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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-ZW link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=916 style='width:687.2pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:solid #D9D9D9 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:33.35pt;line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://bullszimbabwe.com/"><span lang=EN-ZW style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=246 height=120 id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:image001.png@01DBBB61.FD5612E0"></span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#002060'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Bullszimbabwe.com  </span></b></a></span><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>      </span></b><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw?subject=View%20and%20Comments"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Views & Comments</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>       </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://bullszimbabwe.com/category/blogs/bullish-thoughts/"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Bullish Thoughts</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>       </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.twitter.com/BullsBears2010"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Twitter</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>        </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>          </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bulls-n-bears-zimbabwe/57/577/72"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>         </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF6wllAfScU9Wr6dXxoQnO"><b><span style='color:#70AD47;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'>WhatsApp</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='color:#70AD47;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'>        </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:bulls@bullszimbabwe.com?subject=Unsubscribe"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Unsubscribe</span></b></a></span><span class=style30><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;color:#00B050'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoSubtitle style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span lang=EN-US style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Major International Business Headlines Brief :::  02 May 2025 </span></b></span><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span lang=EN-US>                                                                                  <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.0pt'><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span lang=EN-ZW style='color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=804 height=268 id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image002.jpg@01DBBB61.FD5612E0"></span></a><span class=style30><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:54.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>  </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Rwanda Launches Upgraded Building Permit Platform, Revised National Urbanisation Policy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>  </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa: Just Transition 'Opportunity' Must Be Just for All<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New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d:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>  </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ghana's Kofa Gets $8.1m to Scale Battery Swapping Network in Africa<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>  </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kenya: Nacada, Police, KRA Crack Down On Illicit Ehanol Trade<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>  </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;line-height:115%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span lang=EN-ZW style='color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=804 height=268 id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image003.jpg@01DBBB61.FD5612E0"></span></a></span><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=910 colspan=4 rowspan=3 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Rwanda Launches Upgraded Building Permit Platform, Revised National Urbanisation Policy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Through the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Rwanda has officially launched the dissemination of its revised 2025 National Urbanisation Policy (NUP), alongside the KUBAKA (BPMIS 2.0) portal, the new and enhanced platform for online building permitting services. The upgraded platform is designed to streamline access to the building permitting services through a zero-trip approach, promote transparent, secure, and efficient permitting services, and enhance the user experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The official launch event took place on Tuesday, April 29, at the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) headquarters. It brought together officials and representatives from central and local government institutions, development partners, the private sector, financial institutions, professional bodies, civil society, and academic and research institutions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>KUBAKA Platform<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The KUBAKA Platform is the enhanced version of the Building Permit Management Information System (BPMIS) introduced in 2016. It will serve as an essential implementation tool of the 2025 National Urbanisation Policy (NUP) as it aligns with its principles of SMART growth and efficient service delivery and will support well-managed, formal, and coordinated urban growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>According to Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, the new version addresses long-standing concerns from users, adding new features for the enhancement of service delivery. With a user-friendly and intuitive interface, KUBAKA allows citizens, landowners, investors, and professionals in the real estate industry to apply for and track in real-time the status of their building permit applications online at kubaka.gov.rw.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>This digital platform is designed to enhance transparency, professionalism, speed in the application and processing of building permits, and the user experience, supporting Rwanda's digital transformation agenda under National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Minister Gasore noted that the KUBAKA Platform is aligned with the Government of Rwanda's commitment to socio-economic transformation by enhancing service delivery through the use and adoption of digital technologies in its citizen-centered governance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In the past, building permit officers were responsible for determining what was or wasn't allowed, which created inconsistencies and limited transparency, Dr. Gasore explained. The new KUBAKA Platform is directly integrated and aligned with national master plans and can now automatically validate compliance with master plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The KUBAKA platform provides significant improvements from the former BPMIS, by ensuring that urban growth is coordinated, follows the environmental requirements of master plans, adopts the required density standards, and enables formal construction," Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, the Director General of Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), noted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>KUBAKA is built on a new and modern architecture and technologies, based on a streamlined zero trip process for building permit application, which was achieved through integrations with government third-party systems for seamless data sharing and verification. These integrations help to share information and automate document verification (such as land ownership, masterplan checks, and tax clearance) through cross-government systems, thus cutting the time and cost to submit and process applications.