.org) is urging the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to call upon African Union (AU) member states to urgently address rising sexual violence and exploitation of women and girls across the continent.
In its statement to the 83rd Ordinary Session of the Commission this month, the human rights organisation called on the Commission to use its mandate to underscore the importance to governments about the need to provide reparations for survivors of sexual violence, criminalise femicide, boost efforts to end child marriage, and strengthen laws to stop digital violence.
Equality Now wants the Commission to remind States of their obligations under the Maputo Protocol on Women's Rights (http://apo-opa.co/4mnt56T). Of the 55 member States, 45 have ratified or signed the protocol.
Deborah Nyokabi, a legal equality and gender policy expert at Equality Now, explains, “Women and girls across Africa are enduring violence in all its forms - including rape, child marriage, femicide, trafficking, and digital abuse - while legal systems too often fail to protect or deliver justice. These are not isolated issues but symptoms of a broader failure to uphold the rights enshrined in the Maputo Protocol.”
“African governments must prioritise legal reform, provide reparations to survivors, and close the protection gaps that leave so many women and girls vulnerable and without access to assistance when their rights have been violated, especially in conflict zones where the breakdown of services intensifies harm.”
Sexual violence reparations
According to figures (http://apo-opa.co/4jctrKY) released by UNICEF last year, more than 79 million girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa have been subjected to rape or sexual assault as children. The region has the highest number of child sexual violence victims in the world.
Yet research by Equality Now found that survivors of sexual violence are being denied justice. In its report, “Barriers to Justice: Rape in Africa, Law, Practice and Access to Justice” (http://apo-opa.co/4moIxj6), the NGO exposed key gaps in rape laws in 45 African countries, which included allowing rape in marriage, perpetrators to walk free from court if they agree to marry their victims, and judges to define evidence based on the complainant's behaviour.
In its statement, Equality Now called on the Commission to urge member States to urgently integrate the Niamey Guidelines (http://apo-opa.co/4jeCsTE) on combatting sexual violence, adopted by the Commission in 2017, emphasising governments' obligation to provide reparations to survivors.
Criminalising femicide
The NGO called on the Commission to implore governments to criminalise femicide - the most extreme and brutal manifestation of violence against women.
Equality Now's report “Gender Inequality in Family Laws in Africa: An Overview of Key Trends in Select Countries” (http://apo-opa.co/3SJVkPy) revealed that the most devastating facet of inequality within the family is sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, marital rape, economic violence and femicide, which is the intentional murder of a woman or girl because of their gender.
In 2023, an average of 140 women and girls were killed (http://apo-opa.co/3FfMOEV) by a partner or family member every day. Current and former intimate partners were the most likely perpetrators. Yet not enough is being done to end the crisis or hold offenders to account.
In South Africa, a national femicide study (http://apo-opa.co/3HhFEAv) found that three women a day were killed by an intimate partner in 2020/21, but in 44% of cases, police had failed to identify a perpetrator. In Kenya, 170 cases of femicide (http://apo-opa.co/4kuOVUs) were reported in 2024. A petition (http://apo-opa.co/4kuOVUs) calling on the government to make femicide a distinct crime has received more than 78,000 signatures.
In Cameroon last month, Bekobe Eric, accused of murdering his wife Diane Yangwo, received (http://apo-opa.co/4mfd9n8) a five-year suspended sentence and a fine of 52,000 CFA (approximately $90). The sentence was immediately denounced by women's rights advocates.
Earlier this year, the African Union took a significant step to address the crisis by adopting the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (http://apo-opa.co/4kuPjCk), which included an explicit definition of femicide. Equality Now wants the Commission to seize the momentum to encourage governments to recognise and criminalise femicide as a distinct crime, and outlaw marital rape and domestic violence.
Safeguarding rights in Sudan and the DRC
Equality Now urges the Commission to encourage Sudan to ratify the Maputo Protocol to provide essential legal protections for women and girls. Sudan is now in its third year of conflict, facing widespread destruction, significant civilian casualties and an unparalleled humanitarian crisis.
