MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
By Reven Singh, Sales Engineer at InterSystems South Africa: Let’s take a moment to break down the age-old question — how to manage and scale their databases efficiently. With data volumes expanding traditional databases are struggling to keep up, often leading to slower performance and higher costs. Enter database sharding, a powerful strategy that allows …
The African region, declared free of indigenous wild poliovirus in August 2020, faces an urgent threat: the intense transmission of type 2 variant poliovirus (cVDPV2). This year alone, 290 poliovirus detections have been reported in 23 African countries.
As countries ramp up vaccination efforts to protect children against the virus, one of the most critical components of the response is early and accurate detection. To enhance the effort, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO), together with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and the Gates Foundation, is focusing on equipping and training laboratories across Africa with an innovative advanced sanger sequencing technology, a crucial method in investigating new regions in the poliovirus genome.
The poliovirus has a genome that is 7.5 kilobases long (a kilobase, or kb, is a unit of measurement used to describe the length of DNA). This genome has one main part that is used to create four proteins, named VP1 to VP4. The VP1 protein is important for how the virus attaches to cells and has been used to identify and track the spread of poliovirus.
In 2024, WHO AFRO initiated targeted training on Advanced Sanger Sequencing training aimed at diversifying the diagnostic windows for polioviruses which will eventually reduce turn-around-time of poliovirus detection. These trainings are essential to equip lab personnel with the skills to operate advanced sequencing technologies and provide timely results for public health decision-makers.
Sequencing allows laboratories to pinpoint genetic changes in poliovirus strains, providing critical data for tracking transmission pathways and understanding viral evolution. The technology offers a level of precision that helps identify mutations in real-time, making it possible to detect emerging threats swiftly. This technique has hitherto been limited to VP1 region of the gene but after this training laboratories will be able to use the entire five prime untranslated region and the remaining VP4/2 of the poliovirus gene.
“Expanding our sequencing window to the other regions of the poliovirus, alongside the VP1 region, enhanced our ability to classify cases more accurately - bringing us one step closer to polio eradication”, says Irene Turyahabwe, participant from Uganda.
“Advanced sequencing will not only open different diagnostic windows for efficient and rapid diagnosis but will also provide much needed evidence for the success of specific vaccination campaigns essential for ongoing polio eradication efforts. The data gathered through this technology informs decision-making, ensuring that the right public health interventions are deployed in time to prevent further spread of the virus” says Dr Jude Kfutwah, coordinator of the Regional Polio Laboratory Network at the WHO Regional Office for Africa.
South Africa hosted the first round of the training, where laboratory personnel received hands-on experience in Advanced Sanger Sequencing techniques. The training, under the umbrella of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), is part of a broader initiative to ensure that countries have the necessary capacity to detect polioviruses quickly and accurately, without delays that could hinder response efforts.
Following South Africa's success, WHO plans to expand the training to key countries across the continent. Algeria, Central African Republic and Madagascar are among the next in line, where national laboratories will benefit from this knowledge transfer. This regional expansion ensures that multiple countries are better prepared to contribute to Africa's polio eradication journey.
In addition, WHO is supporting 16 polio laboratories in the African region who are providing environmental surveillance support, testing for poliovirus in stool and wastewater samples to track geographic patterns of spread.
With laboratories across Africa enhancing their capacity to process samples quickly, there is an added layer of regional cooperation that strengthens the entire surveillance network. This collaborative spirit is vital in eradicating polio once and for all.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
BRICS economic potential must be realised - President Ramaphosa
By Neo Bodumela
Kazan, Russia: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the BRICS bloc of countries to ensure that the potential of the bloc’s economic partnership is realised for the benefit of all the members.
He was delivering South Africa’s country statement during the 16th BRICS Summit currently underway in Kazan, Russia.
The leaders of Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates are meeting for the first time since new members were invited to join BRICS during the Johannesburg II BRICS Summit of 23 August 2023.
Together, the powerful bloc of countries holds around 35% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 20% of world exports.
“Our story is a story of solidarity, mutual respect and mutual benefit. BRICS is an inclusive formation that has the ability to change the trajectory of the Global South.
“To do this, we must realise the full potential of our economic partnership to ensure sustainable development for all. We must undertake bold steps towards a mutual, shared and equitable prosperity,” the President said on Wednesday.
The President explained that in order for the BRICS Strategy for Economic Partnership 2025 to be achieved, the bloc must “explore pathways to unlock opportunities and address challenges confronted by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in BRICS countries”.
“We must intensify cooperation among BRICS members by launching common development programmes in the fields of exports, industrial cooperation and technology exchange. We have called for the recalibration of trade rules to enable industrialisation.
“We must enhance beneficiation of mineral endowments of BRICS countries closest to source. This is important for development and for the advancement of our decarbonisation goals,” he said.
Going further on the point of decarbonisation and its twin issue in climate change, President Ramaphosa warned that the two issues have the potential to “deepen global inequality”.
“We must acknowledge the devastating impact on lives and livelihoods of our current climate trajectory. As South Africa, we remain committed to a just transition to a low carbon economy.
“We are committed to the reduction of global emissions, guided by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. While countries with developing economies remain severely impacted by climate change, they have contributed the least to the current climate crisis.
“It is therefore vital that industrialised nations honour their climate commitments and ensure a just and equitable transition. It is essential that climate actions do not deepen global inequality or stifle the developmental aspirations of the Global South,” President Ramaphosa said.
The Summit continues. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/23/2024 - 13:35
BRICS: A convergence of states committed to mutual respect in diversity
By Neo Bodumela
Kazan, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the BRICS nations, saying the bloc has the potential to possess “truly immense” power.
Putin was delivering remarks at the 16th BRICS Summit underway in Kazan, Russia.
The now expanded BRICS bloc of countries includes Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa, as well as newly minted Member States Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“We are all witnessing the dynamic growth of BRICS and the strengthening of its authority and influence in global affairs.
“The BRICS states possess truly immense potential in terms of political power, economy, science, technology, as well as human development. Furthermore, we are united by shared values and a common worldview,” he said.
The leader described the grouping as a convergence of states committed to mutual respect in diversity.
“It would be fair to say that BRICS is a group of like-minded sovereign states that represent different continents, development models, religions, and distinctive civilisations and cultures.
“All our states advocate equality, neighbourliness and mutual respect, the assertion of the noble ideals of friendship and harmony, commonwealth and well-being.
“We have assumed responsibility for the future of the world not in word but in deed. We are exerting a truly beneficial influence on global stability and security and making a substantial contribution to addressing pressing regional problems,” Putin said.
He noted that the approach of the BRICS bloc is to respond to the “aspirations of the largest part of the international community, which we refer to as the global majority”.
“This approach is especially relevant in the current conditions when truly radical changes are underway across the globe, including the shaping of a multipolar world,” Putin concluded. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/23/2024 - 16:57
Committee satisfied with report on matric examinations readiness
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education is satisfied with the updated Status Report on Matric Examinations Readiness, noting that the first day proceeded smoothly, despite challenges posed by severe weather conditions in the Eastern Cape.
On Tuesday, the Portfolio Committee received an update report from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) on examination readiness for the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
The committee said it noted concerns that the weather has already had an impact on the examinations, testing the DBE’s contingency plans in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, where storms affected electricity supply, preventing Grade 12 learners from doing the Computer Applied Technology (CAT) practical examination.
The exam was scheduled for Tuesday.
“The committee has, however, been assured that as part of its planning, the DBE ensures that more than one question paper is set and quality approved by Umalusi for each exam paper, so the 400 affected learners will do the examination on another date,” the committee said in a statement.
Committee chairperson Joy Maimela said although the committee is concerned about back-up plans to deal with all eventualities, their fears have been allayed due the contingency plans reported on.
“We urge the DBE and Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to take note of further weather warnings and make the necessary plans to accommodate our matric learners.”
READ | Eastern Cape disaster teams on high alert
The committee heard that the first day of the examinations went by swiftly and seamlessly. The exams commenced on 21 October and will conclude on 28 November 2024.
Over the examination period, 200 question papers are scheduled to be written. Six question papers were written on the first day on Monday.
On Tuesday, a further 15 papers were written on Computer Applications Technology (Practical) and non-official languages. Wednesday’s papers are Today Business Studies and Information Technology.
In its preliminary briefing on examination readiness last month, the committee heard that that 727 121 full-time candidates and 155 215 part-time candidates are registered for this year’s NSC examinations.
A total of 6 334 public schools and 575 independent centres are serving as exam centres.
The seventh cohort of learners is to sit for South African Sign Language Home Language (SASL HL) examinations. A total of 210 candidates for the SASL HL exams come from 23 schools in nine provinces, compared to 134 candidates in 2023.
Marking
The committee previously heard that more than 55 000 markers have been appointed. Concerns were raised by committee members about reports of a shortage of markers for certain subjects.
The DBE said that there is a shortage in History, English (HL) and Afrikaans (HL and FAL).
To overcome this problem, a staggered marking approach has been adopted by some PEDs so that Paper 3 of the languages are marked in the first session.
Other PEDs have embarked on a second recruitment drive and a few PEDs have extended the number of marking days. The committee was assured that the shortage of markers will not compromise the quality of marking.
In this regard, Umalusi said it has concluded the audit of the appointed markers to verify that their appointments align with established criteria, except for four provinces – North West, Limpopo, Free State and Northern Cape – which will be finalised by 30 October 2024.
