Category: Business

MIL-OSI Submissions: Life after school for young South Africans: six insights into what lies ahead
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gabrielle Wills, Senior researcher at Research on Socio-Economic Policy, Stellenbosch University

Matric exams are a crucial moment in a young person’s educational journey. Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images

At the dawn of democracy in 1994, South Africa faced a sobering reality. Fewer than a third of 25- to 34-year-olds had achieved at least a matric (12 years of schooling completed) or equivalent qualification.

Thirty years on, the proportion of individuals in this age group that had completed their schooling had almost doubled to 57%. This figure will be further bolstered by the record-breaking results in the National Senior Certificate (matric) examinations in recent years. South Africa’s school completion rates are now high and comparable to other middle-income countries.

But this good news is tempered by very high youth unemployment and a faltering economy. What are the prospects for young South Africans once they’ve matriculated?

I have aimed to answer this question in my new study. By using the Quarterly Labour Force Survey – a nationally representative, household-based sample survey – and other data sources, I have developed six insights that tell us what the post-matric landscape is like today. For the purposes of the study I defined recent matriculants as 15-24-year-olds with 12 years of completed schooling.

This study highlights how increasingly larger proportions of recent matriculants find they have limited opportunities. The rising number of youth leaving school with a matric, especially in recent years, is not being met with enough opportunities beyond school, whether in work or in post-school education and training.

Conditions in South Africa’s labour market must improve and further expansion in quality post-school education and training is required for the country to realise the benefits of rising educational attainment and progress for national development.

1. Less chance of employment

The graph below illustrates a brutal truth: ten years ago finding a job was easier for matriculants than it will be for the matric class who finished school in 2024. Between 2014 and 2018 about 4 of every 10 recent matriculants who were economically active (including discouraged work seekers) were employed. By the start of 2024 this figure was closer to 3 of every 10.

Percent of South African youth employed by qualification level.
Dr Gabrielle Wills, CC BY-NC-ND

The likelihood of youth with a matric having a job at the start of 2024 roughly resembled the chances of youth without a matric having a job eight to ten years ago.

With more learners progressing to matric, especially due to more lenient progression policy during and just after the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the composition of the matric group could be driving some of the declines in this group’s employment prospects. But there has been a deterioration in the labour market for all youth over the past decade. Employment prospects have even declined for youth with a post-school qualification.

2. Not in employment, education or training

Proportionally fewer recent matriculants are going on to work or further study.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic (2014-2019), around 44%-45% of recent matriculants were classified as “not in employment, education or training” (NEET). The NEET rate among recent matriculants peaked at 55% in early 2022 and remained high at 49.8% at the start of 2024.

Stated differently, one of every two recent matriculants was not engaged in work or studies in the first quarter of last year. That’s 1.78 million individuals. Coupled with the rising numbers of youth getting a matric, this implies that the number of recent matriculants who were not working or studying rose by half a million from the start of 2015 to the start of 2024.

Among all 15-24-year-olds, the NEET rate rose from 32% in the first quarter of 2014 to 35% in the first quarter of 2024. Even larger increases in the NEET rate occurred among 25-34-year-olds, rising from 45% to 52% over the same period.

This is a worry. But it doesn’t mean the matric qualification has no value.

3. A matric still provides an advantage

In early 2024, nearly half of matriculants aged 15-24 were classified as not in employment, education or training. Almost 8 out of 10 of their peers who had dropped out of school were NEET. In short, you’re still more likely to get a job or further your studies with a matric certificate than without one.

4. A hard road

The road to opportunity beyond school is harder than it was a decade ago.

Among NEET matriculants aged 15-24 at the start of 2014, 27% searched for work for more than a year. By early 2024, this figure had risen to 32%.

It’s even worse for 25-34-year-old NEETs who hold a matric qualification. The percentage searching for work for over a year rose from 37% at the start of 2014 to 50% in early 2024.

The longer young people remain disconnected from employment, education or training, the greater the toll on their mental health. NEET status is associated with worse mental health, particularly among young men.

5. Post-school education and training

The government has made ambitious plans to expand opportunities for young people to study further. But enrolments in post-school education and training are not growing sufficiently to match the rising tide in school completion or to absorb youth who cannot find jobs. And, with projected declines in real per student spending on post-school education as South Africa tries to address escalating national debt servicing costs, this situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon.

The country is not keeping pace with tertiary enrolment rates in other developing nations like Brazil, Indonesia or China. For instance, 2021 estimates from the World Bank identify South Africa’s tertiary enrolment rate at 25%, compared to 41% in Indonesia, 57% in Brazil and 67% in China.

6. Location matters

Where someone lives in South Africa influences their chances for upward mobility. These inequalities are reflected in varying youth NEET rates across provinces. For instance, a third of recent matriculants in the Western Cape were not in employment, education or training in 2023/2024. That figure more than doubles in the North West province to 67%.

How to help

Two things are needed: improving labour market conditions and expanding post-school education and training opportunities.

This is unlikely without improved economic growth.

All of this may sound hopeless. But there are things that ordinary South Africans can do, too:
- keep encouraging young people in your orbit to complete their schooling
- where possible, spur them on to obtain a post-school qualification
- use your social networks to connect youth to work experience opportunities, and help with CVs, referral letters and references.
Young people must also adopt a practical, pragmatic and entrepreneurial mindset. They need to seize every opportunity available to them, whether in the labour market or post-school education.

Gabrielle Wills is a senior researcher with Research on Socio-Economic Policy at Stellenbosch University. This research for the COVID-Generation project was made possible by financial support from Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies. The findings and conclusions contained within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies.

– ref. Life after school for young South Africans: six insights into what lies ahead – https://theconversation.com/life-after-school-for-young-south-africans-six-insights-into-what-lies-ahead-249031
MIL OSI –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: New survey explores what people in South Africa expect of publicly visible scientists – why it matters

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Marina Joubert, Science Communication Researcher, Stellenbosch University

Professor Salim Abdool Karim became one of the most visible scientists in South Africa during the COVID pandemic. Photo by Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images

Whether it’s an astronomical discovery, news of a previously undiscovered disease or a major report about climate change, science is often making headlines.

This means that it’s perhaps more important than ever for scientists to visibly engage with society. By becoming recognisable figures in the media, scientists can share new ideas and influence science policy. They can also shape public opinion, and build public trust in science, offering hope in times of crisis. They’re important players in the fight against misinformation, pseudoscience and anti-science sentiments.

Some scientists have become publicly visible, regularly appearing in the media. Some have become media stars. There are even a few scientific celebrities.

But, as our recently published paper reveals, even these supposedly visible scientists aren’t that recognisable to many. We surveyed 1,000 respondents in South Africa and another 1,000 in Germany, asking people to name up to three living scientists in their own country. More than half in both countries didn’t reply, said they didn’t know or couldn’t remember.

We also asked people to explain what they thought of as a “visible” scientist and what they expected of those scientists.

This kind of research helps to explain the relationship between science and society. It also helps policymakers, science communicators and institutions understand how best to support scientists to play a more prominent role in the public interest.

Not all that visible

When asked to name a living scientist from their own country, more than half of the respondents in both countries did not reply. Or they wrote something like “I don’t know” or “I can’t remember”. Many who did answer listed the names of deceased scientists such as German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, US astronomer Carl Sagan, and South African heart surgeon Christiaan Barnard.

Several South Africans thought of politicians such as former president Jacob Zuma or former health minister Zweli Mkhize as visible scientists. Others named tech entrepreneurs who no longer live in South Africa, like Mark Shuttleworth and Elon Musk. This indicates that whoever publicly talks about science can easily be perceived as a scientist.

Controversial doctor Wouter Basson was mentioned several times. Basson, a cardiologist, headed the apartheid government’s secret chemical and biological warfare project, Project Coast, and was nicknamed “Dr Death” in the media because of his alleged role in the deaths of anti-apartheid activists. (In 2002 he was acquitted of 67 charges related to his involvement in apartheid-era crimes.) A public outcry erupted when it emerged, in 2021, that he had been practising as a cardiologist at a local private hospital since 2005. The fact that he was mentioned by respondents confirms that there’s a link between controversy and perceived public visibility.

Most living scientists mentioned were health researchers who achieved a high media profile during COVID-19, such as the German virologist Christian Drosten and South African HIV/Aids experts Linda-Gail Bekker, Salim Abdool Karim and Glenda Gray.

