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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana Welcomes New Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    The World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana has welcomed Dr Fiona Braka as its new Country Representative, following official endorsement by the Government of Ghana.

    A seasoned public health expert from Uganda, Dr Braka brings to her new role over two decades of extensive experience in disease prevention and control, public health emergency management, and strategic leadership. She will lead WHO Ghana’s technical and operational work, collaborating with the Ministry of Health, key stakeholders and partners to strengthen health systems, improve health outcomes, and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Before her appointment to Ghana, Dr Braka held several senior positions within WHO across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda. In these roles, she spearheaded initiatives to advance primary health care and public health security, while leading diverse teams in complex settings. Most recently, she served as Coordinator of Emergency Response Operations at WHO’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo. In this capacity, she directed WHO’s response to major disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises across 47 countries and oversaw efforts to bolster national capacities for health emergency preparedness and response.

    Dr Braka played a pivotal role in the eradication of wild poliovirus in Nigeria, contributing to the African region’s certification as wild polio-free in 2020. As an immunization team lead in various countries, she supported the expansion of national vaccination programmes, helping to bring essential health services closer to underserved communities.

    As a dedicated contributor to global public health knowledge, Dr Braka has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. She holds a Medical Degree from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States of America.

    Her appointment marks a new chapter in WHO Ghana’s continued support to the country’s health sector.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: RUBIS: Q1 2025 trading update – Continued strong operating performance of Rubis’ diversified business model

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 5 May 2025, 5:45pm

    • Energy Distribution
      • Retail & Marketing – Solid volume growth at +4%, gross margin at €218m (+4%)
        • Strong momentum of the retail business both in Africa and in the Caribbean region
        • Bitumen activity performing well in Togo and South Africa – Nigeria volume growth resumes
      • Support & Services – Revenue up 2% at €266m
        • Lower bitumen trading margins as a result of higher in-house activity
    • Renewable Electricity Production
      • Secured portfolio up 22% vs March 2024 at 1.1 GWp
    • No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business
    • 2025 Guidance reaffirmed

    SALES BREAKDOWN BY SEGMENT AND BY REGION

    (in €m) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    Energy Distribution 1,687 1,652 +2%
    Retail & Marketing 1,420 1,392 +2%
    Europe 215 209 +3%
    Caribbean 584 590 -1%
    Africa 621 593 +5%
    Support & Services 266 260 +2%
    Renewable Electricity Production 11 8 +28%
    TOTAL 1,697 1,660 +2%

    On 5 May 2025, Clarisse Gobin-Swiecznik, Managing Partner, commented on the Q1 2025 activity: “Our position as distributor of energy and mobility solutions, leader in a diversity of regions, has once again proved successful. Q1 demonstrates Rubis’ resilience and ability to deliver strong performance in a challenging global environment. Our Energy Distribution businesses achieved robust growth across all regions while Photosol delivered according to plan. Looking ahead, we remain confident in our 2025 guidance, supported by the strength and growth potential of our diverse businesses”

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business

    None of Rubis’ businesses is directly concerned by the trade tariffs turmoil ongoing. The Group does not operate in the US, nor in China.

    • New geographical development: Acquisition of Soida in Angola

    In March 2025, Rubis Énergie acquired 60% of the share capital of Soida (Sociedade Industrial de Derivados Asfálticos), adding to its existing share of 35% acquired at the end of 2022 and leading to a final stake in the Company of 95%. Soida distributes bitumen in Angola with a market share well over 50% and extending further bitumen geographical footprint.

    • Publication of first Sustainability Statement (CSRD) including strategy and updated climate ambitions for 2030

    Rubis’ first Sustainability Statement (CSRD format) was published on 28 April covering among others: Climate change – Update on decarbonisation targets and financial implications. Beyond regulatory requirements, the Sustainability Statement provides a solid foundation for shaping the Group’s Think Tomorrow 2026–2030 Roadmap, which will integrate business-specific priorities and be co-constructed with the operating entities.

    Q1 2025 COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE

    1.   ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – RETAIL & MARKETING

    In Q1 2025, volume continued to increase across the board. Margins also saw an upward trend, with some variability.

    Volume sold and gross margin by product in Q1 2025

      Volume (in ‘000 m3) Gross margin (in €m)
    (in ‘000 m3) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024    		 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    LPG 346 343 1% 83 84 -0%
    Fuel 1,071 1,048 2% 113 103 10%
    Bitumen 135 100 35% 21 23 -6%
    TOTAL 1,552 1,491 4% 218 209 4%

    Volume sold and gross margin by region in Q1 2025

      Volume (in ‘000 m3) Gross margin (in €m)
      Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024    		 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    Europe 255 245 4% 65 62 4%
    Caribbean 584 573 2% 85 80 7%
    Africa 712 674 6% 68 67 1%
    TOTAL 1,552 1,491 4% 218 209 4%

    LPG volume was slightly up. The main drivers for growth over the quarter were bulk in France, where sales teams were particularly dynamic and won several new contracts. Autogas in France also saw a strong performance, as a result of several contracts won with service stations in 2024. Market share in France continued to increase, benefiting from a high level of customer engagement. These strong dynamics were partially offset by lower volume in Morocco where the market faced a product shortage after difficult weather conditions kept the supply vessels from unloading the product. Gross margin remained stable.

    • As regards fuel:
      • in the retail business (representing 49% of fuel volume and 52% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) volume grew by 4% vs Q1 2024. Gross margin increased by 14%, driven by:
        • increasing volume in East Africa, with Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda showing significant growth rates thanks to rebranded service stations,
        • Madagascar also saw significant volume and margin growth year over year, thanks to a well-maintained network and improved logistics, enabling the Company to increase its market share,
        • activity continued to be very dynamic in the Caribbean, with Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana still performing well. The situation in Haiti remains unchanged with half of the service stations closed at the end of March 2025;
      • the Commercial and Industrial business (C&I, representing 28% of fuel volume and 24% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) increased by 2% in volume and decreased by 1% in gross margin over the period, led by Kenya, Zambia, Guyana, Suriname and Barbados;
      • the aviation segment (representing 20% of fuel volume and 19% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) saw increased margins in Q1 2025 at +6% despite a slight volume decline of 2%. This performance was mainly driven by the Eastern Caribbean region, where some airlines decreased their frequencies, and the pricing environment was favourable.
    • Bitumen volume was up 35% yoy, mainly driven by Nigeria where Rubis’ supply situation was particularly strong. Togo and South Africa also saw strong volume increase, with improving margins. Gross margin showed a 6% decrease yoy and is the result of a different product mix in Nigeria.

    2.   ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – SUPPORT & SERVICES

    The Support & Services activity recorded €266m of revenue (+2% yoy) in Q1 2025.

    Volume excluding crude deliveries was up 5% and margins were down 4% vs Q1 2024.

    In the Caribbean, trading activity was dynamic with +5% in volume.

    In Africa, bitumen shipping activity was at a level comparable to that of Q1 2024 (volume +1%) with more numerous but shorter routes.

    SARA refinery and logistics operations present specific business models with stable earnings profile.

    3.   RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION – PHOTOSOL

    Operational data Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    Assets in operation (MWp) 535 450 +19%
    Electricity production (GWh) 102 81 +26%
    Sales (in €m) 11 8 +28%

    Over Q1 2025, Photosol commissionned 12MWp, leading its assets in operation to grow by 19% yoy at 535 MWp. The secured portfolio increased by 22% to 1.1 GWp with 53 MWp new projects secured over Q1 2025. The pipeline reached 5.7 GWp (+21% yoy). Revenue for Q1 2025 stood at €11m, up 28% vs Q1 2024, benefitting from portfolio expansion and a higher load factor.

    In April 2025, Alix Lajoie became President and Thomas Aubagnac became CEO of Photosol, as planned. Both were previously Deputy CEOs since 2023. The two founders, David Guinard and Robin Ucelli, remain shareholders and Board members of Photosol.

    OUTLOOK – FY 2025 GUIDANCE REAFFIRMED

    The working assumptions used to establish the 2025 guidance remain unchanged.

    Group EBITDA is expected at €710m to €760m in 2025 (assuming IAS 29 – hyperinflation impact unchanged versus 2024).

    Reminder: Photosol 2027 ambitions:

    • Secured portfolio(1) above 2.5 GWp
    • Consolidated EBITDA(2): €50-55m, of which c.10% EBITDA contribution from farm-down initiatives
      • Power EBITDA(3): €80-85m
      • Secured EBITDA(4): €150-200m

    NON-FINANCIAL RATING

    • MSCI: AA (reiterated in Dec-24)
    • Sustainalytics: 29.2 (from 30.7 previously)
    • ISS ESG: C (from C- previously)
    • CDP: B (reiterated in Feb-25)

    Webcast for investors and analysts
    Date: 5 May 2024, 6:00pm
    Link to register: https://channel.royalcast.com/rubisen/#!/rubisen/20250505_1
    Participants from Rubis:

    • Marc Jacquot, CFO
    • Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR

    Upcoming events
    Shareholders’ Meeting: 12 June 2025
    Q2 & H1 2025 results: 9 September 2025
    Q3 & 9M 2025 trading update: 4 November 2025
    Q4 & FY 2025 results: 12 March 2026

    (1) Includes ready-to-build, under construction and in operation capacities.
    (2) EBITDA reported in Rubis Group consolidated financial statements.
    (3) Aggregated EBITDA from operating PV through electricity sales.
    (4) Illustrative EBITDA coming from secured portfolio.

    Press Contact Analyst Contact
    RUBIS – Communication department RUBIS – Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR
    Tel: +33 (0)1 44 17 95 95

    presse@rubis.fr

    		 Tel: +33 (0)1 45 01 87 44

    investors@rubis.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: The United States Honors Egyptian Admiral and Celebrates Maritime Partnership During USS Truxtun Visit to Alexandria

    Source: United States Navy

    Alexandria, Egypt — U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, presented Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Navy Vice Adm. Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed with a personal military decoration from U.S. Central Command during a reception aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) in Alexandria, Egypt, May 1.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces 

    Bolstering ICC’s engagement as an official B20 Network Partner, ICC representatives will lend expertise and leadership to co-chair the following B20 task forces: 

    Co-Chair, Finance and Infrastructure  
    John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General,   

    Industrial Transformation and Innovation  
    Shinta Kamdani, ICC Executive Board Vice-Chair, and Marjorie Yang, ICC Executive Board Member   

    Digital Transformation  
    Karan Bilimoria, Chair, ICC United Kingdom 

    The B20 is the official platform for the international business community to support the work of the G20 process. Since 2010, when the B20 was established, ICC has played a consistent and leading role in shaping the process, providing policy leadership and expertise, amplifying outcomes and supporting continuity, most recently as an official B20 Network Partner. 

    This year’s G20 Presidency is held by South Africa, marking the first time it has been led by an African nation. The B20 is hosted by Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).  

    The B20 Secretariat has convened the following eight task forces: 

    • Employment & Education 
    • Trade & Investment 
    • Energy Mix & Just Transition 
    • Digital Transformation 
    • Integrity & Compliance 
    • Finance & Infrastructure 
    • Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture 
    • Industrial Transformation & Innovation. 

    Each of the eight task forces is chaired by a business leader from Africa and will produce a series of policy recommendations in line with the B20’s theme of Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Cooperation. 