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"With the launch of this new KUBAKA platform, we are making the building permit process faster, more transparent, and citizen-centred," said the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), Innocent Bagamba Muhizi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"It is a critical step in modernizing service delivery and promoting smart, climate-resilient urban development across Rwanda."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The revised National Urbanisation Policy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Adopted by the Cabinet on February 10, 2025, the revised National Urbanisation Policy (NUP) updates Rwanda's 2015 urbanization policy to align with Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Minister Gasore emphasised that the new policy builds on a decade of achievements of the first urbanisation policy and aims to tackle persistent urban challenges, including informal growth, climate change and disaster risk, and uneven development between Kigali and satellite and secondary cities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The government plans to have at least 70 per cent of the population living in urban areas by 2050. Explaining the revised urbanisation policy, Gasore noted that it highlights plans to expand and develop infrastructure in satellite cities and secondary cities, easing population pressure on Kigali.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"From our current urbanisation level of 27.9 per cent, we target to reach 52.7 per cent by 2035, and we will reach 70 per cent by 2050," Gasore noted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Dr Jack Ngarambe, Director General in Charge of Urbanisation, Human Settlements and Housing Development at MININFRA, noted that while the 2015 policy achieved significant milestones, such as the development of master plans and urban instruments, the implementation of infrastructure projects, and the use of ICT tools for service delivery, some gaps needed addressing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The new policy also aims to solve challenges identified from the 2015 NUP, including insufficient budget for implementation, especially limited own-source revenues from districts, limited urban planning capacity in local government entities, and limited access to urbanisation-related data.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ngarambe noted that the earlier policy was developed under Vision 2020 and needed to be updated for Vision 2050. The new policy is built on four pillars: coordination, densification, liveability, and economic growth. Each pillar presents objectives associated with specific policy actions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"For coordination, for instance, the aim is to promote inter- and intra-institutional engagements across the government, private sector, and civil society, and focus mainly on cooperation and budget alignment," Ngarambe said, emphasising that this would be essential in ensuring stakeholders have complementary efforts and maintain resource efficiency.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He added that a policy action to increase coordination in government entities is the establishment of City Management Offices. He underscored that one reason the City of Kigali outperforms other cities is thanks to its City Management Office, which ensures all stakeholders are involved in the city's development. He emphasised that the goal is to have the same city management offices across the country, starting in districts with satellite and secondary cities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He also highlighted the vision, mission, and goals of the new national urbanisation policy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"For the updated policy, the vision is to achieve a balanced spatial development of sustainable and inclusive human settlements throughout Rwanda," Ngarambe said, noting that the mission is to create sustainable and liveable urban environments that promote social equity and environmental stewardship.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The goal is to accelerate rates of urbanisation and, in doing so, create hubs of inclusive and green growth through well-managed cities, well-coordinated spatial development, and resilient urban infrastructure."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on New Times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa: Just Transition 'Opportunity' Must Be Just for All<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reiterated government's commitment to an energy transition that is just and inclusive for all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Minister was delivering the opening remarks at the G20 Energy Transitions Working Groups (ETWG) Technical Teams meeting held in Cape Town on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We must affirm, unequivocally, that a successful transition is one that does not displace workers but rather, transforms their prospects. It must prioritise reskilling, protect livelihoods and anchor new industries that generate quality jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The transition must not extract from the many to enrich the few but [it must] expand opportunity in a way that reflects the spirit of solidarity, the principles of equality and the commitment to sustainability that defines our G20 Presidency," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ramokgopa further emphasised that to ensure that South Africa's climate goals are enduring, "they must be built on the foundation of social consensus".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Workers must see themselves not as casualties of the transitions but as co-authors of a new energy future. This is not just a matter of policy: it is a matter of principle; one we owe to those whose hands have powered our economies and whose futures must remain central to our planning," Ramokgopa said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Minister said the transition must also be seen as a "development project" for developing economies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"It cannot simply be about decarbonising the global economy. It must also enable nations to industrialise, create jobs and expand the reach of human development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"For the global South, the transition must mean...moving from vulnerability to resilience, from exclusion to empowerment and lastly, from energy poverty to energy sovereignty," Ramokgopa said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Minister told the gathering that South Africa has proposed that the working consider "practical frameworks for concessional finance" of energy transitions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"These are not abstract goals but they are pre-conditions for energy justice. As an African country, we speak of the confidence of a continent that is not seeking charity but partnership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Africa has the youngest population, greatest solar potential and the fastest growing demand for energy services. We are not the last frontier of development. We are the next frontier of opportunity. We welcome partnerships that view African countries not merely as recipients of energy investments but as co-creators of the solutions needed for a global just transition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Africa is ready to lead. But we must do so on terms that affirm our sovereignty, support our integration and build our industrial base," Ramokgopa said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on SAnews.gov.za.