Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 01 December 2025

[Bulls n Bears]

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Major International Business Headlines Brief :::  01 December  2025 

 


 


 


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ü  South Africa: Transport Launches Festive Road Safety Drive 

ü  Kenya: EACC Arrests Labour Ministry Officials At JKIA Over Alleged
Extortion Scheme

ü  Africa: New Prevention Tools and Investment in Services Essential in the
Fight Against Aids

ü  Nigeria: Dangote Refinery, Others Cut Petrol Gantry Price to N840 Per
Litre

ü  Nigeria: Governor Radda Joins Rescue Efforts in Two Roads Which Claimed
Four Lives

ü  Nigeria: Childhood Homelessness Drove Me to Build 100 Free Homes for
Widows - Sani

ü  Nigeria: Practical Nigerian Content Push Unlocks Bigger Oil, Gas
Opportunities

ü  South Africa: Rent Control Not Only Fails, It Entrenches Inequality

ü  Africa: Is Rwanda Ready to Become Africa's Fintech Center of Gravity?

ü  South Africa: President Thanks South Africans for Successfully Hosting
G20

ü  Africa: WHO Warns of Shrinking HIV Funding, Urges African Govts to Boost
Investment

ü  The UAE's Expanding Economic Footprint In Francophone Africa

ü  Kenya: Mega Dam Programme to Strengthen Food Security and Trade -
President Ruto

ü  Nigeria: Dangote Refinery to Supply 1.5bn Litres of Petrol Monthly

ü  Liberia: 2,148 Volunteer Teachers Placed On Payroll

 


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South Africa: Transport Launches Festive Road Safety Drive

The Department of Transport has launched its festive season road safety
strategy, with Minister Barbara Creecy unveiling the campaign on the N1 in
Kroonstad, reports EWN. Creecy said that 800 national traffic police will be
deployed to high-risk provinces, such as Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal,
and the Eastern Cape. At least 9,400 road deaths have already been reported
so far in 2025, which is 700 fewer than in the same period in 2024. The
department plans to focus on raising public awareness ahead of the festive
season.  Creecy said the campaign will use multiple media and community
platforms to spread road safety messages at stations, taxi ranks, malls,
community halls, churches, toll gates, rest stops, sports events and border
posts.

 

Jacob Zuma to Virtually Appeal Order to Repay R28.9M Legal Fees

 

Former President Jacob Zuma is set to launch a virtual appeal against a
Johannesburg High Court ruling ordering him to repay R28.9 million in
state-funded legal fees, reports SABC  News. The case places Zuma in
opposition to the Presidency, the State Attorney and the Solicitor-General,
with the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters listed as
interested parties. His appeal follows the court's finding that he was not
entitled to taxpayer-funded legal support and its order that he repay the
funds with interest.

 

 

Jagersfontein Mine Allowed to Operate Despite Damning Collapse Report

 

The Department of Water and Sanitation has allowed the Jagersfontein mine to
continue operating despite a damning report into the 2022 dam wall collapse,
reports EWN. The collapse has killed two people and left another missing and
presumed dead. A report found that management may have been aware of the
risks before the collapse and that the facility was built without an
engineer's design. The findings have been sent to the Cabinet to inform new
regulations for tailings dams not covered by existing mining laws.
Department official Wally Ramokopa said the mine would not be shut down,
citing Deputy Minister David Mahlobo's concern that doing so would cripple
the local economy. He said that precautions were being taken, including
using a historic pit previously developed by De Beers. Meanwhile, mine
representatives are facing criminal charges, with the case now before the
Free State High Court.

 

 

More South African news

 

 

 

 

 

Kenya: EACC Arrests Labour Ministry Officials At JKIA Over Alleged Extortion
Scheme

Nairobi — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested
three Ministry of Labour officials stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport (JKIA) for allegedly extorting agents who facilitate the travel of
Kenyan migrant workers to the Middle East.

 

The arrests, conducted on November 30, 2025, followed a report alleging that
the officers routinely solicited and received bribes from recruitment agents
before migrant workers were cleared to travel.

 

According to EACC, agents were being forced to pay Sh500 per worker to the
officials manning the Labour Ministry booth at the airport.

 

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

 

"EACC officers conducted surveillance and confirmed that agents sending
migrant workers to the Middle East were paying KSh 500 per worker before the
workers were cleared to travel," the Commission said.

 

 

Acting on a tip-off, the Commission launched a sting operation in
collaboration with an agent who had 78 migrant workers scheduled to travel.

 

During the operation at JKIA, the agent approached the three officials, who
allegedly tabulated the amount required and demanded Sh 34,000, which they
received.

 

EACC investigators immediately apprehended the officers and recovered the
money.

 

The officials arrested were identified as Benson Ouma Okello, Esther Njoki
Gakuru and Denis Marias

 

The suspects were taken to Integrity Centre for processing and to record
statements. They were later released on Sh 50,000 cash bail each, pending
the conclusion of investigations.

 

 

The EACC reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating bribery in public service
points, saying such operations are crucial to restoring public confidence
and ensuring fair, corruption-free access to government services.

 

Read the original article on Capital FM.

 

 

 

 

Africa: New Prevention Tools and Investment in Services Essential in the
Fight Against Aids

On World AIDS Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls on governments
and partners to rapidly expand access to new WHO-approved tools including
lenacapavir (LEN) to drive down infections and counter disruption to
essential health services caused by cuts to foreign aid.

 

Despite dramatic funding setbacks, the global HIV response has gained a
remarkable momentum in 2025 with the introduction and WHO approval of
twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention. LEN, a highly
effective, long-acting alternative to oral pills and other options, is a
transformative intervention for people who face challenges with regular
adherence and stigma in accessing health care. WHO released in July this
year new guidelines recommending the use of lenacapavir as an additional
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention.

 

 

Sharp and sudden reductions in international funding this year led to
disruptions in HIV prevention, treatment and testing services, with
essential community-led programmes, including pre-exposure prophylaxis
(PrEP) and harm reduction initiatives for people who inject drugs, being
scaled back or shut down entirely in some countries.

 

"We face significant challenges, with cuts to international funding, and
prevention stalling," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO
Director-General. "At the same time, we have significant opportunities, with
exciting new tools with the potential to change the trajectory of the HIV
epidemic. Expanding access to those tools for people at risk of HIV
everywhere must be priority number one for all governments and partners."

 

 

Marking World AIDS Day under the theme "Overcoming disruption, transforming
the AIDS response", WHO is urging a dual track approach - solidarity and
investment in innovations to protect and empower communities most at risk.