    Highlighting the unique agency of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and how ICC is working to support its success, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, who participated in the B20 South Africa launch in Cape Town in February 2025, said: 

    “The G20 process in South Africa represents a unique opportunity to revitalise multilateralism in the current context. At ICC we are honoured to be B20 Network Partners once again, supporting all eight of the Task Forces this year. We look forward to working closely with the Secretariat to ensure the private sector is positioned as a true partner to these important discussions, leveraging our global network and policy insights.”  

    In addition to task force co-leadership roles, ICC B20 support includes the participation of 19 members of the ICC leadership across the eight task forces, policy support from the ICC Global Policy department, and network support from the ICC Agri-Food Initiative.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

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    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Disclaimer
    This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Information is based on research available at the time of writing—please verify independently before making decisions.

    Gambling Warning
    Online gambling involves risk and may not suit everyone. Ensure you’re of legal gambling age and comply with local laws. Participation is your responsibility. We are not affiliated with JACKBIT and are not liable for any disputes, losses, or issues that may arise.

    Affiliate Note
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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bba947c-917b-4ff9-bc2a-d149f7cb34d3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Australia: 7Bit Casino Rated as Top Real Money Casino 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: It was never about hostages. It was never about Hamas

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    Benjamin Netanyahu said last Thursday that freeing the Israeli hostages in Gaza was not his top priority, suggesting instead that defeating Hamas should take precedence over a hostage deal.

    “We have many objectives, many goals in this war,” Netanyahu said. “We want to bring back all of our hostages. That is a very important goal. In war, there is a supreme objective. And that supreme objective is victory over our enemies. And that is what we will achieve.”

    Nothing the prime minister said here is true or valid  —  unless by “enemies” he means “all Palestinians in the Gaza Strip”.

    Netanyahu has been fairly transparent about the fact that Israel’s ultimate goal in Gaza is neither freeing the hostages nor defeating Hamas, but seizing Palestinian territory and removing its Palestinian inhabitants.

    He has openly said that Israel will occupy Gaza via military force, completely ruling out the possibility of any form of Palestinian government for the enclave. He has openly said he wants to enact President Donald Trump’s ethnic cleansing plan for Gaza, which explicitly entails removing “all” Palestinians and never allowing them to return.


    It was never about hostages . . .                Video: Caitlin Johnstone

    So they’ve made this perfectly clear. This isn’t about Hamas, except insofar as an armed resistance group will make it difficult to forcibly remove all Palestinians from Gaza. And it certainly isn’t about hostages.

    And yet, bizarrely, this is how the Western political-media class continues to frame this onslaught. They call it Israel’s “war with Hamas”, when it’s nothing other than an undisguised ethnic cleansing operation.

    They prattle on about “October 7, hostages, and terrorism”, even though it has already been made abundantly clear that this has nothing to do with any of those things. They act as though the admission was simply never made.

    There is absolutely no excuse for continuing to babble about hostages and Hamas after the US and Israel said the goal is the complete ethnic cleansing of Gaza. They told you what this is really about. They said it. With their face holes. They said it right to you. End of debate.

    Israel has been seeking ways to purge Gaza of Palestinians for generations. That’s all this has ever been about. Not October 7. Not hostages. Not Hamas. Not terrorism.

    Everything about Israel’s operations in Gaza have indicated that their real goal is to remove Palestinians from a Palestinian territory and not to free hostages or defeat Hamas. And then when Trump took office, they started openly admitting it.

    How is this not the whole entire conversation every time Gaza comes up? How is this not the beginning, middle and end of every single discussion?

    This is like a cop looking right into someone’s phone camera while strangling a black man to death and saying “I am killing this man because I am racist and I want to kill black people,” and then afterward everyone’s still saying “resisting arrest” and “we don’t know what happened before the video started recording”.

    He said what he was doing and what his motives were with his own mouth.

    You don’t get to babble about Hamas, October 7 or hostages in defence of Israel’s actions in Gaza anymore. That is not a thing. If you want to defend Israel’s actions in Gaza, the sole topic of conversation is whether or not it’s okay to forcibly purge an entire population from their historic homeland by systematically bombing, shooting and starving them while destroying their civilian infrastructure, solely because of their ethnicity.

    That is what the discussion is about. Not anything else. That and that only.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

    Africa faces challenges in reducing extreme poverty and inequality. In 2024, 8.5% of the global population was living in extreme poverty (that is, on less than US$2.15 a day). Nearly 67% of these people were living in sub-Saharan Africa.

    To tackle these significant issues of poverty and inequality, it is essential to identify the locations of the most impoverished individuals. This enables investments to focus on generating growth and productivity that are both inclusive of poor people and sustainable.

    About 70% of the poor in sub-Saharan Africa live in rural areas. Most (65% to 70%) are employed in agriculture. Agriculture also contributes 30%-40% to the gross domestic product (GDP).

    Despite its importance, agriculture is underfunded. African countries don’t have enough of their own resources to finance agriculture, and external funding is becoming more scarce.

    The region thus desperately needs an innovative plan to finance agriculture for economic development.

    In a recent study we analysed
    how different ways of funding agricultural investment would affect inclusive growth and the wider economy in 10 African countries. Raising taxes, cutting budgets and external support were the different funding options we explored.

    We created economic models that would help countries with tight budgets understand the trade-offs and choose the best options.

    Our study found that investing more in agriculture – especially with external financing – was best at raising incomes and reducing poverty, particularly in rural areas. External funding avoids the higher costs of domestic financing. But a mix of both is also effective.

    Regardless of the country, all financing options resulted in increased rural incomes, reducing poverty and hunger. This shows that investment in agriculture has a positive impact both nationally and in rural contexts.

    The model

    Our paper uses an economic simulation model which looks at the big picture and also at more detail. It works out how changes in agricultural spending affect people’s lives (in terms of their income and expenditure) as well as the overall economy.

    The countries studied were Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, Gabon, Malawi, eSwatini, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. We chose them based on the availability and accessibility of the data required.

    The model worked out the results of different financing strategies:

    • Increase in taxes (direct ones like household income and property tax or indirect ones like VAT or sales tax). The idea is that spending more on agriculture would be compensated for by higher tax revenues. These would come from households’ growing income and property taxes.

    • Reduction in non-agricultural investment spending. Here, the proportion of government investment dedicated to agriculture remains fixed. So there has to be less investment elsewhere.

    • Increase in government external borrowing or development assistance.

    Key findings

    We found that external financing boosted both national and rural incomes the most. But variations in the exchange rate may trigger an increase in domestic prices and a subsequent decline in export volumes. That could make a country less competitive economically.

    Despite this, the associated costs are generally lower than those of internal financing, aside from Mozambique’s rural income results.

    Between the two internal financing mechanisms tested, the option of reducing non-agricultural investment raised both national income and rural income in all countries except eSwatini.

    So that option should play a key role along with external financing.

    This finding is encouraging for fiscally constrained countries as the modelling showed that domestic financing improved the countries’ agency in sustainable growth.

    In a final modelling phase, the models explored how the policy interventions could transform poverty and inequality outcomes. They did this by following the intricate interplay of income and price dynamics. After a surge in agricultural investments following the policy scenarios, the findings showed a more pronounced reduction in poverty and inequality rates across all nations. There was one notable outlier — Angola. In Angola, investments channelled into the services sector have sparked the most substantial decreases in poverty and inequality, driven by the deep interconnectivity between services and its expansive oil industry.

    Even a small increase in public investment led to a clear drop in poverty, with agriculture investments having the biggest impact, followed by industry and services. Malawi showed the most substantial reduction in poverty. There were also noticeable effects in Rwanda, Botswana, eSwatini and Angola.

    Other countries showed mild impacts, maintaining low poverty levels.

    What can be done

    Scenario modelling can offer valuable insights for policy making because it is forward-looking. It also highlights the implications of strategic priorities.

    The study’s findings show that to achieve inclusive economic growth, countries should aggressively invest in agriculture, using a mix of external and domestic fiscal sources.

    On the back of the findings we made the following proposals.

    African governments are dependent on development aid because of limited domestic finances and weak growth prospects. This gets in the way of their ability to raise funds in the markets. However, if concessional financing is attainable and exchange rate impacts are controllable, external financing should remain a preferable option for financing agriculture investments.

    In the medium term, governments must focus on:

    • cutting unproductive non-agricultural spending

    • eliminating waste

    • ensuring cost-effectiveness.

    Savings should be redirected to agriculture.

    Over the medium term, there should be a focus on reforming tax policies. Direct and indirect taxes should be increased to fund agricultural investment. But maintaining transparency in using tax revenues is crucial. This encourages public support and local ownership of tax reforms by demonstrating their benefits.

    In the long term, governments should synchronise national development plans with ambitious agricultural growth initiatives.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries – https://theconversation.com/investing-in-agriculture-reduces-poverty-and-inequality-economic-model-finds-the-best-funding-mix-for-10-african-countries-252820

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 30 years of free basic education in Ghana: a report card

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Pearl S. Kyei, Senior lecturer, University of Ghana

    Ghana, like many sub-Saharan Africa countries, began investing substantially in free education three decades ago. This led to an increase in the number of children that attend primary school. But what has the impact been on learning outcomes?

    The Conversation Africa spoke to demographer Pearl Kyei, who, with economists Fred Dzanku and Samuel Annim, has researched population literacy and numeracy in Ghana after three decades of free education.

    How long has Ghana offered free basic education?

    Ghana introduced what it calls the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) programme in 1994. This meant that families could send children to public schools without paying school fees. In 2005, it introduced the Capitation Grant Scheme to further reduce financial barriers to education and increase access. The grant was to discourage schools from charging unapproved fees and levies to make up for the lost tuition fees.

    Basic education in Ghana currently covers the pre-primary, primary and lower secondary levels. Pre-primary involves two years of kindergarten (for ages 4 and 5 years), primary is six years (for ages 6 to 11 years), and lower secondary is three years of junior high school (for ages 12 to 14 years). After junior high school, students have the option to continue to senior high, technical or vocational school (for ages 15 to 17 years).

    Several other countries on the continent, such as Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, have put in place free basic education policies too. This is due to the adoption of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016 – 2025) which references the post-2015 commitment of African governments to provide a basic education of 10 to 12 years and to provide at least one year of free pre-primary education.

    How is the policy implemented?

    Ghana’s 1992 constitution states that “basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all”. From 1994, primary and junior high schools had to provide fee-free tuition. Financial support from government was later introduced (capitation grants) to compensate public schools for the loss of fees.

    The Capitation Grant Scheme provides money to schools each term to help cover costs. The government gives a set amount of money per student to public schools every year. This money is distributed to public schools based on the number of enrolled students, and each student receives a specific amount of money under the grant. This amount is in addition to the main education budget. The 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review reported that the capitation grant was GH₵ 15 per child (approximately US$1) per term in 2024.

    Is it working?

    Since the introduction of the 1994 free schooling programme, Ghana has recorded substantial increases in enrolment rates at the basic education level.

    Research shows there are several problems, however. These include:

    All these are likely to affect the quality of education and learning outcomes of students.

    What has the impact been on outcomes?

    We conducted research to understand whether people’s basic reading and math skills in Ghana had improved over time after many years of expanding education. The study compared groups with similar levels of schooling using two national surveys taken 10 years apart to find out if there had been a meaningful change in basic reading and math skills.