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria: NNPC Sacks Refinery Mds in Bold Move to Halt Value Erosion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In a sweeping move aimed at halting continued value erosion in Nigeria's refining sector, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has relieved the Managing Directors of the company's three refineries, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri--of their duties, THISDAY has learnt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>According to a competent source, the decision, which takes immediate effect, marks a significant first step in what the GCEO described as a broader initiative to assess the true state of NNPC's refineries and to explore the most efficient management models going forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The primary objective of the restructuring is to halt the ongoing loss of value in the short term and to develop a credible, long-term strategy that will restore and maximize value for the federation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>As part of the restructuring process, the GCEO has also inaugurated a high-level assessment team led by the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Alhaji Mumuni Dagazzau. The team is mandated to embark on an immediate operational assessment tour of all NNPC refineries to determine their current status and provide recommendations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>President Tinubu, invoking his powers under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, had on April 2 appointed an 11-man board for the NNPCL with Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>President Tinubu had also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on This Day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Malawi: Zikhale Ng'oma Shakes Up Malawi's Mining Sector - Chakwera's Game-Changing Cabinet Pick Delivers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Trust the tale--Zikhale Ng'oma is rewriting Malawi's mining story! Once a neglected sector riddled with inefficiencies and missed opportunities, mining is now seeing a new dawn under the dynamic leadership of Minister Zikhale Ng'oma, thanks to the foresight of President Lazarus Chakwera.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ng'oma's commanding presence and sharp intellect took center stage at the close of the 2025 Malawi Mining Investment Forum, themed "Advancing Malawi's Mining Agenda in an Evolving Global Industry." He didn't just talk reforms--he ignited a movement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Malawi needs mining investors who bring the full bakery--not just raw extraction, but processing, exporting, and value addition," Ng'oma declared. "We've made it too easy for our riches to leave the country raw. That ends now. New, tougher laws are coming--backed by real data from my ministry."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ng'oma, the Nkhata Bay South MP and former Homeland Security chief, made clear he's not here to play politics--he's here to build Malawi's mining into a powerhouse. He emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the creative potential of Malawi's youth are essential to unlocking a sustainable, modern mining future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We're in the AI era. My ministry values the pioneering power of our youth--creative, bold, and ready for transformation."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ng'oma also revealed plans to host more strategic indabas with academics and small-scale miners to craft a robust investment framework that benefits all. And he's not stopping there--he's set to audit past mining contracts to ensure future deals are transparent, binding, and fair for Malawi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Grateful for the support shown during the forum, he hailed President Chakwera as a "reflective and futuristic leader", and praised partners like Standard Bank for stepping up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>To the media, Ng'oma didn't mince words:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Transparency and access to information are essential ingredients in mining development."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>As Malawi looks to grow its economy beyond agriculture, Zikhale Ng'oma is proving to be the hard-hitting reformist the mining sector desperately needed--and President Chakwera's bet on him is already paying off.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Malawi's mining future just got real.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on Nyasa Times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>U.S. Shuts Down Massive Lesotho Development Project - Reports<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>There are reports that the Lesotho Health and Horticulture compact agreement, which was reached in 2022 with the Milennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) - a U.S. foreign aid agency - is being shut down in the wake of the closure of the MCC by the Trump Administration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The U.S.$300 million agreement would have benefitted approximately 2.5 million people and generated tens of thousands of "direct and indirect" jobs. The compact deal consisted of three projects: a $75.4-million health project; a $118.6-million food production project; and a $62-million project aimed at small businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Lesotho government has remained silent on the future of the project.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa to Table Revised Budget on May 21 After VAT U-Turn<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>inance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025, following National Treasury's decision to withdraw a proposed 0.5% VAT increase that was set to take effect on 1 May. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Godongwana described the public and political debate that followed the initial budget, tabled on 12 March, as "rigorous, as is right in a healthy democracy". Godongwana said he was "pleased" that the budget will be balanced "without raising VAT while protecting vital services like education, health and social grants." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Godongwana outlined a three-pronged approach: stricter cost management to avoid additional borrowing (given South Africa's R1 billion daily debt servicing costs), improved revenue collection through SARS, and economic reforms to spur growth and job creation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Namibia: African Horse Sickness Outbreak Confirmed in Namibia<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Directorate of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has announced the outbreak of African horse sickness in various parts of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>A statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday indicated that about 25 confirmed cases have been reported from the state veterinary districts of Otjinene, Windhoek, Okahandja, Omaruru, Gobabis and Mariental.