 

After decades of progress, the HIV response stands at a crossroads. In 2024:

 

HIV prevention efforts stagnated, with 1.3 million new infections,
disproportionately impacting key and vulnerable populations;

UNAIDS data reveal that almost half (49%) of new HIV infections occurred
among key populations - including sex workers, men who have sex with men,
transgender women, and people who inject drugs - and their sexual partners;

while sex workers and transgender women face a 17-fold higher risk of
acquiring HIV, men who have sex with men face an 18-fold higher risk, and
people who inject drugs - a 34-fold higher risk;

underlying drivers include stigma, discrimination, and legal, social and
structural barriers these groups face to access HIV care; and

globally, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV, and 630 000
people died from HIV-related causes.

 

While the full scale of the impact of foreign aid cuts is still being
assessed, access to PrEP is believed to have declined dramatically. The AIDS
Vaccine Advocacy Coalition estimates that, as of October 2025, 2.5 million
people who used PrEP in 2024 lost access to their medications in 2025 due
solely to donor funding cuts. Such disruptions could have far-reaching
consequences for the global HIV response, jeopardizing efforts to end AIDS
by 2030.

 

Momentum for innovation

 

"We are entering a new era of powerful innovations in HIV prevention and
treatment," said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO's Department for HIV,
TB, Hepatitis and STIs. "By pairing these advances with decisive action,
supporting communities, and removing structural barriers, we can ensure that
key and vulnerable populations have full access to life-saving services."

 

WHO prequalified LEN for HIV prevention on 6 October 2025, followed by
national regulatory approvals that will increase access in South Africa (on
27 October), Zimbabwe (27 November) and Zambia (4 November). WHO's
Collaborative Registration Procedure (CRP) supported these approvals. WHO is
also working closely with partners such as CIFF, the Gates Foundation, the
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and Unitaid to enable
affordable access to LEN in countries. Ensuring that long-acting HIV
medicines for prevention and treatment reach priority populations must be a
global priority.

 

Integrating HIV services into primary health care

 

WHO emphasizes that ending the AIDS epidemic depends on a fully integrated,
evidence-based and rights-driven approach under the umbrella of primary
health care. WHO will continue working with partners and leaders to put
those most affected at the centre of the HIV response. Despite funding
setbacks, the resilience and leadership of communities offer a clear path
forward. By strengthening health systems, increasing domestic investment,
and protecting human rights, countries can safeguard gains and ensure no one
is left behind.

 

Read the original article on WHO.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Dangote Refinery, Others Cut Petrol Gantry Price to N840 Per Litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other major depot operators have reduced
the average gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to N840 per litre,
down from N843 per litre.

 

The price adjustment follows a decline in global crude oil prices, as Brent
crude -- the benchmark for many international grades -- fell to an average
of $62 per barrel over the weekend. Industry checks by Vanguard showed that
the drop in crude prices lowered refining costs, prompting downstream
operators to revise their pump-out prices.

 

According to market data, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum
Refinery, AIPEC and NIPCO all reduced their depot prices to N840 per litre.
Other operators sold slightly higher, with Rainoil at N844, Sigmund at N858,
Master Energy at N858 and Northwest at N850 per litre.

 

 

Meanwhile, eight OPEC+ countries that had previously announced additional
voluntary production adjustments -- Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait,
Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman -- met virtually on 30 November 2025 to review
market conditions and the outlook for early 2026.

 

In a joint statement, the group reaffirmed its 2 November 2025 decision to
pause production increments in January, February and March 2026 due to
seasonal factors.

 

They noted that the 1.65 million barrels per day previously withheld could
be returned "in part or in full" depending on evolving market dynamics, and
emphasised the need to maintain "a cautious approach" with full flexibility
to pause or reverse voluntary adjustments, including the additional 2.2
million barrels per day agreed in November 2023.

 

 

The countries also restated their commitment to full conformity with the
Declaration of Cooperation and confirmed their intention to compensate for
any overproduction recorded since January 2024. Monthly meetings will
continue to review market conditions, compliance and compensation, with the
next meeting scheduled for 4 January 2026.

 

Read the original article on Vanguard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Governor Radda Joins Rescue Efforts in Two Roads Which Claimed Four
Lives

Governor Radda immediately ordered his convoy to stop and personally
supervised the evacuation of the victims

 

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, Sunday witnessed two tragic road
accidents while returning from the first phase of his statewide tour in the
Funtua Zone. The incidents occurred shortly after he concluded engagements
in Matazu Local Government Area.

 

The first crash occurred within Matazu town, where the governor's convoy
came upon a commercial Golf vehicle involved in a fatal accident. The
vehicle, which was carrying several passengers, was severely damaged. Four
lives were unfortunately lost, while ten others sustained varying degrees of
injuries.

 

 

Governor Radda immediately ordered his convoy to stop and personally
supervised the evacuation of the victims. Medical teams attached to the
convoy provided emergency support while awaiting additional responders.

 

Speaking at the scene, the Governor said: "No leader should drive past such
a tragedy. We stopped because these victims are our brothers and sisters.
Their lives matter, and it is our duty to respond with compassion and
urgency." He further added: "This painful loss is a reminder of how fragile
life is. My heart is with the families of the deceased, and we will continue
supporting those affected."

 

As the Governor continued his journey back to Katsina, his entourage
encountered another accident along the Kafinsoli-Koda Road. Without
hesitation, he again ordered the convoy to stop. Rescue efforts were
immediately coordinated, and two vehicles from the governor's motorcade were
deployed to transport the injured victims to a medical facility in Charanchi
for urgent treatment.

 

 

In a related development, the governor commiserated with the convoy of the
Deputy Governor, which was involved in an accident along the Kaduna-Zaria
Road, where six individuals sustained injuries. He prayed for their quick
and complete recovery.

 

Governor Radda expressed deep sorrow over these incidents, praying: "May
Almighty Allah forgive the departed and grant them Jannatul Firdausi. May He
also heal the injured and return them safely to their families." Mr Radda
assured citizens that his administration will continue to strengthen support
systems that help protect lives and provide timely assistance during
emergencies.

 

Read the original article on Premium Times.

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Childhood Homelessness Drove Me to Build 100 Free Homes for Widows
- Sani

The chief executive officer, Adashe Women Housing and Empowerment Society,
Dr Umma Sani, has said her difficult upbringing as an orphan and the
repeated trauma of homelessness inspired her lifelong commitment to
providing free housing for widows and orphans across the country.

 

She stated this in Rigachikun, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State,
during the formal handover of keys and allocation letters for 100 newly
completed housing units to beneficiaries.

 

The project, delivered through a partnership involving Adashe Women Housing
and Empowerment Society, Family Homes Funds Limited and the Federal Ministry
of Budget and Economic Planning, is one of the key social housing
interventions aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope
Agenda.

 

 

Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Dr. Sani said the housing
units represent more than physical structures, describing them as "a pathway
to dignity and stability" for widows who shoulder the burden of raising
children without financial or emotional support.

 

According to her, the support from Family Homes Funds and the Ministry of
Budget and Economic Planning was critical in executing the initiative at the
current scale.

 

"Today, 100 women have been given more than a home; they have been given
shelter, peace and a serene environment where they can raise their
children," she said. "Adashe Women Housing conceptualised the idea, but
Family Homes partnered with us, and the Ministry under the Honourable
Minister, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, supported us. That is how this project came
to life. We give glory to God."

 

 

Dr. Sani explained that the housing project is part of a broader empowerment
plan aimed at helping widows attain economic independence.

 

"We empowered them with starter packs and provided the basic tools they need
to begin small businesses. The idea is not just to give houses, but to equip
them to stand on their feet," she noted.

 

She expressed satisfaction with the beneficiaries' enthusiasm throughout the
training sessions, adding that the successful completion of the programme
prepared them for the next phase of their lives.

 

"This is a wonderful day for all of us. The widows completed their training
and have now collected their keys and allocation letters. We are grateful,"
she said.

 

Dr. Sani disclosed that the 100-unit delivery represents only the pilot
phase, as the organisation plans to replicate the initiative across all 36
states of the federation.

 

"This is just the beginning. Our goal is to ensure widows and orphans across
Nigeria have a safe place to call home," she added.

 

 

Reflecting on her motivation, Sani became emotional as she narrated her
childhood experiences. The last of 11 children, she recalled growing up in
constant fear of eviction due to her family's inability to pay rent.

 

"I lost my father when I was a year old. Many times, I returned home from
school to find our belongings thrown outside because we could not pay rent,"
she recounted.

 

She said she initially envisioned building only a few houses but was humbled
by how far the vision has grown.

 

"I thought I would start with three, five or ten houses. But today, by God's
grace, we have given out 100 houses free of charge. Alhamdulillah."

 

Representing the Kaduna State Government, the permanent secretary, Ministry
of Housing Development, Shehu Salisu, reaffirmed the commitment of both
federal and state governments to expanding access to affordable housing for
vulnerable citizens.

 

He urged the beneficiaries--particularly the widows--to maintain the
property, noting that proper upkeep would encourage government to replicate
similar interventions.

 

Also speaking, the managing director, Family Homes Funds Limited, Abdul
Muktar, reminded beneficiaries to embrace a strong maintenance culture,
noting that housing remains one of the most critical human needs.

 

He disclosed that the organisation is undertaking similar projects in Ibadan
and Calabar, with the Ibadan scheme targeted at families of fallen military
heroes and the Calabar project designed to support vulnerable households.

 

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Sarah Owojere, described the intervention as
"a dream come true," stating that years of living in unsafe, flood-prone
conditions made the allocation a turning point for her family.

 

"I am very happy. God has granted my heart's desire because the house I was
living in was not good at all," she said.

 

Read the original article on Leadership.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Practical Nigerian Content Push Unlocks Bigger Oil, Gas
Opportunities

Nigeria is strengthening indigenous participation in the oil and gas
industry through deliberate policies that blend business growth with
capacity development, resulting in numerous new projects benefiting local
companies and communities. This momentum is driven largely by the
implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development
(NOGICD) Act of 2010.

 

A major showcase of these gains is the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC)
Forum, an annual convergence of key stakeholders across the oil and gas
value chain. The forum serves as a platform for policy, investment, and
collaboration, dedicated to deepening the implementation of Nigerian
Content.

 

 

LEADERSHIP reports that the forum has, over the years, evolved into a
strategic arena for reviewing Nigerian Content performance, strengthening
compliance, and expanding opportunities for indigenous firms. It supports
the goals of the NOGICD Act, which seeks to increase local participation,
promote job creation, enhance technology transfer, and stimulate sustainable
industry growth.

 

The 14th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, scheduled for Bayelsa State
in 2025, is organised in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development
and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The event remains the flagship platform for
celebrating milestones, exploring new strategies for advancing Nigerian
Content, and connecting businesses to emerging opportunities in the sector.

 

At the core of Practical Nigerian Content is the mandate for oil and gas
companies to prioritise Nigerian human resources, materials, and services in
their operations, as long as quality and safety standards are met. This
requirement, backed by the NOGICD Act, has opened access for indigenous
companies to participate in major projects previously dominated by foreign
firms.

 

 

The policy further compels companies to demonstrate measurable value
addition to the Nigerian economy, ensuring that investments, services, and
expenditures within the industry retain significant economic benefits
in-country. A critical component is capacity building, where companies are
expected to train and develop their workforce to advance local competencies.
The Act also promotes technology transfer from multinational operators to
Nigerian firms, enabling local companies to undertake more complex and
high-value activities.

 

To consolidate these gains, the NCDMB has unveiled a major Human Capital
Development (HCD) Programme aimed at training over 10,000 young Nigerian
graduates and technicians. The initiative focuses on the top 10 high-demand
skills needed in the industry, ensuring a pipeline of competent local
professionals ready to take up roles in ongoing and upcoming projects.

 

The NCDMB Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme is designed to
equip beneficiaries with practical, industry-required skills. Speaking on
the initiative, the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe
stated that the programme was developed to close the skill gaps identified
during the review of expatriate quota applications submitted by industry
operators.

 

The high-demand fields were identified through engagements with key industry
groups, including the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN),
the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), and the Petroleum Contractors Trade
Section (PCTS). The Board also leveraged insights from significant project
portfolios and previous skill-gap studies conducted by the Petroleum
Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

 

Ogbe noted that the initiative aligns with Section 10(1b) of the NOGICD Act,
which mandates that "Nigerians shall be given first consideration for
training and employment in the work programme for which the Nigerian Content
Plan was submitted."

 

With increased investments, stronger policy enforcement, and targeted human
capital development programmes, Practical Nigerian Content continues to
expand business opportunities in Nigeria's oil and gas sector while
deepening indigenous participation for long-term economic growth.

 

Read the original article on Leadership.

 

 

 

 

South Africa: Rent Control Not Only Fails, It Entrenches Inequality

The solution to housing affordability is to increase supply by building more
housing

 

This is a response by the mayor of Cape Town to a call for rent control.

 

When it comes to housing costs, there is often a temptation in public debate
to reach for quick fixes that sound like they promise relief, but without
exception deliver only disappointment.