    We used data from two nationwide Ghana Living Standards Surveys, conducted in 2006 and 2017. During the data collection, interviewers used flashcards to measure the basic reading and math skills of survey respondents. Persons aged 11 or older were shown flashcards. To answer “yes” to questions about whether they could read or solve written calculations, they had to read a sentence fully and answer a simple math problem correctly.

    In the study we defined “basically literate” as being able to read a short English sentence, and “basically numerate” meant being able to solve a simple written math problem. The sample for our study comprised 25,424 and 42,376 persons in 2006 and in 2017 respectively.

    We found that the percentage of persons 11 years and older in the sample who have never attended school declined from 28% in 2006 to 16% in 2017. But there was a decline in literacy and numeracy for persons with basic education.

    The observed decline was larger for math than for literacy. For instance, those with upper primary education (class 4 to 6) were 14% less likely to be able to correctly read a short sentence in 2017 compared to 2006. For math, the likelihood of persons with upper primary education correctly solving the math problem was 25% lower in 2017.

    The study additionally found that basic literacy and numeracy declined more in urban areas than in rural areas at the lower and upper primary levels. Trends for males and females were largely similar.

    How can it be improved?

    Our findings suggest that without focusing on investments that maintain quality as enrolment increases – like hiring well-trained teachers, providing enough funding, and supplying schools with adequate materials – free education programmes could lead to long-term declines in learning outcomes.

    Such declines in basic literacy and numeracy would likely have a negative effect on job productivity, the economy, and social inclusion in the long run.

    So there is a need to invest more in quality education to go along with increased access. These investments would help students acquire the foundational skills they need and ensure that free education leads to lasting improvements in skills that are crucial for national growth.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. 30 years of free basic education in Ghana: a report card – https://theconversation.com/30-years-of-free-basic-education-in-ghana-a-report-card-253993

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Azwihangwisi Judith Mphidi, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Tshwane University of Technology

    Corruption in South Africa’s public institutions has been a pressing issue for the past two decades. From national government offices to local municipalities, stories of officials enriching themselves at the expense of the public have become all too familiar.

    The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department – responsible for traffic policing, crime prevention, and by-law enforcement in South Africa’s capital city – has not escaped this crisis.

    With over four million residents spread across 6,298 square kilometres, Tshwane plays a vital role in the country’s political and economic landscape. Yet its municipal police department, one of the largest in South Africa, with an average of 4,000 operational staff, is increasingly associated with allegations of bribery, abuse of power and unethical behaviour.

    I am a postdoctoral researcher with a focus on criminal justice, and an active social justice advocate. In a recent research paper, I explored how corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is damaging public trust and compromising law enforcement and crime prevention.

    I was able to observe the culture and environment of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as a motorist and as an employee under the city’s Community and Social Development Department.

    My research drew on texts and context rather than analysis of numbers, since the study was written after I left the City of Tshwane. I relied on my first hand experience, and already published and documented evidence. I did not need special permissions to do this but cited sources consulted.

    The study found that motorists view the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as predators rather than protectors. Corruption in the traffic police is more than a betrayal of public trust. When officers take bribes instead of enforcing traffic laws, road safety suffers.

    Inside the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department

    In recent years, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department has been accused of recruiting members with criminal records and cases of corruption.

    My key findings were about:

    Hiring practices: Individuals with criminal records have been recruited into the department. Vetting is conducted, but the reports come later when they are already employed, then they are expelled.

    Bribery: Motorists frequently report officers soliciting bribes during routine traffic stops or other bribery related incidences. Some of these reports are made to the mayoral committee member for community safety.

    Lack of accountability: Officers implicated in corruption are not always dismissed, or may face minimal consequences.

    Public complaints: Over 200 officers have been under investigation for various misconduct allegations in recent years.

    Political interference and leadership instability

    In the course of the research, I found that another key factor undermining the effectiveness of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is political interference in operational matters and leadership appointments as a result of the structure of the municipalities across the country. All mayoral committee executives and council members are politicians.

    Frequent reshuffling of senior leaders based on politics rather than merit weakens strategic direction and fosters corruption. Politically connected individuals often secure positions without proper vetting, either due to delays in completing reports or human resources not waiting for the report before proceeding with appointments.

    The combination of weak vetting processes, inadequate oversight, and political interference has created an environment where corruption is not only possible but, in some cases, normalised.

    Damage to the capital city’s global reputation and tourism

    The corruption within the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department not only affects local residents but also tarnishes Pretoria’s reputation as South Africa’s administrative capital, home to embassies from around the world.

    As the city hosts more than 130 foreign diplomatic missions — the second-largest concentration of embassies in the world after Washington DC — the behaviour of municipal police officers directly influences the capital city’s global image.

    When officers solicit bribes or abuse their power during routine traffic stops, they might not distinguish between local residents, foreign diplomats or tourists. This indiscriminate targeting is likely to create an unsafe environment for international visitors and damage the trust of foreign nations engaging with South Africa.

    What needs to be done

    Addressing corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department will require urgent reforms. Based on the research, I argue that the following actions are essential:

    Stricter recruitment processes: Background checks should be mandatory for all officers. Individuals found to have criminal records should be disqualified from serving.

    Body cameras and digital monitoring: Equipping officers with body cameras would provide an objective record of interactions with the public.

    Independent oversight: An external body should be established to investigate complaints and ensure accountability. Currently, municipal policing is governed by the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigates some complaints. But it appears to have limited resources.

    Ethics training: All officers should get regular training to reinforce the importance of integrity and professionalism. They are currently trained at the Police Academy and get support from academic institutions, including the University of Pretoria.

    Community engagement: Building partnerships between the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and the communities it serves can help restore trust and improve transparency.

    Municipal policing law

    Restoring public confidence requires more than piecemeal reforms — it demands a new legal framework.

    A South African Municipal Policing Act could create a unified standard for municipal policing across the country, addressing many of the root causes of corruption. This legislation could introduce:

    National municipal police officers register: A centralised database that records applications, criminal background checks, disciplinary history, and performance assessments of all municipal officers.

    Uniform ethical standards: Clear ethical guidelines that apply to all municipal police officers, regardless of location.

    Independent oversight: An investigative body focused solely on municipal policing.

    Mandatory pre-vetting process: All applicants would undergo fingerprint-based criminal record checks.

    Cross-municipal blacklisting: Officers dismissed or suspended from one municipality would be automatically barred from working in another.

    Digital recording systems: All municipal police vehicles and personnel would be equipped with body cameras and GPS tracking systems to improve accountability.

    A framework like this would close loopholes that allow corrupt officers to move between municipalities undetected. It would also prevent the recycling of officers with criminal records.

    Azwihangwisi Judith Mphidi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it – https://theconversation.com/city-police-in-south-africas-capital-have-a-bad-image-how-to-fix-it-251505

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Marine fossil found in South Africa is one of a kind, thanks to unusual preservation

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sarah Gabbott, Professor of Palaeontology, University of Leicester

    A fossilised creature found in a South African roadside quarry 25 years ago has finally got an official name. The small, segmented, crustacean-like creature, dated to 444 million years ago, can now be introduced as Keurbos susanae. It belongs to the arthropod group of animals, which accounts for about 84% of all known species that exist today, including insects, spiders and crabs.

    Palaeontologist Sarah Gabbott explains what’s so unusual about her discovery, which she named as part of the process of describing it scientifically.

    What can you tell us about this creature and the environment it lived in?

    The fossil is about 50cm long and has 46 almost identical segments. Projecting from each is a delicate, gill-like structure. It would probably have looked like a bit like a horseshoe crab and the gills would have been for absorbing oxygen from the water it lived in. Its insides are exquisitely well-preserved, which is very unusual for fossils – normally only the hard, more decay-resistant external features would be preserved. You can see bundles of muscle fibres that would have powered the limbs, tendons and an internal scaffold structure that gave the animal rigidity.

    We think it would have spent most of its life living on, or more likely just above, the seafloor, probably walking and swimming in an undulatory (waving) motion.

    It lived in the immediate aftermath of the end Ordovician extinction event more than 440 million years ago, caused by glaciations (the spread of icy conditions) across vast swaths of the planet. This extinction wiped out about 85% of Earth’s species. The marine basin that Keurbos susanae inhabited was probably very cold and at times covered with sea ice.

    It was a relatively hostile environment in other ways too. Our analyses of the chemistry of the shales – the sediments on the sea bed where this animal and others lived, now turned to rock – shows that they were deposited under anoxic conditions (that is, there was no oxygen circulating freely in the water). And at times free hydrogen sulfide occurred in the sediment porewaters (the water in tiny spaces between grains of sediment) and even above the seafloor. Not much could live in these conditions and this was critical to this fossil’s amazing preservation.

    It meant the carcass was not scavenged by other animals after it died. Also, the chemistry was important in the process whereby the soft tissues, which should usually rot away rapidly, became mineralised quickly after death. This turned the animal’s anatomy to mineral which survived for hundreds of millions of years until it was discovered.

    It is preserved “inside out”.

    Keurbos susanae is a new genus and species which we are still trying to place among other early arthropods. The fact that its insides are better preserved than its outside makes it difficult to compare with other fossils that are preserved the “other way round”.

    How did you find the fossil and what else has been found in that area?

    The site is in the Cedarberg mountains, north of Cape Town. To collect fossils in this area you need a permit granted by the Council for Geoscience. Fossil-bearing rocks are protected by law because of their heritage and scientific value.

    Fossil hunting in these rocks takes a lot of hard work and patience, splitting open the shales with a hammer and chisel. These shale rocks are what’s left of layers of silt that were once on the sea floor. The fossils here are super rare: you can dig and split shale for days and not find a single fossil! But we know there are some in there because of discoveries made previously.

    I found two specimens. The first one is complete but the second one only has the middle part of the body preserved.

    In the same rocks we have found some of the earliest vertebrate fossils with mineralised teeth, called conodonts. They were eel shaped and predatory. Also eurypterids (sea scorpions), arthropods with powerful swimming appendages, which would have cruised through the frigid waters. There are also orthocones – a type of chambered cephalopod – like the mollusc fossils called ammonites, which have been found in large numbers, but with a straight shell instead of coiled.

    Why has it taken 25 years to describe Keurbos susanae scientifically?

    Two reasons really.

    First, because of the nature of preservation, where all the insides are perfectly preserved but the outside (the carapace or body covering) is absent, it is just difficult to interpret and compare to other fossils. And secondly because the specimen’s head and legs are missing and these are key characteristics that palaeontologists would use to help them to understand the evolutionary relationships of such fossils.

    If more specimens were to be found, with their heads and legs, we could be more certain about where this fossil fitted in the scheme of life. But the site where I found it has been covered in a lot of rock from quarrying activity. So we decided to describe what we had in the meantime, and not wait for more examples.

    The fossil’s name, Keurbos susanae, refers to the place where I found it and to my mother, Sue, who encouraged me to follow a career that made me happy, whatever that might be.

    Sarah Gabbott receives funding from Natural Environmental Research Council; National Geographic. She is affiliated with Green Circle Nature Regeneration CIC a not for profit Environmental Community Interest Company in the UK

    – ref. Marine fossil found in South Africa is one of a kind, thanks to unusual preservation – https://theconversation.com/marine-fossil-found-in-south-africa-is-one-of-a-kind-thanks-to-unusual-preservation-255256

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

    Africa faces challenges in reducing extreme poverty and inequality. In 2024, 8.5% of the global population was living in extreme poverty (that is, on less than US$2.15 a day). Nearly 67% of these people were living in sub-Saharan Africa.