This demonstrates that, overall, scientists are invisible rather than visible in public. The visible scientist is – and remains – a rare phenomenon despite changing media environments and a recent global pandemic.

Expectations

Echoing other researchers’ earlier findings, the study shows that people expect a visible scientist to have a solid professional reputation. They should also be charismatic leaders who are highly articulate, media-savvy, hard-working and dedicated. Some South Africans emphasised that visible scientists should put the needs of others before their own and that science should serve all citizens equally.

Respondents from Germany and South Africa generally agreed that visible scientists should always base their comments on robust evidence and always tell the truth, even if it was difficult. They should not operate too closely to politics and should serve the public without hidden agendas and vested interests.

Earlier studies have shown that the most visible scientists are usually men in leadership positions. Our survey found that people didn’t mind what a visible scientist looked like, and did not prefer a specific gender or seniority. This suggests that there is scope for younger and female scientists to become more visible in the public sphere.

Read more:
Male voices dominated South African COVID reporting: that has to change

We found only minor differences between South Africa and Germany. Public expectations of scientists are remarkably similar across these two countries from the global north and the global south. The overall similar attitudes towards visible scientists may be explained by a universal public image of science around the world.

Increasing visibility

The study was part of the crowd-sourced Many Labs project “Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism”. The project’s findings on public trust in scientists across 68 countries show that, overall, public trust in science remains high. It also highlighted that people worldwide want scientists to engage more proactively with society and play a more prominent role in evidence-based policymaking.

Read more:
Five golden rules for effective science communication – perspectives from a documentary maker

Scientists who are interested in increasing their media visibility and public profile could start by working with professional communicators in the media or research offices of their universities or similar research organisations. There are also existing resources, like peer-reviewed science communication tips, and even free online courses.

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. New survey explores what people in South Africa expect of publicly visible scientists – why it matters – https://theconversation.com/new-survey-explores-what-people-in-south-africa-expect-of-publicly-visible-scientists-why-it-matters-249866

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Emmanuel Ojo, Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.

He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.

What are the global crises that have undermined education?

In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.

The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.

More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.

Who suffers most, and in what ways?

Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.

But the impact is not distributed equally.

My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.

In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.

Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.

What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.

What makes southern African education systems fragile?

My review focused on the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community, revealing what makes them vulnerable to crisis impacts.

Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.

The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.

Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.

Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.

How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.

Research points to a number of ways to do this:
- Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.
- Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.
- Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.
- Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.
- Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.
- Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.
- Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.

When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.

Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.

Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.

The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.

The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.

Emmanuel Ojo receives funding from National Research Foundation (NRF).

– ref. Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa – https://theconversation.com/global-crises-have-hit-education-hard-24-years-of-research-offers-a-way-forward-for-southern-africa-251833
MIL OSI –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Sustainable economic growth in South Africa will come from renewables, not coal: what our model shows

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Andrew Phiri, Associate Professor of Economics, Nelson Mandela University

Coal fired power stations produce 85% of South Africa’s electricity, making the country the biggest producer of harmful greenhouse-gas emissions in Africa. To move away from coal and meet its commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, South Africa needs to dramatically increase production of renewable energy. New research by economics associate professor Andrew Phiri looked at the relationship between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and GDP growth in South Africa to find out which energy source is most compatible with economic development.

Non-renewables, renewables and economic growth: what’s there to know?

We set out to discover whether renewable energy in South Africa, such as wind or solar power, supports sustainable economic growth. We also wanted to find out if renewables can replace non-renewable energy as a source and enabler of economic growth.

Together with student Tsepiso Sesoai, I did research comparing the impact of renewable and non-renewable energy on economic growth in South Africa.

South Africa currently faces a dual challenge when it comes to energy. It is heavily dependent on non-renewable energy (coal), which also worsens global warming and speeds up climate change. But it desperately needs to grow the economy at a faster rate, given very high unemployment, poverty and inequality.

It’s therefore important to find out whether South Africa would be able to make a smooth transition from non-renewable energy to cleaner energy, and grow the economy at the same time.

Past studies have looked into the role of energy in South Africa’s economic growth, but their methods have provided only limited information about whether South Africa can make a smooth transition from dirty to clean energy.

Read more:
African economic expansion need not threaten global carbon targets: study points out the path to green growth

To get a deeper understanding, we conducted a modelling exercise. We used an analytical tool called “continuous complex wavelets” to see how renewable and non-renewable energy influences growth over time.

Our model shows that an increased supply and higher consumption of non-renewable energy causes long-term economic growth over 10-15 year cycles. Renewables, at best, have short-term growth effects over six months to one year.

After 2000, there was a very sharp increase of almost 25% in the use of renewable energy throughout the decade. According to our model, this sharp increase was enough to have an impact on economic growth over the short term but not over the long term.

This is because South African energy regulators have not adopted strong enough measures for renewable energy to enable long-term growth. They have not funded the mass rollout of renewable energy, or connected renewables to the national grid. We found that renewables can only sustain growth over six to 12 month cycles whereas policymakers work towards longer cycles such as the 2030 and 2050 sustainable development goals.

Economic growth and coal consumption: what did you find?

In 2003, the government started taking climate change seriously with the release of the White Paper on Renewable Energy. The government started intentionally trying to increase the use of renewable energy while decreasing the use of dirty energy, such as coal. Before this, South Africa’s economic growth was heavily driven by coal consumption.

Renewable energy saw its biggest surge after the 2010 launch of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. This opened competitive bidding for renewable energy providers to supply electricity to the grid.

The transition to renewable energy had begun. But coal-fired power, while declining, remained the main source of electricity.

In 2019 carbon taxes were formally introduced. This resulted in a further slowdown in consumption of non-renewable energy. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 coincided with severe power cuts. These two events combined caused a general slowdown in non-renewable and renewable energy use, and in economic growth.

At this point, the drop in coal consumption was actively dragging down the economy. This in turn reduced society’s income, as measured by the gross national product. And because incomes were constrained, fewer private households purchased renewable energy systems. People didn’t spend on solar panels.

What do your findings mean?

Our research suggests that relying on non-renewable energy, like coal, won’t lead to long-term growth for South Africa. This is because non-renewables are not a reliable source of energy, as shown by loadshedding.

Our research further suggests that renewable energy policies, subsidies and programmes made some positive short-term impacts on economic growth, measured as gross domestic product.

Overall, our findings highlight that policymakers have treated renewables as a “nice-to-have” gesture for humanity, instead of a key driver of long-term economic growth.

This has led to weak policies, poor regulation, and under-investment in renewable energy. These have held the sector back from making a bigger contribution to economic growth.

Read more:
Africa doesn’t have a choice between economic growth and protecting the environment: how they can go hand in hand

For example, the government has not taken renewables seriously enough to include them in the power grid. This has largely limited the use of renewable energy to private homes and businesses. Coal-fired electricity from the country’s power utility, Eskom, is still cheaper for households than leaving the grid and purchasing their own renewable energy infrastructure (solar energy systems). The government has not funded the infrastructure needed to unlock South Africa’s vast renewable energy potential.

The planet is at a critical state with global warming. The government should urgently set up policies and actions to overcome the barriers to using renewable energy. Only then will renewable energy have a permanent, positive influence on economic growth.

South Africa has huge potential in renewables like solar, wind and biomass, thanks to its diverse geography. Yet, when people think about moving away from coal, they worry about job losses in the coal industry. But historically, energy transitions have never been instant. African countries that embraced the change early on reaped the benefits. They became more industrialised and prosperous.

The South African government must act now if it wants to use renewable energy to drive future economic growth and stay ahead in the global shift to clean energy. Climate change affects us deeply. But it also presents a chance for Africa to leap ahead technologically.

Andrew Phiri 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. Sustainable economic growth in South Africa will come from renewables, not coal: what our model shows – https://theconversation.com/sustainable-economic-growth-in-south-africa-will-come-from-renewables-not-coal-what-our-model-shows-239339

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nara Monkam, Associate Professor of Public Economics, Chair in Municipal Finance within the Department of Economics, and Head of the Public Policy Hub at the University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria

The African continent finds itself in a predicament. Advanced economies in the rest of the world developed through industrialisation: their economies transformed from mainly agricultural to industrial. This involved burning fossil fuels like coal, generating greenhouse gas emissions that caused global warming.

African economies have trailed behind industrially. They’re now industrialising at a time when the world is moving away from fossil fuels and towards solar power, wind energy and hydropower.

Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of the world’s installed solar power systems. Despite renewable energy capacity nearly doubling in the last decade, only 2% of global investments in renewable energy went to Africa.

Green industrialisation could be the answer: achieving long-term economic growth and industrial development that does not harm the environment. But in most African countries, renewable energy is more expensive than fossil fuels, which are readily available in many parts of the continent. Africa is also one of the world’s poorest regions and cannot easily afford green technologies.

So a key issue in economic development is how to stimulate green industrial productivity. Green finance (funding from banks and investors specifically for environmentally friendly projects) can fund green innovations. These include renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient building designs, or electric vehicles.

Read more:
Africa doesn’t have a choice between economic growth and protecting the environment: how they can go hand in hand

I am an economist who worked with a team of researchers to study the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa. We also wanted to find out if green innovation influenced the effect that green finance has on industrialisation. (This was measured in this study as the total industrial value added as a percentage of gross domestic product.)

For example, switching to renewable energy like solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps mitigate climate change. But the high costs of renewable energy equipment could harm industrial growth.

The research analysed macroeconomic and energy, green finance and industrialisation statistics from 41 African countries between 2000 and 2020.

Our research found that green finance offers funding opportunities for clean and innovative technologies and creating new jobs in green sectors. However, the potential of green financing to drive industrialisation through green innovation (such as renewable energy projects) is not being realised.

Read more:
How green innovation could be the key to growth for the UK’s rural businesses

This is because renewable energy comes with high costs. There also are not enough skilled people available to run green projects. There’s a lack of proper roads, connectivity or transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the main grid. The basic conditions for industrial growth through renewable energy are not in place.

Governments in Africa should find ways to make green innovation work. This will mean that society can enjoy the benefit of new environmentally friendly projects.

How to make green innovation work

African governments should focus on increasing people’s access to renewable energy projects. For this to happen, they need to put more funding and effort into developing renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy technologies must be available and affordable.

Education and capacity building is needed, particularly in rural communities. For example, community-owned solar microgrid projects provide people with the skills needed to manage and look after renewable energy systems.

Governments will need to subsidise local manufacturing of renewable energy components. When these are produced locally, this can help harness the potential of green innovation for industrialisation and also create jobs.

Countries must co-operate regionally on green innovation. This means sharing best practices, pooling resources, and making coordinated efforts towards green industrialisation.

Our research found that it would be useful to set up regional centres of excellence for renewable energy research and development. Regional alliances are also needed, so that countries can work together to negotiate better terms for green finance. This could enhance Africa’s journey towards the kind of green industrialisation that is cost effective and sustainable over time.

What needs to happen next

These steps would boost the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa:
- more climate finance, including finance from the private sector
- environmental taxation – a policy tool to limit activities, goods or services that have negative environmental impacts
- reform of multilateral development agencies to make it easier for African countries to access to climate funds
- development bank funding tailored to the needs of African countries. Nations that invest in renewable energy manufacturing should get tax breaks and other incentives. Green bonds that only fund renewable energy projects should be issued to attract private investors
- vocational training and higher education programmes that focus on training people in green technologies must get government funding.
Africa has a huge problem with trying to build some resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought. Economic development is also a challenge on the continent. Both could be addressed by green industrialisation. With the right investments in green finance, innovation and infrastructure, the continent can unlock sustainable growth, reduce poverty and help curb climate change.

Nara Monkam receives funding from the University of Pretoria.

– ref. Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years – https://theconversation.com/has-finance-for-green-industry-had-an-impact-in-africa-whats-happened-in-41-countries-over-20-years-244567
MIL OSI –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: South Africa has failed to deliver access to enough water for millions – a new approach is needed
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tracy Ledger, Head: Energy and Society Programme, University of Johannesburg

South Africa is one of only 52 countries that guarantee access to water as a human right. “Access” from a human rights perspective means that water is physically accessible, clean and safe for consumption, and affordable. Section 27 of the country’s constitution stipulates that everyone has the right to access sufficient water.

But South Africa is not doing well on meeting the standards of a full human rights approach to water access. In a recent paper, I and my colleagues at the Public Affairs Research Institute’s Just Transition Programme set out the extent of this failure, and mapped out what needs to be done to rectify the situation.

The Just Transition Programme aims to contribute to a successful climate transition that prioritises social justice, equity and poverty reduction.

Part of our research method is ethnography – spending time in communities struggling to access water. We do this to learn what concrete changes are required to improve people’s lives, from their own perspective.

Physical access to water for households has increased significantly since the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. Nevertheless, water quality and safety has declined over the past ten years. Almost half the country’s drinking water is considered unsafe
for human consumption. Water service interruptions – sometimes lasting days – are becoming more common.

Read more:
Basic water services in South Africa are in decay after years of progress

South Africa’s household poverty rate (the number of households who live below the upper bound poverty line) is now at 55%. We found that water is becoming more and more unaffordable for impoverished households. The result is that these families have to limit the amount of water they use. This worsens poverty and inequality.

To solve this problem, the South African government needs to embrace a human rights approach to access to water, where people are given enough water to live a full life.

What went wrong?

The first problem is affordability. People cannot access water if they don’t have the money to pay for it, but most clean and safe water in South Africa must be paid for. Poverty is a key barrier to access.

The United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights to water and sanitation has emphasised that it is the responsibility of the state to assess whether households can afford to pay for water, without sacrificing other basic essential items such as food. It is up to governments to take steps to make water affordable.

The country’s Free Basic Water policy was originally intended to address this issue. It guaranteed impoverished households access to a free 6,000 litres of water per month. This is roughly 200 litres per household of eight people per day. However, in practice this policy is not a meaningful solution, for two reasons:
- the amount provided is an average of 25 litres of water per person per day. This is way below the World Health Organization recommendation of a minimum water allowance of between 50 and 100 litres of water per person per day.
- many millions of poor households are excluded from the benefit because of poor implementation of the policy by municipalities.
This situation reflects the failure to create, implement and oversee a regulatory environment that is necessary to realise affordable access to sufficient, clean water for all South Africans.

The policy failures

Firstly, water policy – at both national and municipal levels – has failed to take a human rights approach. A human rights approach requires that access to sufficient, quality and affordable water is the starting point for all policy making and resource allocation decisions. This has not been the case.

Secondly, access to water has been narrowly defined as making water physically available without considering affordability. Most water access policy in South Africa includes statements declaring that water must be affordable for everyone. Unfortunately, all of these policy promises have remained exactly that – just promises.

Meeting the goal of affordability requires more from the government than stating that water should be affordable. The state must develop affordability standards – in other words, calculate a water tariff that everyone can afford – and monitor it. At the moment, there is no national government oversight of water tariffs and so the affordability policy is effectively meaningless.

Read more:
The lack of water in South Africa is the result of a long history of injustice — and legislation should start there

The actual state practices of tariff setting and approval, particularly in local municipalities, have not translated any of these promises into reality.

Thirdly, many households are denied access to even the 25 litres of free water per person per day, because municipalities don’t always implement the free basic water policy as intended.

Read more:
Why ordinary people must have a say in water governance

Fourthly, the state has failed to acknowledge the contradiction between providing universal access to services, and requiring municipalities to generate enough money to cover 90% of their running costs. Tariffs for water have increased at rates well above inflation over the past 20 years. But in a very impoverished environment where many people cannot afford to pay for water, up to two thirds of South Africa’s municipalities have been classified as being in financial distress.

There is a fundamental – and currently insoluble – conflict between the tariffs that municipalities must charge in order to maintain fully funded budgets, and the tariffs that could be defined as affordable.

What needs to be done?

These actions should be taken in the short term:
- the free basic water allowance must be increased
- the household indigent policy, which determines how households can access free municipal services like water, must be restructured.
- affordability standards must be developed in close consultation with affected communities. This is the only way to set water tariffs that are based on what households are actually able to pay.
- there must be oversight of the provision of sufficient, affordable water for everyone.
In the longer term, these two additional problems must be solved:
- municipalities are losing revenue from water, particularly from leaking pipes and other infrastructure
- the local government fiscal framework requires that municipalities earn a surplus on trading services such as water. This must be changed so that municipal finances prioritise affordability of water instead.
The ethnographic research team for this work was led by Mahlatse Rampedi, who holds a master’s degree and has ten years of experience, together with Ntokozo Ndhlovu, who holds an honours degree.