 

Every thriving global city confronts rising demand, limited land, and
escalating prices - and Cape Town, a city whose growing appeal is
undeniable, is no exception. So as frustration mounts, so do calls for rent
caps, foreign-buyer restrictions, and heavy-handed interventions that have
failed everywhere else they have been tried. At moments like this, the city
deserves a discussion rooted in evidence and economic reality rather than
political theatre.

 

 

The proposal to cap rental prices is an emotionally satisfying argument. But
it is also wrong. And not just theoretically wrong, but demonstrably,
repeatedly, historically wrong. This has been proven in every city that has
tried to price-control its way out of housing scarcity.

 

Cape Town is an increasingly successful city, economically and culturally,
and like every successful city in modern history, its biggest housing
problem is simple: too much demand is chasing too little supply. The only
solution to housing affordability is either to reduce demand - which would
mean becoming poorer, less attractive, less safe, and less economically
dynamic - or you increase supply by building more housing. That's it. There
is no magical third option.

 

 

And the fact that Cape Town's desirability is rising is not a crisis. It is
a sign that the city is doing many things right. Do you know where rent is
cheap? Hillbrow. No one cites it as a model of success.

 

Rent control failure

 

The reality is that rent control doesn't fix scarcity, it actually worsens
it. When governments freeze or cap rents, supply collapses. Berlin
demonstrated this dramatically between 2020 and 2021, when its ambitious
rent cap led to a 50% drop in available rental housing within months.
Construction slowed, landlords pulled units from the market, and rents in
the uncontrolled segment soared, so much so that the German Constitutional
Court struck the policy down as unconstitutional.

 

San Francisco's long-running experience produced the same result. A landmark
Stanford study found that rent control shrank the rental market by 15%, as
owners converted units into condos, sold them, or withdrew them entirely.
And in New York, decades of frozen rents produced entire corridors of
buildings that are now poorly-maintained because landlords cannot cover
rising costs with artificially fixed rents.

 

 

Few policy proposals anywhere have such a well-documented and comprehensive
track record of abject failure as this one. And yet, it keeps popping up in
successful major cities around the world.

 

But the strongest argument against rent control is not only that it fails.
It is that it actively entrenches inequality. Rent control protects whoever
already has a lease, not the people who most need housing. It creates an
insider class of protected tenants and an outsider class of shut-out
newcomers. In every controlled city, the wealthy cling to artificially cheap
units for decades, while the young, the poor, and the newly arrived face
skyrocketing rents in the uncontrolled segment.

 

It is no accident that these outcomes repeat themselves across places,
decades, and political ideologies. When you prevent owners from charging
market rents, two things happen - always, everywhere.

 

First, supply drops. People stop building new units or withdraw existing
ones. After Argentina scrapped rent control in Buenos Aires, the rental
housing stock reportedly increased by nearly 195%, largely because
previously withheld units re-entered the market. And those Argentinians who
can finally access decent rental housing do not care that some of it belongs
to foreigners; they care that it exists.

 

Second, maintenance collapses. If you can't recover the costs of upkeep, you
stop maintaining the building. Deferred maintenance compounds until it
becomes too expensive to reverse. This is the unfortunate reality. This is
how vibrant neighbourhoods become slums.

 

The moral narrative of rent control collapses once you look at who actually
benefits. It achieves the opposite of social justice.

 

The real trends

 

And this brings us to another important truth that the rent-control
conversation often distorts: foreign buyers are not the villains in Cape
Town's story. Foreign ownership has increased since covid, rising from 2.5%
to 4.3% of purchases between 2020 and 2024, and growing from 1.4% to 2.1% of
total ownership over the past two decades. But foreign buyers overwhelmingly
cluster along the Atlantic Seaboard and pockets of the Helderberg region.
These are luxury neighbourhoods on mountainsides and coastlines. The kinds
of areas in every leading global city where prices rise regardless, simply
because they are highly desirable places to live.

 

While foreign buyers do push prices up at the very top end, they also inject
capital into the city, support tourism-linked spending, and broaden the
City's rates base. Blaming foreigners is comforting, but it is not serious
analysis.

 

The more complex truth is this: most of the pressure in Cape Town's housing
market comes from South Africans moving to Cape Town, not foreigners.
Projections based on consumer retail data show a net inward migration of
around 100,000 people from the rest of South Africa to Cape Town in the last
36 months alone.

 

The real problem

 

The uncomfortable truth is that Cape Town's housing stress is not
foreign-made, investor-made, or Airbnb-made. It is supply-made. When a city
grows, its housing stock must grow with it, in volume, in typology, in
density, and in spatial spread.

 

And while even more can be done, Cape Town is a national leader in enabling
affordable housing delivery, with more land released in the last two years
than in the decade prior, and a pipeline of 12,000 well-located affordable
housing units close to the CBD and other economic nodes of the metro.

 

Cape Town is also leading nationally with a suite of innovative
affordable-housing reforms.

 

The City has introduced Land Discount Guidelines that allow City-owned land
to be deeply discounted to maximise social-housing yield, a first in South
Africa. The City is offering substantial utility and rates discounts for
accredited social-housing projects, also a national first. Amendments to our
Municipal Planning By-Law now make it easier for micro-developers to build
affordable units more rapidly in townships, informal settlements, and
lower-income suburbs. And to support this emerging sector, we are rolling
out pre-approved building typologies and discounted development charges to
encourage safe, compliant small-scale rental construction.

 

The seductive political temptation is that, if prices are high, force them
down. Cap rents. Restrict increases. Regulate the market until it bends. But
economics is not impressed by wishful thinking, and the world's experiments
with rent control are an archive of failure.

 

Conclusion

 

If we are serious about improving affordability, we must also be honest
about where the blockages reside. Social housing is funded by national
government through SHRA subsidies and Human Settlements grants, not
municipal budgets. The City's role is to create the conditions for delivery
by releasing land on a discounted basis, streamlining approvals, providing
bulk services, and offering incentives to social-housing institutions and
micro-developers. Cape Town is doing this at a scale unmatched by any other
metro.

 

What will not deliver affordability are the familiar political distractions
such as rent caps, foreign-buyer restrictions, or attempts to regulate
prices downwards. None of these measures build new homes. They have failed
everywhere they've been tried and would fail here too.

 

We will solve our challenges by freeing up more building, more urgently and
ambitiously. In housing, as in economics, you cannot regulate away scarcity.
You can only outbuild it.

 

Views expressed are not necessarily GroundUp's.

 

Read the original article on GroundUp.

 

 

 

 

Africa: Is Rwanda Ready to Become Africa's Fintech Center of Gravity?