Women and girls are bearing the brunt of Sudan's war (http://apo-opa.co/434bmd9), with sexual violence being weaponised by both sides. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure, however, means there are inadequate medical and reproductive health services to support survivors of violence, which has led to more unintended pregnancies, miscarriages and maternal deaths.
Increasing rates of maternal mortality are also being recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where decades of conflict have severely damaged healthcare services.
The Commission should encourage both countries to integrate sexual and reproductive health rights into their humanitarian response.
End child marriage
In its statement to the Commission, Equality Now expressed deep concern at the continued high rates of child marriage across the continent. Fourteen of the 20 countries with the highest prevalence rates are in Africa. Child marriage is a serious human rights violation (http://apo-opa.co/3SLkD3G). Girls are often forced to drop out of school, restricting their life chances, and are likely to give birth at a young age, which poses severe health risks.
One of the reasons child marriage is continuing unchecked is because of weak legal protections, which must be addressed, said Equality Now. All AU member States should raise the minimum age of marriage to 18, without exceptions, and implement measures and programmes to end child marriage in line with recommendations (http://apo-opa.co/4mpDrDo) made in 2017 by the Commission and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
End sexual exploitation
The Commission was also asked to encourage member States to address the surge in trafficking of women and girls across the continent.
UNODC's 2024 global report on trafficking (http://apo-opa.co/4kMq3Yv) found that a third of all cross-border trafficking flows involved Africans. In sub-Saharan Africa, 98% of victims were trafficked within the region, 21% for sexual exploitation. About 42% of trafficked victims in sub-Saharan Africa were girls.
Member States have enacted anti-trafficking laws and policies, but they are not being adequately enforced. Meanwhile, the systemic factors that make women and girls vulnerable to sexual exploitation have not been meaningfully addressed.
Digital spaces are also becoming more dangerous for women and girls. Online abuse, including sexual harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, is rising in tandem with increased internet penetration. Technology is increasingly being weaponised to attack women and girls, including women politicians, journalists and human rights defenders.
Digital violence is being exacerbated by weak legal protections, underreporting and the limited capacity for law enforcement to investigate tech-related crimes. Governments need to enforce and tighten existing laws on online sexual exploitation and invest in digital safety initiatives, in line with the recently adopted UN Global Digital Compact (http://apo-opa.co/4kxzb33), said Equality Now.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.
Notes to editors:
For media enquiries, contact:
Tara Carey
Global Head of Media
Equality Now
Tcarey@equalitynow.org
T. +44 (0)7971556340 (available on WhatsApp and Signal)
About Equality Now:
Equality Now (https://EqualityNow.org) is an international human rights organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of all women and girls worldwide. Its work is organised around four main program areas: Achieving Legal Equality, Ending Sexual Violence, Ending Harmful Practices, and Ending Sexual Exploitation, with a cross-cutting focus on the unique challenges facing adolescent girls.
Equality Now combines grassroots activism with legal advocacy at the international, regional, and national levels to achieve systemic change, and collaborates with local partners to ensure governments enact and enforce laws and policies that uphold women's and girls' rights.
For more information about Equality Now, visit www.EqualityNow.org, and find us on Bluesky @ equalitynow.bsky.social (https://apo-opa.co/3H4U6fb), on Instagram @ equalitynoworg (http://apo-opa.co/3S9vxAb), Linkedin at Equality Now (https://EqualityNow.org).
President Ramaphosa Arrives in the United States of America for His Working Visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has this afternoon, Monday 19 May 2025 arrived in Washington DC for his Working Visit.
The purpose of the visit is to reset and revitalise bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States (US). In this regard, the visit will focus specifically on reframing bilateral, economic and commercial relations.
On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, President Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the following Ministers: Mr Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency, Mr Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry Competition, Mr Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture and Mr Jonas, Special Envoy to the United States of America.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
COGTA Committee Welcomes Seminal Review of White Paper on Local Government
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has welcomed the launch of the seminal Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, hailing it as an important step towards more accountable and efficient local governments, resulting in better service delivery.
Committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize and several committee members attended the launch event in Johannesburg on Monday. The review was launched under the theme “Every municipality must work – A call to collective action”.
