Investments
South Africa: Energy Transition a Matter of Survival – President Ramaphosa
The climate transition is not only a developmental goal for South Africa, but a matter of survival for humanity and the globe. This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chaired the virtual inaugural meeting of the newly elected Presidential Climate Commission on Friday. “Climate change is an existential threat to the future of humanity…
U.S. Cutting Aid to Seven African Countries – Report
Cape Town — The Trump administration is canceling humanitarian aid programs it previously identified as lifesaving, according to an internal State Department email obtained by The Atlantic. The new round of cuts will reportedly end all U.S. humanitarian funding in seven African countries — Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Somalia, and Zimbabwe — in what officials describe…
Morocco’s Alleged Dollar Diplomacy Yields Dividends
More and more countries – and former SA President Jacob Zuma – are backing Rabat’s plan for autonomy for Western Sahara. Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s visit to Morocco and endorsement of its continued occupation of Western Sahara as an autonomous region, have rekindled debate about this contentious and ongoing issue. Zuma, who now…
Tanzania: Govt Bans Foreigners From 15 Business Activities
Dar es Salaam — THE government has banned non-citizens from engaging in 15 types of business activities, following rising concerns over the growing presence of foreign traders in local markets. The government ban aims at protecting local entrepreneurs and ensuring that small-scale business opportunities remain accessible to Tanzanian citizens. The decision was formalised through Government…
Deep-Sea Mining May Spark Ecocide, And It Hasn’t Even Begun
The ocean comprises 70% of the planet and has a profound impact on all life on Earth. It regulates the global climate, produces most of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs carbon dioxide, and supports a vast network of life that sustains ecosystems and our planet’s life support. It also acts as the largest ‘carbon sink’, a vital buffer…
Promoting South Africa & the African Agenda by Neville Matjie
When the presidency of the Group of 20 rotated to South Africa last year, the government launched a year-long campaign to highlight the country’s assets and advocate for an ‘African agenda’. On November 22nd and 23rd, leaders of G20 members – 19 of the largest developing and developed countries and the European Union and Africa Union –…
Macron Seeks Forgiveness for France’s Colonial Rule in Madagascar
Emmanuel Macron said he wants to seek “forgiveness” for France’s colonisation of Madagascar, starting with the return of looted cultural artefacts. During his two-day visit, the French president also announced plans to step up economic ties, including investment in a major hydroelectric dam project. “Our presence here is not innocent, and our history has been…
China’s Energy Investments in Africa: A Shift Towards Renewable
China has long been a significant player in Africa’s energy sector, historically focusing on large-scale fossil fuel projects. However, recent developments indicate a strategic pivot towards renewable energy investments across the continent. Transition to Renewable Energy At the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China announced plans to develop 30 renewable energy projects…