Rwanda is positioning itself as a leading FinTech hub in Africa through its
FinTech Strategy 2024-2029, which envisions Rwanda as the Africa's FinTech
center of gravity. This ambition prompts scepticism: can a small market
challenge established giants like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt?
These Big Four have traditionally dominated the FinTech sector through sheer
market size and funding, attracting 80% of Africa's FinTech investment in
2024 alone.

 

Rwanda's FinTech Strategy acknowledges this reality by refining a unique
competitive environment focused on regulatory excellence, innovative
infrastructure, and regional expansion, rather than relying solely on
domestic scale. Rwanda's momentum is already evident; its startup funding
increased six-fold to $38 million in 2023, and it is now targeting a
position as the best in Africa and a top 30 global ranking on the Global
FinTech Index by 2029.

 

 

Although Rwanda currently lacks representation on the 2025 CNBC and Statista
list of leading global FinTech firms, a list dominated by Nigeria, Kenya,
Egypt, and South Africa, its focus is on breeding indigenous champions
capable of cross-border expansion. As of June 2025, Rwanda's FinTech
ecosystem already includes more than 20 payment aggregators, 10 remittance
providers, and seven e-money issuers, indicating a rapidly expanding
ecosystem.

 

Rwanda's primary competitive edge is regulatory excellence. Unlike larger
African markets plagued by regulatory fragmentation, which might require
multi-agency approvals from bodies like the Central Bank of Nigeria, the
Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission, and other agencies, in Nigeria,
or complex coordination in Kenya where Central Bank of Kenya, Communications
Authority of Kenya, and other agencies, have to be consulted for the launch
of a FinTech, Rwanda provides cohesive oversight primarily through the
National Bank of Rwanda (NBR).

 

 

In Rwanda, apart from banks and deposit-taking microfinance institutions
already licensed by NBR to provide payment services, any entity intending to
operate as a payment service provider (PSP) in Rwanda must obtain a license
from NBR, the principal regulator of fintech in Rwanda.

 

For an applicant to secure a PSP license, NBR requires them to be a company
incorporated in Rwanda, maintain a permanent place of business or registered
office in Rwanda, and have their chief executive officer or managing
director be a citizen or resident of Rwanda. Moreover, PSPs must satisfy
stated initial capital requirements. For non-deposit-taking e-money issuers,
this requires keeping 100% of the e-money float in liquid assets. Once
licensed, PSPs are required among other things to protect customer funds by
keeping them separate from their own assets, clearly communicating terms and
conditions, especially when products are in testing phases.

 

 

Rwanda's FinTech legal framework is clearly pro-innovation, with FinTech
Sandboxes for testing complex solutions, simplified licensing process aiming
for 3-4 months compared to 6-12 months in some competing markets, and a
preferential corporate income tax rates (as low as 0% for qualified
headquarters investments) to reduced 15% rates for priority sectors such as
ICT (FinTech inclusive), among others, provided they meet the required
investment thresholds.

 

Rwanda's digital infrastructure directly supports financial inclusion
through an ecosystem built on the ongoing 5G rollout, e-Kash, and a digital
ID system that enables rapid KYC processes for previously unbanked
populations.

 

Kigali has emerged as a significant innovation hub, ascending to 7th place
in Middle East and Africa for innovation and 61st globally (and 8th in
Africa) in recent global FinTech rankings, 2025. The presence of key
innovation hubs like Westerwelle Startup Haus, Norrsken House Kigali,
combined with Rwanda's strong performance in labour productivity growth
(27th globally), business-friendly policies (5th), and graduates in science
and engineering (26th), indicate a growing and capable talent pool.

 

The FinTech Strategy targets creating 7,500 new jobs in the FinTech sector
by 2029. This ambition is supported by specialised two-year entrepreneurship
and talent visa streams for foreign startup founders, students, and remote
workers in priority fields, addressing skill gaps that constrain growth in
other markets.

 

Rwanda's proposal for success is leveraging its small, focused domestic
market as a testing ground for solutions designed for regional scale. The
strategic focus on cross-border expansion is clear: A Memorandum of
Understanding signed between the Bank of Ghana and the NBR on February 25,
2025, introduces a license passporting framework and interoperability,
enabling regulated FinTechs to expand mobile money and remittance services
immediately beyond Rwanda's borders.

 

To sustain this growth beyond 2029, Rwanda plans to improve global
collaboration, develop strong digital infrastructure like a citizen-centric
central data repository, and strengthen regulatory expertise. These measures
are imperative to achieving the overall 2029 goals of attracting 300 FinTech
players, securing $200 million in investments, and reaching an 80% FinTech
adoption rate. Rwanda is not competing on size, but on agility and strategic
positioning, providing a launchpad for FinTechs planning to conquer the
broader African market.

 

So, is Rwanda ready to become Africa's FinTech center of gravity? Yes, it is
ready, and it is high time for FinTech investors to consider Rwanda when
making capital allocation decisions.

 

The author is a Corporate and Legal Services Lead at Andersen, a tax, legal,
and business advisory firm in Rwanda.

 

Read the original article on New Times.

 

 

 

South Africa: President Thanks South Africans for Successfully Hosting G20

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed South Africans for their unity, warmth
and commitment after the country successfully hosted the G20 Leaders' Summit
and more than 130 meetings throughout the year.

 

It was the first time the gathering took place on African soil.

 

Addressing the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa expressed profound
gratitude to the public for supporting South Africa's G20 Presidency and
helping the country showcase the spirit of ubuntu to world leaders.

 

"Allow me to express my profound gratitude to you all, as my fellow
compatriots, for ensuring and enabling our beloved country to host a series
of successful G20 meetings throughout the year. For showing up for your
country. For standing by your country...you remain proudly South African.
And once again as your President, I say thank you," he said.

 

President Ramaphosa said global delegates were deeply moved by South
Africa's hospitality, sharing glowing impressions from various officials.

 

 

One wrote, "Your people are extraordinary," while another noted, "I've
attended summits on six continents. I've never experienced warmth like
this".

 

A Japanese delegate praised ordinary workers, saying: "Your security guards
smile while being vigilant. Your drivers share stories while navigating...
everyone treats us like welcomed family."

 

Others highlighted ubuntu, with one delegate remarking: "In other countries,
hospitality is a transaction. Here, it feels like a tradition."

 

International leaders echoed these sentiments. India's Prime Minister
Narendra Modi thanked "the wonderful people of South Africa," while IMF
Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised the country's incredible
hospitality. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz also commended South
Africa's "ambitious presidency in these turbulent times".