    To tackle these significant issues of poverty and inequality, it is essential to identify the locations of the most impoverished individuals. This enables investments to focus on generating growth and productivity that are both inclusive of poor people and sustainable.

    About 70% of the poor in sub-Saharan Africa live in rural areas. Most (65% to 70%) are employed in agriculture. Agriculture also contributes 30%-40% to the gross domestic product (GDP).

    Despite its importance, agriculture is underfunded. African countries don’t have enough of their own resources to finance agriculture, and external funding is becoming more scarce.

    The region thus desperately needs an innovative plan to finance agriculture for economic development.

    In a recent study we analysed how different ways of funding agricultural investment would affect inclusive growth and the wider economy in 10 African countries. Raising taxes, cutting budgets and external support were the different funding options we explored.

    We created economic models that would help countries with tight budgets understand the trade-offs and choose the best options.

    Our study found that investing more in agriculture – especially with external financing – was best at raising incomes and reducing poverty, particularly in rural areas. External funding avoids the higher costs of domestic financing. But a mix of both is also effective.

    Regardless of the country, all financing options resulted in increased rural incomes, reducing poverty and hunger. This shows that investment in agriculture has a positive impact both nationally and in rural contexts.

    The model

    Our paper uses an economic simulation model which looks at the big picture and also at more detail. It works out how changes in agricultural spending affect people’s lives (in terms of their income and expenditure) as well as the overall economy.

    The countries studied were Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, Gabon, Malawi, eSwatini, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. We chose them based on the availability and accessibility of the data required.

    The model worked out the results of different financing strategies:

    • Increase in taxes (direct ones like household income and property tax or indirect ones like VAT or sales tax). The idea is that spending more on agriculture would be compensated for by higher tax revenues. These would come from households’ growing income and property taxes.

    • Reduction in non-agricultural investment spending. Here, the proportion of government investment dedicated to agriculture remains fixed. So there has to be less investment elsewhere.

    • Increase in government external borrowing or development assistance.

    Key findings

    We found that external financing boosted both national and rural incomes the most. But variations in the exchange rate may trigger an increase in domestic prices and a subsequent decline in export volumes. That could make a country less competitive economically.

    Despite this, the associated costs are generally lower than those of internal financing, aside from Mozambique’s rural income results.

    Between the two internal financing mechanisms tested, the option of reducing non-agricultural investment raised both national income and rural income in all countries except eSwatini.

    So that option should play a key role along with external financing.

    This finding is encouraging for fiscally constrained countries as the modelling showed that domestic financing improved the countries’ agency in sustainable growth.

    In a final modelling phase, the models explored how the policy interventions could transform poverty and inequality outcomes. They did this by following the intricate interplay of income and price dynamics. After a surge in agricultural investments following the policy scenarios, the findings showed a more pronounced reduction in poverty and inequality rates across all nations. There was one notable outlier — Angola. In Angola, investments channelled into the services sector have sparked the most substantial decreases in poverty and inequality, driven by the deep interconnectivity between services and its expansive oil industry.

    Even a small increase in public investment led to a clear drop in poverty, with agriculture investments having the biggest impact, followed by industry and services. Malawi showed the most substantial reduction in poverty. There were also noticeable effects in Rwanda, Botswana, eSwatini and Angola.

    Other countries showed mild impacts, maintaining low poverty levels.

    What can be done

    Scenario modelling can offer valuable insights for policy making because it is forward-looking. It also highlights the implications of strategic priorities.

    The study’s findings show that to achieve inclusive economic growth, countries should aggressively invest in agriculture, using a mix of external and domestic fiscal sources.

    On the back of the findings we made the following proposals.

    African governments are dependent on development aid because of limited domestic finances and weak growth prospects. This gets in the way of their ability to raise funds in the markets. However, if concessional financing is attainable and exchange rate impacts are controllable, external financing should remain a preferable option for financing agriculture investments.

    In the medium term, governments must focus on:

    • cutting unproductive non-agricultural spending

    • eliminating waste

    • ensuring cost-effectiveness.

    Savings should be redirected to agriculture.

    Over the medium term, there should be a focus on reforming tax policies. Direct and indirect taxes should be increased to fund agricultural investment. But maintaining transparency in using tax revenues is crucial. This encourages public support and local ownership of tax reforms by demonstrating their benefits.

    In the long term, governments should synchronise national development plans with ambitious agricultural growth initiatives.

    – Investing in agriculture reduces poverty and inequality: economic model finds the best funding mix for 10 African countries
    – https://theconversation.com/investing-in-agriculture-reduces-poverty-and-inequality-economic-model-finds-the-best-funding-mix-for-10-african-countries-252820

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 30 years of free basic education in Ghana: a report card

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Pearl S. Kyei, Senior lecturer, University of Ghana

    Ghana, like many sub-Saharan Africa countries, began investing substantially in free education three decades ago. This led to an increase in the number of children that attend primary school. But what has the impact been on learning outcomes?

    The Conversation Africa spoke to demographer Pearl Kyei, who, with economists Fred Dzanku and Samuel Annim, has researched population literacy and numeracy in Ghana after three decades of free education.

    How long has Ghana offered free basic education?

    Ghana introduced what it calls the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) programme in 1994. This meant that families could send children to public schools without paying school fees. In 2005, it introduced the Capitation Grant Scheme to further reduce financial barriers to education and increase access. The grant was to discourage schools from charging unapproved fees and levies to make up for the lost tuition fees.

    Basic education in Ghana currently covers the pre-primary, primary and lower secondary levels. Pre-primary involves two years of kindergarten (for ages 4 and 5 years), primary is six years (for ages 6 to 11 years), and lower secondary is three years of junior high school (for ages 12 to 14 years). After junior high school, students have the option to continue to senior high, technical or vocational school (for ages 15 to 17 years).

    Several other countries on the continent, such as Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, have put in place free basic education policies too. This is due to the adoption of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016 – 2025) which references the post-2015 commitment of African governments to provide a basic education of 10 to 12 years and to provide at least one year of free pre-primary education.

    How is the policy implemented?

    Ghana’s 1992 constitution states that “basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all”. From 1994, primary and junior high schools had to provide fee-free tuition. Financial support from government was later introduced (capitation grants) to compensate public schools for the loss of fees.

    The Capitation Grant Scheme provides money to schools each term to help cover costs. The government gives a set amount of money per student to public schools every year. This money is distributed to public schools based on the number of enrolled students, and each student receives a specific amount of money under the grant. This amount is in addition to the main education budget. The 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review reported that the capitation grant was GH₵ 15 per child (approximately US$1) per term in 2024.

    Is it working?

    Since the introduction of the 1994 free schooling programme, Ghana has recorded substantial increases in enrolment rates at the basic education level.

    Research shows there are several problems, however. These include:

    All these are likely to affect the quality of education and learning outcomes of students.

    What has the impact been on outcomes?

    We conducted research to understand whether people’s basic reading and math skills in Ghana had improved over time after many years of expanding education. The study compared groups with similar levels of schooling using two national surveys taken 10 years apart to find out if there had been a meaningful change in basic reading and math skills.

    We used data from two nationwide Ghana Living Standards Surveys, conducted in 2006 and 2017. During the data collection, interviewers used flashcards to measure the basic reading and math skills of survey respondents. Persons aged 11 or older were shown flashcards. To answer “yes” to questions about whether they could read or solve written calculations, they had to read a sentence fully and answer a simple math problem correctly.

    In the study we defined “basically literate” as being able to read a short English sentence, and “basically numerate” meant being able to solve a simple written math problem. The sample for our study comprised 25,424 and 42,376 persons in 2006 and in 2017 respectively.

    We found that the percentage of persons 11 years and older in the sample who have never attended school declined from 28% in 2006 to 16% in 2017. But there was a decline in literacy and numeracy for persons with basic education.

    The observed decline was larger for math than for literacy. For instance, those with upper primary education (class 4 to 6) were 14% less likely to be able to correctly read a short sentence in 2017 compared to 2006. For math, the likelihood of persons with upper primary education correctly solving the math problem was 25% lower in 2017.

    The study additionally found that basic literacy and numeracy declined more in urban areas than in rural areas at the lower and upper primary levels. Trends for males and females were largely similar.

    How can it be improved?

    Our findings suggest that without focusing on investments that maintain quality as enrolment increases – like hiring well-trained teachers, providing enough funding, and supplying schools with adequate materials – free education programmes could lead to long-term declines in learning outcomes.

    Such declines in basic literacy and numeracy would likely have a negative effect on job productivity, the economy, and social inclusion in the long run.

    So there is a need to invest more in quality education to go along with increased access. These investments would help students acquire the foundational skills they need and ensure that free education leads to lasting improvements in skills that are crucial for national growth.

    – 30 years of free basic education in Ghana: a report card
    – https://theconversation.com/30-years-of-free-basic-education-in-ghana-a-report-card-253993

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Azwihangwisi Judith Mphidi, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Tshwane University of Technology

    Corruption in South Africa’s public institutions has been a pressing issue for the past two decades. From national government offices to local municipalities, stories of officials enriching themselves at the expense of the public have become all too familiar.

    The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department – responsible for traffic policing, crime prevention, and by-law enforcement in South Africa’s capital city – has not escaped this crisis.

    With over four million residents spread across 6,298 square kilometres, Tshwane plays a vital role in the country’s political and economic landscape. Yet its municipal police department, one of the largest in South Africa, with an average of 4,000 operational staff, is increasingly associated with allegations of bribery, abuse of power and unethical behaviour.

    I am a postdoctoral researcher with a focus on criminal justice, and an active social justice advocate. In a recent research paper, I explored how corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is damaging public trust and compromising law enforcement and crime prevention.

    I was able to observe the culture and environment of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as a motorist and as an employee under the city’s Community and Social Development Department.

    My research drew on texts and context rather than analysis of numbers, since the study was written after I left the City of Tshwane. I relied on my first hand experience, and already published and documented evidence. I did not need special permissions to do this but cited sources consulted.

    The study found that motorists view the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department as predators rather than protectors. Corruption in the traffic police is more than a betrayal of public trust. When officers take bribes instead of enforcing traffic laws, road safety suffers.

    Inside the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department

    In recent years, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department has been accused of recruiting members with criminal records and cases of corruption.

    My key findings were about:

    Hiring practices: Individuals with criminal records have been recruited into the department. Vetting is conducted, but the reports come later when they are already employed, then they are expelled.

    Bribery: Motorists frequently report officers soliciting bribes during routine traffic stops or other bribery related incidences. Some of these reports are made to the mayoral committee member for community safety.

    Lack of accountability: Officers implicated in corruption are not always dismissed, or may face minimal consequences.

    Public complaints: Over 200 officers have been under investigation for various misconduct allegations in recent years.

    Political interference and leadership instability

    In the course of the research, I found that another key factor undermining the effectiveness of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is political interference in operational matters and leadership appointments as a result of the structure of the municipalities across the country. All mayoral committee executives and council members are politicians.

    Frequent reshuffling of senior leaders based on politics rather than merit weakens strategic direction and fosters corruption. Politically connected individuals often secure positions without proper vetting, either due to delays in completing reports or human resources not waiting for the report before proceeding with appointments.