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>African horse sickness is an infectious but noncontagious viral disease that commonly affects horses, mules and donkeys and is characterised by alterations in the respiratory and circulatory functions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Its symptoms include sudden death, coughing, froth from the nose, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The statement says measures to control and prevent the further spread of the disease have been put in place with immediate effect, in line with the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>These include the quarantine of the affected establishments, while movement of horses and donkeys within or in and out of the veterinary districts with suspected or confirmed outbreaks, will only be allowed under the cover of a veterinary movement permit on condition that they have received their full vaccinations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Owners are advised to vaccinate their horses using a registered polyvalent African horse sickness vaccine according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and horse owners are advised to stable their horses at night and other equines in insect-proof stables," it reads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The public is also reminded that no person may move horses or donkeys within the country unless a movement permit is obtained in line with the law.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The directorate urged horse owners to report any suspicious or confirmed case of the disease to the nearest state veterinary office as required by law.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on Namibian.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria: As Boko Haram Threat Grows, USAID Cuts Cripple the Economy and the Response<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Maiduguri, Nigeria — "Unfortunately, the people that will be impacted the most will be the beneficiaries of assistance."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>International aid cuts - most dramatically the stop-work orders implemented by the United States - are not only hitting relief programmes worldwide, but they're also taking their toll on the local economies that support those humanitarian efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The city of Maiduguri, in Nigeria's northeast, is a case in point. For a decade, it has been the centre of aid operations aimed at the victims of a rural insurgency by the jihadist group Boko Haram, which has forced 1.9 million people from their homes and tipped millions more into destitution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>A booming service industry - from car hire companies, to security guards, to importers - caters to the needs of the more than 280 registered NGOs and UN relief agencies based in Maiduguri. The state government's insistence on local employment for humanitarian jobs has also created a class of well-paid graduates tied to the non-profit sector - a limited antidote to a nationwide unemployment epidemic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Maiduguri, the former urban base of Boko Haram, has been revived. The new hotels, the streets choked with traffic, the housing construction: All attest to both the improved security and an economy that has benefitted from the influx of aid workers and relief programmes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The growth in the last eight to nine years, the hustle and bustle of the markets, the amount of goods coming in, is very much linked to the humanitarian response," said a senior aid worker, who asked for anonymity so they could speak freely. "Without that, you would expect the same level of stagnation you see in other northern cities [where economic growth is far lower than the rest of the country]."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The scale of spending has been significant. The UN launched an appeal in January for $910 million to support 3.6 million people most in need in the northeast, out of an overall vulnerable population of 7.8 million.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Between 2021 and 2024, annual humanitarian appeals have totalled more than $3.4 billion - although actual financing has fallen well short of that donor ask.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The impact of USAID's withdrawal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a key funder, not just financing major agencies like the World Health Organization and the World Food Programme, but for many local projects - especially in health and nutrition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>USAID's stop-work orders, issued at the beginning of the year, have not only shuttered those projects, impacting the most needy, but they have also affected the lives of local aid workers that have been laid off.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Daniel Hassan, 32, had been a project officer at Supertouch Kindness Foundation (SKF) - a local NGO funded by USAID that serves people with disabilities. His abrupt termination in February was a crushing blow to both his career prospects and his family's budget.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Although graduating with a bachelor's degree in 2017, he had struggled for years to find full-time work. Landing the position at SKF was "life-changing", he told The New Humanitarian. "The finances, the status, even the kind of meals the family ate changed."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Hassan earned 380,000 naira (roughly $238) a month - five times the national minimum wage. "A lot of bills were settled, a lot of debts were paid," he said. But now, especially as he had been the family's sole breadwinner, the loss of income "has caused a lot of emotional vulnerability".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Knock-on effects<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The effect of the aid squeeze has rippled through Maiduguri's economy. The retail outlets that sprung up to meet the new consumer demand from well-heeled aid workers have been hit particularly badly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Today's Super Stores is a good example. Rising from a small street kiosk in the 2010s to become a major supermarket chain and shopping hub for expatriates, it is now in financial trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Whatever we become, you cannot take away the enormous contributions of the NGOs," said Mohammed Suraj, the store's general manager. "They are part of the success of this business."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Despite the country's economic obstacles, and prolonged power outages, Today's Super Stores turned in annual profits of $744,000 to $864,000 from 2019 to 2022, said Suraj. But profits took a knock in 2024 as humanitarian funding began to decline - the result of competition from other global emergencies. The situation has turned critical since February this year, when the USAID cuts came into force.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Before, I would receive about 15 emails and nearly 50 calls daily [from caterers and other businesses affiliated with NGOs], but we barely receive any now," Suraj explained.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The downturn has also been reflected in the property market.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Demand boomed with the influx of NGOs, which triggered a surge in rental prices. Property owners prioritised renting to new arrivals who could pay in foreign currency, which had the effect of pushing affordable housing beyond the reach of many locals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>For close to a decade, Mohammad Musa had leased his land to an international NGO, which then built offices. But the contract ended in February and "the financial impact is already being felt," said Musa. Not only has he lost the INGO's income, but the lack of local demand means he has been unable to find anyone to rent the offices to.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>State revenue takes a hit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Borno collected a record $18 million in revenue last year, surpassing its target by 46%. But those gains are now at risk, which will impact the level of services the state will be able to provide its citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We, as the agency saddled with the responsibility to generate revenue, know that we have been negatively impacted by the exodus of NGOs and INGOs," Ardo Buba, the board secretary of the Borno Internal Revenue Service (Bo-IRS), told The New Humanitarian.