The Chairperson said the review is long overdue, as a lot has changed in local government since the first White Paper, with many municipalities struggling and dysfunctional. He said the vision for local government as an important lever in addressing historical injustices and improving people's lives has not aligned with the lived realities in communities over the years.
“Now, this review provides an important pause to reinvigorate and chart a new trajectory of growth, development and efficiency for our municipalities,” the Chairperson said.
He invited all stakeholders to make their voices heard in the planned consultations that will follow, as the review is set to address service delivery challenges in municipalities and the funding model for local government, among other things.
“The committee is looking forward to interacting with the review process of the White Paper on Local Government,” said the Chairperson.
The review is expected to be finalised by March of next year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
African Leadership Magazine Announces Nominees for the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards – Public Voting Now Open
African Leadership Magazine (www.AfricanLeadershipMagazine.co.uk) proudly unveils the distinguished list of nominees for the 17 categories of the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA)—a premier recognition platform celebrating excellence in corporate governance, impactful leadership, and trailblazing contributions to the growth and sustainability of Africa's dynamic business and economic ecosystem. The public voting process is now officially open and will run until 29 May 2025, offering stakeholders across Africa and the globe the opportunity to celebrate and affirm exemplary leadership in the African business space.
The ongoing public voting marks the third phase in a rigorous four-step, points-based selection process for the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA). The process begins with open nominations, followed by a shortlist of top contenders curated by the African Leadership Magazine editorial board. In this third phase, the public is invited to vote, adding stakeholder voices to the evaluation process. The final stage involves a detailed editorial assessment of votes and supporting evidence to determine winners, ensuring a transparent, merit-based outcome that reflects both public sentiment and proven impact.
Public votes in this phase contribute 65% of the final decision, with the remaining 35% based on supporting evidence for each nominee. This ensures a fair and credible process that values both public opinion and verifiable impact. Winners and first runners-up will be honoured at the 15th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), a special highlight of the Africa Summit–London, scheduled for 9–10 July 2025 at the House of Lords, London, United Kingdom.
To cast your vote, visit:
The 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (BLA Nominee Highlights
African Business Leader of the Year
- Stella Okoli – Founder & GMD, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Nigeria
- Mohamed Ould Bouamatou – Founder & Chairman, Bouamatou Group, Mauritania
- John Gachora – GMD/CEO, NCBA Bank, Kenya
- Tewodros Ashenafi – Founder & Chairman, SouthWest Holdings Ltd., Ethiopia
- Ntombi Felicia Msiza – CEO, Raubex Group Ltd., South Africa
African Female Business Leader of the Year
- Rita Maria Zniber – Chairman & CEO, Diana Holding, Morocco
- Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi – CEO, KOM Group, Tanzania
- Boitumelo Mosako – CEO, Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Esther Muchemi – CEO, Samchi Group, Kenya
- Monica Musonda – Founder & CEO, Java Foods, Zambia
African Regulator of the Year
- Delese Mimi Darko – CEO, Ghana Food and Drugs Authority
- Brima M. Baluwa Koroma – CEO, Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Sierra Leone
- Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria – DG, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya
- Leonilde dos Santos – Multisectoral Economic Regulatory Authority, Cape Verde
Business-Friendly Governor of the Year
- Daniel Félix Neto – Governor, Lunda Sul Province, Angola
- Oscar Mabuyane – Premier of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Jacques Kyabula Katwe – Governor, Haut-Katanga Province, DR Congo
- Ibrahima Cissé – Minister Governor, Autonomous District of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Peter Ndubuisi Mbah – Governor, Enugu State, Nigeria
African Finance Minister of the Year
- Bihi Iman Egeh – Minister of Finance, Somalia
- Mthuli Ncube – Minister of Finance & Economic Development, Zimbabwe
- Marial Ater – Minister of Finance and Planning, South Sudan
- Cheikh Diba – Minister of Finance and Budget, Senegal
- Ahmed Kouchouk – Minister of Finance, Egypt
Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of the Year
- General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Egypt
- Agency for Private Investment and Export Promotion, Angola
- Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)
- National Investment Promotion Agency, Cameroon
- Agency for Investment and Export Development, Morocco
Central Bank Governor of the Year
- Mohamed Lemine Dhehby – Governor, Central Bank of Mauritania
- Manuel António Tiago Dias – Governor, National Bank of Angola
- Johnson Asiama – Governor, Bank of Ghana
- Rama Krishna Sithanen – Governor, Bank of Mauritius
Trade & Investment Minister of the Year
- Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria
- Alimatou Shadiya Assouman – Minister of Industry and Trade, Benin
- Ahmed Samir – Minister of Trade and Industry, Egypt
- Kassahun Gofe – Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Ethiopia
- Chipoka Mulenga – Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia
African CEO of the Year
- Jeremy Awori – Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI)
- Hien Yacouba Sié – Managing Director, Abidjan Port Authority, Côte d'Ivoire
- Dr. Armstrong Takang – CEO, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Nigeria
- Patricia Adongo Ojangole – Managing Director, Uganda Development Bank Ltd.