Tracy Ledger 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. South Africa has failed to deliver access to enough water for millions – a new approach is needed – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-failed-to-deliver-access-to-enough-water-for-millions-a-new-approach-is-needed-247831
MIL OSI –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Kumasi was called the garden city – but green spaces are vanishing in a clash of landuse regulations

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Appiah Takyi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

Urban parks in Kumasi, the capital city of Ghana’s Ashanti region, are fast disappearing or in decline. Kumasi was designed 60 years ago as a “garden city”, with green belts, parks and urban green spaces. These have been encroached on by developments and are in a poor condition.

Like other cities in Ghana, Kumasi has been growing. According to the latest population data from Ghana’s Statistical Service, the population of Kumasi in 1950 and 2024 was 99,479 and 3,903,480 respectively. The city’s current annual population growth rate is 3.59%.
This growth is a challenge for city authorities.

Adding to the challenge is the fact that in Ghana, political authorities and traditional leadership exist together. It’s the capital of the Ashanti Region and the capital of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom. Most of the land is owned by the traditional authority. This makes it difficult sometimes for city authorities to enforce planning regulations.

We are urban planners who have conducted research on environmental planning, urban informality and inclusive city development. We studied the extent to which areas demarcated as urban parks in the Kumasi Metropolis have been rezoned, and why there’s been encroachment into urban parks.

Our study showed that 88% of the 16 parks studied in the Kumasi Metropolis had either been rezoned or encroached upon by other land uses. This was done in an unplanned way. Zoning regulations have not been enforced and urban sprawl has not been controlled. Part of the reason is that land scarcity drives up its value and customary authorities have an incentive to allow other uses. As a result, the city has lost green spaces that are important for their environmental, traditional and recreational functions.

Decline of urban parks in Kumasi Metropolis

To understand why Kumasi has been losing its green spaces, our study looked at 16 parks across six communities within the Kumasi Metropolis.

The World Health Organization recommends there should be 9m² of green space per city dweller. We calculated that Kumasi currently has only 0.17m² of green space per city dweller.

We also noted significant changes in land zoned for parks. This was mainly due to the politics of land ownership and administration. Other social factors played a part too. The results of the research showed that out of the 16 existing parks studied, 14 (88%) had been rezoned to residential or commercial use or encroached upon by other uses.

The rezoning of parks was gradual, unapproved by local planning authorities, and unplanned. Existing land tenure arrangements and laxity in the enforcement of laws are some of the barriers aﬀecting park development and management in the city.

An official of the city’s Physical Planning Department indicated that places zoned as parks were supposed to be owned, controlled, managed and protected by the state. But this was not the case, because of the complex land tenure arrangement of the city, where most land is customarily owned.

Though Ghana’s land tenure system recognises customary ownership, the determination of land use remains the responsibility of local planning authorities. Land sold for physical developments must conform to an approved scheme prepared by the Physical Planning Department. In most cases, the parks rezoned by the customary owners were in contravention with spatial planning laws (such as the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016).

The representative of the planning department noted that even though it prepared layouts that made provision for parks and open spaces, it was often helpless when it came to enforcement and other land use regulations. We were told that information about the land ownership and transfer process between government agencies and customary landowners was not made available to the department.

Due to poor coordination and increased demand for land for development, about 88% of land demarcated for park development across the study communities had been leased or sold to private developers by the customary landowners.

Our study also revealed a lack of funding for parks development and management. All the agency oﬃcials confirmed that parks were planned for but the funds to support their development and management were inadequate. They explained that property values rose as a result of urban development, leading to intense competition among various land uses. We were told that landowners were willing to sell any land available in their community at a higher value without considering its use in the community.

Bringing back the green

The once green city of Kumasi has lost much of its foliage. We suggest that this decline can and should be stopped.

City authorities can incorporate cultural elements that highlight the identity of neighbourhoods to promote ownership and a sense of place in the design of parks. Local planning institutions, custodians of land and residents should collaborate so that plans meet everyone’s needs.

Traditional authorities, together with relevant city authorities, should consciously ensure that parks are developed, protected, managed and sustained. Laws and regulations which guide park use and protection should be enforced strictly.

Finally, parks and green spaces can only survive if there is sustainable funding. City authorities could consider green taxation and charges. For example, they can fine residents whose activities threaten the environment, and use the money to fund parks and green spaces. A percentage of property tax can be dedicated to the protection and development of green spaces in the city.

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. Kumasi was called the garden city – but green spaces are vanishing in a clash of landuse regulations – https://theconversation.com/kumasi-was-called-the-garden-city-but-green-spaces-are-vanishing-in-a-clash-of-landuse-regulations-248016

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth is supporting communities to report anti-social behaviour
Source: City of Plymouth

Plymouth is supporting a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).

This anti-social behaviour awareness week (30 June to 6 July) our Safer Communities Team will be joining forces with local community groups and partner agencies with activities designed to engage and educate communities about how to report incidents of ASB, and what the Safer Communities team do to help tackle cases in the city with our partners.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “It is key that we work together to continue tackling anti-social behaviour.

“Anti-social behaviour is any behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress to a member of the public, Plymouth is a safe city, but we can always do more to stop anti-social behaviour.

“Working with our partners, we will be engaging with communities to help increase the confidence of reporting, we are united in tackling anti-social behaviour.”
- Tuesday 1 July 10am to 2pm — drop-in centres at Hillcrest Community Hub, Plympton with Devon and Cornwall Police, Plymouth Community Homes and Victim Support.
- Wednesday 2 July 10am to 2pm — A multi-agency event at Barne Barton Community Hub. The events will be focusing on helping people better understand what ASB is and building confidence in reporting it and understanding how ASB case reviews work.
- Friday 4 July, 10am to 1pm — Community Listening Event at HQ Business Centre, Stonehouse PL1 3HN. A Council hosted event with Devon and Cornwall Police, Victim Support, and Plymouth Community Homes. This event is all about connecting with the community and local service providers. Our team will be there to chat with people, hear their thoughts and using that feedback to help shape how we deliver our services.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Joint press release: Commission and EIB announce a more flexible guarantee of €5 billion to boost global investments

Source: European Commission

European Commission Press release Brussels, 30 Jun 2025 On the occasion of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced today a new type of guarantee agreement that will provide up to €5 billion to de-risk investments and expand EIB operations outside the EU.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on food prices and the trade practices of third‑country producers – E-000755/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission Impact Assessment[1] underpinning the initial legislative proposal assessed the costs of compliance. These are significantly lower than the expected benefits.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)[2] is expected to contribute to a minimum of 71 920 hectares of forest per year being less affected by EU-driven deforestation and forest degradation. This would mean a reduction of at least 31.9 million metric tons of carbon emitted to the atmosphere every year due to EU consumption.

The potential impact on the prices of final consumer goods, including food, is expected to be limited, based on the findings of the impact assessment, other reports on cost estimates of due diligence legislation, and the previous regulatory experience on wood[3].

The Impact Assessment also assessed the risk that producers may be tempted to separate their supply chains, selling deforestation-free products to the EU while continuing to sell non-deforestation-free products to other markets.

The benchmarking system provided in Article 29 of the EUDR is expected to create further incentives for producers to reduce deforestation and forest degradation and promote deforestation-free supply chains.

Additional measures that are being put in place by the EU are expected to help tackle this risk of leakage, including partnerships with producer countries combined with technical assistance.

Some industry sectors have shared evidence that EUDR deforestation-free requirements are being adopted by some companies for their global operations, not just for their EU sales.

[1] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/forests/deforestation/regulation-deforestation-free-products_en.

[2] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.

[3] Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market, OJ L 295, 12.11.2010, p. 23-34.
Last updated: 30 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: Standing Deposit Facility and Marginal Standing Facility – Change in Timings

Source: Reserve Bank of India

At present, Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) are available between 5:30 PM and 11:59 PM on all days.

2. In light of the extension of market timings for call money to 7:00 PM, it has been decided that the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) will be available between 7:00 PM and 11:59 PM with effect from July 01, 2025.

3. All other terms and conditions of the current SDF and MSF schemes remain unchanged.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2025-2026/625

MIL OSI Global Banks –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde, Philip R. Lane: Opening remarks on the ECB strategy assessment press conference

Source: European Central Bank

Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB,
Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB

Sintra, 30 June 2025

Good afternoon, ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane and I welcome you to this press conference, on the occasion of the conclusion of the 2025 assessment of our monetary policy strategy.