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The retrenchment of workers will mean a significant drop in Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax deductions, said Buba. Bo-IRS also collects a 10% tax on rented office spaces and residential accommodation, and takes a 5% to 10% slice of NGO procurement costs and consultancy fees - which has represented a reliable source of revenue for the state government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Despite those revenues, the state government has had a schizophrenic relationship with NGOs. Governor Babagana Zulum has been a harsh critic of the humanitarian sector, arguing that it has bred aid dependency and fattened the budgets of "unaccountable" relief groups.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"With the shrinkage of the aid sector, I think Zulum will finally get what he's been praying for," said the senior aid worker. "There will be no one left to clamp down on: But, unfortunately, the people that will be impacted the most will be the beneficiaries of assistance."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Post-aid plans<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Before the emergence of Boko Haram, Borno was a regional economic hub, its commercial and livestock markets attracting traders from neighbouring Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. A multi-billion dollar fish industry transported smoked fish caught in Lake Chad throughout southern Nigeria.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>To offset the aid sector impact on jobs and revenue, Abdulaziz Mala, a researcher specialising in the Lake Chad region, believes the state government should prioritise reviving its agricultural potential and local trade networks. It's a strategy backed by Lake Chad Basin countries, and endorsed by the African Union and the UN Development Programme.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Now that there aren't any restrictions on [major] roads, a lot of markets [in the countryside] are currently operating," Mala noted. "So if the government can ensure peace in these areas, it can be a source of stability for the state's economy."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>However, that is currently an extremely tall order. Boko Haram - or more accurately its more powerful offshoot, the so-called Islamic State of West Africa - is staging a comeback. There have been repeated attacks on military posts, and an increased tempo in the killing of people sent from Maiduguri's displacement camps to their ancestral homes in the countryside.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Last month, Zulum warned that renewed attacks and kidnappings were occurring "almost on a daily basis" and the authorities were "losing ground". The military commander for the northeast was replaced this week by Abuja, worried over the worsening security climate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>There is growing concern that continued gains by ISWAP and Boko Haram could see the northeast slip into the insecurity of a decade ago, with mass rural displacement and worsening food insecurity. This time, though, with the aid sector undermined and the state more impoverished, the humanitarian response will be even less effective.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>With additional reporting in Maiduguri by Ijasini Ijani. Edited by Obi Anyadike.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read this report on The New Humanitarian. The New Humanitarian puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa's Shift From Coal to Renewables - How It's Going<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Just over 74% of South Africa's electricity still comes from burning coal. In 2021, the country negotiated the Just Energy Transition Partnership with Germany, the UK, France, the US and the European Union. They committed to providing South Africa with US$8.5 billion (R157 billion) to move away from coal to renewable energy. (In March 2025, US president Donald Trump withdrew the US and its share of the funding, about US$1.5 billion, or R27.7 billion, from the arrangement.) Researcher Nqobile Xaba talks to The Conversation Africa about how the partnership is going.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>What has the partnership done so far?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>After its launch in 2021, the Just Energy Transition Partnership attracted additional pledges from the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Spain and Switzerland. The total amount pledged is now US$11.8 billion (R218 billion).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Though the US has pulled out, the other partners remain committed to fulfilling the funding they've promised. In fact, financing has begun to flow in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa has come up with a Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan that sets out what is needed and how much it will cost to achieve a low carbon economy. The plan also sets out what is needed to build South Africa's ability to cope with global warming. It also proposes ways to create quality jobs, set up a stable energy supply, and boost economic growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>To date, US$583 million (R10.8 billion) has been allocated to just energy transition projects. A publicly available register is keeping track of how money is spent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read more: 600 million Africans don't have electricity - the green energy transition must start with them<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa is investing the funds in six focus areas: the electricity sector; green hydrogen; new energy vehicles; skills development; a just transition away from coal in Mpumalanga; and municipal capacity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The initial funds have been used to pay for:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>studies into the technical, economic, environmental and social aspects of decommissioning coal-fired power plants<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>building infrastructure, such as upgrading and expanding electricity transmission infrastructure to enable large-scale grid uptake of renewable energy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>training municipalities to begin planning local level renewable energy projects<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>community development and meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The plan is focused on parts of South Africa that are currently almost entirely dependent on coal mining. For example, money has been allocated to projects that will support new forms of industry in Mpumalanga, a province where 12 collieries are based. This recognises that people and businesses in coal regions are vulnerable. They'll bear the brunt of the transition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>What has worked well?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Progress has been made in policy and regulatory reforms to support the energy transition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>For example, the South African government is reforming the energy sector through the energy action plan, the country's national energy security roadmap. The reforms include allowing the private sector to generate electricity without a licence. They also include approving a new renewable energy masterplan that aims to set up green industries and jobs in renewable energy system production.