Young Business Leader of the Year
- Mamotake Matekane – COO, MGC Group, Lesotho
- Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun – Co-Founder, United Africa Group, Namibia
- Mohamed Ahmed Abdulle – MD, Dakawou Transport Ltd., Kenya
- Ladi Delano – Co-CEO, Moove Africa, Nigeria
Africa CSR & Community Development Impact Award
- Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, Ghana
- Standard Chartered Bank, South Africa
- NNPC Limited, Nigeria
- Bamburi Cement Plc, Kenya
- Catoca Mining Company, Angola
African Brand of the Year
- Commercial International Bank (CIB), Egypt
- Managem Group, Morocco
- Bank Windhoek, Namibia
- Ethiopian Airlines
African Company of the Year
- Vodacom Group, South Africa
- Ghana Commercial Bank Plc
- Bidco Africa, Kenya
- Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nigeria
Industry Personality of the Year
- Kennedy Bugane – CEO, African Bank, South Africa
- Jemal Ahmed Abdu – CEO, MIDROC Investment Group PLC, Ethiopia
- Ally Edha Awadh – CEO, Lake Oil Group, Tanzania
- Ferdinand Ngon Kemoum, Managing Director of Oragroup SA, Cameroon
Africa Business Integrity Leader Award
- Coris Bank International, Togo
- Arab Contractors, Egypt
- CCECC Nigeria Limited
- Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), Côte d'Ivoire
- Moçambique Telecom, SA
African Tech & Digital Economy Leader of the Year
- Mastercard Africa
- MTN Group, South Africa
- Mascom Wireless, Botswana
- Safaricom, Kenya
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Emeka Offor – Founder, Chrome Group, Nigeria
- Baba Ahmadou Danpullo – Businessman, Cameroon
- Kwabena Kesse – CEO, Kessben Group of Companies, Ghana
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leadership Magazine.
Media Enquiries:
Ehis Ayere
T: +44 (0) 20 3051 1883
E: ehis@africanleadership.co.uk
About African Leadership Magazine:
African Leadership Magazine is the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited. For over 19 years, it has championed impactful leadership across Africa and amplified African opportunities on the global stage. Through its platforms—including Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, market entry solutions, public sector consulting, and business networking events—the magazine plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and positive change across the continent.
President Designates Minister Gwede Mantashe as Acting President
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 90(1)(b) of the Constitution, designated Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe as the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa from 18 to 22 May 2025.
This designation flows from the simultaneous Working Visits by President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile to the United States of America and the Republic of France respectively.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Under-20 Team Congratulated on Historic Victory in Egypt
The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture extends its warmest congratulations to South Africa's Under-20 national soccer team on their historic triumph at the Afcon Championship. This remarkable achievement marks a first-time victory for our young talented soccer stars.
Chairperson Mr Joe McGluwa praised the team's success, highlighting the impressive wins against Nigeria in the semi-finals and Morocco in the final. “This victory serves as a foundation for future soccer stars and their successes. Having tasted triumph at this level , the South African Football Association (SAFA) should take the opportunity to build on this momentum and create programmes to empower our youth and ensure that excellence is rewarded,” the Chairperson said.
The committee commends the young players for their formidable spirit and courage,particularly as they were playing away from home.