The Governing Council recently agreed on an updated monetary policy strategy statement. You can find this statement on our website, together with an explanatory overview note and the two occasional papers presenting the underlying analyses.

I will start by putting this strategy assessment into the broader context. Philip Lane will then go through the updated strategy statement and explain what has changed and why, as well as what has remained unchanged.

Following the strategy review we carried out in 2020-21, the Governing Council committed to “assess periodically the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy, with the next assessment expected in 2025”. Such regular assessments ensure that our framework, toolkit and approach remain fit for purpose in a changing world.

And the world has changed significantly over the last four years. Some of the issues we were most concerned about back in 2021 – including inflation being too low for too long – have taken a rather different turn.

Not only did we see inflation surge, but some fundamental structural features of our economy and the inflation environment are changing: geopolitics, digitalisation, the increasing use of artificial intelligence, demographics, the threat to environmental sustainability and the evolution of the international financial system.

All of those suggest that the environment in which we operate will remain highly uncertain and potentially more volatile. This will make it more challenging to conduct our monetary policy and fulfil our mandate to keep prices stable.

During the strategy assessment, we asked: what do these changes mean for the way we assess the economy, conduct our policy, use our toolkit, take our decisions and communicate them? In seeking to answer this question, our mindset was forward-looking.

On the whole, we concluded that our monetary policy strategy remains well suited to addressing the challenges that lie ahead.

But our strategy also needs to be updated and adjusted in certain areas, so that the ECB can remain fit for purpose in the years to come. The next assessment is expected in 2030.

With our updated strategy statement, we are taking a comprehensive perspective on the challenges facing our monetary policy, so that the ECB can remain an anchor of stability in this more uncertain world.

This is our core message to the euro area citizens we serve: the new environment gives many reasons to worry, but one thing they do not need to worry about is our commitment to price stability.

The ECB is committed to its mandate and will keep itself and its tools updated to be able to respond to new challenges.

Let me conclude by thanking, on behalf of the Governing Council, all the colleagues across the Eurosystem who have contributed to this assessment in a great team effort.

I now hand over to our Chief Economist Philip Lane and, following his remarks, we will be ready to take your questions.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde, Philip R. Lane: Opening remarks on the ECB strategy assessment press conference

Source: European Central Bank

Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB,
Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB

Sintra, 30 June 2025

Good afternoon, ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane and I welcome you to this press conference, on the occasion of the conclusion of the 2025 assessment of our monetary policy strategy.

The Governing Council recently agreed on an updated monetary policy strategy statement. You can find this statement on our website, together with an explanatory overview note and the two occasional papers presenting the underlying analyses.

I will start by putting this strategy assessment into the broader context. Philip Lane will then go through the updated strategy statement and explain what has changed and why, as well as what has remained unchanged.

Following the strategy review we carried out in 2020-21, the Governing Council committed to “assess periodically the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy, with the next assessment expected in 2025”. Such regular assessments ensure that our framework, toolkit and approach remain fit for purpose in a changing world.

And the world has changed significantly over the last four years. Some of the issues we were most concerned about back in 2021 – including inflation being too low for too long – have taken a rather different turn.

Not only did we see inflation surge, but some fundamental structural features of our economy and the inflation environment are changing: geopolitics, digitalisation, the increasing use of artificial intelligence, demographics, the threat to environmental sustainability and the evolution of the international financial system.

All of those suggest that the environment in which we operate will remain highly uncertain and potentially more volatile. This will make it more challenging to conduct our monetary policy and fulfil our mandate to keep prices stable.

During the strategy assessment, we asked: what do these changes mean for the way we assess the economy, conduct our policy, use our toolkit, take our decisions and communicate them? In seeking to answer this question, our mindset was forward-looking.

On the whole, we concluded that our monetary policy strategy remains well suited to addressing the challenges that lie ahead.

But our strategy also needs to be updated and adjusted in certain areas, so that the ECB can remain fit for purpose in the years to come. The next assessment is expected in 2030.

With our updated strategy statement, we are taking a comprehensive perspective on the challenges facing our monetary policy, so that the ECB can remain an anchor of stability in this more uncertain world.

This is our core message to the euro area citizens we serve: the new environment gives many reasons to worry, but one thing they do not need to worry about is our commitment to price stability.

The ECB is committed to its mandate and will keep itself and its tools updated to be able to respond to new challenges.

Let me conclude by thanking, on behalf of the Governing Council, all the colleagues across the Eurosystem who have contributed to this assessment in a great team effort.

I now hand over to our Chief Economist Philip Lane and, following his remarks, we will be ready to take your questions.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Topicus.com Inc. successfully completes inaugural €200 million Schuldschein loan

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Topicus.com Inc. (the “Corporation”) (TSXV: TOI) today announced that its subsidiary, Topicus.com Coöperatief U.A., has successfully obtained a €200 million senior unsecured Schuldschein loan. The Schuldschein loan was initially launched at €100 million and was subsequently doubled on the back of signiﬁcant interest from institutional lenders. The Schuldschein loan is structured in several tranches at variable rates, with €79.5 million maturing in 3 years, €105.5 million maturing in 5 years and €15 million maturing in 7 years.

The proceeds of the Schuldschein loan are expected to be used for general corporate purposes and M&A. It will also contribute to and improve the Corporation’s capital structure and debt maturity.

About Topicus.com

Topicus.com Inc. is a leading pan-European provider of vertical market software and vertical market platforms to clients in public and private sector markets. Operating and investing in countries and markets across Europe with long-term growth potential, Topicus.com Inc. acquires, builds and manages leading software companies providing specialized, mission-critical and high-impact software solutions that address the particular needs of customers.

For further information, contact:

Topicus.com Inc.
Jamal Baksh, Chief Financial Officer
416-861-9677
Email: jbaksh@csisoftware.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements herein may be “forward looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual events to be materially different from any future events expressed or implied by such forward -looking statements. Words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “anticipate” and other similar terminology are intended to identify forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the use of the proceeds of the Schuldschein loan. Such forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved, or when such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward looking statements. These forward looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and are made as of the date hereof and the Corporation assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.

The MIL Network –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [MARLOWE PLC – 26 06 2025] – (CGWL) CORRECTED

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

This form supersedes the previous one for 26^thJune 2025, which contained a typographical error in the “Interests” – “Number” column of Section 2(a).

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.	N/A
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	MARLOWE PLC
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:	N/A
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	26 JUNE 2025
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	NO

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	50p ORDINARY
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	3,073,854	3.9146
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	3,073,854	3.9146

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
50p ORDINARY	SALE	1,865	441.33p

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
NONE

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
NONE

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
NONE

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

NONE

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

NONE

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	27 JUNE 2025
Contact name:	MARK ELLIOTT
Telephone number:	01253 376539

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [MARLOWE PLC – 27 06 2025] – (CGWL)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.	N/A
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	MARLOWE PLC
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:	N/A
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	27 JUNE 2025
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	NO

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	50p ORDINARY
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	3,066,534	3.9053
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	3,066,534	3.9053

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
50p ORDINARY	SALE	7,320	441.01p

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
NONE

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
NONE

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
NONE

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

NONE

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

NONE

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	30 JUNE 2025
Contact name:	MARK ELLIOTT
Telephone number:	01253 376539

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [MARLOWE PLC – 27 06 2025] – (CGWL)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.	N/A
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	MARLOWE PLC
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:	N/A
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	27 JUNE 2025
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	NO

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	50p ORDINARY
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	3,066,534	3.9053
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	3,066,534	3.9053

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
50p ORDINARY	SALE	7,320	441.01p

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
NONE

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
NONE

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
NONE

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

NONE

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

NONE

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	30 JUNE 2025
Contact name:	MARK ELLIOTT
Telephone number:	01253 376539

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Video: Press Conference on ECB Strategy Assessment

Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

Today at 11:30 CET, we will announce the results of our strategy assessment.

At 13:00 CET / 12:00 noon Lisbon time, President Christine Lagarde and Chief Economist Philip R. Lane will answer questions from journalists in a press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09fSq_e7iSw

MIL OSI Video –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development
A government spokesman said, “Since its establishment in 2023, the Task Force has been rendering valuable advice that is both innovative and practical in respect of the potential and direction of Web3 development in Hong Kong. The newly appointed and reappointed members are all leaders and professionals in the relevant sectors. As the Government recently promulgated the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong, their expertise and experience will contribute to promoting the continued and prosperous development of the digital asset ecosystem in Hong Kong, with a view to establishing Hong Kong as a leading global hub for digital assets.”