Umalusi indicated that it is satisfied with the continuous enhancement of security measures, particularly the expedited vetting of individuals involved in handling live question papers.
To mitigate the identified risk regarding the partially approved storage points, with specific reference to the DBE, the department will use concessions from the heads of provincial departments to grant permission, and Umalusi will conduct a sample on some of these storage facilities for monitoring purposes.
Umalusi said that during the verification of marked scripts, it will track how the PEDs are managing the marking process in subjects where marker shortages were identified as a risk.
Additionally, Umalusi will closely monitor the implementation of the staggered marking approach to ensure the credibility of the examinations.
Maimela wished the Class of 2024 every success as they continue their exams. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 10/23/2024 - 14:53
Africa urged to act now against climate change
With climate-driven events such as droughts and floods disrupting agricultural production across the continent, and leading to increasing food insecurity, government has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to act now against climate change.
“To counter this, it is essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve irrigation systems, invest in agricultural research and technology, and develop resilient crop varieties,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, said on Wednesday in Durban.
He pointed out that Africa’s reliance on natural resources, rain-fed agriculture, and inadequate infrastructure makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) Regional Conference, which is taking place under the theme: "SADC Sustainable Synergies".
Singh said integrated environmental management and social tools provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, one that balances economic growth, environmental conservation and social equity.
“This integrated approach is vital for addressing the many environmental challenges our continent faces, while simultaneously promoting inclusive growth and resilience. By embracing this method, we ensure that development is not only sustainable but also equitable, benefiting both present and future generations.
“The time to act is now. The environmental challenges we face do not respect borders or timelines, and every day we delay, the cost to our region and our people increases.
“As we transition our key economic sectors towards low carbon, climate resilient and a just society, it is important that our strategic, integrated and environmental impact assessments pay attention to the balance in social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable development path and ultimately the achievement of our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” the Deputy Minister said.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising a sustainable just transition path that pays attention to addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
South Africa’s just transition path
He said South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) programme has emerged as a crucial response to the climate crisis, setting an ambitious course for the nation to shift away from coal, while building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
“The JET programme has already made strides in diversifying our energy mix by investing in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
“We have closed some coal plants and retrained workers, ensuring that the transition is just and inclusive. This transformation is more than just an energy strategy; it is a fundamental reimagining of our future, one that presents profound opportunities for collaboration with SADC countries.
“By working together on cross-border energy projects, technology sharing, and capacity building, we can build a united front that not only mitigates climate change but also spurs economic growth and energy security across the region,” the Deputy Minister said.
He touched on the significance of regional cooperation, which is essential in the quest to balance environmental sustainability with economic development.
“This year marks six years since the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment appointed EAPASA as the sole registration authority under Section 24H of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
“It is truly remarkable to witness how, in just six years, this young organization has successfully convened SADC members for the third time in such a short period. This achievement speaks to the tremendous commitment to our region and the greater cause of environmental stewardship.
“As we implement our individual laws and regulations, we must remain mindful that our true success will be measured by how well we collaborate. I urge you to envision the SADC region as a unified entity, one where our systems are integrated and harmonised to enable development that benefits not only our generation but those to come,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/23/2024 - 12:06
Television is in the midst of its latest game-changing technology shift – this time from the traditional linear, direct-to-home (DTH) content distribution model to the over-the-top or OTT approach.
OTT – or streaming – offers flexibility, and means users are no longer tied to a specific device or location to consume content.
The power of access is now in the hands of the customer, who can choose what to watch, when, and how much of it. This is an advantage for large content providers. At MultiChoice Africa, for instance, streaming on-demand is the perfect way to give customers access to our self-produced local content library of 84 000 hours.
Innovating for a better experience
The shift to streaming and OTT also comes with new challenges, however. Faced with thousands of hours of content, viewers may be overwhelmed. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning allow us to solve this, surfacing and recommending customised selections of content based on viewing behaviour.
To do this effectively, UX design must build upon AI data insights, to shape the content experience in ways that are both personalised and attuned to industry trends.
Because audience preferences can now be observed and understood in real time, it's also important that in-house UX teams be deeply integrated with product and tech teams. This has been our approach with our ongoing MultiChoice UI design refinements.
Another AI application in the broader content space is in building efficiencies that allow millions of viewers to watch content in their local languages.
At MultiChoice, have been able to train AI for subtitling in several regional languages, enabling us to automate translations for entire series of content. This capability has already been deployed for Swahili translations in Kenya, on the Showmax platform, as well as in two vernacular languages in Nigeria.
The next step is to use AI to automate the audio dubbing of content into African regional languages to further bolster the content that we already deliver in those languages.
As an Africa-wide content provider, MultiChoice also understands that our customers face very real data challenges. We have therefore been forced to innovate to alleviate this pain point, and to find value and efficiencies for our customers through technology.
Data compression is one solution we have found. To address the distance factor, we have found partners that will allow us to cache content closer to our various user communities. We have created nodes closer to those regions that will copy content from source locations in South Africa before relaying it to the end user.
Adapted bit rate is another practical solution to data challenges. With this in place, picture quality adapts dynamically along with internet fluctuations, while ensuring that the stream remains uninterrupted. We also allow users to select bit rates and stream qualities according to their needs, to optimise their data use.
We have also formed partnerships with telcos across Africa to package our content with their data offers. It is a time of great innovation in the market.
Buffering and latency solutions
A related technology challenge is latency issues, which will be familiar to anyone who has been watching live TV during a power outage. The streaming lags and buffering effects that often result can be a real inconvenience. To address this, we have implemented a low-latency solution with one of our partners. Again, the goal is for streaming to have the same latency quality as DTH or linear satellite TV.
In our approach to solving this, we set ourselves the goal of getting our buffering rate to below the industry standard in developed countries, which is 0.72%. The buffering rate represents the percentage of time that a device is buffering, instead of playing content. We have already achieved an average of 0.31% and we are confident of achieving further gains.
We are also working to optimise our configuration to ensure that our OTT platforms receive our stream before satellite receives the stream, to gain additional seconds, and compensate for the discrepancy.
If we are going to bring streaming into the mainstream, I believe it should have the same high-quality viewing experience as satellite.
Another technological discrepancy is lags in the content delivery times between DTH and streaming. We conducted a study of major international players in “first world” markets, and found that streaming delivery was often between 20 and 25 seconds behind satellite.
In our quest to align these two platforms, we have managed to get lags down to five seconds, and we are on course to drop them even further, so that our steaming speed is on par with our decoder broadcasts. This confirms that African streaming services are now among the global leaders in this space.
The next phase of innovation in the TV space is already upon us. Thanks to streaming innovation, the medium is now ubiquitous – accessible everywhere we go.
But for that transition to be real, for it to represent real evolution, we must use all the technology and expertise at our disposal to ensure streaming is as good, as fast, and as seamless as the technology that came before it. And even more entertaining!
Then, it becomes time for the next transition. And that process is already underway. It's an exciting time for television.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
Brazil's state-owned oil and gas company Petrobras is leading a delegation of Brazilian companies to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – taking place November 4-8 in Cape Town. The move follows a string of acquisitions made by Brazilian companies in Africa in recent months and aims to unlock new avenues for partnerships in oil and gas exploration and production.
The delegation comprises Petrobras' Exploration and Production Director Sylvia dos Anjos; Dr. Roberto Ardenghy, President of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas; Dr. Marcio Mello, Founder of the Namibia Energy Corporation; and Henrique Luiz de Barros Penteado, Petrobras Netherlands B.V. Exploration Manager. As the largest energy event in Africa, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 offers a strategic platform for strengthened Africa-global partnerships.
AEW: Invest in African Energy 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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Petrobras – the biggest oil producer in Brazil – is rapidly expanding its footprint in Africa, with strategic acquisitions in South Africa, Namibia and São Tomé and Príncipe. In September 2024, the company's board gave the greenlight to acquire a 10% stake in the offshore Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa, heralding a new era of exploration in the promising block. Situated adjacent to where high-profile discoveries have been made in Namibia, the deepwater block offers significant potential for billion-barrel finds. The block is operated by energy major TotalEnergies alongside project partners QatarEnergy and Sezigyn.
In Namibia, Petrobras is making a bid for a 40% stake in the Mopane oil and gas exploration block, which international oil company Galp has put up for sale. The block was the host of a major discovery in January 2024, with reserves estimated as high as 10 billion barrels recoverable. Now, Galp is seeking farm-in partners to accelerate the development of the block. If successful, the acquisition would signal Petrobras' entry into the market, which has been the host of some of Africa's biggest offshore discoveries in recent years. This aligns with the company's goal to expand its international footprint while paving the way for Namibia to leverage the expertise of its South American neighbor.
Petrobras' return to Africa followed the acquisition of interests in three Shell-operated exploration blocks in São Tomé and Príncipe in December 2023. The deal covers Blocks 10, 11 and 13, aligning with the company's strategy to expand its interests into frontier markets in Africa. The company has dedicated $1.3 billion over the next five years for exploration outside of Brazil, underscoring its commitment to diversifying its portfolio and driving exploration in Africa.
Looking ahead, Petrobras remains committed to frontier exploration opportunities. Recently, Petrobras has asked to consult geological data in Angola, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Benin and Ivory Coast. The company's newfound upstream strategy aims to significantly enhance its production capacity while tapping into the potential of emerging and promising markets – particularly those in Africa. This extends to producing countries such as Angola, which continues to offer untapped potential in onshore and ultra-deepwater acreage. Angola and Brazil rank in the top ten globally for ultra-deepwater reserves, highlighting a strategic opportunity for collaboration. Frontier assets such as in the Namibe basin offer strategic potential for Petrobras. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, these collaborative opportunities will be a key topic of discussion, with the Brazilian delegation engaging with industry leaders and project developers in Cape Town.