 

 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the G20 Social Summit, attended by more
than 5000 participants, demonstrated how civil society remains central to
South Africa's vision of a "People's G20".

 

He thanked the security services for ensuring all events took place without
incident, mayors and municipal workers for preparing host cities, and
ordinary South Africans who opened their cities, towns and businesses to
delegates.

 

The President called for the spirit of collective action shown during the
G20 to continue beyond the summit.

 

"These cities showed what can be done when a concerted and coordinated
effort is made to fix potholes and street lights, to clean up our streets
and maintain our infrastructure. This must continue past the G20 and must be
expanded to areas of our towns and cities that have been neglected,"
President Ramaphosa said.

 

 

The President thanked the Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
G20 Sherpas and government officials who guided the deliberations with
wisdom and purpose.

 

"Most importantly, I wish to thank each and every South African... for
showing the world the strength of our values, the generosity of our people
and the power of what we can achieve when we work together," the President
said.

 

Reflecting on the discussions, the President said South Africa used its
presidency to put Africa's development and global inequality at the centre
of the G20 agenda.

 

Leaders agreed on mechanisms for debt relief, increased climate financing
and support for countries vulnerable to climate disasters, as well as
commitments ensuring that nations rich in critical minerals benefit from
their own resources.

 

"While some sought to create division and polarisation between nations, we
used our G20 Presidency to reinforce our shared humanity. We fostered
collaboration and goodwill. We affirmed that our shared goals outweigh our
differences.

 

"The Leaders' Declaration adopted at the summit is a clear demonstration
that the spirit of multilateral cooperation is alive and strong. The adopted
declaration reinforces the importance of the G20 as the premier forum for
international economic cooperation, and its continued relevance in the face
of a rapidly changing global environment," the President said.

 

He said progress made in the domestic economy, including falling
unemployment, improved public finances and a recent credit rating upgrade,
reflects the green shoots of an emerging economic recovery.

 

"We are also working together to confront some of our greatest social
challenges, such as crime and the violence perpetrated by men against women.

 

"Just over a week ago, we classified gender-based violence and femicide as a
national disaster. This classification should provide us with a broader
range of measures to intensify our shared effort to end this pandemic," the
President said.

 

President Ramaphosa concluded by urging the nation to work with greater
focus and determination to address the many challenges the country is facing
and make South Africa a peaceful, prosperous and great nation. -
SAnews.gov.za

 

Read the original article on SAnews.gov.za.

 

 

 

 

 

Africa: WHO Warns of Shrinking HIV Funding, Urges African Govts to Boost
Investment

The organisation said the continent must urgently protect hard-won gains
against HIV amid a rapidly changing global funding landscape that threatens
to slow progress.

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on African governments to
increase domestic investment and strengthen health systems as countries mark
the 2025 World AIDS Day.

 

The global health agency said the continent must urgently protect hard-won
gains against HIV amid a rapidly changing global funding landscape that
threatens to slow progress.

 

In a message commemorating the Day, the WHO Regional Director for Africa,
Mohamed Janabi, said this year's theme, "Overcoming Disruption: Transforming
the AIDS Response," reflects the region's growing vulnerability.

 

 

Mr Janabi noted that global pullbacks in HIV financing are putting pressure
on programmes that rely heavily on external support, making it more urgent
than ever to safeguard the gains and protect lives.

 

He added that while the disruptions pose a serious challenge, they also
present an opportunity for countries to build more resilient and
self-sustaining systems.

 

He explained that several African countries are now embedding HIV services
within primary health care structures to ensure inclusive, people-centred
care.

 

Expanding access to new technology

 

Mr Janabi highlighted advances in HIV prevention and treatment, stressing
the importance of expanding access to new tools.

 

 

He pointed to Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medicine that
requires only two injections a year, describing it as a breakthrough that
could transform prevention efforts across the continent.

 

He commended South Africa for becoming the first African country to license
the drug for HIV prevention and encouraged others to follow suit, saying
innovations must be made available quickly to those who need them most.

 

Confronting misinformation and restoring public trust

 

Mr Janabi warned that misinformation remains a significant barrier to ending
AIDS, arguing that it can be "as dangerous as service disruption."

 

He called for collective efforts to protect scientific integrity, promote
evidence-based policies and strengthen community engagement.

 

He praised youth networks across several countries for using platforms such
as WhatsApp and local radio to share verified information and promote
adherence to HIV treatment during recent crises.

 

 

According to him, these community-driven efforts demonstrate how local
leadership can sustain progress even under pressure.

 

Gains recorded but still vulnerable

 

The WHO Regional Director said the continent has made significant strides
over the past decade, with new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths both
dropping by more than half since 2010.

 

He noted that more than 21.7 million people living with HIV across the
region are now receiving antiretroviral therapy.

 

He described Botswana's recent Gold Tier certification for eliminating
mother-to-child transmission as an example of what consistent political
commitment can achieve.

 

He, however, cautioned that the gains remain fragile and require stronger
systems to be sustained.

 

The way forward

 

Mr Janabi urged African governments to transform the HIV response into a
more sustainable, locally-driven system through increased domestic
investment and innovative financing mechanisms.

 

He called for renewed efforts to strengthen health systems, expand access to
equitable services, and address persistent inequalities that expose key
populations, adolescent girls and young women to higher risks.

 

He also emphasised the need to confront stigma, discrimination and
misinformation, saying human rights must remain at the centre of the
continent's HIV response.

 

Mr Janabi reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting African countries,
adding that the path to ending AIDS in Africa requires unity and collective
resolve.

 

Quoting an African proverb, he said, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If
you want to go far, go together."

 

He noted that the continent has the strength and determination needed to go
the distance.

 

World AIDS Day

 

World AIDS Day, marked annually on 1 December, is a global reminder of the
fight against HIV/AIDS, progress made, and the gaps that persist.

 

WHO said the day highlights the need for sustained political commitment,
international cooperation, and human-rights-centred approaches to achieve
the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

 

The organisation noted that despite decades of progress, the HIV response
now stands at a critical point, with life-saving services facing disruptions
and many communities experiencing increased risks and vulnerabilities.

 

However, it added that hope remains in the resilience, determination, and
innovation of communities working to end AIDS.

 

Read the original article on Premium Times.

 

 

 

 

The UAE's Expanding Economic Footprint In Francophone Africa

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a significant economic partner
across Francophone Africa, complementing rather than displacing
long-established actors. Although its engagement remains relatively recent,
the scale of investment commitments and the consistency of political
dialogue reveal an ambition to anchor durable partnerships throughout West
and Central Africa.