    The combination of weak vetting processes, inadequate oversight, and political interference has created an environment where corruption is not only possible but, in some cases, normalised.

    Damage to the capital city’s global reputation and tourism

    The corruption within the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department not only affects local residents but also tarnishes Pretoria’s reputation as South Africa’s administrative capital, home to embassies from around the world.

    As the city hosts more than 130 foreign diplomatic missions — the second-largest concentration of embassies in the world after Washington DC — the behaviour of municipal police officers directly influences the capital city’s global image.

    When officers solicit bribes or abuse their power during routine traffic stops, they might not distinguish between local residents, foreign diplomats or tourists. This indiscriminate targeting is likely to create an unsafe environment for international visitors and damage the trust of foreign nations engaging with South Africa.

    What needs to be done

    Addressing corruption in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department will require urgent reforms. Based on the research, I argue that the following actions are essential:

    Stricter recruitment processes: Background checks should be mandatory for all officers. Individuals found to have criminal records should be disqualified from serving.

    Body cameras and digital monitoring: Equipping officers with body cameras would provide an objective record of interactions with the public.

    Independent oversight: An external body should be established to investigate complaints and ensure accountability. Currently, municipal policing is governed by the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigates some complaints. But it appears to have limited resources.

    Ethics training: All officers should get regular training to reinforce the importance of integrity and professionalism. They are currently trained at the Police Academy and get support from academic institutions, including the University of Pretoria.

    Community engagement: Building partnerships between the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and the communities it serves can help restore trust and improve transparency.

    Municipal policing law

    Restoring public confidence requires more than piecemeal reforms — it demands a new legal framework.

    A South African Municipal Policing Act could create a unified standard for municipal policing across the country, addressing many of the root causes of corruption. This legislation could introduce:

    National municipal police officers register: A centralised database that records applications, criminal background checks, disciplinary history, and performance assessments of all municipal officers.

    Uniform ethical standards: Clear ethical guidelines that apply to all municipal police officers, regardless of location.

    Independent oversight: An investigative body focused solely on municipal policing.

    Mandatory pre-vetting process: All applicants would undergo fingerprint-based criminal record checks.

    Cross-municipal blacklisting: Officers dismissed or suspended from one municipality would be automatically barred from working in another.

    Digital recording systems: All municipal police vehicles and personnel would be equipped with body cameras and GPS tracking systems to improve accountability.

    A framework like this would close loopholes that allow corrupt officers to move between municipalities undetected. It would also prevent the recycling of officers with criminal records.

    – City police in South Africa’s capital have a bad image – how to fix it
    – https://theconversation.com/city-police-in-south-africas-capital-have-a-bad-image-how-to-fix-it-251505

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Marine fossil found in South Africa is one of a kind, thanks to unusual preservation

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sarah Gabbott, Professor of Palaeontology, University of Leicester

    A fossilised creature found in a South African roadside quarry 25 years ago has finally got an official name. The small, segmented, crustacean-like creature, dated to 444 million years ago, can now be introduced as Keurbos susanae. It belongs to the arthropod group of animals, which accounts for about 84% of all known species that exist today, including insects, spiders and crabs.

    Palaeontologist Sarah Gabbott explains what’s so unusual about her discovery, which she named as part of the process of describing it scientifically.

    What can you tell us about this creature and the environment it lived in?

    The fossil is about 50cm long and has 46 almost identical segments. Projecting from each is a delicate, gill-like structure. It would probably have looked like a bit like a horseshoe crab and the gills would have been for absorbing oxygen from the water it lived in. Its insides are exquisitely well-preserved, which is very unusual for fossils – normally only the hard, more decay-resistant external features would be preserved. You can see bundles of muscle fibres that would have powered the limbs, tendons and an internal scaffold structure that gave the animal rigidity.

    We think it would have spent most of its life living on, or more likely just above, the seafloor, probably walking and swimming in an undulatory (waving) motion.

    It lived in the immediate aftermath of the end Ordovician extinction event more than 440 million years ago, caused by glaciations (the spread of icy conditions) across vast swaths of the planet. This extinction wiped out about 85% of Earth’s species. The marine basin that Keurbos susanae inhabited was probably very cold and at times covered with sea ice.

    It was a relatively hostile environment in other ways too. Our analyses of the chemistry of the shales – the sediments on the sea bed where this animal and others lived, now turned to rock – shows that they were deposited under anoxic conditions (that is, there was no oxygen circulating freely in the water). And at times free hydrogen sulfide occurred in the sediment porewaters (the water in tiny spaces between grains of sediment) and even above the seafloor. Not much could live in these conditions and this was critical to this fossil’s amazing preservation.

    It meant the carcass was not scavenged by other animals after it died. Also, the chemistry was important in the process whereby the soft tissues, which should usually rot away rapidly, became mineralised quickly after death. This turned the animal’s anatomy to mineral which survived for hundreds of millions of years until it was discovered.

    It is preserved “inside out”.

    Keurbos susanae is a new genus and species which we are still trying to place among other early arthropods. The fact that its insides are better preserved than its outside makes it difficult to compare with other fossils that are preserved the “other way round”.

    How did you find the fossil and what else has been found in that area?

    The site is in the Cedarberg mountains, north of Cape Town. To collect fossils in this area you need a permit granted by the Council for Geoscience. Fossil-bearing rocks are protected by law because of their heritage and scientific value.

    Fossil hunting in these rocks takes a lot of hard work and patience, splitting open the shales with a hammer and chisel. These shale rocks are what’s left of layers of silt that were once on the sea floor. The fossils here are super rare: you can dig and split shale for days and not find a single fossil! But we know there are some in there because of discoveries made previously.

    I found two specimens. The first one is complete but the second one only has the middle part of the body preserved.

    In the same rocks we have found some of the earliest vertebrate fossils with mineralised teeth, called conodonts. They were eel shaped and predatory. Also eurypterids (sea scorpions), arthropods with powerful swimming appendages, which would have cruised through the frigid waters. There are also orthocones – a type of chambered cephalopod – like the mollusc fossils called ammonites, which have been found in large numbers, but with a straight shell instead of coiled.

    Why has it taken 25 years to describe Keurbos susanae scientifically?

    Two reasons really.

    First, because of the nature of preservation, where all the insides are perfectly preserved but the outside (the carapace or body covering) is absent, it is just difficult to interpret and compare to other fossils. And secondly because the specimen’s head and legs are missing and these are key characteristics that palaeontologists would use to help them to understand the evolutionary relationships of such fossils.

    If more specimens were to be found, with their heads and legs, we could be more certain about where this fossil fitted in the scheme of life. But the site where I found it has been covered in a lot of rock from quarrying activity. So we decided to describe what we had in the meantime, and not wait for more examples.

    The fossil’s name, Keurbos susanae, refers to the place where I found it and to my mother, Sue, who encouraged me to follow a career that made me happy, whatever that might be.

    – Marine fossil found in South Africa is one of a kind, thanks to unusual preservation
    – https://theconversation.com/marine-fossil-found-in-south-africa-is-one-of-a-kind-thanks-to-unusual-preservation-255256

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Basketball Africa League and City of Dakar Unveil Renovated Basketball Court in Yoff, Senegal

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DAKAR, Senegal, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    BAL (BAL.NBA.com) and Speak Up Africa Hold Basketball Clinic and Malaria Prevention Workshop for 50 Boys and Girls at Newly-Refurbished Court; New Court Supports NBA Africa’s Commitment to Build 1,000 Basketball Courts on the Continent Over the Next Decade.

    The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the City of Dakar today unveiled a newly-renovated basketball court in Yoff, Senegal. The court, which will provide a safe space for the local community of more than 5,000 to learn and play the game, is part of the BAL’s commitment to leave a lasting legacy in the communities where it operates and supports NBA Africa’s commitment to build 1,000 courts on the continent over the next decade.

    The court was unveiled at an opening ceremony by the Secretary General of the City of Dakar, Mouhamed Diop; Mayor of Yoff Community, Seydina Issa Laye Samb; NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi; and BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.

    Following the ceremony, the BAL, in collaboration with Speak Up Africa – an African-led, Senegal-based organization working with leaders and changemakers in Africa and beyond to solve Africa’s pressing sustainable development challenges – held a basketball clinic and malaria prevention workshop for 50 boys and girls ages 16 and under in recognition of World Malaria Day that took place on April 25.  The workshop was designed to equip the participants with tools and resources to help them drive awareness of malaria prevention and testing in their communities.

    “Today’s court unveiling, basketball clinic and malaria prevention workshop reflect our commitment to giving back to the communities where we operate,” said Fall.  “We look forward to continuing to inspire, empower and elevate youth in Senegal and across Africa through the game of basketball.”

    The Secretary General of the City of Dakar expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the collaboration.  He stated, “The City of Dakar is proud to team up with the BAL for the realization of this project that brings hope and opportunities for our youth.  The inauguration of this court in Yoff symbolizes our ongoing commitment to sports and community development.  This collaboration demonstrates our desire to create inclusive spaces where sport becomes a vector of education, social cohesion and fulfilment for all Dakar residents.”

    The court unveiling took place in conjunction with the 2025 BAL Sahara Conference group phase that concludes today at the Dakar Arena.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Having Traveled Over 7,000 Miles to Continue Her Education, This First-Year UConn Nursing Ph.D. Student Is Making a Name for Herself

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Netsayi Chimenya ’27 (NURS), RNM-MSN, knows first-hand the difficulties of working as a nurse in an environment that is understaffed and under-resourced. Having worked and trained in Malawi, Africa as a children’s nurse she is a witness to many challenges surrounding infant care.

    With a shortage of healthcare workers and a high burden of patients, Malawi is faced with a high infant mortality rate. Chimenya says at times they could be working in units where there are three nurses to 60 or 70 babies.

    While they try their best to provide care, they are simply not able to give everything to everyone. This leads to some tasks being left up to the mother.

    “When everyone comes to do research in Malawi, they’re usually talking about empowering healthcare workers,” Chimenya says. “But we also have moms who are a huge part of doing those tasks that nurses are supposed to do.”

    One of those tasks is nasogastric (NG) or orogastric (OG) tube feeding: a thin and soft tube that is inserted through the nose or mouth to deliver food to the pre-term infant’s stomach. The motion of feeding is very complicated for a pre-term infant which makes the NG/OG tube feeding a crucial part in the baby’s growth and nutrition.

    Chimenya says they have moms who are not taught what tube feeding is and how to monitor complications. At the same time, they expect that they should be providing specialized care for their sick babies.

    When complications do arise, they don’t have a solid reason as to why the problem occurred because the tasks were left to the mothers who are not properly trained. She says some of those problems – respiratory, stomach irritation, or cardiac arrest – can be caused by the NG/OG tube being inserted incorrectly.

    “So, I thought maybe we should target these moms and have an education program so that we empower them to do this task as we want them to do because we rely hugely on moms,” Chimenya says.

    Since Malawi doesn’t have a direct neonatal nursing pathway, Chimenya started looking at schools in the UK and the US that would best fit her research.

    “When I was applying to UConn, I saw that Dr. Casavant has done a lot of research with pre-term babies,” she says. “I felt like she was a good fit for my interests, and she’s been supportive with my topics.”