“Brazil's exploration and production history bears remarkable similarities to that of its African counterparts, specifically frontier markets such as Namibia. Offering similar geological characteristics and with a string of large-scale projects underway, lesson learnt from Brazil can accelerate the pace and success of oil and gas developments in Africa. Companies such as Petrobras are already strengthening their portfolio of African assets, driving projects forward in partnership with African and global players,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, the Brazilian delegation will participate in various panel discussions, tackling critical topics such as frontier exploration, sustainable oil and gas development and technology-driven drilling solutions. The delegation's participation creates strategic opportunities for newfound partnerships as African countries move to unlock the full potential of their offshore oil and gas resources.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
SA must enhance agricultural productivity to achieve Zero Hunger
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says to achieve ‘Zero Hunger’, the country must enhance agricultural productivity and ensure equitable access to nutritious food.
“This involves investing in sustainable farming practices, empowering smallholder farmers and promoting local food systems,” the Minister said on Friday.
Addressing the 5th International Social Justice Conference and 6th Social Justice Summit -- held at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town -- Ntshavheni said by supporting farmers, the country can boost food production and create jobs, fostering both economic growth and community resilience.
The start of the 5th International Social Justice Conference on 16 October coincided with World Food Day, an international day celebrated every year worldwide to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1945.
Ntshavheni underscored the importance of promoting sustainable farming methods that enhance productivity, while protecting natural resources.
“We must forge partnerships across government, the private sector and civil society, including academia, to create comprehensive strategies that tackle food insecurity,” she said, adding that collaboration is key if South Africa is to attain the goal of Zero Hunger.
Zero Hunger is Goal 2 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is about creating a world free of hunger. The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has shown a sharp increase since 2015, a trend exacerbated by a combination of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change and deepening inequalities.
According to the United Nations (UN), by 2022, approximately 735 million people – or 9.2% of the world’s population – found themselves in a state of chronic hunger – a staggering rise compared to 2019.
Ntshavheni said practices like crop rotation, agroforestry and organic farming can increase resilience against climate change and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
“Supporting smallholder farmers through training and access to technology can empower communities and boost local food production. It is therefore important and significant that universities like Stellenbosch are deeply involved in this initiative.
“It would be important for us in government to explore opportunities to partner with institutions of higher learning on this initiative in order to extend awareness to communities in rural areas of our country that are daily confronted with food insecurity.
“This must make us understand the urgency to develop sound drought resilience and water conservation plans,” the Minister said.
The 6th Social Justice Summit was hosted by the Centre for Social Justice, based at Stellenbosch University.
Striving for food security
In 2014, government introduced the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security, followed by the National Food and Nutrition Security Implementation Plan (NFNSIP), whose implementation involved multiple government departments and entities, with various interventions receiving support from local and international development partners.
“We are now in the process of developing the NFNSIP (2024 -2030) as we chase the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 goals. We are not only calling for a partnership in the [NFNSIP] development but with its implementation, as our country focuses on achieving the overdue SDG on Zero Hunger.
“Our policy approach to Zero Hunger acknowledges the lingering consequences of apartheid, which has left deep-rooted inequalities in access to land, income, and employment and other economic opportunities,” the Minister said.
Ntshavheni said as the country’s population growth and climate change intensifies, the urgency of food security cannot be overstated.
Ntshavheni said hunger on its own is a multifaceted challenge that affects the economy, health system and social fabric in general.
Addressing the conference, Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Jane Graham said the issue of energy affordability remains a challenge, as the nation navigates the challenge of the accessibility of food prices.
Graham said her office is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions for energy sources. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 14:39
Delegates will gather in the Mother City in South Africa this month, when the second annual Healthcare Indaba takes place at Cape Town's CTICC. The two-day event forms part of the 2024 edition of Africa Health Congress (www.AfricaHealthExhibition.com), the premier healthcare gathering on the African continent.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition last year, the Healthcare Indaba 2024 expands to a two-day format. It dives into the realms of Global Health on day one and exploring AI & Digital Health on day two of the Congress (running from 22 to 24 October 2024).
Another new element to the Congress and the Indaba deliberations, is the dedicated forum within the Africa Health Congress 2024 entitled, “EmpowHER: Women in Healthcare”.
“Our goal is to create a lasting brand that celebrates female leadership and fosters a supportive community. Our audience is eager to gain insights into the realities of leadership in healthcare and understand the journey it takes to reach the top. The mandate for our speakers will be candidness and honesty, they will share their personal experiences, challenges, and successes in the hopes of inspiring the audience. Their stories and insights will help ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry through supporting women and celebrating their successes,” says Cynthia Makarutse, spokesperson for the organisers of Africa Health.
“Much like the Mining and Tourism Indabas which inspired it, the Healthcare Indaba has emerged as a crucial platform for shaping the future of our industry on the continent. This year's focus aligns with our commitment to position Africa at the forefront of medical innovation with worldwide impact,” says Makarutse.
The Indaba will feature discussions led by some of the most influential voices in African healthcare and technology.
“Global Health” – Africa claiming its right place on global stage.
Head of the Global Surgery Division at the University of Cape Town, Professor Salome Maswime, will chair the Global Health deliberations of the Indaba on day one. She explains that she is excited about hosting a dynamic programme that brings leaders together from all over the world and from all sectors.
“We hope to have thought provoking sessions about the role of Africa on the Global Health Stage. This will be a first for Africa Health, with the Vice President of the United Nations Foundation delivering the keynote on Global Health strategies for a resilient future,” she adds.
“I think most importantly it gives us an opportunity to discuss and find consensus on the strategies for Global Health and to align on international programmes, and to collaborate on new and strategic programmes. Many of us are involved on international Global Health platforms, yet the global health agenda is still mainly driven and owned by high income countries. We have an opportunity to re-imagine the future of Global Health for Africa.
“It is time for Africa to get involved on all matters related to Global Health. We cannot afford to be left behind. We have an obligation to provide universal health coverage and to improve healthcare in Africa,” says Maswime.
“AI & Digital Health” – building sustainable solutions.
The second day of Indaba 2024 (on Wednesday 23 October) shines the spotlight on AI & Digital Health.
“The significance of this event lies in its ability to convene leading industry experts, innovators and key stakeholders from across the continent to address pressing healthcare challenges and explore transformative solutions,” says Dr Mories Atoki, CEO of ABCHealth and a speaker on the day.
“The ABCHealth side forum on Digital Health will serve as a platform to discuss how AI and digital health can revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and efficient. It is a critical moment for both the private and public sectors to explore more and collaborate on building sustainable systems that address Africa's unique healthcare needs through AI.”
For the people of Africa, Dr Atoki believes this congress provides hope.
“The conversations and outcomes from these sessions will not only influence policy but also drive tangible improvements in healthcare services, enhancing quality of life and reducing healthcare inequalities across the continent.
“For the medical sector, it presents a unique opportunity to explore new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, share groundbreaking innovations, and leverage digital health means to drive healthcare accessibility and efficiency. This signifies progress toward better healthcare outcomes through improved access, affordability, and quality of care. By highlighting the potential of AI and digital health, we can pave the way for more inclusive, patient-centric care which can also bridge gaps in underserved areas,” she says.
“Africa's healthcare future relies largely on embracing digital interventions. AI and digital health are not just trends—they are an essential part of a globally advancing economy that can help solve some of the continent's most pressing healthcare challenges, from limited access, specialized care to overburdened systems.
“Achieving this on a large scale requires robust ecosystems, supported by both regulatory frameworks and financial investments. Policy reforms and investments are essential to creating a thriving digital health ecosystem. It will also require multi-sector partnerships that prioritize patient safety, data protection, and equitable access and inclusivity,” says Dr Atoki.
“AI & Digital Health: The need to first address health data accessibility.”
“We cannot hope to effectively use the rapidly increasing AI set of commodities that are becoming available globally in Africa, before we first address health data accessibility and governance locally” says Dr Chris Fourie, a medical doctor, machine learning operations (MLOps) engineer, researcher and online grassroots community organiser.
As another speaker on day two, he says: “My presentation is related to the foundation that we need (i.e. health data accessibility) in order to do any kind of quantitative analysis, data science, machine learning, or AI for health in Africa. When considering the potential impact and significance of these in Africa, a good place to start is with understanding the burden of disease in Africa.”
“Regularly published Global Burden of Disease data shows us that infectious disease and maternal child health are consistently top of the list for Africa. These should be considered when deciding where data science and AI interventions could target. As an example, Africa would stand to benefit a great amount from interventions that can drop the cost and increase the efficacy of primary health interventions,” says Fourie.
“While the scope for what AI can do is really broad, for Africa the capacity to help collect and utilise data for primary and pre-primary care could generate immense impact.”
Fourie says this could be realised as:
“I would like to see the initiation and ongoing development of multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder, participatory collectives to help provide effective channels of communication and cooperation between patients, healthcare service providers, researcher, funders and policy makers toward a future culture of open science and sustainable health equity.”
EmpowHER: Women in Healthcare: The power of she – A new class of women leaders.