The Financial Secretary announced in the 2023-24 Budget the establishment of the Task Force to provide recommendations on the sustainable and responsible development of Web3 in Hong Kong. The Task Force was established in July 2023. Chaired by the Financial Secretary, in addition to non-official members from the relevant market sectors, the Task Force also comprises relevant key government officials and representatives from financial regulators.

The membership of the Task Force, with effect from July 1, 2025, is as follows:

Chairman
———–
Financial Secretary

Non-official members
(in alphabetical order of family names)
————————
Professor Alex Au Wai-chi
Mr Cai Wensheng (newly appointed member)
Mr Norman Chan Tak-lam
Mr Duncan Chiu
Mr Lawrence Chu Sheng-yu
Dr Jack Kong Jianping
Mr Kwock Yin-lun (newly appointed member)
Ms Joy Lam
Mr Marco Lim Jun-kit (newly appointed member)
Professor Lin Chen
Mr Robert Andrew Lui Chi-wang
Mr Henry Ma Chi-to (newly appointed member)
Dr Johnny Ng Kit-chong
Professor Jack Poon Sik-ching
Mr Alessio Quaglini (new appointed member)
Ms Elizabeth Quat
Mr Siu Yat
Mr Neil Tan
Mr John Wang Jiachao
Dr Xiao Feng

Official members
——————-
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury
Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services)
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry
Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury
Commissioner for Digital Policy
Director-General of Investment Promotion, Invest Hong Kong
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Chief Executive Officer, Securities and Futures Commission
Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Authority
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
Issued at HKT 19:21

NNNN

CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Boeing Defense Workers in St. Louis Send Strong Message With Overwhelming Strike Sanction Approval

Source: US GOIAM Union

Thousands of IAM members across Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill., are rising in unity and now, IAM District 837 members in St. Louis are making it clear they’re ready to join the fight for the fair contract they’ve earned. With negotiations underway, members are standing strong and prepared to take action if Boeing Defense fails to deliver a contract that honors their skills, sacrifices, and value.

In a powerful show of solidarity, IAM members overwhelmingly voted 99% to authorize a strike should negotiations with Boeing fall short. Their vote sends a signal that IAM members across Boeing Defense are united and ready.

A strike sanction vote is when union members vote to give their leaders the power to call a strike if needed. It doesn’t mean a strike will definitely happen, it just means the members are united and ready to strike if the company doesn’t offer a fair contract. This vote also helps ensure that if a strike does happen, union members can get strike benefits, such as financial support, without delay.

“We’re not just demanding a fair contract for ourselves, we’re standing up for the future of aerospace jobs in St. Louis,” said IAM District 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “Our message to Boeing is simple we’re ready to negotiate, but we’re also ready to act if necessary.”

Just as members in Seattle and Portland filled stadiums and halls with chants of solidarity, the spirit of unity is alive in St. Louis. With momentum growing, the pressure is on Boeing to come to the table and deliver a deal that respects those who make its success possible.

“Our members in St. Louis build the world’s most advanced military aircraft and missiles and they deserve a contract that reflects their role in protecting our country,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing Defense makes billions from the hands-on talent of our members. It’s time those same hands are rewarded with respect, dignity, and a strong agreement.”

District 837 members play a critical role in building key defense platforms, including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, and the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned refueler. Their craftsmanship and dedication are vital to Boeing’s ability to meet national security needs and lead in aerospace innovation.

The post IAM Union Boeing Defense Workers in St. Louis Send Strong Message With Overwhelming Strike Sanction Approval appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union District 6 Packs 25,000 Meals to Fight Hunger in Cedar Rapids

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM Union District 6 held a HELPS event at Meals from the Heartland in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in which Local 1526 members and their families helped pack over 25,000 Taco Mac meals. When prepared, each meal pack contains six servings. Meals from the Heartland provides meals globally; however, these meals will be given to children and families in Cedar Rapids and throughout northeast Iowa to reach those in need.

“Our union is rooted in service, not just to our members, but to the communities we live in,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “When we show up to help feed families in need, we’re putting our values into action.”

“Food insecurity is real for many children and their families in Iowa,” said IAM District 6 Directing Business Representative Pam Gonzales. “We believe that taking some time from our busy lives to help provide nutritious meals for those in need is the least we can do to give back to our communities. Showing the public that the IAM Union cares about people in the community is humbling, and we are proud to volunteer our time.”

H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing. Each District and Unaffiliated Local in the Midwest Territory will host at least one H.E.L.P.S.event per year.

The post IAM Union District 6 Packs 25,000 Meals to Fight Hunger in Cedar Rapids appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Marex Group plc added to membership of Russell 3000® Index

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; NASDAQ: MRX), the diversified global financial services platform, announces its membership of the broad-market Russell 3000^® Index and inclusion in the small-cap Russell 2000^® Index, effective after US market open today, as part of the 2025 Russell indexes reconstitution.

Ian Lowitt, CEO of Marex commented: “Joining the Russell US Indexes is an important milestone in our evolution as a public company. This membership will enhance our profile among a broader base of investors and aligns with our commitment to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”

Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. According to data as of the end of June 2024, about $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked against the Russell US indexes, which belong to FTSE Russell, the global index provider.

For more information on the Russell 3000^® Index and the Russell indexes reconstitution, go to the “Russell Reconstitution” section on the FTSE Russell website.

Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including expected impact of the inclusion in the Russell Index and Marex’s commitment to long term value creation. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

About Marex:
Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. The Group provides comprehensive breadth and depth of coverage across four services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, with access to 60 exchanges. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds and asset managers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,400 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit www.marex.com.

Enquiries please contact:

Marex:
Nicola Ratchford / Adam Strachan
+44 778 654 8889 / +1 914 200 2508
nratchford@marex.com / astrachan@marex.com

FTI Consulting US / UK
+1 716 525 7239 / +44 7976870961
marex@fticonsulting.com

The MIL Network –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Diginex’s AI-Driven Enhancements Poised to Accelerate Customer Adoption and Drive Revenue Growth

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diginex Limited (“Diginex” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DGNX), a leading provider of Sustainability RegTech solutions, today announced additional government funding support for its innovative AI-powered compliance solutions. Diginex’s AI-powered compliance solutions will continue to focus on helping companies comply with sustainability disclosure requirements set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and now with the enhanced scope of AI-powered compliance solutions will additionally offer features including multi-variant drafts, risk reduction through automation, future-proofing against new regulations as well as enhanced scalability for users of the Company’s ESG SaaS reporting product, diginexESG. Diginex’s expanded AI features will streamline ESG reporting processes, thereby empowering businesses and financial institutions to meet regulatory requirements efficiently while driving transparency in corporate social responsibility and climate action, and will be jointly developed with a leading financial institution through a co-creation collaboration model promoting commercialisation and wider adoption.

The upgraded AI functionality of Diginex’s AI-powered compliance solutions is expected to further accelerate customer adoption, and thereby, contribute to Diginex’s revenue growth in 2025 and beyond. Industry research from Verdantix forecasts that the global market spend on ESG reporting software will grow from over $1.3 billion in 2023 to over $5.6 billion in 2029, at a CAGR of 26%. Diginex is well-positioned to capture this opportunity, combining its award-winning platform with blockchain, machine learning, and data analytics to deliver unparalleled value to clients worldwide.

This latest recognition from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“HKMA”), which provides development stage funding support for innovative fintech projects, builds on the Company’s earlier selection in February 2025 by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of Hong Kong (“FSTB”) for the Green and Sustainable Fintech PoC program, as well as Diginex’s 2023 HKMA award in the “Sustainability or Climate-related Disclosure and Reporting” category.

“We are honored to receive this further recognition from the HKMA, which underscores our commitment to revolutionizing ESG reporting through AI-driven innovation,” said Mark Blick, CEO of Diginex Limited. “Our enhanced diginexESG platform is designed to meet the growing global demand for sustainable finance solutions, and this acknowledgment from a leading regulatory authority validates our mission to democratize sustainability compliance.”