“We urge SAFA to incentivise and reward the remarkable achievements of our Under-20national team. Recognising and rewarding excellence will not only motivate these young players but also foster a culture of success in South African football. Let's celebrate and support our young talent after this historic win,” Mr McGluwa said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Africa Data Centres Welcomes Gold Synergy’s Self-Cooling Rack Deployment at the CPT1 Facility in Cape Town
Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, is pleased to announce the successful deployment of a self-cooling rack by Gold Synergy at its CPT1 facility in Cape Town. This installation represents a significant advancement in the evolution of high-density computing in Africa and supports Africa Data Centres' commitment to sustainable, efficient infrastructure solutions.
The innovative self-cooling rack, commissioned in January 2025, is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-performance computing while minimising energy consumption. As the region experiences rising power and cooling challenges driven by artificial intelligence, big data, and enterprise workloads, self-contained cooling technologies like this offer a smart and scalable solution.
Gold Synergy brings a wealth of expertise in advanced cooling solutions. The deployment at CPT1 demonstrates the viability of self-cooling racks in African conditions, setting the stage for broader collaboration in supporting regional ESG objectives.
“Our collaboration with Gold Synergy introduces new efficiencies in high-density hosting,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “By integrating this cutting-edge cooling solution at CPT1, we are creating a model for how data centres in Africa can scale intelligently while remaining aligned with global sustainability targets. The success of this deployment positions both Africa Data Centres and Gold Synergy to expand CDU-based cooling technologies across the region, further supporting Africa's growing need for next-generation infrastructure.”
“Our self-cooling rack solution is a game-changing approach for high-density computing environments,” said Fortune Utubor, Executive at Gold Synergy. “This deployment reflects our shared commitment to energy efficiency and operational excellence.”
South Africa remains a strategic digital hub for the continent. With its reliable infrastructure, favourable location, and increasing demand for cloud and AI services, the country plays a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Africa. As enterprises move mission-critical applications closer to home, infrastructure capable of supporting such workloads efficiently becomes essential.
The deployment not only increases the CPT1 facility's hosting capacity without requiring major infrastructure modifications, but it also reinforces Africa Data Centres' position as the continent's leading carrier-neutral data centre provider. The new solution helps reduce reliance on traditional cooling systems and contributes to operational cost savings for both clients and facility operators.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.
ADC boilerplate :
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyperscale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com
Al Ahli Tripoli and APR Win Second Straight Games at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference
Jean-Jacques Boissy got 30 points, including 18 from behind the arc, Jaylen Adams added 26 points and eight assists, and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) beat Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya) 115-87 in the second day opener of the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) Nile Conference (https://BAL.NBA.com/) in Kigali, Rwanda. In the second game, APR (Rwanda) beat MBB (South Africa) 103-81.
With their second straight win, Al Ahli scored the most points in one game in BAL history and outrebounded Nairobi 50-41. Nairobi was led by Uchenna Iroegbu who finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
APR were led by Aliou Diarra's 22 points and 14 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end of the floor. MBB were outrebounded once again, this time 50-38, and struggled offensively while shooting over 35 percent from the floor. They were led by Teafale Lenard Jr. who got 20 points, with Jovan Mooring adding 17 and Pieter Prinsloo adding 13.
The Nile Conference returns on Tuesday when MBB takes on Nairobi City Thunder at 4 p.m. CAT, while APR faces Al Ahli at 7 p.m. CAT.
The top two teams from the Nile Conference and the best third place team between Kalahari Conference's FUS Rabat (Morocco) and the third place team in the Nile Conference will advance to the BAL Playoffs and Finals which will take place at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa from June 6-14 (tickets available on www.Ticketmaster.co.za).
POSTGAME MEDIA AVAILABILITY
- Nairobi City Thunder v Al Ahli Tripoli (https://apo-opa.co/4345Ffd) [download link: here (https://apo-opa.co/3GVopVN)]
- MBB v APR (https://apo-opa.co/4knyXLs) [download link: here (https://apo-opa.co/4dkVcQ0)]
STANDINGS
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Unlocking Africa’s $180 Billion Digital Trade Economy
The future of African trade is digital, and it's unfolding. From Dakar to Durban, a quiet but steady transformation is taking shape. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, with developing economies, including Africa, playing a growing role in that expansion.