    Sharon Casavant, Ph.D., RN. (Contributed Photo)

    “She essentially sent me what could be a very rough draft of a dissertation proposal before she had even applied for the program,” says Sharon Casavant, Ph.D., RN, assistant professor.

    “What I love about Netsayi is that she’s always hungry. If I see something that I think she could apply for and she would be eligible for, I just kind of toss it her way and she goes for it.”

    Already, Chimenya was accepted to the New York Academy of Medicine’s (NYAM) Forum on Intercollegiate Regional Events (FIRE) for Social and Academic Discourse and the UConn Graduate Student Research Symposium.

    FIRE is a planning group showcasing doctoral student work and is comprised of nursing doctoral program directors and students from ten tri-state area schools in NY, CT, and NJ.

    The event was on April 29, 2025, where Chimenya got to present her research. “I got good feedback, networked, and established connections with professors and students from other universities,” she said.

    “It’s a really big deal to have an abstract accepted to the National Academics of Science in New York,” says Casavant. “She’s just amazing and she’s so committed to her babies and to Malawi. It’s beautiful. She’s a very hard worker and very, very, bright.”

    The UConn Graduate Student Research Symposium is a poster competition that took place on April 23, 2025.

    Any UConn graduate student is eligible to apply and present their research. Chimenya was one of hundreds to be selected to attend. Even though she didn’t win, she received praise from the judges on her work.

    “To make matters more exciting, when we went to the pre-workshop, it was only two first-years and I think I was the only nurse,” says Chimenya.

    “It has really motivated me to work on my own topic because other people are accepting it,” Chimenya says.

    With an already accomplished start, Chimenya doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

    “I’m really excited to be working with Sharon and the other experts who are doing infant nutrition at UConn, and I feel like this is the right place for me to augment my science and I’m here to update my skills,” she says.

    She intends to bring the knowledge and research she has acquired here back to Malawi to help “the healthcare workers, the mothers, and the children.”

    When recounting her experiences at UConn so far, she emphasizes that she has already been taught so much.

    “We are used to being under pressure and under-resourced and we are used to improvising,” she says. “Coming to a country where they have the resources, and they do things in an ideal way has taught me a lot.”

    Chimenya wants to impart the knowledge she has learned here when she returns home. She aims to bridge the gap between Malawi and the U.S. with the connections and relationships that she has made here.

    She’s expecting that when she goes back to Malawi to establish a research unit, “it will have a huge impact on infant health that is going to benefit a lot of children in Malawi.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNFPA Warns of Devastating Impact of Funding Cuts on Midwife Support in Crisis-Hit Countries

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    NEW YORK, NY, 05 May, 2025 – Severe funding cuts are forcing UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, to dramatically scale back its support for midwives in crisis settings, jeopardizing the health and lives of pregnant women and newborns in some of the most fragile places on earth.

    In eight crisis-hit countries alone, UNFPA will only be able to fund 47% of the 3,521 midwives it intended to support in 2025. These include:

    Number of midwives UNFPA will be able to support out of the original target: 

    • Afghanistan: 565 out 974 midwives 
    • Bangladesh (Rohingya response): 241 out of 288 midwives 
    • Cameroon:  17 out of 49 midwives 
    • Central African Republic: Zero out of 22 midwives 
    • Mali: 88 out of 133 midwives 
    • Palestine:  63 out of 93 midwives 
    • Sudan: Zero out of 470 midwives
    • Yemen: 700 out of 1492 midwives 

    UNFPA’s midwifery support is also being cut back in Chad, Nigeria, Madagascar and Somalia due to US funding cuts. 

    “Midwives save lives. They come to the rescue in the direst of circumstances. When crisis strikes and health systems are shattered, they are a lifeline for pregnant women who have lost access to vital maternity services,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA.

    UNFPA’s support to midwives serving in humanitarian settings includes training, providing supplies and equipment; and in some cases a means of transport so they can operate mobile health clinics even in remote, dangerous areas. From delivering babies to supporting survivors of rape, midwives can deliver 90 percent of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services. When these services are cut, the consequences are enormous. In Afghanistan alone, loss of support for 409 midwives will cut access to skilled care for an estimated half a million women. 

    Births do not stop in crises. But when crises cut pregnant women off from reproductive health care and emergency obstetric services, the risks skyrocket. Women are twice as likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth in crisis settings. 

    To help address this crisis and to ensure the availability of adequate well trained midwives in all settings, UNFPA and partners recently launched the Global Midwifery Accelerator, a coordinated initiative to scale up midwife-led care in countries with the highest maternal mortality rates and greatest needs. The Accelerator sets out a cost-effective roadmap to save lives and strengthen national health systems,  even in the most fragile contexts, and is already harnessing support from donors, but much more is needed.

    “Cutting funding for humanitarian midwifery services puts women and their babies in harm’s way,” said Dr Natalia Kanem. “We cannot fail midwives; we need to find ways to support their essential work.”

    About UNFPA:

    UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

    Media Contact:

    New York, Anna Jefferys Jefferys@unfpa.org or media@unfpa.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement from IOM Spokesperson: IOM Chief Visit to Tunisia

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/ Tunis, 5 May 2025 – At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, IOM Director General Ms Amy Pope arrived in Tunisia today to hold high-level meetings with Government officials and key partners to strengthen cooperation and support coordinated and effective approaches to address migration challenges and opportunities in the country. 

    During her visit, DG Pope will attend a thematic workshop on diaspora engagement taking place in the context of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). The GFMD event, on 6 May, will focus on boosting diaspora engagement, attracting investment, retaining skilled talent, and supporting Tunisia’s youth. With over 15 per cent of Tunisians living abroad, primarily in Europe, their remittances account for more than five per cent of the country’s GDP, supporting key sectors such as services, industry, and agriculture. 

    IOM works with the Government of Tunisia and key partners, including the European Union and African countries, to develop integrated solutions across key routes, managing migration and harnessing the contribution of migration for joint prosperity. This means addressing trafficking and abuse of migrants, assisting those who choose to return home, and helping them reintegrate and rebuild their lives.

    In 2024, IOM supported 19,785 people in Tunisia through essential services, including assistance to vulnerable migrants, healthcare, voluntary return and reintegration, and protection efforts as well as supporting Tunisian youth find opportunity safely through regular migration pathways.

    Tunisia is a key country in global migration efforts. It is crucial for donors and policymakers to work closely with the Government to support migrants and host communities, as well as the voluntary return of migrants in irregular situations to their homes with the strict respect of their human dignity.

    IOM works globally to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration, supporting rights-based pathways that enable people to move and work with dignity and opportunity.

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) Egypt and the United Kingdom (UK) strengthen collaboration to support Palestinian patients in Egypt

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    WHO Egypt has signed a new £1 million funding agreement with the UK Government to help provide high-quality medical care for patients who have been evacuated from Gaza to receive treatment in Egypt. The project aims to support around 4000 individuals, including trauma patients and those with chronic conditions.

    The new funding complements an initial £1 million grant provided a few months ago, bringing the total UK contribution to £2 million.

    Earlier this year, a high-level delegation from WHO Egypt and the British Embassy in Cairo visited El Arish General Hospital, a key referral hospital receiving patients from Gaza. During the visit, the delegation spoke with Palestinian patients receiving treatment, met with hospital staff and representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, and assessed the hospital’s medical needs.

    WHO Representative in Egypt Dr Nima Abid said: “Egypt has received the highest number of medical evacuees from Gaza and continues to provide them with specialized health care on par with Egyptian citizens across 170 hospitals in 24 governorates. We deeply value our longstanding partnership with the United Kingdom and welcome this additional £1 million in funding which will help us continue supporting the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure patients and the injured from Gaza receive the lifesaving care they need. Ultimately, peace is the best medicine. WHO reiterates its call for the protection of health in Gaza, the lifting of the aid blockade, and –above all – an immediate and permanent ceasefire.”

    British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley said: “Egypt has played a crucial role in helping those most in need from Gaza, and the UK is proud to stand alongside our Egyptian partners and WHO in this lifesaving work. Whether it’s funding medical care in Egypt or supporting treatment for patients who have now arrived in the UK, our shared commitment is clear: to ensure the wounded and vulnerable get the care they urgently need.”

    Since November 2023 Egypt has received and treated thousands of patients and wounded people from Gaza. Since the beginning of the crisis, WHO has worked closely with Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population and other partners to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity. This support has included over US$ 8 million worth of medical supplies delivered to Egyptian hospitals and the training of nearly 3000 health workers across multiple governorates in emergency care and mental health and psychosocial support.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Testimonials] Positive Impact of Samsung Innovation Campus on WSU Students

    Source: Samsung

    In today’s digital age, traditional qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the local economy – practical skills, problem-solving abilities and technological fluency are now also essential to develop work-ready job seekers and entrepreneurs with in-demand skills needed by the local economy.
     
    In response to this need, Samsung has – over the years through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as the global Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) – collaborated with esteemed academic institutions such as the Walter Sisulu University (WSU). This strategic partnership was formed in an effort to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demand for skills training tailored specifically for the current job market that requires modern tech expertise.
     
    Importantly, Samsung recognises how essential SIC is in driving economic growth and technological advancement in South Africa and the continent as a whole. This partnership with WSU therefore, aims to provide ICT education to students from underserved communities in the Eastern Cape. This global SIC programme is designed to provide practical, cutting-edge training in digital skills and has since inception, also trained participants on a range of soft skills to foster talented youth who will go on to shape the future society. This SIC programme is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to continue addressing the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
     
    These are some of the reasons why Samsung has remained dedicated to making a long-term social impact by investing in education, youth skills training and technological innovation. Over the years, the company has invested in youth development and workforce skills training by equipping students with in-demand digital skills needed by the local economy.
    Along with core competencies such as artificial intelligence (AI) as well as Coding and Programming (C&P) training in Python – SIC has been providing progressive knowledge to students ensuring that they are both academically qualified and industry work-ready.
     
    These high-demand skills are positioning the country’s youth for careers in technology-driven sectors and entrepreneurship. The institution is making these incredible strides because it has long recognised that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping education, work and daily life. WSU has now also ensured that technology is integrated into its teaching, research and student development initiatives. Importantly, the university has now made sure that digital transformation has become a strategic priority, by establishing an AI Centre that will serve as a hub for advanced digital skills training, research and innovation.
    For Samsung’s CSR initiatives, measurable impact on the country’s youth including young women has always been essential. This SIC programme has now touched the lives of about 71 young people at WSU – a combination of both males and females. With this programme, WSU students have now been prepared for careers in technology by creating both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that will help them make a positive impact on society. For this reason, Samsung spoke to some alumni students about their experience in the programme and this, is what they had to say:
     
    A graduate and an alumni from the WSU-SIC programme who is originally from Lusikisiki, Atsho Nota has a diploma in Application Development studies which she believes has given her a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving.

    Atsho has always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to improve people’s lives. She added that this programme has made a significant difference in her personal and professional growth.
     
    “It has given me the opportunity to develop hands-on technical skills”, she explained: “I’ve now gained industry experience and it has improved my confidence in working with advanced technology. Also, the practical training has enhanced my problem-solving abilities significantly and prepared me for real-world challenges in the tech industry,” she added. Atsho’s future plans include advancing her career in the tech industry, possibly specialising in software development. She hopes to use her skills to contribute to innovative solutions and maybe even start her own business in the future. Atsho also wants to continue learning and growing in the field of technology to stay updated with industry advancements.
     