Day three of the Africa Health Congress will see a long list of leading female voices in the healthcare space sharing their stories at a dedicated forum that celebrates female leadership and fosters a supportive community.
“Everything we are doing at Congress this year is about tackling the challenges wherever they may be located in the healthcare space and finding solutions. This is the same motivation also for EmpowHER as we invite trailblazing women from across Africa's healthcare scene to unite!
“This summit will ignite community, growth, and empowerment for established and emerging leaders. Through dynamic panels and keynotes, shatter personal and professional boundaries and emerge ready to champion change for women in leadership” says Cynthia Makarutse, spokesperson for the organisers of Africa Health.
Speakers on the day include the Chief Scientific Officer at the SA Medical Research Council Professor Glenda Gray, Microsoft's Kenya Country General Manager Phyllis Migwi, the World Bank's Lead: AI for Human Development Marelize Prestidge, and Wesgro's HealthTech Ecosystem Manager Mandi Swanepoel.
Indaba – an ecosystem of innovation.
"The Healthcare Indaba has become the intellectual core of Africa Health; it's a catalyst for change on a global scale,” says Makarutse.
“By bringing together diverse stakeholders at the highest echelons of their various fields in healthcare – including policymakers, facility directors, entrepreneurs, and academics – we are establishing an ecosystem of innovation that can truly transform healthcare delivery across Africa and inspire solutions worldwide.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Health .
About Africa Health Congress:
Issued by Alkemi Collective on behalf of Africa Health.
Vantage Capital (www.VantageCapital.co), Africa's largest mezzanine fund manager, announced today that it had closed a €66 million mezzanine investment in Camusat Holding S.A.S, the proceeds of which will be used to refinance debt and fund the capital expenditure required for expansion of the group's AktivCo division. Vantage Capital's investment is part of a global financing package of €81m provided in consortium with Eurazeo, a leading European investment group.
Camusat is a leading telecommunications player managing fully integrated and sustainable business models for the deployment and management of telecom infrastructure whilst championing the decarbonization of mobile network operators (MNOs). Partnering with major investment funds that support green investments, Camusat is pursuing its ambition to become the leading “Infra as a Service” partner for the mobile telecom industry, with a broad presence in emerging markets, especially in Africa. The group operates across twenty countries (including fifteen on the African continent) and through two synergistic divisions, AktivCo and OpCo:
Since inception, Camusat has been capitalizing on the rapid expansion of the telecom industry, but most importantly the ever-growing need of MNOs to outsource non-core operations to specialized service providers. This trend is observed worldwide but is more prevalent in emerging markets, especially Africa. As network coverage remains relatively low, MNOs are being pushed by regulators to ramp up their infrastructure investment especially to increase coverage in rural areas, where most of the population lives. MNOs therefore need to contract with service providers like Camusat to support the rapid and viable roll-out and management of their tower infrastructure.
In this context, Camusat has established itself as the key strategic partner for telecom operators such as Orange, Moov Africa (Maroc Telecom group), MTN, Vodafone, Airtel and others. The group's comprehensive offering drives long-term performance for mobile networks and inclusive connectivity, digitalization and sustainable access to technology, making it a one-stop-shop for MNOs. Its multi-decade experience and track record attest to the quality of its performance.
Mr. Richard Thomas, CEO of Camusat, commented, “we are very pleased to have concluded the transaction with Vantage Capital. This financial and strategic partnership comes at a time when we are further expanding our presence in Africa, and we are confident that Vantage Capital's extensive network and expertise on the continent will be a great support in achieving our objectives.”
Mr. Luc Albinski, Executive Chairman at Vantage Capital, added, “we are proud to partner with such a leading and dynamic group as Camusat. Throughout the process, we have been impressed by management's deep knowledge of the telecom industry, but also their firm commitment to help increase connectivity in parts of Africa where network coverage remains underdeveloped.”
Mr. Thibaut de Rodellec, Deputy CEO of Camusat, said, “we were convinced from our very first discussions that Vantage Capital and Camusat would be a great fit. We always look beyond the financial aspect when forming new partnerships, and we were glad to discover that our firms share common ethics, vision and dedication. We will ensure this partnership is a success for all stakeholders.”
Mr. Driss Benabdeslam, Partner at Vantage Capital, concluded, “by investing in Camusat, we are backing a group that is engaged in a vital and buoyant industry and constantly strives for operational and corporate excellence. Camusat has incorporated best-in-class ESG practices and implemented various CSR measures directed at supporting local communities and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from the telecom sector. We are thrilled to support the group in creating more value and generating an even greater positive social impact over the years to come.”
This transaction represents Vantage Capital's 39th investment across four generations of funds with its portfolio of investments spread across eleven African countries.
Vantage Capital was advised by Clifford Chance (in Morocco) who acted as its legal counsel. KPMG (in France) and Webber Wentzel (in South Africa) provided tax advice, KPMG (in France) was the financial advisor, Emerton (in France) provided commercial advice, and Ibis Consulting (in France) reviewed the environmental impact.
Camusat was advised by Goodwin Procter (in France) who acted as their legal counsel and Marlborough Partners (in France) who acted as financial advisor.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vantage Capital Group.
About Vantage Capital:
Founded in 2001, Vantage Capital is an Africa-focused fund manager that has raised funds of over $1.6 billion.
Since 2006, Vantage Capital's Mezzanine division has made 39 investments across four successive funds into 11 African countries, making it the largest and most experienced independent mezzanine funder on the continent. In addition, Vantage Capital's GreenX division has made 15 senior debt investments into South African solar and wind energy projects across three funds. Vantage Capital launched Vantage Best in Class in 2022 to provide long-term financial and strategic support to education businesses operating in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. As a first step, Vantage Best in Class has partnered with Maple Bear Global Schools, the largest and fastest growing franchise of K-12 bilingual schools in the world in a €100 million investment programme for the Central & Eastern European region.
Vantage Capital targets mezzanine debt opportunities of $10-50m across more than a dozen key African markets.
Mezzanine debt is an intermediate form of risk capital, which is situated between senior debt, the least risky tranche of the capital structure, and equity, the riskiest tranche of the capital structure. It combines elements of both debt and equity thereby providing companies with long-term funding on terms which are less dilutive to shareholders than pure equity.
Website: www.VantageCapital.co.za
About Camusat:
Headquartered in Paris, Camusat is a global group operating in the telecommunications industry across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Over almost five decades of existence, it has established itself as leading player and a key partner for telecom operators, thanks to a comprehensive offering and best-in-class capabilities. With the launch of its AktivCo division in 2017, the group pioneered the ESCO (Energy as a Service) and TWESCO (Tower & Energy as a Service) models in Africa, enabling clients to achieve significant cost-savings and streamline their cash outflows, while ensuring a positive environmental impact with the use of renewable energies, low environmental solutions and smart technologies to support the deployment, extension and management of telecom infrastructure. The group has been able to secure infrastructure debt funding from major development finance institutions, including FEI (Facility for Energy Inclusion), Africa Go Green Fund, Proparco, and Norfund.
Camusat employs more than 2,000 people and is guided by a highly dedicated and experienced management team with deep industry expertise and firm commitment to financial, operational, and environmental excellence.
Since 2016, the group has been majority-owned by Equistone, a leading mid-cap private equity fund in Europe with 12 billion euros of assets under management since inception. Camusat's management owns the remaining share capital.
HIMOINSA (www.HIMOINSA.com), a leader in power technology solutions and part of the Yanmar Group, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation: the HGY Series. This new engine line, with a capacity range from 1250kVA to 3500kVA (with future plans to reach 4000kVA), has the potential to significantly help address Africa's growing energy needs, particularly in key sectors critical to the continent's economic development, such as healthcare, mining, oil and gas, and tech hubs like data centers.
Download document: https://apo-opa.co/3NyfcCw
With the HGY Series, HIMOINSA enters the high-capacity engine segment, providing tailored solutions that meet the needs of Africa's mission-critical sectors where reliable and efficient power generation is vital. The company's focus on Africa reflects its strategic commitment to supporting the continent's rapid industrialization and infrastructure expansion.
Delivering Reliable Power Where It Matters Most
Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies, yet power generation remains a critical challenge in several key regions. HIMOINSA's HGY Series engines are engineered to deliver robust and sustainable solutions, particularly in areas with unstable national grids, helping to mitigate downtime, load-shedding and other challenges. By offering flexible fuel options, currently capable of operating with a range of diesel types and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), with future plans to support natural gas and hydrogen, the HGY Series ensures that businesses and communities across Africa have access to low-emission, efficient, and reliable power, regardless of local grid conditions.
Guillermo Elum, HIMOINSA's EMEA Region Head, highlighted the company's dedication to the African market: “Africa is a key growth region for HIMOINSA, and our approach goes beyond merely selling products; we are committed to building local capacity. Our training programs in Angola, South Africa, Morocco, Togo and soon, in Tanzania, ensure that African technicians and engineers are fully equipped to manage and maintain our technology, creating skilled jobs and developing expertise across the continent.”
Boosting Africa's Economic Growth
The launch of the HGY Series is part of HIMOINSA's broader investment strategy to support Africa's economic development. The company's Spanish production facilities, including a new factory in Murcia with a capacity of 1,000 units currently under construction, are set to help supply the African market, ensuring fast delivery and minimal logistical challenges, so businesses can rely on timely support and services. Additionally, its focus on training and local partnerships enhances the technical skills of local communities, empowering them to manage critical power infrastructure and stimulating economic growth.