The African Free Continental Trade Area offers the largest free market, including 55 countries, a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The opportunities are vast, yet the strategies required for industrial players to source, move and manage raw materials and finished goods remain a challenge.
“The continent's digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, up from $115 billion in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa's GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent's economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.” H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment
“Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade's potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.” Mudiaga Mowoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matta.
Launched to enable sustainable African economies, Matta's integrated ecosystem—today powered by the Matta digital marketplace (www.Matta.Trade) and the Flux logistics management tool, with Oxide Finance (Matta's upcoming trade-financing and cross-border payments platform) arriving soon—empowers manufacturers and suppliers across food & beverage, home & personal care, paints & coatings, agro-processing, automotive assembly, textiles, construction, and beyond with truly end-to-end sourcing, movement, and settlement. Rather than supplanting traditional trade networks, this unified platform amplifies human partnerships through real-time visibility, traceability, and seamless transactions.
This evolution in digital trade and industrial growth is one of the key conversations that will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025. West Africa IMT is a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, manufacturers, and technology innovators to align practical solutions and policy frameworks for accelerating Africa's industrial transformation.
Matta, Africa's integrated ecosystem for industrial trade, will join other industry stakeholders across the continent at West Africa IMT 2025 to discuss the potential opportunities for industrial growth in the West African sub-region. As manufacturers increasingly seek more innovative, more efficient ways to power production beyond physical infrastructure and policy support, there's an urgent need for systems that simplify sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure supply chain reliability. Matta addresses these challenges by connecting African manufacturers directly to verified suppliers of raw materials and commodities, ensuring business continuity in an environment where procurement bottlenecks often slow production timelines.
Digital platforms address multiple challenges simultaneously: procurement complexities, logistics coordination, payment processing, and data-based planning. By integrating these capabilities into industrial operations, West African economies can accelerate development timelines and establish competitive manufacturing centres that participate effectively in global markets.
As African nations chart independent economic paths, digital trade platforms like Matta will significantly influence how quickly and effectively new industrial capabilities develop. The transformation in African trade is already underway, with effects that will continue to reshape economic relationships for years to come.
West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition
21-23 October 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg Nigeria events.
Contact Details:
Roshan Jan-Mahomed
Head of Marketing – Africa
Email: info@westafricaimt.com
www.WestAfricaIMT.com
About the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025:
The Pre-eminent Global Gathering Driving West Africa's Industrial Revolution
The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics/supply chain, technology, trade and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa. As governments across the region have declared industrialisation as a key priority, the Strategic Summit will feature the visions from Heads of government seeking public–private partnerships to drive industrial revolution across the region. Decisive action is at the core of the agenda, providing solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and opening up trade pathways for economic development and prosperity.
Participation is expected from across the global industrialisation value chain including the following industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Construction, Energy & Utilities, FCMG, Heavy Industries, ICT & Electronics, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation, Machine & Equipment, Maritime, Medical, Mining, Plastics & Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology Solution Providers, Textiles, Water & Utilities.
● 15+ African ministers
● 25+ countries represented from around the globe
● 70+ expert industry speakers
● 250+ exhibiting companies
● 500+ conference delegates
● 2,500+ attendees
About dmg Nigeria events:
dmg Nigeria events is a subsidiary of dmg events. dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses.
DMGT manages a diverse, multinational portfolio of companies, with total revenues of around £1 billion, that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. Its venture capital business, dmg ventures, holds minority stakes in early-stage businesses and focuses particularly on disruptive consumer media propositions.
Headquartered in Dubai, UAE since 1989 with offices in Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. dmg events is an international exhibition, conference and intelligence company, attracting more than 1,000,000 attendees to a portfolio of over 80 events each year.
This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as a platform for the latest discussions at the forefront of change.