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read more: South Africa finally has a masterplan for a renewable energy industry: here's what it says<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>These policy reforms have been designed to attract investments into large scale renewable energy development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In climate policy, the Climate Change Act was passed in July 2024. It aims to make sure that climate change is incorporated in all government strategies and plans. This will enable different government departments to have one co-ordinated response to combating climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>What are some of the apparent challenges?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>First, transitioning to renewable energy needs to be accompanied by economic diversification. This simply means that sectors that support the economy, like agriculture, manufacturing and the services industry, need to be involved in the transition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Second, South Africa has three huge socio-economic challenges: poverty, inequality and unemployment. There is therefore a need to make sure the energy transition creates decent work for people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read more: South Africa's coal workers face an uncertain future - Mpumalanga study flags they're being left out of the green transition<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Third, social protection for the most vulnerable people must be widened. South Africa has a well established social protection system. But it needs to be strengthened with measures like a universal basic income grant. This would support people who might lose their jobs in the energy transition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Fourth, South Africa's energy insecurity is a major challenge. The country's coal fleet is not performing at its full capacity and can't meet the energy needs for the country. Intermittent power cuts have resulted. The renewable energy industry is still being developed. It cannot address this energy shortfall right now, since only about 8.8% of installed capacity comes from renewables (wind, solar photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar power). To minimise the power cuts, three coal plants that were scheduled to close by 2027 are now going to stay open until 2030. This delays the transition away from coal-fired power.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read more: South Africa's move to green energy was slowed down by government to protect coal mining<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Fifth, state capacity needs attention. For example, ministerial oversight - who is responsible for what - needs to be clarified. Frameworks are needed that will set out how the transition is managed, monitored and evaluated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Finally, collaboration is important. When rolling out renewable energy projects, the roles of all the social partners (community, labour, government, women and business) need to be made clear and explicit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>What still needs to be done?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>A people centred approach needs to be adopted. This means involving all citizens and making sure solutions are found in which all people's livelihoods are conserved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>A just energy transition should not simply be a shift to a low carbon energy system and economy. Rather, it must foster green industrial development, while prioritising the well-being of all South Africa's citizens, especially society's most impoverished communities, which bear no material responsibility for the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The implementation of the just energy transition needs strong local government (municipalities). They have to be able to carry out the transition to renewable energy because in South Africa, they are the custodians of service delivery. But ageing electricity and water systems that malfunction regularly and a lack of money to fix them will need to be resolved. The implementation of a just energy transition that leaves no one behind won't be able to happen without this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nqobile Xaba, Research associate, University of Johannesburg<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>This article is republished from The Conversation Africa under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Rwanda: Labour Union Calls for Worker Protections Amid Digitisation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Rwanda Workers' Trade Union Confederation (CESTRAR) has warned that while digitalisation is bringing efficiency and innovation to the workplace, it is also introducing new risks to workers' job security and deepening existing inequalities. The union is calling for stronger protections for workers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Speaking during Labour Day celebrations held at CESTRAR headquarters in Kigali on May 1, the union's Secretary General Africain Biraboneye emphasised the need for proactive policies to manage the digital shift.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>ALSO READ: Labour Day: Thousands of mine workers benefit from minimum 'living' wage<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Smart technologies are advancing rapidly. They improve productivity and reduce physical injuries, but they also eliminate human oversight and pose new health and safety risks," Biraboneye said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Biraboneye pointed out the lack of existing policies to regulate these tools and stressed the need for proper training for workers who interact with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>ALSO READ: Labour union appeals for pay rise amid high cost of living<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Robots can misoperate; they can drop what they're meant to lift or act unpredictably if a programme fails," he noted. "We need clear policies, in line with international standards, to ensure safe integration of these systems into the workplace."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"These tools must not threaten workers' lives or livelihoods. We need immediate strategies to protect those working directly with or around digital systems, from machine operators to maintenance staff."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Call for wage adjustment<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Biraboneye also urged the government to establish a reliable mechanism for adjusting wages to match rising living costs and currency fluctuations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"For years, we have called on the government to create a structured system for wage reviews that reflects inflation and the weakening currency," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>ALSO READ: Trade unions urge review of salaries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Setting a national minimum wage and reviewing it at least every five years would be a major step toward safeguarding workers' wellbeing and ensuring economic stability," Biraoneye said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Flora Nyiratsinda, Secretary General of the Hotel, Bars, Restaurants and Tourism Workers' Syndicate, acknowledged progress in workers' treatment within the hospitality sector but said challenges remain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Some hotels still offer wages that do not meet workers' basic needs," she said. "It's concerning that some hotels are increasing their star ratings while their workers still get low salaries," Nyiratsinda said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>She added that establishing a minimum wage would help address this issue, ensuring that improved hotel ratings also translate into employees' improved welfare.