Francisco Gracia, CEO of HIMOINSA, stressed the significance of the HGY Series for Africa: “We see enormous potential in Africa's industrial and digital sectors, and the HGY Series is a powerful tool for realizing that potential. From supporting vital healthcare facilities to powering new data centers that drive digital transformation; to providing continuous power for mining projects, our solutions are designed to make a tangible impact in Africa's growth story. This launch is more than just a product introduction; it is our commitment to being a partner in Africa's progress.”
Dedicated to Sustainability in Africa
The HGY Series engines are not just about power—they are about powering Africa sustainably. Designed to work seamlessly with micro-grids and renewable energy sources, these engines offer a viable solution for rural and urban areas seeking to integrate intermittent solar and wind power into their energy mix. HIMOINSA's generators support Africa's energy transition, aligning with the continent's growing focus on renewable energy and reduced carbon emissions.
The company's presence in Africa through divisions in Angola, South Africa, Morocco, Togo, and Tanzania enables it to deliver localized support in the continent's most widely spoken languages. This commitment to on-the-ground engagement ensures that African clients receive comprehensive training and support, helping businesses reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.
Driving Innovation Across Africa's Most Critical Sectors
HIMOINSA's new HGY Series is ideally suited for sectors that drive Africa's economic growth. Data centers, which are rapidly expanding due to the rise of digital services and AI, can now benefit from high-capacity, low-emission solutions designed to minimize downtime and optimize performance. Healthcare facilities, often located in remote or underserved areas, will gain access to dependable power solutions essential for life-saving equipment. Mining operations and oil and gas fields can also leverage the versatility and efficiency of the HGY engines to operate in demanding environments, ensuring continuity even when the grid fails.
https://HGY-Series.HIMOINSA.com/
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of HIMOINSA.
About HIMOINSA:
Founded in 1982, HIMOINSA is a global leader in the design and manufacture of power generation solutions. With a wide range of products including generator sets, lighting towers, and energy storage systems, the company has a track record of delivering reliable, efficient, and innovative power solutions. As part of the Yanmar Group, HIMOINSA combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving energy needs of customers worldwide.
In support of Global Encryption Day on 21 October 2024, events are being organized across Africa by Internet Society (www.InternetSociety.org) chapters in Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Benin to educate and train individuals on the importance of encryption in protecting data and privacy.
End-to-end encryption is the process of transforming or encoding information so that only the sender and intended recipient can see it. It safeguards the personal security of billions of people around the world and is essential for security on the Internet.
By promoting awareness and providing training on encryption, grassroots organizers are empowering communities to take control of their digital security. Under the umbrella of Global Encryption Day, the events planned are a testament to the growing importance of encryption as a means to security in the digital age and signal a growing consensus that people must be protected online. From workshops to informational sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn about encryption and how it can be used to keep people safe.
Event 1: Encryption to secure our daily life and future
Where: Maison des Jeunes, Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
When: 20-21 October 2024, 09:00 to 14:30 UTC
What: A 2-day training course will promote encryption for civil society actors, local authorities, and activists in Côte d'Ivoire and the necessity to protect it. Register at Encryption to secure our daily life and future (https://apo-opa.co/4eR5CXO)
Event 2: Kwara Global Encryption Day 2024 Summit
Where: Ilorin. Kwara State., Nigeria
When: 24 October 2024, 08:00 to 16:00 UTC
What: The “Kwara Global Encryption Day 2024 Summit” is an initiative by the Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative. The event is designed to raise awareness about the critical importance of end-to-end encryption in protecting digital privacy and security. The summit aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of encryption technologies, their applications, and the current legislative landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Register at Kwara Global Encryption Day 2024 Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3YbFeAw).
Event 3: Global Encryption Day 2024
Where: Bugesera - Rwanda, Rwanda
When: 16 October 2024, 13:00 to 15:00 UTC
What: Internet Society Rwanda members will learn more about encryption tools that will protect your privacy and the importance of safeguarding this important resource.
Event 4: Activating Voices of Underserved Communities Through Encryption and Digital Inclusion
Where: Ugunja, Kenya
When: 19 October 2024, 10:00 to 15:00 UTC
What: Kijiji Yeetu, the Ugunja Youth Parliament, and Ugunja Net Wardens, in collaboration with the Internet Society Kenya Chapter, Jaramogi Oginga University, and United States International University Africa, are organizing an event that will focus on enhancing encryption, digital literacy, and security for teachers, net wardens, and underserved communities in Ugunja. The initiative aims to spark a nationwide impact by empowering participants to harness technology creatively and securely.
Event 5: Campaign For Youth Participation On Online Security
Where: American Corner, Jigawa State., Nigeria
When: 21 October 2024, 09:00 to 16:00 UTC
What: The program will look at how best to engage youth and bring them on board to contribute to online security and protection of encryption. Register at Campaign For Youth Participation In Online Security (https://apo-opa.co/3BJ2w9A).
Event 6: Encryption Advocacy Training for Academic Institutions in Africa
Where: Solusi University, Zimbabwe
When: 21 October 2024, 08:30 to 13:00 UTC
What: This event will focus on developing encryption advocates in institutions of higher learning. The purpose of the conference is to capacitate Faculty Deans and Lecturers from institutions of higher learning so that they may infuse these principles to their classroom teaching.
Event 7: Global Encryption Day 2024 – Encryption For Data Privacy & Online Safety
Where: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
When: 21 October 2024, 09:00-15:00 UTC
What: The Internet Society South Africa Chapter and its partners will organize a program that includes training, interactive sessions, and online discussions on encryption, cybersecurity, privacy, human rights, and more. With one main venue and two remote participation hubs based in Cape Town and Johannesburg, this is set to be the largest Global Encryption Day celebration yet. Register at Internet Society
Event 8: Protecting End-to-End Encryption: Our Security at Stake
Where: University of Abomey-Calavi / IFRI, Benin
When: 21 October 2024, 09:00 to 12:30 UTC
What: Encryption is the cornerstone of modern digital security, safeguarding our data and communications from cyber threats. Through discussions, interactive workshops, and expert talks from leading cybersecurity professionals, you'll gain valuable insights into how encryption shields your personal data, online communications, and privacy. In today's evolving digital landscape, understanding these tools is vital for staying safe. As a student, this event will empower you to contribute to a more secure Internet and equip you with practical steps to protect your own data. https://apo-opa.co/4eJID0J
For more information visit: https://apo-opa.co/3Yciv7s to learn more about Global Encryption Day events around the world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Internet Society.
Media contact:
Allesandra deSantillana
Internet Society
desantillana@isocfoundation.org
The Department of Home Affairs, Australia has appointed VFS Global to provide biometric collection services for Sub-Saharan Africa. VFS Global is the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. This is in addition to the seven regions awarded in August 2023 to provide biometric collection services –the Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia. With the recent addition of Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, VFS Global has become the exclusive biometrics collection service provider to Australian visa applicants across all nine regions globally.
The Sub-Saharan Africa region includes seven countries in total with Australian Biometric Collection Centre services to be rolled out at 12 locations in 13 countries by February 2025. This includes setting up Centres in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
According to the agreement, VFS Global's core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance on the Department's ImmiAccount portal. The company would also provide additional (as required services) such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation and local addressing and document delivery.
“We are pleased to extend our Agreement with VFS Global to include Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. We will continue to work closely with VFS Global to ensure the delivery of high-quality biometric collection and visa support services for our visa applicants worldwide.” said Anthony Phillips, Director Offshore Service Delivery Partners Section, Department of Home Affairs.
“Securing these two regions is a testament to our dedication, expertise, commitment to excellence, and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. This decision not only reflects our ability to meet highest standards but also reinforces our resolve to deliver innovative solutions. Under the Department's guidance, we will continue to elevate the experience of Australian applicants across the world,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
georgec@vfsglobal.com
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 297 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
Expand North Star 2024 (www.ExpandNorthStar.com), the world's largest startup and investment event, continued its journey of innovation on its third day at Dubai Harbour. Attendees from around the world witnessed revolutionary advancements in Applied AI and Deep Tech, demonstrating how these technologies are disrupting industries and solving complex global challenges.
Integrated with GITEX GLOBAL, Expand North Star runs until 16 October, providing a powerful platform for over 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding USD $1 trillion.
Applied AI and Deep Tech Innovations Redefine Healthcare and Space Innovation
Day three was a showcase of next-generation solutions in robotics, AI, and deep tech, providing a glimpse into the future of these sectors.
Cutting through the noise were innovative startups such as China's RoboCT with their innovative exoskeleton technology, launching the UGo Rehab Exoskeleton, specifically designed for patients with lower-limb dysfunction, spinal cord injury, strokes, or cerebral palsy. Dr. Tian Wang, Founder and CEO of RoboCT Group, stated, "UGo enhances the rehabilitation process and delivers an effective walking training solution by integrating advanced sensors, data analysis, and research, empowering patients to rehabilitate more effectively at home."
On the digital health frontier, JADE introduced a platform tailored for neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD, down syndrome, and autism. The app's sophisticated tracking of eye movements, cognitive response times, and memory functions equips healthcare professionals and educators with precise data to create personalised care and learning strategies.
Meanwhile, scanO, a pioneering Indian-born deep tech company, is leading the way in developing generative AI models for predicting disease progression. The company showcased its flagship product, scanO air—the world's first contactless AI-powered robotic system for oral health screening—revolutionizing early detection and diagnosis.