For more information on dmg events, visit: www.dmgevents.com
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Adv Duma Nokwe honoured for fighting against apartheid
Adv Duma Nokwe honoured for fighting against apartheid
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the late Advocate Duma Nokwe for dedicating his life to the liberation of South Africa from the tyranny of apartheid.
“In court, Duma Nokwe was an advocate for justice. Outside the court, in the streets of our nation, in the capitals of the world, he was a respected and beloved advocate for freedom,” the President said on Saturday.
The late struggle veteran and human rights lawyer was reburied in West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, with his wife, Vuyiswa Malangabi-Nokwe who passed away in 2008.
Nokwe passed away in Zambia in 1978, at the age of 50. He had lived in exile since 1963. His mortal remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2024.
“Duma Nokwe’s legal expertise was brought to bear in shaping the views of the liberation movement around constitutionalism and democracy.
“He was a mentor to young black lawyers, and today this noble legacy lives on with the Duma Nokwe Group, the advocates’ chambers,” President Ramaphosa said.
In recognition of the eminent position he occupied in the legal profession, the President on Friday honoured him with the posthumous conferral of the honorary title of Senior Counsel (Silk).
“In doing so, we are correcting a grave injustice done to one of our foremost legal practitioners. We are making a declaration that his legal legacy did not end in exile, nor does it end today.
“We are confirming our belief in his conviction that the law is to be used not merely to secure courtroom victories, but to achieve profound, lasting change,” the President said.
He described Nokwe’s voice as emphatic, compelling and sincere – resonating as powerfully through the halls of the United Nations as it did across the airwaves of Radio Freedom.
“He wielded his words as instruments of liberation. He sought to persuade, to empower and to inspire.
“As a person, as an activist, as a leader, he was known for his humility and understanding, for his integrity and his unyielding commitment to the cause of humanity,” the President said.
Nokwe was a youth activist who rose to become the Secretary General of the African National Congress.
“The apartheid regime tried in vain to thwart his activism. He was jailed, banned and restricted. He was dismissed as a teacher for his involvement in the Defiance of Unjust Laws Campaign. Yet nothing could crush his spirit nor temper his determination.
“He decided to enter the legal profession, believing in the power of the law as a shield for the vulnerable, as an instrument of change. He entered a profession that was designed to exclude black people. And yet he persevered, becoming the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Bar,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President noted that the late George Bizos said that Nokwe’s admission to the bar was a moment that cracked the façade of white legal supremacy.
“Even as he reached this pinnacle, the regime continued to hound him, refusing to allow him to take chambers with his white colleagues in Johannesburg. He would not be cowed. He used his legal skills to defend those who stood up against tyranny,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President called on South Africa to embrace all that Nokwe represented and embodied.
“At this time, when we strive to make a fundamental break with the many ghosts of our past, let us hold to the values that defined him and that make us so unique as a people: courage, empathy, understanding, tolerance.
“We still have many more journeys to undertake. Our freedom is not yet fully formed. Let us affirm that as South Africans we are all of the same soil.
“We will never renege on the promise of equality, justice and freedom for all, as promised by our Constitution,” the President said.
He said government will continue to build a South Africa in which no-one – neither black nor white, neither woman nor man – feels themselves a pariah in the land of their birth.
“We owe this to the spirit and legacy of the great Duma Nokwe, who stood for non-racialism throughout his life. May his spirit rise. May it guide us in the hard work that lies ahead and may it inspire us.
“Nokwe was a revolutionary. He was a servant of the people. He was a man of unwavering principle, of great courage and of unmatched selflessness.
“As we honour Nokwe today, let us rededicate ourselves to fulfilling his dream of a non-racial, non-sexist South Africa that will forever remain democratic and free,” the President said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 11:50
Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete
Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, is currently studying the final report of an independent investigation into the alleged illegal blockages of tributaries feeding the Middle Letaba Dam in Limpopo.
Commissioned by former Minister Senzo Mchunu, the investigation was prompted by mounting complaints from local farmers and community members about unlawful obstructions and diversions of watercourses flowing into the dam.
These alleged illegal activities are believed to have significantly contributed to the dam's alarmingly low levels, currently at an approximate 8%.