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"In some cases, the low wages are even pushing workers into prostitution," she warned<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on New Times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kenya-China - a Bold Blueprint for a Shared Future<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>President William Ruto's recent state visit to China marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's foreign policy and economic direction. The Joint Statement issued by both governments signals a deepening of ties that is strategic, ambitious, and firmly grounded in mutual benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>At the core of this evolving partnership is the vision of building an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era." This relationship affirms Kenya's agency, draws on China's development experience, and underscores the urgent need for African nations to recalibrate their global partnerships toward more equitable and sustainable outcomes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The renewed focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation--aligned with Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and Vision 2030--is particularly promising. For years, Kenya has wrestled with the "missing middle": the disconnect between major infrastructure projects and the development of local industries. The current commitment to integrate industrial growth, job creation, and sustainability marks a fresh and hopeful chapter--one that deserves close attention and stewardship.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Equally important is the mutual pledge to defend core interests and resist external interference. Kenya's strong reaffirmation of the One-China policy reflects principled diplomacy and adherence to the international law doctrine of non-interference. At a time of intensifying global rivalry, such clarity of purpose is both rare and commendable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The synergy around global initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative also deserves recognition. These frameworks shift the development conversation from charity to partnership. Kenya's growing leadership in climate negotiations and AI governance demonstrates that we are not mere beneficiaries but active contributors to shaping the Global South's future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Of course, concerns about deepening ties with China--ranging from debt dependency to opaque project terms--are not unfounded. They must remain part of our national dialogue. But rather than retreat from strategic partnerships, Kenya's opportunity lies in negotiating smarter, implementing more effectively, and governing with transparency.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Efforts to expand trade--especially by increasing Kenyan exports to China--could yield transformative benefits for farmers, manufacturers, and small enterprises. Joint initiatives in smart cities, AI, green technology, and modern agriculture offer Kenya the chance to leapfrog traditional development paths and build a future-ready economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Yet, the success of these grand visions depends on their impact on ordinary Kenyans. The Standard Gauge Railway offers a cautionary tale: ambition must be balanced with affordability. Future projects must prioritize local content, technology transfer, and skills development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Internally, Kenya must strengthen its systems to manage new investments transparently, maintain debt sustainability, and ensure that all initiatives serve national interests. Parliamentary oversight, public engagement, and professional negotiation should not be seen as obstacles but as critical safeguards of long-term prosperity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Finally, as China and Kenya commit to being steadfast partners for global peace, a true test of this alliance will be their shared commitment to "African solutions for African problems." Supporting the African Union's peace and security architecture and elevating Africa's voice in global governance must be foundational pillars of this partnership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In sum, President Ruto's visit to China was more than a diplomatic success--it was a call to action. Kenya's policymakers, businesses, and citizens must think bigger, act bolder, and demand more from international cooperation. If guided with foresight and integrity, the China-Kenya partnership can become a powerful model for Africa and the wider Global South.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The writer is a communications specialist with a keen interest in African foreign policy and China-Africa relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on Capital FM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ghana's Kofa Gets $8.1m to Scale Battery Swapping Network in Africa<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ghanaian energy startup Kofa has raised $8.1 million in a pre-Series A round to expand its AI-powered battery-swapping network across urban Africa<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kofa operates a swappable battery system designed for motorcycles, small businesses, and households<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kofa will use the funds to scale into three cities across West and East Africa and enhance its AI-based battery management system<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ghanaian energy startup Kofa has raised $8.1 million in a pre-Series A round to expand its AI-powered battery-swapping network across urban Africa. The round includes $3.25 million in equity, $4.315 million in debt, and $590,000 in grants. Equity investment was co-led by E3 Capital and Injaro Investment Advisors, while Shell Foundation and the UK's Transforming Energy Access platform supported with catalytic debt and grants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Launched in 2022, Kofa operates a swappable battery system designed for motorcycles, small businesses, and households. The system delivers reliable, clean energy in under two minutes per swap. The company currently facilitates over 200 swaps daily with a 99% charge rate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kofa will use the funds to scale into three cities across West and East Africa and enhance its AI-based battery management system, which tracks usage, predicts demand, and optimizes energy deployment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Daba is Africa's leading investment platform for private and public markets. Download here<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Key Takeaways<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kofa's fundraising reflects rising investor interest in Africa's clean energy and electric mobility sectors. With urban congestion and fuel costs driving demand for electric motorcycles and decentralized power, battery-swapping solutions are emerging as scalable, cost-effective alternatives. By integrating AI and IoT, Kofa aims to solve major pain points: battery reliability, charging time, and infrastructure cost. Its platform increases uptime for small businesses and delivery operators, many of whom rely on two-wheel transport. The company's investor mix--including institutional funds, development finance, and battery-sector angels--positions Kofa to benefit from the convergence of clean tech, fintech, and urban logistics. Local assembly and international hardware partnerships will be central to scaling infrastructure sustainably. As countries like Ghana and Kenya prioritize electrification and carbon reduction, Kofa's approach could become a blueprint for distributed energy in high-density African cities, where access, affordability, and speed remain non-negotiable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on Daba Finance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kenya: Nacada, Police, KRA Crack Down On Illicit Ehanol Trade<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Bungoma — A breakthrough in the fight against illicit substances was achieved on Friday when a lorry transporting what is suspected to be illegal ethanol was intercepted during a joint multi-agency operation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The vehicle was found with 35 containers, each holding 250 liters of a clear liquid, carefully concealed under cartons of milk in an apparent attempt to deceive law enforcement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), led by its CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, speaking at the scene, said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"This was not just an attempt to break the law; it was an intentional move to endanger lives," Dr. Omerikwa said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We will not relent in pursuing those involved in the manufacture, trafficking, and sale of illegal or uncustomised substances. Their assets will be traced and seized under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering framework."