 

This shift coincides with a broader trend of diversification, as governments
in the region seek to widen strategic alliances. Emirati institutions and
private sector groups have positioned themselves as pragmatic partners
focused on energy, essential infrastructure, technology and investment
facilitation.

 

A new phase in West Africa’s economic partnerships

 

Over the past decade, the UAE has deployed more than 110 billion USD in
Africa, with a notable concentration in Francophone West and Central Africa.
These countries have traditionally relied on France as their main investor
and development partner. Yet as states pursue broader diplomatic and
economic diversification, the UAE has emerged as a preferred interlocutor
for public authorities and private sector actors alike.

 

Côte d’Ivoire illustrates this shift. As the largest economy in the West
African Economic and Monetary Union and the second largest in ECOWAS, it has
long cultivated strong commercial ties with France. Renewable energy now
stands at the forefront of cooperation with the UAE. The Ivorian government
aims to raise the share of renewables to 45 percent of the electricity mix
by 2030, including 678 MW of solar power. AMEA Power, a subsidiary of Al
Nowais Investments, inaugurated the 81.8 million USD Boundiali solar plant
in 2024 with an initial capacity of 37.5 MW, set to increase to 80 MW. The
company also launched the Bondoukou project valued at 60 million USD and
expected to deliver 50 MW upon completion. Infinity Power secured two
concession agreements to construct solar plants in Laboa and Touba with a
combined capacity of 80 MW, following a competitive process supervised by
the IFC.

 

Political dialogue has intensified in parallel. During a week-long visit to
the UAE in November 2024, Prime Minister Robert Mambe Beugre secured 50
million USD from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and concluded an
agreement for the construction of 25,000 low-cost homes and 7,000 social
housing units. A mixed commission between the two governments was also
established to ensure sustained coordination. Earlier in the year, a
non-binding agreement with G42 Presight prepared the ground for a 95 million
USD investment in a data centre, artificial intelligence systems and civil
service management tools. Bilateral trade rose from 37.2 billion XOF in 2015
to 159.2 billion XOF in 2022 before stabilising at 121.8 billion XOF in
2023. Institutional partnerships have also deepened through agreements with
the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2023 and the UAE Federation of Chambers of
Commerce in 2025.

 

Senegal and Togo: consolidating a diversified landscape

 

Senegal has long retained strong economic ties with France, yet it has
increasingly consolidated its partnership with the UAE. The Ndayane Port
development, led by DP World, represents one of the country’s largest
infrastructure projects, with 840 million USD committed. Following his
election in April 2024, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye travelled to the UAE
in December to reaffirm cooperation priorities in agriculture, education and
energy. A subsequent visit by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in September
culminated in a bilateral investment forum where Emirati investors
identified agriculture, energy, information technology, mining and port
infrastructure as opportunities aligned with the Vision 2050 agenda.

 

Togo has likewise emerged as a key destination for Emirati renewable energy
investment. The Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed solar plant in Blitta, inaugurated
in 2021, was the country’s first facility of this scale. Built by AMEA Power
and financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the West African
Development Bank, the 50 MW plant supplies electricity to more than 158,000
households. An extension is underway. In December 2023, Togo and AMEA Power
signed a financing agreement to raise the plant’s total capacity to 100 MW,
including an additional 30 MW and a battery storage system of at least 10
MWh. These investments support national objectives to achieve universal
electricity access by 2030 and increase the renewable share to 50 percent of
the energy mix.

 

Central Africa: Chad as the focal point of a deepening strategic partnership

 

In Central Africa, Chad has become the focal point of Emirati engagement
since President Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed office in 2021. In October 2024,
the UAE approved a 500 million USD loan through the Abu Dhabi Fund for
Development, complementing 200 million USD mobilised in 2023. President
Deby’s visit to Abu Dhabi in April reinforced this trajectory and prepared
the ground for enhanced support to the national development strategy, Tchad
Connexion 2030. In May, a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Rail
launched feasibility studies for the N’Djamena–N’Gaoundere railway, a
strategic corridor intended to strengthen subregional connectivity.

 

Energy has remained a core pillar of cooperation. AMEA Power is developing
two solar projects expected to generate between 36 and 60 MW and 120 MW
respectively. High-level political engagement continues to accompany these
investments. During a visit to N’Djamena in August 2025, the UAE Minister of
Foreign Trade reaffirmed the Emirates’ readiness to invest in priority
sectors including agriculture, energy, finance, logistics, transport and
tourism.

 

A UAE-Chad Forum held in November 2025 in Abu Dhabi marked a decisive
milestone in structuring this partnership. It brought together three heads
of state and government — President Mahamat Idriss Déby of Chad, President
Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger and Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council
of Ministers of Togo — alongside Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed, Sheikh Shakhboot
bin Nahyan, senior representatives of the World Bank and every major
development finance institution. The event translated years of political
dialogue into concrete outcomes, with more than forty memoranda of
understanding concluded across agriculture, livestock, renewable energy,
mining, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, urban development and
essential public services.

 

The Forum generated 20.5 billion USD in commitments, underscoring strong
confidence in Chad’s economic potential and a clear alignment with the
objectives of Tchad Connexion 2030. Throughout 2025, discussions further
highlighted a widening scope of cooperation in telecommunications, tourism,
financial services and social infrastructure, including healthcare and
education projects supported by Emirati entities. These developments point
to an increasingly structured partnership architecture anchored in sustained
political dialogue and a growing convergence between Chad’s development
priorities and the UAE’s investment strategy.

 

Expanding investment horizons in the Democratic Republic of Congo

 

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Emirati engagement has concentrated on
critical minerals. In July 2023, Primera Group concluded a 1.9 billion USD
agreement with the state-owned company Sakima to develop four deposits in
South Kivu and Maniema, including a 25-year export arrangement for artisanal
ores such as tantalum, tungsten, coltan and tin. In 2024, International
Resources Holding became the majority shareholder of Alphamin Resources and
took control of the Bisie mining complex, further anchoring the UAE’s
presence in a sector central to global supply chains.

 

Across Francophone Africa, these developments illustrate how political
dialogue, targeted investments and expanding private sector initiatives are
reshaping economic partnerships. From renewable energy in Côte d’Ivoire and
Togo to major infrastructure and mining ventures in Senegal, Chad and the
DRC, Emirati actors have aligned their initiatives with national priorities
centred on modernisation, diversification and long-term economic resilience.
As regional strategies evolve, the scope and depth of these engagements will
continue to shape economic trajectories and the balance of partnerships
across the region.

 

 

 

 

 

Kenya: Mega Dam Programme to Strengthen Food Security and Trade - President
Ruto

Garissa — President William Ruto has announced that the ongoing construction
of 50 mega dams will irrigate 1.5 million acres of land in northern Kenya
and the Coast, positioning the two regions as new agricultural production
hubs.