“The Middle Letaba Dam, which depends on inflows from the Middle Letaba, Koedoes, and Brandboontjies rivers within the Olifant Catchment Area, is a vital water source for households, agriculture, and industry across the region.
“It’s diminished capacity has had far-reaching implications, severely limiting the supply of water via the 60 km canal to the Middle Letaba, Mapuve, and Giyani Water Treatment Works,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said on Saturday.
The report was compiled by a panel led by retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe and was handed over to the Minister on Friday, 16 May 2025.
“The Minister will announce the department’s course of action in due course. Nonetheless, there is a clear and urgent need to uphold the recommendations of the report to restore accountability, reinforce lawful water governance, and protect the integrity of South Africa’s water resources,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 12:25
Court Declares Asylum “Filtering” System Unconstitutional
People must be able to access asylum system even if they don’t have valid transit visas
SA participates in Education World Forum
SA participates in Education World Forum
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, is to lead a South African Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector delegation to the Education World Forum (EWF) 2025 taking place in London.
“The Education World Forum offers a valuable platform for collaboration among global education leaders. By sharing innovative practices and insights, we can strengthen our higher education system, equipping youth with essential skills to drive economic growth and reduce unemployment,” the Deputy Minister said on Sunday.
EWF 2025 is the world’s largest annual gathering of education leaders and ministers. Gondwe is scheduled to participate in the event from 18 to 21 May 2025.
The Deputy Minister will champion South Africa’s commitment to equitable access and quality education for all by taking part in key discussions and engagements, at the EWF, relating to themes such as girls' education, preventing gender-based violence, fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation in education, and promoting vocational education and skills development as pathways for youth employment and economic growth.
“Deputy Minister Gondwe has expressed hope and excitement that the insights gained at EWF 2025 will help provide solutions and guidance for some challenges facing the local higher education sector,” the Ministry of Higher Education and Training said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 12:52
Funding skills training programmes critical for service delivery
Funding skills training programmes critical for service delivery
The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, has emphasised the importance of funding skills training programmes in the water sector to improve service delivery at municipal level.
“We must continue to make every effort to fund, support and incentivise such programmes to ensure that we harness the skills we need to improve the state of our municipalities,” Seitlholo said on Saturday.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the five-year celebration of the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP) organised by Water Research Commission (WRC) in partnership with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
The YECP was launched five years ago to empower a new generation of municipal engineers in efforts to contribute to sustainable service delivery.
It also provides opportunities for young South African engineers to partake in testing potential innovative water and sanitation solutions in real world sites and to gain the necessary skills required to drive municipalities of the future which are sustainable, liveable and builds socio-technical infrastructure and services.
To date, 50 young engineers from 21 municipalities around the country have been trained over the last five years.
The Deputy Minister congratulated the young engineers and reminded them that their core purpose was to make a positive contribution in arresting the decline of engineering skills in the municipalities.
“We meet here to celebrate both the milestone of this important programme as well as to take stock of its potential and future in helping us address the challenges which threaten to cripple our democracy. We cannot fix South Africa without fixing municipalities.
“For us to fix municipalities, requisite skills and capacity should be taken into consideration and should be prioritised. It is for this reason that we should acknowledge the joint efforts by the WRC and Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to empower the engineers,” Seitlholo said.
He said a cause of failing infrastructure was a lack of capacity and skills in municipalities, particularly engineering skills.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that municipal water and sanitation services are deteriorating, as it was revealed by the recent Green Drop, Blue Drop and No Drop assessment reports released by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Sixty four out of 144 Water Services Authorities (WSAs) scored ‘critical’ on average across their water supply systems and/or wastewater systems in the 2023 Blue Drop and 2022 Green Drop assessments.
“This is a bleak sign that municipalities, constituting a majority of WSAs, are in crisis. If the state of governance in municipalities does not improve and we do not capacitate municipalities with skilled engineers and planners, we will face a crippling water crisis. And unlike with our electricity crisis, water is a resource that cannot be replaced,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said the YEPC was a positive initiative that will help turn things around as municipalities are in dire need of capacity and skills.
He said the department and other sector role players will continue to provide targeted support to local government through various support and intervention programmes aimed at improving water services. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 13:12