    Another impressive alumni student from the SIC programme is Lazola Leonardo Mbangata, who is currently running his own start-up company called Xero Technologies, while also pursuing a postgraduate degree – majoring in Software development. Born and raised in Butterworth, this young man has various certifications in data science and cyber security. For Lazola, this SIC programme has played a crucial role in his career and advancement in IT.
     

     
    He believes that studying Python and AI has advanced his development skills and enhanced his projects for automation and usability – thus bringing him one step closer to his future goal of AI security. “I decided to sign up for the programme because of my interest in AI and Python because I believed that this would grow my mind and understanding in the field, he said. “Also, working with a big company like Samsung was potentially an opportunity for crucial doors to be opened for me.”
     
    What Lazola found most interesting during the SIC lessons is the diversity in IT and the opportunity to not only build software but also to deal with software management and publishing. These skills that Lazola acquired have ensured that his business is on track for success. What is still a bit of a challenge is finding local clients, however he’s still quite determined and very optimistic.
     
    For Samsung, this partnership with WSU exemplifies the kind of university-industry collaboration that has ensured that together, they can continue training the leaders of tomorrow to use AI tools and other innovative technology platforms to effectively maximise the benefits of these new and exciting emerging technologies in their future careers.
    These testimonies are proof that this SIC initiative not only enhances individual career prospects, but also contributes significantly to building a group of resilient and future-ready workforce as well as technology entrepreneurs. Samsung’s efforts underscore its broader commitment to technological innovation and sustainable community development in the country.
     
    Sinethemba Mpambane, DVC: Institutional Support and Development at WSU said: “In a country that is facing significant youth unemployment, this SIC curriculum is a game-changer as it offers students direct access to opportunities in AI, software development and digital solutions, while also fostering innovation and problem-solving. As WSU, we are now looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with Samsung, expanding these programmes and continuing to empower students with future-ready skills.”
     

     
    Mpambane added that all these WSU-driven initiatives will complement this SIC programme by providing a platform for students and industry partners to engage in cutting-edge AI-driven projects. For WSU – the impact of this SIC programme is clear. Graduates are leaving with more than just certificates; they possess tangible, in-demand skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
     
    And furthermore, WSU in partnership with Samsung is committed to shaping the next generation of African technology leaders. This institution is seeking to become an impactful, technology-infused African university that remains relevant in today’s digital world, while preparing its students for the future. The SIC programme is but one of the ways of ensuring that WSU achieves its vision for the future.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Partners with The L-Tido Podcast to Bring Awesome Intelligence to Everyone

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung is excited to announce its partnership with the popular South African podcast, The L-Tido Podcast. This partnership is designed to bring the cutting-edge features of the recently launched Samsung Galaxy A series to the forefront of pop culture, while engaging viewers with candid conversations from some of South Africa’s most influential personalities. The awesome Galaxy A series, with its impressive features, perfectly aligns with the calibre of the show’s guests, with their boldness and trendsetting.
     
    The L-Tido Podcast, hosted by renowned hip-hop artist and influencer Thato “L-Tido” Madonsela, is one of South Africa’s leading podcasts. Known for its raw, in-depth interviews with popular South African entertainers, the show covers a wide array of topics including career journeys, personal stories, current events, and controversial subjects. With its unfiltered, authentic style, The L-Tido Podcast has earned a loyal following that Samsung is excited to engage with through this strategic partnership.
     
    Samsung Galaxy A Series: Awesome Intelligence for Everyone
    As part of the collaboration, Samsung will sponsor three episodes of The L-Tido Podcast during April. The sponsorship comes in support of the Galaxy A series smartphones – the Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G, and A26 5G – which are designed to bring Awesome Intelligence to everyone. As podcasting continues to grow popular, smartphones like the Galaxy A series are one of the biggest tools viewers use to enjoy them, which comes as no surprise as they deliver impeccable viewing quality.
     
    The Galaxy A series boasts impressive features that make it the ultimate device for modern consumers, including:
    Enhanced Circle to Search: Effortlessly find and connect with people, places, and things with an intuitive search feature.
    Music Search: Instantly identify and discover new music tracks, whether you’re listening to a podcast or out and about.
    Awesome Camera: Capture stunning moments with the Nightography mode, perfect for low-light environments, and Object Eraser to effortlessly remove unwanted objects from your photos.
    Samsung Knox: Protect your personal data with Samsung’s industry-leading mobile security, ensuring peace of mind for every user.
    Exciting Giveaways
    In addition to the podcast sponsorship, Samsung is giving back to viewers with exciting giveaways. Three lucky viewers will have the chance to win the latest Galaxy A series smartphones (Terms and Conditions apply) – a perfect opportunity for fans of the podcast to experience Awesome Intelligence for themselves.
     
    Don’t Miss Out!
    Tune in to The L-Tido Podcast in April 2025 to catch the exclusive Samsung-sponsored episodes and for your chance to win one of the new Samsung Galaxy A series smartphones. You won’t want to miss these engaging conversations with South African celebrities and influencers, all while discovering the amazing features of the Samsung Galaxy A series.
     
    
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: South Africa card payments to exceed $158 billion in 2025 amid digital surge and inclusion push, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    South Africa card payments to exceed $158 billion in 2025 amid digital surge and inclusion push, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Banking

    The South African card payments market is on a solid growth trajectory, projected to reach ZAR2.9 trillion ($158.8 billion) in 2025. This momentum is driven by a growing shift toward digital payments, bolstered by enhanced financial inclusion, expanding payment infrastructure, and rising consumer preference for speed, safety, and convenience in everyday transactions, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that card payment value in South Africa registered a growth of 10.3% in 2024 to reach ZAR2.7 trillion ($149.4 billion). This growth is primarily fuelled by the rise in the consumer spending and wider acceptance of card payments among merchants.

    Yasaswini Pujitha, Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The South African payment landscape is evolving rapidly, supported by growing banking population, rising contactless payment adoption and developing payment infrastructure. The average frequency of payments per card stands at 118.1 times in 2024, which is higher compared to its peers such as Nigeria (51), Egypt (24.2), Morocco (10.9), and Kenya (5.3).”

    Debit card payments held a significant share of the total card payments market in South Africa, accounting for 74% in total payment value in 2024. This is primarily driven by the expanding banking population and increasing use of debit cards for low-value, day-to-day payments. Meanwhile, digital banks and fintech companies such as Discovery Bank, TymeBank, and Bank Zero are offering innovative banking services, further increasing competition in the debit card space.

    Credit and charge cards, on the other hand, held the remaining 26% share of card payments by value in 2024. The adoption and usage of these cards is driven by the associated value-added benefits offered by banks, such as cashback, reward points, discounts, and installment payment facilities. This growth is also supported by the rising middle class and a young, working population.

    The rise of contactless payments is contributing to the overall card payments growth with banks and scheme providers increasingly promoting this technology. Both consumers and merchants are embracing the contactless technology in the country.

    According to GlobalData’s 2024 Financial Services Consumer Survey*, 68.4% of the respondents in South Africa indicated having access to a contactless card and used it for payments.

    Growing adoption of contactless card payments for transport services is also contributing to the expansion of card payment market. South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) is implementing the nationwide rollout of contactless payment systems at toll plazas.

    Effective from 1 December 2024, magstripe card payments were phased out at certain toll gates, with a complete transition to contactless payments expected by 31 May 2025. This initiative is backed up by the financial institutions, along with payment scheme providers such as Visa and Mastercard.

    Pujitha concludes: “South Africa’s payment card landscape is set for steady growth over the next five years, marked by increased adoption of payment cards amid a boarder digital transformation. The proliferation of digital banks, an increasing preference for contactless technology, and improving payment infrastructure are the key drivers for this growth. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% between 2025 and 2029 to reach ZAR3.8 trillion ($206.2 billion) in 2029.”

    *GlobalData’s 2024 Financial Services Consumer Survey was carried out in Q2 2024. Approximately 67,292 respondents aged 18+ were surveyed across 41 countries.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: US Monastir, Petro de Luanda and Kriol Star Advance to the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs in South Africa

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DAKAR, Senegal, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Anderson Correia got 16 points and five rebounds, Ivan Almeida added 14 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists and Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) debutant Kriol Star (Cape Verde) defeated the defending champion Petro de Luanda (Angola) 71-69 in overtime, booking their spot to the 2025 BAL Playoffs which will take place at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa from 6-14 June. NBA Academy Africa prospect Lewis Uvwo played 40 minutes and finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. The Star outrebounded Petro 52-43, but also finished with 28 turnovers.

    Glofate Buiamba led Petro with 16 points, with Aboubacar Gakou adding 15 points and seven rebounds. With 3 wins and 3 losses, both teams qualified to the BAL Playoffs in Pretoria – Petro finished second and the Star finished third in the Sahara Conference.

    In the second game this evening, Osiris Eldridge (22 points and four assists) and former NBA Academy Africa prospect Babacar Sane (13 points and 12 rebounds) led the 2022 BAL champion US Monastir (Tunisia) to a 77-68 win over ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal). The win gave Monastir (4-2) the top place in the Sahara Conference and an automatic qualification to the playoffs. Monastir shot 43 percent from the floor and outrebounded Dakar 45-39. Will Perry led Dakar with 20 points and seven assists and Makhtar Gueye added 18 points as the host team concluded their 2025 BAL campaign.

    More than 47,000 fans attended the Sahara Conference games at Dakar Arena in Senegal.

    The 2025 BAL season will continue with the Nile Conference group phase which will be held from 17-25 May at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. The Nile Conference will feature four teams: Made By Basketball (MBB, South Africa), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya) and Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball (APR, Rwanda). The top two teams from the Nile Conference and a team with a better record between FUS Rabat (Morocco, Kalahari Conference) and the team which will finish third in the Nile Conference will join Al Ittihad (Egypt), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), US Monastir, Petro de Luanda and Kriol Star in the 2025 BAL Playoffs in South Africa.

    Postgame media availability:

    Standings:

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week to Spotlight Cutting-Edge Mining Tech

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1-3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Technology Forum. The forum will connect African mining projects with global technology providers and investors, showcasing how digital solutions are transforming resource extraction and redefining the mining value chain.