In space technology sector, Triggers-Reports from Mauritius introduced Triggers-sat, a satellite platform that provides high-resolution imaging and 3D modeling to assist businesses and governments in areas such as natural resource management and climate risk disaster monitoring.
Rising International Participation from Asia and Latin America
As the global innovation hub, Expand North Star continues to see international participation rise, showcasing how regions and countries are pushing boundaries with novel solutions.
Tatiana Riera, COO of ApexBrasil, highlighted Brazil's expanding presence at Expand North Star: "From just 20 startups in 2019, we have expanded to 45 startups this year, along with four innovation hubs. Brazil is a great hub for fintech because of the diversity in social levels, so most of our unicorns come from fintech. We also focus a lot on Deep Tech, AI, and climate tech solutions since we have six biomes and need to take care of them. We have a company that uses natural foam to build soundproof material for construction and another company building silent tractors that run on renewable energy."
Similarly, Singapore's SGTech made a noteworthy debut at Expand North Star, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving tech-driven solutions forward. Alex Ng, Exco Member, SGTech said: "Singapore's innovative startups are making a significant impact at Expand North Star 2024, with six outstanding companies exhibiting under the Singapore Pavilion. These companies showcase cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, including digital twins, industrial AI and biotech, with the event serving as a groundbreaking global launchpad for startups to foster valuable networking with investors."
Africa's Path to Economic Growth
With global participation continuing to flourish, the spotlight also turned towards Africa, where burgeoning tech ecosystems are paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators. H.E. Savannah Maziya, Minister, Ministry of Information, Communications & Technology, Eswatini, alongside other thought leaders, emphasised the importance of structured development to tackle unique market challenges and unlock Africa's economic potential.
Celina Lee, CEO & Co-Founder, Zindi, South Africa, highlighted the trend of talent returning to Africa to start companies and create ecosystems that foster innovation and attract global corporations like Microsoft to set up labs in Ghana and Nairobi.
Speaking on the challenges facing Africa, Olatunbosun Alake, Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State Government, Nigeria, said, "The greatest challenge in Africa is education. In Nigeria, if you look at the most educated parts, they show economic value, whereas in the north, where education levels are not as high, economic productivity is lower. There needs to be an African Renaissance of education funding across the board because if you drive education, educate, and enlighten people, people will change the environment.”
Across its four-day span, Expand North Star continues to shed light on the future of industries through defining events such as GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania. These events underscore how emerging technologies are transforming the way we live and are also playing a pivotal role in reshaping the future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Expand North Star.
Media Contact:
Tayce Marchesi, PR Manager, DWTC | tayce.marchesi@dwtc.com
Ahmad Khalloudi, Account Manager, Seven Media | ahmadkhalloudi@sevenmedia.ae
Doyin Odulana, Senior PR Manager, Seven Media | adedoyinodulana@sevenmedia.ae
Follow Expand North Star on Social Media:
Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/487fqdm)| X (https://apo-opa.co/4h5l6sx)| Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4eIQXhe)| LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/485znl3)
Hashtag: #ExpandNorthStar
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):
A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai.
DMPR Deputy Minister calls for "zero harm" in mining sector
The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, has called on the mining industry to adopt a strong health and safety culture to eradicate harm and death in the sector.
She was speaking at the 2024 Mine Health and Safety Summit.
As of Monday, the industry recorded a year-on-year decrease of some 11% in fatalities – coming down from 38 fatalities this time last year to 34 deaths.
“It is to be noted that the implementation of technology alone is not enough. To achieve zero harm, we must also cultivate and sustain a strong health and safety culture throughout the mining sector.
“The Health and Safety Culture Transformation Framework developed by the MHSC [Mine Health and Safety Council] provides a solid foundation for this.
“However, the implementation of the framework across the industry remains uneven, and more work is needed to ensure that health and safety is elevated and recognised as a top priority and core value by all stakeholders and every mining operation, from the largest corporations to the smallest operators,” Nemadzinga-Tshabalala said.
She said this would require more than merely “following protocols and checking boxes".
"It is about leadership, accountability and a deep, shared commitment to the well-being of every worker.
“It requires a shift in mindset, where the health and safety of mineworkers is not seen as an obstacle to productivity, but as a critical component of operational success,” she emphasised.
The Deputy Minister added that any injury or death remained “one too many”. and urged the sector to continue striving for zero harm.
“Many of these incidents are repeats and they can be prevented. Fall of ground accidents remain one of the largest accident categories, and the predominant cause of fatalities followed by general accident and transportation categories, respectively.
“This is regrettable, as it is expected that all mines should have appropriate measures and expertise to enhance the health and safety of mineworkers. So, we urge you to go back to the drawing board and constantly focus on safety performance,” Nemadzinga-Tshabalala said.
On the side of government, the Deputy Minister highlighted that Cabinet has approved the submission of the draft Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill (MHSA Bill) to Parliament for its deliberation and adoption.
She said the following interventions are also continuing:
• Engaging union leadership, CEOs and Boards of Directors of different mining houses to enhance the concerted efforts in the eradication of mine deaths.
• Stoppage of unsafe mines to ensure that employers take appropriate measures that will prevent harm to the mine employees.
• Enforcing and monitoring of health and safety at mines through focused inspections and audits to be escalated during the remaining period of 2024 and beyond.
• Ensuring that safe mining practices are adopted, given that a significant number of accidents occurred whilst opening or mining old areas.
• Ensuring that all mines collaborate with inspectors and organised labour to have health and safety days and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to health and safety protocols.
“South Africa’s mining industry is globally recognised, and our safety record is comparable to some of the leading mining nations.
"However, as demonstrated by countries like Australia and Canada, there are higher benchmarks we can aspire to.
“We must, therefore, not allow ourselves to become complacent and accept that while the progress we have made is commendable, there remains an opportunity for improvement,” Nemadzinga-Tshabalala said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/16/2024 - 14:31
African Peace Magazine UK (https://AfricanPeace.org/) is honoured to announce the distinguished line-up of speakers for the 3rd International African Energy, Oil, and Gas Summit, set to take place from October 23rd to 25th, 2024, at Hilton, Windhoek, Rev. Michael Scott Street, Windhoek, Namibia. This summit brings together some of the most influential leaders, industry experts, and change-makers in the energy sector across Africa. These individuals have significantly shaped their respective industries and will contribute profound insights into Africa's energy future. The Charity Golf Tournament and other Tour activities would commence from the 26th to the 30th of October 2024. The Speakers are;
Hon. Justice Galadima is a revered figure in Nigeria's legal community, having served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He is known for his unwavering commitment to justice and governance in Africa. As Chairman of African Peace Magazine, Justice Galadima plays a critical role in fostering dialogue around peace, security, and development across the continent.
HRH Sir David Serena-Dokubo Spiff is a prominent traditional leader from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. His deep commitment to the socio-economic advancement of his people and his influence on the region's energy and resource management make him a vital voice at the summit. He actively advocates for responsible management of natural resources in his community.
Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun is a powerful figure in Namibia's business sector and beyond. As the Chairperson of United Africa Group, she has been a driving force behind several large-scale projects in hospitality, real estate, and renewable energy. Her leadership in advancing Africa's energy landscape and sustainable development strategies is exemplary.
Abiola Metilelu leads PressPayNG, a groundbreaking fintech company that offers education financing solutions. Under his leadership, PressPayNG is bridging the financial gap for students across Nigeria, directly impacting the education and energy sectors by creating a more skilled workforce for the future.
A visionary in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, Dr. Udochu Ogbonnaya is shaping the future of sustainable energy in Africa. As the Executive Director of GEIL, he drives innovation in the extraction and development of energy resources while maintaining a focus on environmental responsibility.
Mrs Amuela is a respected expert in the legal frameworks governing Africa's extractive industries. Her insights into compliance and legal challenges in oil and gas operations have made her a sought-after voice in regulatory discussions. Her work ensures that Africa's natural resources are managed with accountability and transparency.
Mr. Mulunga is a seasoned expert in Namibia's oil and gas industry, having held key leadership roles, including serving as Managing Director of NAMCOR. His deep understanding of petroleum resource management in Namibia and his strategic leadership have had lasting impacts on the country's energy landscape.
Engr. Woke leads NOSDRA, Nigeria's primary agency responsible for monitoring and responding to oil spills. His efforts in promoting environmental sustainability in the face of oil extraction activities have been instrumental in safeguarding Nigeria's ecological future.
Professor Shakwa is a staunch advocate for anti-corruption measures in Africa, having founded the Anti-Corruption Education Consultancy. His work aims to educate and promote transparency, which is critical for sustainable development in Africa's energy sectors.
Tassius Chigariro heads Old Mutual Namibia, a leading financial services company. His strategic expertise in investments and financial management has made Old Mutual a key player in supporting economic growth in Namibia and throughout Africa's energy sectors.
Dr. Tolorunse brings a wealth of knowledge in regulatory frameworks, ensuring Nigeria's midstream and downstream petroleum sectors operate within best practices and international standards. His work strengthens Nigeria's position as a key player in the global energy market.
A legal expert in energy law, Olusegun Ilori has been instrumental in shaping GEIL's business strategy, ensuring compliance with global energy regulations while advocating for sustainable practices.
Engr. Babalola's expertise in engineering and operations has been pivotal to GEIL's success in executing oil and gas projects with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Alh. Rano is a prominent entrepreneur in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, with his company, A.A. Rano, being a leading player in petroleum marketing and distribution. His business acumen has significantly contributed to Nigeria's energy supply chain.