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Samples of the seized liquid have been dispatched to the Government Chemist for analysis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Preliminary investigations suggest the ethanol was being trafficked for possible use in the manufacture of illicit alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Dr. Omerikwa commended the swift action and coordination by the local police command and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), stating, "This successful operation is a testament to what inter-agency collaboration can achieve. I applaud our partners in the police and KRA for their vigilance and commitment to public safety.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"He emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence sharing across government agencies, noting, "More seizures and apprehensions are possible if we break silos and pool our efforts. The networks fueling this trade thrive on communication gaps. We must close them."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The CEO further urged the public to be part of the fight by reporting suspicious activity anonymously through NACADA's toll-free hotline 1192.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Community support is crucial. Let us protect our youth and safeguard the future," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins and intended destination of the intercepted substance as NACADA and its partners ramp up efforts to dismantle the networks behind Kenya's illicit drug trade.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Read the original article on Capital FM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:50.35pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=X-NONE style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> </span><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Invest Wisely!</span></i><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Bulls n Bears </span></b><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Courier New";color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Cellphone:         +263 71 944 1674 | +27 79 993 5557 </span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Email:               </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:bulls@bullszimbabwe.com"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>bulls@bullszimbabwe.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Website:            </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>www.bullszimbabwe.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Blog:                 </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com/blog"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>www.bullszimbabwe.com/blog</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Twitter (X):        @bullsbears2010<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>LinkedIn:           Bulls n Bears Zimbabwe<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Facebook:          </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:33.35pt;line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><img border=0 width=278 height=115 id="_x0000_i1028" src="cid:ima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</xml><![endif]--></span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><strong><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#345883'>INVESTORS DIARY 2025</span></strong><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=175 style='width:131.3pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Company</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Event</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Venue</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Date & Time</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:72.0pt;text-indent:-72.0pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:72.0pt;text-indent:-72.0pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:72.0pt;text-indent:-72.0pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=382 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:286.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Companies under Cautionary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=382 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:286.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=382 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:286.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>CBZH<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>GetBucks<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>EcoCash<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=382 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:286.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Padenga<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Econet<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>RTG<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=382 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:286.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Fidelity<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>TSL<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>FMHL<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=382 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:286.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:99.35pt'><td width=910 colspan=4 style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:99.35pt'><p class=MsoBodyText align=center style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span lang=EN-ZW style='color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=804 height=268 id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image005.jpg@01DBBB61.FD5612E0"></span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:99.35pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#1F497D;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#1F497D;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:white'>DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by Bulls ‘n Bears, a division of Faith Capital (Pvt) Ltd for general information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities. The information contained in this report has been compiled from s believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made or guarantee given as to its accuracy or completeness. All 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.</span></i><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><i><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> (c) 2025 Web: </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>www.bullszimbabwe.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> Email: </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:bulls@bullszimbabwe.com"><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>bulls@bullszimbabwe.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> Tel: +27 79 993 5557 | +263 71 944 1674</span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=910 colspan=4 valign=bottom style='width:682.8pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>