    As African countries scale up mineral production to drive GDP growth, developers are increasingly adopting data analytics and digital tools to boost operational efficiency. U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals, which applies artificial intelligence (AI) to mineral exploration, entered the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in April 2025 to tap into the country’s estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources. The DRC – already the world’s largest cobalt producer and a key copper supplier – could see its global mining profile rise significantly with KoBold’s involvement. In Zambia, the company is advancing the $2 billion Mingomba project, one of the world’s most promising untapped copper assets.

    https://apo-opa.co/3Z0EMWY

    https://apo-opa.co/3EBP2yg

    Similarly, in Zimbabwe, Caledonia Mining is investing $1.1 million in IT infrastructure upgrades at the Blanket Mine as part of its $41.8 million capital budget. The upgrades include new mine planning software and a digital clocking system to improve labor efficiency, with a goal to increase gold output from 76,656 ounces in 2024 to up to 77,500 ounces in 2025.

    https://apo-opa.co/4k8pMPg

    In Botswana, Botswana Diamonds is employing AI-driven exploration to expand beyond diamond mining, recently identifying new prospects for copper, silver, cobalt, gold, nickel, zinc and platinum group metals. “During the initial analysis of the big database, it became clear that the AI technology could be used to identify other unknown minerals opportunities – and so it turned out,” said John Teeling, Chairman of Botswana Diamonds.

    https://apo-opa.co/4k6ZDQM

    Meanwhile, South African firms such as Kilken Platinum and Rio Tinto are deploying digital tools to unlock greater operational value. A joint report by Accenture and the World Economic Forum projects that digitalization could unlock up to R213 billion in additional value for South Africa’s mining sector by 2026. Technologies such as predictive maintenance, autonomous operations and real-time data monitoring are helping firms streamline processes, reduce downtime and improve safety outcomes.

    https://apo-opa.co/3EBP2yg

    https://apo-opa.co/4jXhBVG

    The Technology Forum at AMW 2025 will feature high-level panels examining how digitalization can optimize infrastructure, enhance safety, predict system failures and support sustainable resource management in a data-driven mining environment. The forum will also provide a platform for mining companies to showcase real-world case studies, exchange knowledge with tech innovators, and explore partnerships that drive long-term value creation.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A basic income support grant can address extreme poverty and inequality in South Africa – economic model shows how

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Carolyn Chisadza, Associate professor, University of Pretoria

    South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world. The country’s per-capita expenditure Gini coefficient, a measure of how spending from income is distributed, stands at 0.65. This puts it among countries with the most unequal distribution of spending globally.

    Nearly 55% of the population were living in poverty in 2023. The country also has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world: 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024. To compound these issues, economic growth has stagnated since 2008.

    Ending extreme poverty, unemployment and inequality requires economic growth that includes more people. To get that result, there must be a set of interventions that work together. One intervention being considered in South Africa is basic income support to relieve poverty among unemployed citizens.

    Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, basic income support had been on the policy agenda in South Africa for at least two decades, since the Taylor Committee in 2001. The pandemic made existing inequalities worse through job losses. A “social relief of distress” grant was introduced in 2020 to support the unemployed.

    The grant targeted those affected by sudden income loss, including unemployed working-age individuals who did not qualify for other grants. The introduction of the grant renewed interest in the concept of a universal basic income, or a more comprehensive form of income support. It highlighted the welfare potential for a more permanent basic income support system.

    Very few cases of universal basic income support pilots exist in developing countries. Where they do exist, studies point to the vital benefits a basic income grant system might provide. Examples include evidence from a pilot in Namibia, nine villages in India, and rural Kenya.

    In a recently published paper, a team of economists explored the possible effects of introducing permanent basic income support to:

    • all individuals aged between 18 and 59

    • only those who are unemployed

    • only unemployed individuals in extremely poor households, defined by the food poverty line.

    The economic modelling exercise demonstrates that a basic income grant targeting all individuals aged between 18 and 59 could significantly reduce poverty and inequality. These gains would, however, require carefully targeted and implemented interventions over a multi-year period.

    Our approach

    The study identifies which socio-economic groups would benefit the most from the grant, and sheds light on the impact of basic income support on the welfare and livelihoods of individuals and their households. We used market income or pre-transfer income as the starting point to see how public spending changed poverty or income inequality.

    We used data from the 2017 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, a measure of employment and unemployment based on the country’s working population. Using the three scenarios, we calculated the likely effects.

    The first scenario was based on the universal grant being paid to all those aged 18 to 59. In the second, only those aged 18-59 who were unemployed received it. Lastly, only those who lived in extremely poor households and were unemployed in 2017 were included.

    Some form of support exists for children under 18 (child grant) and for adults aged 60 and over (pension). That’s why we allocated the grant only for adults from 18 to 59.

    In all the scenarios, the income support transfer is assumed to be R595 (US$38) per individual per month in 2021, equivalent to what it cost to provide a basic basket of food (that is, the food poverty line). We use R595 as it closely aligns with the COVID social relief of distress grant extension and reflects the grant amount for the 2021/22 financial year.

    Main findings

    The main findings show that in general, a basic income support grant has the potential to reduce poverty and inequality in South Africa. However, the effect varies based on the targeting mechanism used to identify beneficiaries. Absolute poverty, its gap (the ratio by which the mean income of the poor falls below the poverty line) and income inequality fall the most when the transfer is universal or targets the unemployed and the extreme poor.

    In the first scenario (support for all individuals aged 18 to 59) and the third scenario (the unemployed and extremely poor), both poverty headcount (the percentage of the population living below the national poverty line) and the poverty gap (the ratio by which the mean income of the poor falls below the poverty line) decrease more than in the second scenario (targeting only the unemployed). The income inequality reduction is also larger in the first and third scenarios compared to the second scenario.

    Significance of findings

    The significance of these findings is that better targeting makes basic income support more pro-poor and progressive, and reduces the leakage of the benefit to the non-poor.

    In countries such as South Africa, where poverty and inequality are extensive and public resources are limited, the case for targeting is attractive. But it’s important to recognise that effective targeting entails higher administrative costs. Conversely, while a universal basic income grant may be more expensive in terms of total disbursement, it has the greatest potential to reduce poverty and overall inequality.

    The government can make the best use of its resources by focusing on vulnerable populations, such as those who are extremely poor and unemployed.

    Finding the right criteria to identify the poor, and running the grant properly, largely determines the programme’s success in improving welfare.

    Concluding remarks

    South Africa is currently saddled with high poverty and inequality. Our study brings the debate on the potential welfare benefits of expanding existing social grants back to the forefront of social policy.

    Eleni Abraham Yitbarek is affiliated with Partnership for Economic Policy (Research Fellow)

    Carolyn Chisadza, Kehinde Oluwaseun Omotoso, Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Nicky Nicholls, and Ramos Emmanuel Mabugu do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. A basic income support grant can address extreme poverty and inequality in South Africa – economic model shows how – https://theconversation.com/a-basic-income-support-grant-can-address-extreme-poverty-and-inequality-in-south-africa-economic-model-shows-how-247954

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Mashatile participates in a business Breakfast Session on the Transformation Fund

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Deputy President Mashatile participates in a business Breakfast Session on the Transformation Fund

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IijQus_c8Rs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Cancellation of VPAs and replacement by Forest Partnerships – E-001647/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001647/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Marc Germain (S&D), Anna Cavazzini (Verts/ALE)

    Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) prevent forest loss by implementing legal reform, improving law enforcement and increasing community incomes in several tropical forested countries. The Commission has proposed unilateral termination of the Cameroonian VPA and informed the Liberian Government of its firm intention to terminate the EU-Liberia VPA. It also proposes replacing both VPAs with Forest Partnerships – non-binding frameworks with no role for Parliament and limited public information.

    The Commission’s actions threaten the EU’s reputation in these countries and risk accelerating forest loss. In Liberia, both the government and civil society have voiced serious concerns about the EU’s approach.

    • 1.Why has the Commission chosen to terminate the VPA unilaterally without proper consultation and due process, and why has there been no comprehensive, multi-stakeholder evaluation of the EU-Liberia VPA’s achievements?
    • 2.After being stalled by the previous government, implementation of the EU-Liberia VPA has seen progress under the current Boakai administration. Why has the Commission suddenly decided on termination, rather than strengthening the VPA and designing the Forest Partnership to create a mutual reinforcement?
    • 3.Given the importance of Parliament, Council and civil society oversight for forests, what role will these groups have in drafting, approving and monitoring Forest Partnerships?

    Submitted: 24.4.2025

    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Congo’s Gas Ambitions to Take Spotlight at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 with High-Level Monetization Panel

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Republic of Congo and its gas agenda will be at the forefront of the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris, which will feature a dedicated session on Monetizing Congo’s Gas Opportunities. The strategic discussion comes as Congo works to scale up gas production, build critical infrastructure and accelerate monetization efforts to meet domestic demand and strengthen its position as a regional energy exporter.

    The session will be moderated by Géraud Moussarie, Managing Partner at Sustainable Partnerships, and will bring together leading voices in the sector. Featured panelists include senior representatives from Congo’s national oil company, Société nationale des pétroles du Congo (SNPC); Rus Jiri, Sales and Development Director Africa at Neuman & Esser; and Oumar Semega, CEO of Imperatus Energy.

    IAE 2025 (apo-opa.co/43ffoPN) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Congo’s gas sector has made significant strides in recent years, with new frameworks and ambitious infrastructure projects underway. The Congo LNG project, led by Eni, aims to position the Republic of Congo as a key LNG exporter, with a total liquefaction capacity of up to 3 million tons per year through two floating LNG units – the first of which delivered its maiden cargo in February 2024.

    Equally critical is the monetization and domestic utilization of refined gas products. The Banga Kayo onshore project, led by Wing Wah, is set to play a central role by transforming previously flared gas into dry gas, LNG, LPG and polypropylene for use in the local market. Meanwhile, a new Gas Code, expected in 2025, along with the recently adopted Gas Master Plan, are laying the groundwork for sustainable sector growth by establishing clear incentives for investors, streamlining regulatory processes and promoting the development of gas infrastructure and local value chains.

    Across Africa, monetizing natural gas is increasingly seen as both an economic necessity and a catalyst for development – supporting energy access, powering industrial growth and enabling a shift toward cleaner energy sources. To date, key challenges include limited processing and transport infrastructure, constrained financing and fragmented regional markets, which continue to slow progress. Overcoming these hurdles requires coordinated policies, targeted infrastructure investment and cross-border partnerships. IAE 2025 provides a vital platform for public and private sector leaders to address these issues, promote investment and unlock the full potential of Africa’s gas value chain.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Petrotec Expands Fuel Station Network, Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 as Silver Sponsor

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    LUANDA, Angola, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    European manufacturer Petrotec has joined the upcoming Angola Oil & gas (AOG) conference as a Silver Sponsor, reflecting its commitment to supporting the expansion of the country’s oil and gas value chain. The company leverages innovation and technology to strengthen mobility and seeks to support Angola’s downstream expansion through new mobility solutions.

    As one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Angola is striving to position itself as both a major exporter and regional petroleum distributor. A recent government drive to expand the downstream oil sector has seen new opportunities emerge for infrastructure players, and companies such as Petrotec stand to play an instrumental role in accelerating the development of fuel stations and associated projects.

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Petrotec has committed to supporting Angola’s fuel mobility expansion. In 2024, the company hosted a delegation by Angola’s national oil company Sonangol at various Petrotec facilities, enabling Petrotec to showcase its cutting-edge solutions and technologies. The visit included a tour of the company’s research and development unit, exploring Petrotec’s vision for the future of mobility; a tour of the innovation and industry center, showcasing the company’s latest forecourt equipment and technologies; and its new industrial unit in Póvoa de Lanhoso, set to produce Hellonext’s sophisticated EV chargers. Sonangol additionally conducted a tour of various fuel station sites in the region, thereby strengthening knowledge-exchange between the companies.

    With over 40 years of experience, Petrotec offers substantial expertise in the manufacturing of equipment for fuel stations. The company’s solutions cover the entire mobility value chain, including electric mobility, hydrogen, infrastructure, fuel pumps, storage solutions, engineering and payment and automation. For Angola, this expertise stands to support efforts by the country to strengthen its downstream industry. Petrotec’s sponsorship of AOG 2025 underscores its commitment to this cause and is expected to further boost collaboration across the industry.

    MIL OSI Africa –