Prof. Adegbulugbe is a renowned energy expert with a wealth of experience in energy policy and management. As CEO of GEIL, he is at the forefront of pushing Africa towards a greener energy future.
Martin Harris is a leading geoscientist in Namibia, focusing on energy resource exploration and development. His research and contributions have enhanced the understanding of Namibia's geological wealth.
As the traditional ruler of the Kingdom of Kongo, HRM Makitu III is a respected leader who advocates for the preservation and responsible use of natural resources within his kingdom, including energy resources that are key to Angola's economic development.
Engr. Ogunsanya leads Geoplex Drillteq, a company offering cutting-edge drilling solutions for Africa's oil and gas industry. His leadership in innovation has made Geoplex a leader in the sector, offering technological solutions that enhance efficiency. Engr. Wole Ogunsanya is the current Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria. PETAN is an association of Nigerian Indigenous Technical Oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream. PETAN is the primary trade and advocacy association of the oil and natural gas industry in Nigeria, representing nearly 100 members involved in various aspects of petroleum.
Tarah Shaanika oversees Namibia Asset Management, a leading investment company in Namibia. His experience in financial management and investment has propelled the company into playing a crucial role in funding energy and infrastructure projects in Namibia.
Aggrey Ashaba is a business leader with deep expertise in the oil, gas, mining, and energy sectors. As General Manager of Alliad in Uganda, he plays a key role in driving the country's energy strategy, focusing on sustainable development.
Williams is a respected business consultant whose firm, Mind Space Consults, provides strategic insights and advisory services in energy and business development across Africa, helping companies navigate complex markets and regulatory environments.
A key player in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, Alh. Saleh Baba Rano has been instrumental in the growth and development of the sector, bringing strategic insights and leadership to discussions around energy in Africa.
Abimbola Okoya is a passionate advocate for education in Africa, founding Basic Education Africa to provide accessible learning opportunities to underserved communities. Her work directly impacts the future of Africa's workforce, particularly in the energy and technology sectors.
Professor Jude Osakwe is a prominent academic and researcher with a focus on Data Governance, Data Analytics, ICT in Education, and ICT for Development (ICT4D). He holds various professional certifications in project management, big data analytics, business intelligence, and digital marketing. His extensive research work and involvement in international conferences make him a vital contributor to discussions on the integration of ICT into development strategies across Africa. Professor Osakwe's dedication to bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation of ICT solutions has positioned him as a respected figure in the academic and business sectors.
M. Jinot Razafimamonjy serves as the Director of Hydrocarbons in Madagascar's Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons. His leadership in managing the country's hydrocarbon resources has been instrumental in driving economic growth and ensuring sustainable development in the energy sector. His participation at the summit will provide critical insights into Madagascar's approach to energy management and its vision for the future of its oil and gas industry.
S P Jika Ogbeche holds a senior leadership role within the Nigeria Immigration Service, overseeing the Air Border Division. His extensive experience in managing Nigeria's air borders and contributing to national security efforts will bring a unique perspective to discussions on energy security and the role of governance in the sector.
Engr. Farouk Ahmed is at the helm of Nigeria's NMDPRA, playing a critical role in regulating and ensuring the sustainable development of Nigeria's midstream and downstream petroleum sectors. His leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the regulatory framework, promoting investment, and ensuring energy security in one of Africa's most important energy markets.
Dr. Lloyd C. Williams is an esteemed expert in the fields of energy and sustainability, hailing from the United States. With a distinguished career marked by contributions to both the public and private sectors, Dr. Williams is dedicated to advancing clean energy initiatives and fostering innovation in oil and gas. His global perspective will add invaluable insights into the discussions at the summit.
As the CEO of Old Mutual Namibia, Mr. Tassius Chigariro is a key figure in the financial services sector, driving initiatives that support sustainable investments in energy and infrastructure. His experience in leading one of Africa's most reputable financial institutions positions him as an influential voice in the intersection of energy finance and economic development.
Cydolian Raveloson is the Acting Director General of Madagascar's Hydrocarbons Office, where he plays a pivotal role in managing the country's energy resources. His efforts are focused on ensuring the efficient exploitation and management of Madagascar's oil and gas reserves, contributing to both the nation's economic growth and energy security.
These esteemed speakers join an already impressive lineup, including leading figures from government, academia, and the private sector, all dedicated to advancing Africa's energy future. Their participation is set to elevate the summit's discussions, fostering meaningful collaborations and forward-thinking strategies.
"The diverse group of speakers at the upcoming IAEOG Summit 2024 reflects our heartfelt commitment to inspiring discussions that lead to tangible outcomes. These industry leaders are passionate about finding ways to alleviate poverty, create job opportunities, and enhance our GDP. Together, we envision a transformative event that enlightens the public and fosters collaborative efforts, ultimately driving meaningful change for the betterment of our communities."- Chairman Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima JSC, CFR, OFR (Rtd.)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.
For more details on the full list of speakers, agenda and for sponsorship, participation, partnership, Exhibition and speaking opportunities and all other enquiries please contact:
Florek or Liana
Phone +264817617590
Phone: +264818331921
email: florekharris@africanoilandgassummit.com
event@africanoilandgassummit.com
africanpeacemag@gmail.com
Uduak Okon
International Affairs
+2348033975746
+447407399766
Nigeria Abuja Office:
Suite FT 12B Alibro Atrium Plaza Utako Abuja
+2348033975746
South African Office:
16 Ridge Road Vorna Valley Midland 1686 South Africa
+27662449117
Angola:
Call +244928690892
+244993656970
+244927589884
London Office:
Call +4477771217805
WhatsApp +447407399766
African Peace Magazine:
Website: https://AfricanPeace.org/
https://www.AfricanPeaceAwards.com/
https://AfricanOilandGasSummit.com/
Email: africanpeacemag@gmail.com
Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4eM9eKk
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4f38u3m
I.G: http://apo-opa.co/4eHvpBF
LinkedIn: http://apo-opa.co/4eJVYGh
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and Absa Group, one of Africa's leading financial services providers, today celebrated a landmark agreement to mark the execution of a transformative financial package aimed at increasing funding for underserved segments, across South Africa and the continent. The target audience includes women-owned businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In addition to enhancing Absa's regulatory capital, the facility will promote access to finance, deepen domestic capital markets, and ensure continued access to global supply chains for issuing banks in regional member countries, including low-income and fragile states.
The financial package includes:
Several components of the package have already been executed, including the successful issuance of Absa's first Tier 2 social bond on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in July 2024. The R1 billion proceeds from this bond will be allocated towards affordable housing loans specifically targeting women, empowering them as first-time homeowners in low-income segments.
Leila Mokaddem, Director General of the African Development Bank's Southern Africa Region, stated: “This partnership with Absa Group underscores our commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Africa. Through this financial package, we are not only fortifying Absa's capital base but also ensuring that essential funding reaches women, youth, and entrepreneurs, fostering a more equitable and prosperous continent. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our strategic priorities of supporting Africa's industrialization and enhancing the quality of life for its people. “
Absa has secured a R1.7 billion sustainability-linked Tier 2 loan aimed at general corporate business purposes while incentivizing the extension of finance products to women-owned SMEs as a key performance indicator. As part of this agreement, Absa is collaborating with the African Development Bank to enhance skills among both Absa staff and women business owners. A capacity-building training program has been launched to address the unique challenges faced by female and youth entrepreneurs, by providing mentorship and financial solutions.
Charles Russon, Absa Group interim CEO designate remarked: “The finalisation of this package concludes a three-year process that significantly enhances our capacity to fund social initiatives aligned with our commitment to being a force for good. This partnership enables us to increase funding for women and youth in South Africa while facilitating greater trade opportunities across the continent. “
“This partnership aligns with the African Development Bank's strategic objectives of advancing green, social, and sustainability instruments in the domestic capital markets, supporting African capital market development and regional financial integration,” said Ahmed Attout, Director of the Financial Sector Development Department at the African Development Bank. He emphasised that it is designed to empower Absa to effectively disburse funds for highly impactful social and sustainable economic development initiatives.
The $150 million trade finance facility will drive trade support across Africa, addressing the continent's annual trade finance gap of over $100 billion. This initiative will enhance access to financing for key sectors such as agriculture, transport, and manufacturing, while fostering financial sector development and regional integration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
African Development Bank:
Natalie Naudé,
Communication and External Relations Department,
email: media@afdb.org
Technical Contacts:
Peter Onyango,
Chief Capital Markets Officer,
Financial Sector Development Department,
Bleming Nakati,
Regional Lead,
Private Sector Operations, Southern Africa
Absa:
Carli Cooke,
Head of Media Relations,
email : prmedia@absa.afrca
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
About Absa Group:
Absa Group Limited (‘Absa Group') is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa's largest diversified financial services groups. Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.
Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. Absa also has offices in China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic.
For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.Absa.africa.
Beneficiaries with gold cards have been struggling to access their grants
Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – scheduled for November 4-8 – as a gold sponsor. The sponsorship aligns with the corporation's ambitions to strengthen its presence in Africa and follows a strong of deals forged with various African countries in the fields of nuclear power development, knowledge sharing and mining.
Currently, there is a surge in nuclear energy adoption in Africa, with projects targeting 15 GW of operational capacity by 2035, the Nuclear Business Platform estimates. Over 10 African countries are looking to embrace nuclear energy, the majority of which are leaning on global partnerships such as those fostered with Rosatom to accelerate project development. Rosatom's return to AEW: Invest in African Energy reflects its growing intention to support projects in Africa.