This latest recognition follows Diginex’s recently disclosed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on June 5, 2025, for Diginex’s strategic acquisition of Resulticks Global Companies Pte. Limited, a global leader in AI-driven customer engagement and data management solutions, for $2 billion. This acquisition aims to enhance Diginex’s AI and data management capabilities, enabling hyper-personalized, real-time sustainability solutions across compliance, supply chain intelligence, and risk analytics. Additionally, Diginex has recently entered into strategic alliances with firms like Forvis Mazars, Russell Bedford International, and Baker Tilly Singapore to expand the distribution of its diginexESG and diginexLUMEN platforms.

About Diginex

Diginex Limited (Nasdaq: DGNX; ISIN KYG286871044), headquartered in London, is a sustainable RegTech business that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. The Company utilizes blockchain, AI, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate regulatory reporting and sustainable finance. Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software.

The award-winning diginexESG platform supports 17 global frameworks, including GRI (the “Global Reporting Initiative”), SASB (the “Sustainability Accounting Standards Board”), and TCFD (the “Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures”). Clients benefit from end-to-end support, ranging from materiality assessments and data management to stakeholder engagement, report generation and an ESG Ratings Support Service.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website:

https://www.diginex.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results disclosed in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

Diginex
Investor Relations
Email: ir@diginex.com

IR Contact – Europe
Anna Höffken
Phone: +49.40.609186.0
Email: diginex@kirchhoff.de

IR Contact – US
Jackson Lin
Lambert by LLYC
Phone: +1 (646) 717-4593
Email: jian.lin@llyc.global

IR Contact – Asia
Shelly Cheng
Strategic Financial Relations Ltd.
Phone: +852 2864 4857
Email: sprg_diginex@sprg.com.hk

The MIL Network –

June 30, 2025
Sensex, Nifty snap four-day winning streak amid profit booking

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

After four consecutive sessions of gains, benchmark equity indices ended lower on Monday as investors chose to book profits in the absence of strong domestic cues.

The BSE Sensex declined by 452 points, or 0.54 per cent, to settle at 83,606.46. The index oscillated between an intra-day high of 84,099.53 and a low of 83,482.13. The NSE Nifty also lost ground, shedding 120.75 points, or 0.47 per cent, to close at 25,517.05, after moving within a narrow range through the session.

Despite the subdued performance of the headline indices, the broader market continued to display resilience. The Nifty Midcap100 rose by 0.6 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 added 0.52 per cent, suggesting sustained investor interest in mid- and small-cap stocks.

Among the Sensex constituents, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel and Bharti Airtel were among the major laggards. On the other hand, Trent, State Bank of India, Bharat Electronics, Titan, Bajaj Finserv and Eicher Motors recorded notable gains.

Sectorally, performance was mixed. PSU banks outperformed, with the Nifty PSU Bank index jumping 2.66 per cent. Shares of Maharashtra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, Indian Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank advanced sharply during the session.

Other sectors including IT, consumer durables, pharma, healthcare, media and energy indices ended in positive territory. However, indices tracking automobiles, banking, financial services, FMCG, metals, realty, private banks and oil & gas sectors closed in the red.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, observed that while global cues have turned marginally positive on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions and progress in a potential US trade agreement, the domestic market paused to consolidate recent gains.

“Investors are now looking ahead to the upcoming corporate earnings season, with mid- and small-cap segments showing strength in anticipation of improved results supported by healthy consumer demand and better margins,” he said.

The India VIX, which measures market volatility, rose by 3.2 per cent to 12.78, indicating a slight uptick in investor caution.

Meanwhile, the rupee weakened by 0.21 per cent to trade near 85.70 against the US dollar, as profit booking and long unwinding weighed on the currency following recent gains.

“The rupee came under pressure ahead of a crucial week marked by key US data releases and the expiry of the 90-day extended tariff deadline. The domestic unit is expected to remain volatile in the 85.35–86.00 range,” said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities.

-IANS

June 30, 2025
Sensex, Nifty snap four-day winning streak amid profit booking

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

After four consecutive sessions of gains, benchmark equity indices ended lower on Monday as investors chose to book profits in the absence of strong domestic cues.

The BSE Sensex declined by 452 points, or 0.54 per cent, to settle at 83,606.46. The index oscillated between an intra-day high of 84,099.53 and a low of 83,482.13. The NSE Nifty also lost ground, shedding 120.75 points, or 0.47 per cent, to close at 25,517.05, after moving within a narrow range through the session.

Despite the subdued performance of the headline indices, the broader market continued to display resilience. The Nifty Midcap100 rose by 0.6 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 added 0.52 per cent, suggesting sustained investor interest in mid- and small-cap stocks.

Among the Sensex constituents, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel and Bharti Airtel were among the major laggards. On the other hand, Trent, State Bank of India, Bharat Electronics, Titan, Bajaj Finserv and Eicher Motors recorded notable gains.

Sectorally, performance was mixed. PSU banks outperformed, with the Nifty PSU Bank index jumping 2.66 per cent. Shares of Maharashtra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, Indian Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank advanced sharply during the session.

Other sectors including IT, consumer durables, pharma, healthcare, media and energy indices ended in positive territory. However, indices tracking automobiles, banking, financial services, FMCG, metals, realty, private banks and oil & gas sectors closed in the red.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, observed that while global cues have turned marginally positive on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions and progress in a potential US trade agreement, the domestic market paused to consolidate recent gains.

“Investors are now looking ahead to the upcoming corporate earnings season, with mid- and small-cap segments showing strength in anticipation of improved results supported by healthy consumer demand and better margins,” he said.

The India VIX, which measures market volatility, rose by 3.2 per cent to 12.78, indicating a slight uptick in investor caution.

Meanwhile, the rupee weakened by 0.21 per cent to trade near 85.70 against the US dollar, as profit booking and long unwinding weighed on the currency following recent gains.

“The rupee came under pressure ahead of a crucial week marked by key US data releases and the expiry of the 90-day extended tariff deadline. The domestic unit is expected to remain volatile in the 85.35–86.00 range,” said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities.

-IANS

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Introduces New Trade Measures to Support Steel Sector
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

UK Introduces New Trade Measures to Support Steel Sector

UK strengthens steel safeguard measures
UK steel producers to benefit from stronger trade safeguards that better protect against surges in cheap imports. 

These changes will adjust how much steel countries around the world can send to the UK, protecting British jobs while making sure the UK still has a reliable supply.  

Reinforces the Government’s commitment as part of the Plan for Change to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength and reversing decades of decline. 

Steel producers across the UK will benefit from stronger trade measures from 1 July, as the government moves to better protect domestic industry from unforeseen surges in foreign imports as part of the Plan for Change.  

Following a recommendation from the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), the Business Secretary has confirmed the final decision on the current steel safeguard, taking decisive action in the national interest to strengthen existing protections against spikes in foreign imports- delivering on the Government’s commitment to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength.

The changes to the steel safeguard will make the measure more effective by slowing future increases, capping certain import levels and tightening country-specific limits- ensuring UK steel producers won’t be undercut while still making sure the UK has a steady and reliable supply.

They will also strike the right balance between maintaining open trade and ensuring long-term viability for the UK’s steel sector which remains critical to the economy and to communities across the country.

This decision builds on the Trade Strategy published last week, which set out how the UK Government will strengthen its trade defences to protect key industries like steel, ensuring a fairer and more secure trading environment.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

This Government is unapologetic in our support for the UK steel sector-it underpins Britain’s industrial strength, our national security, and our status as a global power.  

These measures back our producers and the thousands of families and communities who rely on steel production in the UK.  

We’ve taken decisive action to protect the UK market and level the playing field, and we’ll go further with our new Steel Strategy to build a stronger, more competitive future for British steel making central to our Plan for Change.

Today’s announcement delivers immediate protection and builds on the Industrial and Trade Strategies announced last week, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting jobs and securing the long-term success of domestic industry.  

This decision sits alongside a call for stakeholder views to shape the UK’s future trade approach to steel after June 2026. Yet another example of the UK’s commitment to strengthened trade defences.   

Notes to editors: 

The steel safeguard Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) review assessed whether the UK should make changes to its steel safeguard measure to ensure more effective protection for producers from unforeseen import surges whilst balancing security of supply.

The Business and Trade Secretary’s decision on the Steel Safeguard TRQ  was informed by stakeholder engagement, legal analysis, and broader strategic considerations. 