 

Speaking in Masalani, Ijara Constituency in Garissa County during the
wedding ceremony of Mohammed Noordin Mohamed Y. Haji--son of National
Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji--the President said the
dams will convert areas previously classified as low agricultural potential
into high-output farming zones.

 

"In our plan for placing 2.5 million acres of land under irrigation, 1.5
million of those will be from Northern Kenya and the Coast regions," he
said, adding that food production will become predictable, stable and
year-round through irrigation.

 

 

President Ruto singled out the High Grand Falls Dam along River Tana in
Tharaka-Nithi and Kitui counties as one of the flagship projects. Once
complete, it will channel water to Garissa while supporting irrigation on
300,000-400,000 acres, making it one of the country's largest agricultural
zones.

 

He noted that Kenya currently relies on only 15% of its arable land that
receives reliable rainfall.

 

"It is time to expand from that 15 per cent... to the remaining 85 per cent
that has no rainfall by storing water for irrigation," he added.

 

The President also outlined major infrastructure investments in the region,
revealing that 410km Lamu-Ijara-Garissa-Garbatula Road is halfway complete,
750km Isiolo-Mandera Road will be fast-tracked under the current
administration and the total ongoing construction in North Eastern is
expected to reach 1,100km.

 

 

He added that the national road development plan aims to tarmac 28,000km
countrywide, up from 22,000km completed in the last 60 years.

 

"My plan is to connect the entire country. There is no transformation unless
we are connected."

 

The President highlighted education as the centrepiece of national
development, noting that funding has risen from Sh490bn in 2021 to Sh700bn
this year, equivalent to 30% of the national budget.

 

The investment, he said, has enabled the construction of 23,000 classrooms,
the ongoing development of 1,600 science laboratories, hiring of 100,000 new
teachers and increased funding for colleges and universities

 

While in Masalani, Ruto officially opened Yusuf Haji Girls Secondary School,
handed over a school bus, and laid the foundation for its Phase II
expansion.

 

He also launched the construction of 376 Affordable Housing units in Ijara,
and announced 32 new classrooms for schools near the housing site as well as
the upgrade of Masalani Hospital as well as the establishment of a Kenya
Medical Training College (KMTC) in the area.

 

President Ruto further attributed recent by-election victories to unity
within the ruling coalition, noting that joint candidates secured seats in
Ugunja, Kasipul, Malava, Banisa, Magarini, Mbeere North and Baringo.

 

"The last by-elections have demonstrated what unity can do," he said, vowing
to continue building broad political cooperation.

 

Health CS Aden Duale praised the President for improving access to
identification documents in the region, saying previous administrations had
marginalised communities in the North.

 

Also present were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Interior CS
Kipchumba Murkomen, Governors Nathif Jama and Abdulswamad Nassir, Senators
Oburu Odinga and Ledama Olekina, among other leaders.

 

Read the original article on Capital FM.

 

 

 

Nigeria: Dangote Refinery to Supply 1.5bn Litres of Petrol Monthly

Dangote Refinery writes NMDPRA, engages marketers to stabilise fuel market.

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five
hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian
market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring
uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and
into the New Year.

 

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote,
disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make
available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.

 

 

"In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our
track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote
Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian
market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are
formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum
Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5
billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February,
which translates to about 60 million litres per day," Mr Dangote said.

 

Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to
the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility
currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million
litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres
should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the
capacity to meet national demand.

 

 

Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to
strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered
haulage.

 

"Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is
not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of
essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered
in the cement sector," he added.

 

He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to
reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers
are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the
fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to
its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company's role in
shaping Nigeria's economic development.

 

During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio,
commended Mr Dangote's leadership and his continued contribution to
strengthening Nigeria's industrial capability, national energy security and
long-term economic competitiveness.

 

 

She described the South-South region as Nigeria's natural energy corridor,
with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets,
agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters.

 

She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group
could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure,
petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.

 

Ms Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal
Government's energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a
strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.

 

"As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to
drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human
capital advancement, and private-sector-led growth. In this regard, we stand
prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for
Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for
Dangote Group's expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing,
agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and
export-oriented manufacturing," she said.

 

In a letter from the refinery's Managing Director, David Bird, to the
Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its
readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st
to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the
Authority's support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks
and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product
evacuation.

 

"In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish
our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media)," Bird
stated. "We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to
import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as
support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience
delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations
but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies".

 

Read the original article on Premium Times.

 

 

 

Liberia: 2,148 Volunteer Teachers Placed On Payroll

The Ministry of Education has taken concrete steps to improve the employment
status of Volunteer Teachers (VTs) across the country through the Civil
Service Agency payroll process.

 

In collaboration with the Civil Service Agency and the Ministry of Finance
and Development Planning, the Ministry of Education has completed the
verification and payroll placement of 2,148 qualified volunteer teachers
across the country.

 

Payroll integration has been carried out in structured batches to ensure
fiscal and administrative integrity: Batch One: 448 teachers were placed on
payroll in October 2025, batch two, 405 teachers were placed on payroll in
November 2025, batch 3: 1,295 teachers were placed on the November 2025
supplementary payroll and are scheduled to transition to the regular payroll
in December 2025.

 

 

This process prioritizes qualified and actively engaged classroom teachers,
reinforcing accountability while strengthening workforce stability across
public schools.

 

This milestone reflects a deliberate step toward improving teacher welfare,
reducing reliance on unpaid service, and strengthening learning continuity
for Liberia's students.

 

The Ministry of Education remains committed to transparent, merit-based
workforce reforms that support both educators and learners nationwide.

 

Read the original article on New Republic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


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INVESTORS DIARY 2025

 


Company

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Date & Time

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


Companies under Cautionary

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


CBZH

GetBucks

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Padenga

Econet

RTG

 


Fidelity

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opinions expressed and recommendations made are subject to change without
notice. Securities or financial instruments mentioned herein may not be
suitable for all investors. Securities of emerging and mid-size growth
companies typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than
the securities of more established companies. Neither Faith Capital nor any
other member of Bulls ‘n Bears nor any other person, accepts any liability
whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its
contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Recipients of this
report shall be solely responsible for making their own independent
investigation into the business, financial condition and future prospects of
any companies referred to in this report. Other  Indices quoted herein are
for guideline purposes only and d from third parties.

 


 

 


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<mailto:bulls at bullszimbabwe.com> bulls at bullszimbabwe.com Tel: +27 79 993
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