AEW: Invest in African Energy 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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Rosatom signed an agreement with the Republic of Congo – which has ambitions to enhance the adoption of nuclear energy - in July 2024. The deal will see the parties collaborate on the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and hydroelectric power. This aligns with the Republic of Congo's efforts to diversify its energy mix beyond oil, leveraging Rosatom's expertise to improve energy access.
The agreement followed the signing of an MoU with Guinea-Conakry in June 2024 to cooperate on the development of floating nuclear power plants. The corporation currently operates the world's only floating co-generation nuclear power plant – Akademik Lomonosov - and aims to construct an additional 7 facilities worldwide. Suitable for remote regions with undeveloped or unreliable power grids, floating nuclear offers a range of benefits for African countries. As a small nuclear power plant, the facilities provide access to clean and affordable power for hard-to-reach communities, offering an environmentally-friendly energy option with 24/7 operational capacity. The agreement with Guinea-Conakry will see Rosatom construct floating nuclear plants, equipped with RITM-200 reactors. Power will be used to support industrial and domestic consumption.
Rosatom also signed an agreement with Burkina Faso's Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country. Construction will be complete by 2025 with the project expected to double Burkina Faso's power production by 2030. The deal also features a clear roadmap to enhance the country's nuclear power adoption, including the establishment of a regulatory framework for nuclear energy.
In addition to nuclear power development, Rosatom is driving nuclear energy capacity building and training across Africa. The company aims to utilize its expertise in the industry to support human capital development across the continent, with various programs in place to achieve this goal. In South Africa – the continent's only nuclear power producer – Rosatom signed an agreement with the state-owned power utility Eskom for a nuclear action plan for the period 2024-2026. The plan comprises joint education initiatives, joint degree programs and workforce training. South Africa plans to continue utilizing nuclear power to fulfil both its domestic and industrial needs. Recently, the Koeberg station – accounting for 5% of South Africa's power supply – has been approved to run for an additional 20 years. The Rosatom-Eskom plans aims to support this by equipping the workforce with the requisite skills and capacities.
To support nuclear production in Africa, Rosatom is also advancing uranium mining across the continent. The company plans to start mining uranium in Namibia by 2029, with plans in place to complete the prospecting and exploration phase of the Wings Project by 2026. At a total investment of $500 million, the project will produce 5,000 metric tons of uranium per year.
“Rosatom represents a strong partner for Africa's nuclear industry. The company is focused on supporting the construction of nuclear energy facilities while concurrently scaling up capacity building, mining activities and regulatory support. Nuclear has the potential to transform the continent's power landscape and with partners like Rosatom, Africa is well positioned to tap into this growing market,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
R800 million spent to recover rail lines in Durban
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has to date spent R800 million in recovering commuter rail lines in the City of eThekwini as part of its recovery programme.
PRASA’s recovery programme includes recovering passenger rail services, improving safety and security, protecting assets, providing sound leadership, as well as executing its capital programme.
As part of Transport Month, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy conducted an oversight visit to the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line on Friday, 11 October. A ticket from Merebank to Crossmoor in Durban costs R7.50.
“In this city, there are eight lines that transport passengers into the metro and so far, we have recovered six of those lines, and we have recovered 70 of 102 stations.
“This recovery is not an easy task. It requires replacing rails, dealing with the flood damage of 2022, and dealing with the electricity overheard power lines that power the electric trains.
“We have had to rebuild a traction substation so that there is adequate power on this line. All the stations were severely vandalised. Work that has been done on the five stations on this particular line includes ticket sales, ablution facilities, weather protection and supplying water and electricity,” Creecy said.
She said the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line is the pioneer line for the new modern signalling technology.
“That contract for signalling has already been awarded and we are in the design phase. Signalling allows us to dramatically increase the number of trains that we are running.
“At the moment, with every train that is running, there has to be direct contact with the driver and we can only run one train on a line, and when it gets to the end of the line, it goes back because we don’t want an accident.
“Once, you have automatic signalling, the train is controlled electronically from a central control centre and we can run the trains at three or five minute intervals during peak times. This will allow us to ramp up the numbers for passengers,” the Minister said.
The signalling will also allow PRASA to open the second line and the trains will be able to run at the same time.
“This station has increased capacity so that we are able to run the trains at short intervals because there is enough power for all of the trains that will be running.
"There are security guards [on site]. In due course, we will also have electronic surveillance on the line. If anybody is tempering with the line, the message will go to the central control system,” Creecy said.
Government plans to achieve 250 million tonnes of freight per annum through the country’s freight corridors and 600 million passenger trips per annum by 2030.
“In the City of eThekwini, the contribution to passenger trips should be 126 million per year. At the moment, we are running 13 million and nationwide, we should be running 40 million passenger trips at the end of this financial year.
“Our next big project is going to be the recovery of the South Coast line and that line is already out to tender, and we hope to start the work in 2026,” the Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:09
Homelessness is a shared, fixable problem
But the agency is bleeding funds due to fraudulent payments still being made
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector – is proud to announce that the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference remains committed to hosting the African continent's most successful energy event in Cape Town. AEW was established in 2021 under the premise to make energy poverty history by 2030 and, now in its fourth immensely successfully edition, we remain devoted to keeping the event at Cape Town's International Conference Center (CTICC) until 2030.
Africa Oil Week (AOW) recently confirmed it will hold its 2025 edition in Accra, Ghana, and while we wish them the best in their endeavors, the Chamber is steadfast in its commitment to hosting AEW – the continent's premier energy event – in Cape Town. In 2021, AOW made the decision to take its conference to Dubai, citing the fact that Africa was not equipped to host a large-scale conference in a safe manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AOW claimed that the event is focused on supporting Africa's needs, and yet the decisions to leave Cape Town for Dubai contradicted this very ambition.
AEW: Invest in African Energy 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.
What AEW sought to prove, and was successful in doing, is that Africa has always been capable of hosting large-scale events. Under very strict COVID-19 safety measures, AEW 2021 hosted delegations from both the African and global energy sector. In 2022, the conference attracted thousands of delegates, while in 2023, the conference supported an even bigger and better event. When Africa needed investment, AEW was quick to respond, providing a platform where stakeholders could meet, and deals be made.
Now, in 2024, AEW: Invest in African Energy continues our mandate to eradicate energy poverty by 2030 and serves as the official meeting place for Africa's energy elite. At the forefront of the African energy industry, the conference promotes the role Africa plays in global energy matters, centered around Africa-led dialogue and decision making. That's why we remain committed to Cape Town, a city that represents an industrial, business and socioeconomic hub for the entire African continent. Furthermore, AEW's focus transcends South Africa, with the event recognizing and supporting the development of various oil and gas projects across the continent.
South Africa, and notably Minister Gwede Mantashe and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy have been steadfast supporters of AEW since its inception in 2021. Through our partnership with the City of Cape Town and the government, we have created numerous job opportunities in Cape Town, contributing significantly to the local tourism industry and Cape Town-based vendors alike. We remain committed to our promise to position Cape Town as the hub for oil, gas and energy discussions in Africa.
We reaffirm our pledge to maintain AEW's presence in Cape Town, rather than relocating to Dubai or other destinations outside of Africa. Our focus is on addressing key issues surrounding the African energy sector, ensuring that South African service providers, small business, local enterprises and stakeholders continue to benefit from our efforts. AEW not only generates jobs, but also stimulates economic growth.
As the largest energy conference in Africa, we acknowledge the challenges faced by Cape Town and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.
Meanwhile, outside of South Africa, the continent is seeing monumental growth. In Senegal and Mauritania, first production is soon expected for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim conventional gas development while Senegal, just this year, achieved first oil production, thus showcasing the potential for offshore exploration and production investment. In Uganda, progress continues to be made on the Lake Albert Development, a multi-faceted project that promises new opportunities for energy security and industrialization in East Africa. In the Republic of the Congo, marginal projects are making headway as the government prioritizes gas investment and development while Libya recently announced that oil production has reached 1.217 million barrels per day.
Meanwhile, South Africa's neighbor, Namibia, has made a litany of major oil and gas discoveries since 2022 and is making significant strides to develop these major finds. Mozambique is gradually making progress with its three major gas projects, opening new opportunities for regional trade. All of these projects and many more are showcased at AEW: Invest in African Energy, with investment opportunities made clear to existing and potential investors. AEW promotes the African position on the future of Africa's energy sector. By advocating personal responsibility, free markets, individual liberty and an enabling environment for investors, AEW ensure that Africa's oil and natural gas industry benefits Africans, rather than continuing a reliance on foreign aid and assistance.
Therefore, we stand wholly committed to leveraging all Cape Town has to offer, a city that has been good to every edition of our conference since 2021. At the CTICC, we will continue to host panel discussions, investor forums, industry summits and one-one-one meeting opportunities and driving the discussions that will reshape the trajectory of the continent's energy development.
“The Chamber is unwavering in our commitment to hosting AEW in Cape Town, a city that embodies the spirit of opportunity and innovation. The city is a hub for Africa's energy dialogue and, by staying here, we reinforce our mission to make energy poverty history by 2030. Cape Town has proven to be a premier venue for fostering critical dialogue and investment in Africa's energy sector and we believe that this vibrant city is the perfect backdrop for our mandate. Together, we will continue to drive progress and empower local stakeholders for sustainable growth,” states AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