The UK steel industry employs thousands of people in key manufacturing regions and supports critical supply chains in construction, automotive, and defence. 

The UK Government is committed to taking effective action to support a level playing field for domestic industry and will publish a comprehensive Steel Strategy later this year. 

The current UK steel safeguard measure ends in June 2026 and cannot be extended. The Call for Evidence launched on 26 June invites industry views to help shape new, future-ready trade measures that will protect UK businesses and jobs nationwide. 

A letter outlining the government’s intended decision was issued to the TRA on 24 June to enable WTO engagement.

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Published 30 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft employees celebrated Youth Day

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Rosneft enterprises took part in Youth Day – a holiday for young people, which is celebrated annually in our country on the last Saturday of June. The Company’s employees held a series of events aimed at developing sports, creativity and professional growth.

Samotlorneftegaz supported a large-scale city festival in Nizhnevartovsk. The company’s specialists organized a thematic platform with a diverse program. Festival guests were able to take a virtual tour of the Samotlor field using modern VR technologies, get acquainted with exclusive samples of innovative equipment and materials used in the oil and gas production process.

A special entertainment program was prepared for young visitors: educational coloring books with images of animals that Rosneft studies and cares for, as well as master classes and exciting thematic quizzes for different age groups.

A special atmosphere was created by the company’s employees and volunteers who took part in the “Candle of Memory” and “Victory Waltz” events, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the Samotlor field.

The Saratov Oil Refinery organized a sports bike ride for the plant’s employees and their families. The participants covered several dozen kilometers through the picturesque Kumysnaya Polyana nature park along routes of varying difficulty. Young specialists of the plant also held a team-building training aimed at developing teamwork skills and achieving common goals.

Novokuibyshevsky Oil Refinery presented its interactive platform at the city festival. In the format of an exciting quest, festival guests got acquainted with the main areas of the enterprise’s activities, its social projects and production achievements.

The guests’ attention was drawn to the ecological site with the Ecosphere master class, where participants took a virtual tour of the Samarskaya Luka National Park using the Ecotropa63 mobile application.

Rosneft enterprises implement various events and programs aimed at supporting the younger generation, including a mentoring and internship system, participation of young specialists in innovative projects and scientific research, and development of professional competencies. The company is actively involved in the development of young specialists: it organizes training in modern advanced training programs, including new educational tracks aimed at developing management competencies. The company supports youth scientific and practical conferences and professional skills competitions: this year, large-scale hackathons were organized, where young specialists developed innovative solutions for the oil and gas industry.

Rosneft creates opportunities for professional and personal growth of young specialists. By investing in young talents, the Company creates a solid foundation for the development of the younger generation.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 30, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Building Financial Resilience: Arab States Participate in DRR Financing Training
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

As part of its continued commitment to strengthening disaster resilience in the Arab region, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Arab States (UNDRR ROAS) hosted a half-day online training on financing disaster risk reduction (DRR), gathering national DRR focal points, government officials, and technical experts from across the region.

The training aimed to enhance capacity in assessing disaster costs, resilience benefits, and investment needs, while building awareness on how to mobilize financing for DRR and climate adaptation through public, private, and international sources.

Strengthening Capacity to Finance Resilience

Opening the session, Ms. Nora Achkar, Chief of UNDRR ROAS, emphasized the importance of integrating DRR into economic planning and investment decisions. “Investing in disaster risk reduction is not just a moral obligation – it is a smart financial decision that safeguards development gains and builds resilience against future shocks,” Ms. Achkar stated.

The training built on UNDRR’s innovative five-step approach to DRR financing, which is being rolled out globally to help countries:
- Understand the financial consequences of disasters
- Track climate adaptation and DRR financing flows
- Identify investment needs
- Match needs with financing options
- Develop a DRR financing strategy
Expert Insights and Regional Perspectives

Participants benefited from a rich agenda featuring expert-led modules on understanding the financial consequences of disasters, tracking financing flows, assessing financial landscapes, identifying investment needs, and developing DRR financing strategies. The training also included insights on linking DRR financing to global processes such as G20 outcomes and international financing for development frameworks, as well as regional case studies showcasing innovative funding mechanisms to build national resilience.

Mohammed Jarefa, Head of Planning and Cooperation at Morocco’s Ministry of Interior, presented Morocco’s journey in DRR financing, highlighting innovative funding mechanisms to build national resilience.

The Urgency of Financing DRR

The training contextualized DRR financing within rising global disaster costs, with 2023 disaster losses estimated at over $250 billion, surpassing total official development assistance for that year. Participants discussed how current financing only meets 10–25% of DRR and climate adaptation investment needs in most countries, underlining the urgency to shift from reactive post-disaster spending to proactive risk reduction investments.

Key Outcomes and the Way Forward

The training concluded with an engaging discussion on:
- Barriers preventing increased DRR financing, including institutional challenges and limited policy incentives.
- Opportunities to optimize existing resources, integrate DRR into economic policy, and engage the private sector and capital markets in financing resilience solutions.
- The five-step approach in the national contexts and strengthening collaboration with UNDRR to bridge financing gaps for DRR and climate adaptation, ensuring a safer and more resilient Arab region.
Key Takeaways:
- Over 50 participants from Arab states enhanced their understanding of DRR financing strategies.
- The training built capacity to assess disaster costs and mobilize resources for resilience investments.
- Regional case studies, including Morocco’s financing journey, provided practical insights for implementation.
UNDRR ROAS will continue to support Arab states in developing integrated national financing frameworks that prioritize DRR, climate adaptation, and resilient infrastructure to protect lives and development gains in an era of increasing risk.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Azerion in Discussions Regarding Potential Sale of Whow Games
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Amsterdam, 30 June 2025 – Following a recent media publication, Azerion confirms that it is in discussions with DoubleU Games regarding a potential sale of Whow Games, a part of its Premium Games Segment.

As already indicated to the market, Azerion remains committed to becoming the European leader in digital advertising. The company continues to manage its Premium Games Segment for value. While talks are ongoing with DoubleU Games regarding Whow Games, there is no agreement or certainty that they will result in a transaction.

About Azerion
Founded in 2014, Azerion (EURONEXT: AZRN) is one of Europe’s largest digital advertising and entertainment media platforms. Azerion brings global scaled audiences to advertisers in an easy and cost-effective way, delivered through our proprietary technology, in a safe, engaging, and high quality environment, utilizing our strategic portfolio of owned and operated content with entertainment and other digital publishing partners.

Having its roots in Europe and with its headquarters in Amsterdam, Azerion has commercial teams based in 21 cities around the world to closely support our clients and partners to find and execute creative ways to make a real impact through advertising.

For more information visit: www.azerion.com

Contact:
Investor Relations
ir@azerion.com

Media
press@azerion.com

This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Attachment
- Azerion in Discussions Regarding Potential Sale of Whow Games 300625
The MIL Network –
June 30, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: RBI releases the Financial Stability Report, June 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Today, the Reserve Bank released the June 2025 issue of the Financial Stability Report (FSR), which reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on the resilience of the Indian financial system and risks to financial stability.

Highlights:

Elevated economic and trade policy uncertainties are testing the resilience of the global economy and the financial system.
Financial markets remain volatile, especially core government bond markets, driven by shifting policy and geopolitical environment. Alongside, existing vulnerabilities such as soaring public debt levels and elevated asset valuations have the potential to amplify fresh shocks.
Despite an uncertain and challenging global economic backdrop, the Indian economy remains a key driver of global growth, underpinned by sound macroeconomic fundamentals and prudent macroeconomic policies.
The domestic financial system is exhibiting resilience fortified by healthy balance sheets of banks and non-banks. Financial conditions have eased supported by accommodative monetary policy and low volatility in financial markets. The strength of the corporate balance sheets also lends support to overall macroeconomic stability.
The soundness and resilience of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) are bolstered by robust capital buffers, multi-decadal low non-performing loans ratio and strong earnings.
Results of macro stress tests affirm that most SCBs have adequate capital buffers relative to the regulatory minimum even under adverse stress scenarios. Stress tests also validate the resilience of mutual funds and clearing corporations.
Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) remain healthy with sizable capital buffers, robust earnings and improving asset quality.
The consolidated solvency ratio of the insurance sector also remains above the minimum threshold limit.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2025-2026/624

MIL OSI Economics –

June 30, 2025

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Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB,Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB

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Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Notes to editors:

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Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB,
Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB

Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB,
Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

Notes to editors: 