African markets and business updates

The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has heard a strong call from residents of the greater Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality for decisive action against corruption and poor accountability, amidst municipalities’ continued failure to provide reliable water services. During the final North West public hearing on the Water Services Amendment Bill at the Klerksdorp Civic Centre, residents argued that corruption in the tendering system, particularly around water tanker contracts, must be confronted if government is to restore sustainable and dignified water services to communities.…

Namibia is demonstrating what is possible in Africa’s energy transition with the continent’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility. The CMB.TECH Namibia facility in Walvis Bay brings together solar power generation, green hydrogen production, and energy storage in a single operational ecosystem, demonstrating how clean energy can be produced at industrial scale while supporting industrial decarbonisation and long-term energy resilience. This landmark project marks a key step in sustainable energy infrastructure. It integrates solar power generation, green hydrogen production, and energy storage within one ecosystem.…

In the message, HM the King extends His warmest congratulations to Zelensky and His best wishes to the Ukrainian people for progress and prosperity, in a safe and stable environment. The Sovereign takes this opportunity to express His high appreciation for the distinguished relations linking the two countries, based on mutual esteem and fruitful cooperation, reiterating the Kingdom of Morocco’s determination to work jointly with Ukraine to strengthen and develop these relations in the various areas of common interest, in the service of the interests of the two friendly peoples.…

The appeal was presented as the Cross River delegation joins governments, development partners, financial institutions and environmental organisations at COP17 to discuss land restoration, climate resilience and financing.

The launch was held this afternoon at the SPTC New Port Bus Depot in the presence of Vice President Mr Sebastien Pillay, Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation Ms Veronique Laporte, accompanied by other Cabinet Ministers, Chairperson of the SPTC Board Mr Andy Moncherry, SPTC Chief Executive Officer Mr Jeffy Zialor, and members of the SPTC staff. The first two electric pilot buses represent another step towards the Government’s commitment to promoting electric vehicles and gradually improving the quality, comfort and sustainability of public transport.…

Military authorities in Chad have accused Sudan of launching drone strikes against a convoy inside Chadian territory.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has reaffirmed government's commitment to placing women and girls at the centre of South Africa's science, technology and innovation agenda. Speaking at the 23rd South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) gala dinner at the NH Hotel Sandton in Johannesburg, Minister Nzimande said the country's development ambitions could not be achieved while women and girls remained excluded from opportunities in science, technology and innovation. "No nation can ever hope to reach its true potential if it excludes its women and girls from opportunities in science, technology and innovation," Minister Nzimande said.…

Askya is opening applications for a six-week programme for African AI startups, with a minimum commitment of $200,000 to at least one participant. Askya Investment Partners is opening applications for a six-week programme for African AI startups, with a minimum commitment of $200,000 to at least one participant. Ten companies will take part, and none of them has to pay cash or give up equity to participate.…

A three-day senior leadership and management training programme for senior executive officers in the public service was officially opened at Olympic House, bringing together Principal Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, Director Generals and other senior officials occupying key positions within government. The programme is funded by the Commonwealth and is designed to strengthen leadership and management capacity within the public service, with a particular focus on effective decision-making, good governance, ethics and integrity, strategic leadership and organisational performance.…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says West Africa remains the most stable of Africa’s regional economic blocs despite the growing threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism.