Tag Archives: national development

A New World Bank-Funded Program to Transform Forest Economies and Drive Jobs Opportunities for 60 million People around the Congo Basin

Boosting forest value chains, supporting over 500 SMEs, and improving livelihoods for forest-dependent communities

Washington, USA, 02 April 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The World Bank Group today approved a new operation that will transform forest economies in Central Africa. The International Development Association (IDA)-funded Sustainable Congo Basin Forest Economies Program (SCBFEP) –$394.83 million for Phase 1—, will improve forest management, strengthen forest value chains, and will generate 220,000 jobs across the Republic of Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), and the Republic of Congo (RoC). This first phase forms part of a larger $1.02 billion multi-phase program to unlock economic, climate, and livelihood benefits from the world’s second-largest tropical forest biome, demonstrating that sustainable economic development and forest stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand.

This next generation of forest investments moves decisively beyond a conservation-only approach, building the economic conditions that make forest stewardship sustainable. Marginalized communities, indigenous peoples, and forest-dependent communities stand at the heart of the program. During its initial phase, nearly 8 million hectares will be placed under sustainable management. The program will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17.6 million tCO2e and increase the share of legally processed wood by 15%, while supporting community forest enterprises, agroforestry systems, and SME processing zones. More than 500 SMEs and 20,000 people — 40% of them women — will gain access to training, finance, and value chain infrastructure, while over 7,000 youth will be supported into entrepreneurship. These will unlock real jobs and real economic opportunities for the 60 million people living in and around the Congo Basin who have long been bypassed by growth.

“This new program marks a milestone for the Congo Basin, where sustainable forest economies create jobs, raise incomes, and strengthen resilience for millions of people,” says Chakib Jenane, World Bank Regional Director for Planet. “By scaling legal wood production, improving governance, and investing in skills and enterprise growth, countries can unlock inclusive and sustainable prosperity.”

The program adopts a strong regional approach by supporting coordinated investments across the three participating countries, while leveraging the mandates of key regional institutions such as the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) to harmonize forest policies and strengthen cross‑border governance.

“The Congo Basin is a shared resource, and its sustainability depends on coordinated policies and close regional cooperation,” declares Marina Wes, Acting World Bank Director for Regional Programs. “By strengthening regional institutions, the program improves wood trade standards and create a powerful platform for learning and collaboration across the Basin.”

The new initiative aligns directly with the Global Challenge Program on Forests for Development, Climate, and Biodiversity, while supporting participating countries’ national development strategies and regional commitments, as well as their climate objectives. With strong potential to expand carbon market opportunities and mobilize long-term private sector investment in sustainable forestry, it offers a replicable model for how job creation, shared prosperity, and forest economies can advance together.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

Contacts:
In Washington:
Aby K. Touré, akonate@worldbank.org
In Bangui: Emmanuel C. Dembassa Kette, edembassakette@worldbankgroup.org
In Brazzaville: Franck Bitemo, fbitemo@worldbankgroup.org
In Douala: Odilia Hebga, ohebga@worldbank.org

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Congo Basin Countries Forge Strategic Path to Carbon Markets with Roadmaps to Monetize Forest Wealth

Washington, USA, 24 February 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Six countries of the Congo Basin—Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo—are working to take bold steps to unlock results-based payments and climate finance. The newly launched Strategic Roadmaps for Carbon Market and Climate Finance in the Forest Sector for the Congo Basin Countries developed with support from the World Bank, serve as blueprints to transform the region’s vast forest wealth into a powerful engine for climate-resilient growth and sustainable development and green jobs.

These roadmaps provide country-specific blueprints to help High Forest, Low Deforestation (HFLD) Congo Basin countries to engage credibly and effectively in global carbon markets, mobilize results-based finance, and transform their forest assets into engines for climate-resilient growth. Tailored to each country’s readiness and institutional landscape, the roadmaps build on the foundational data from Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem Accounts to create a comprehensive framework aligning nature and climate goals with national development priorities. As part of the World Bank’s broader Analytical and Advisory Services (ASA) for the Congo Basin, these roadmaps aim to shift the region’s development narrative—from one of forest loss or degradation to forest-led growth.

“Forests across the Congo Basin offer more than global climate regulation—they represent critical financial assets and a development opportunity,” said Chakib Jenane, World Bank Regional Practice Director Western and Central Africa Region. “These roadmaps provide the crucial link and show how countries can convert natural capital into tangible investments that generate revenues, jobs, and resilience for local communities.”

The roadmaps call for stronger institutional coordination, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, and robust digital, and Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. While countries like Gabon, Republic of Congo are advancing with pilot results-based agreements and REDD+ progress, others like Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic are in the early stages of development. Opportunities abound also in Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The roadmaps highlight the gaps and prioritize key actions that will allow countries to harness the potential from carbon markets and climate finance.

“Carbon markets can be a game-changer for Congo Basin countries—but only if the right enabling conditions are in place,” said Cheick Fantamady Kanté, World Bank Division Director for Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo. “These strategic roadmaps provide a practical end-to-end guide for governments to operationalize carbon finance, with a focus on good governance, private sector engagement, and benefits for local communities.”

Developed through broad stakeholder consultations and grounded in national priorities, the roadmaps support countries to:

  • Align national frameworks with Paris Agreement Article 6.2 and 6.4.
  • Build digital and institutional capacity for MRV readiness.
  • Clarify the legal and fiscal treatment of carbon credits.
  • Engage the private sector and ensure the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples.
  • Attract long-term climate investment and technical partnerships.

These carbon market climate roadmaps represent a convergence of jobs, environment, and economic agendas.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

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Karcher Announces Joe Lahoud as President for Newly Formed Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region

DUBAI, U.A.E., 17 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Karcher, the global leader in cleaning technology, has announced the promotion of Joe Lahoud to Regional President of the newly unified Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This strategic consolidation brings 68 countries under a single leadership framework, streamlining Karcher’s extensive professional and consumer portfolios to better serve the evolving needs of the two continents.

By integrating Middle Eastern and African operations, Karcher aims to provide seamless access to its world-class cleaning solutions. The move places everything in the 1000+ product portfolio of Karcher, ranging from high-pressure cleaners and industrial scrubber driers to autonomous robots and municipal sweepers under Lahoud’s guidance. This leadership structure ensures that critical industries receive specialized, local and adapted support within multiple target groups such as Agriculture, Automotive, Building Service Contractor, Construction, Healthcare, Hospitality, Industry, Public Service, Retail, Transport and Mining.

Since 2020, Joe Lahoud has led Karcher’s Middle East operations, transforming the Dubai headquarters into a regional center of excellence. His tenure has been defined by high-volume growth and deepened partnerships with government entities, professionals and industrial leaders. In this expanded capacity, he will now oversee the strategic integration of the African continent, scaling distribution and technical support to meet rising demand in emerging markets.

Additionally, this move reinforces Karcher’s current official presence in key economic hubs such as Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, and Kenya, while simultaneously strengthening an extensive dealer network that spans the entire continent.

”The unification of the MEA region allows us to tell a complete brand story. We are a resilient, innovation-driven ecosystem that supports national development and individual household cleaning needs simultaneously. From high-pressure cleaners for the weekend car wash to heavy-duty mining equipment, we are delivering a unified vision of efficiency and sustainability to every corner of these two continents.”

The strategic consolidation of the Middle East and Africa represents a bold step forward in Karcher’s global growth strategy. Under Lahoud’s leadership, this move harmonizes regional expertise with untapped market potential, creating a powerhouse of technical support and distribution. By streamlining operations, Karcher solidifies its role as an architect of modern infrastructure and sustainable living. Looking ahead, this new chapter promises a wealth of possibilities, empowering the entire region with the tools to build a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Karcher Middle East and Africa

About Karcher Middle East and Africa

Karcher is the world’s leading provider of cleaning technology. The family-owned enterprise employs 17,000 people in 87 countries and 170 subsidiaries. More than 50,000 service centres in all countries ensure continuous and comprehensive supplies to customers all over the world. In 1935, Alfred Kärcher laid the foundation for great success by founding his company. Today, Kärcher is the world market leader in cleaning technology and a globally active major corporation with a turnover of 3.483 billion euros in 2025. Despite its global reach, the headquarters remains firmly established at its roots in Winnenden. The Middle East & Africa subsidiary opened its doors in 1998 and handles 68 countries from its headquarters located in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The Karcher product range includes high-pressure cleaners, vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, municipality sweepers & sweepers, scrubber driers, vehicle washing bays, dry ice blasters, watering systems and drinking water dispensers.
customercare.ae@karcher.com

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Minister Barbara Rwodzi Announces New Boards for ZTA and Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company

To further strengthen effective Corporate Governance,
Accountability and Transparency, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality
Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, has announced the appointment of new Board Members
for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development
Company (Pvt) Limited, in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Public
Entities Corporate Governance Act and the Tourism Act. The appointments come at
a time when Zimbabwe’s Tourism sector is experiencing sustained growth, increased
global recognition and rising investor confidence, positioning Tourism as a key
driver of National Development.

The newly appointed Boards bring extensive experience and
expertise that will provide strategic guidance and effective oversight to
advance the Ministry’s Tourism mandate. The Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company
Board will focus on accelerating Tourism Infrastructure development and
facilitating Investment in Victoria Falls, while the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Board will strengthen destination promotion, enhance service delivery and
uphold regulatory frameworks that add value to Tourists and support industry
growth. These efforts will enhance Tourism’s contribution to GDP, strengthen
Zimbabwe’s global image and support the implementation of NDS 2, in line with
the Vision 2030 agenda of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His
Excellency Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, of attaining an Upper Middle-Income Economy
by 2030.

#ZimbabweTourismAuthority

#MosiOaTunyaDevelopmentCompanyPvtLimited

#ExperienceZimbabwe

#NhakaYedu

#IlifaLethu

#OurHeritage

#ZimBho

 

The Gambia: Laying the Foundations for Stable Growth and Jobs

Washington, USA, 26 November2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The World Bank Group today approved $45 million in grant financing from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Government of The Gambia’s efforts to enhance domestic revenue mobilization, lay key infrastructure, regulatory and skill foundations for private sector development, and strengthen climate resilience.

“The Gambia is on a good growth trajectory despite the external shocks of recent years, but growth remains fragile due to a combination of structural weaknesses including climate vulnerability. To sustain its growth and improve the living standards of the population, it is essential for The Gambia to pursue and accelerate transformational reforms,” stresses Ephrem Niyongabo, World Bank Economist and Task Team Leader of the project. 

This is the first development policy support operation designed to underpin reforms conducive to inclusive and sustainable growth. The program is based on three pillars. The first pillar seeks to increase government revenue by broadening the tax base and rationalizing tax expenditures. The second pillar seeks to foster private sector-led growth by tackling bottlenecks in key enabling sectors such as energy, telecom and business environment while advancing human capital development, with a focus on expanding opportunities for women and youth. The third pillar aims at strengthening the foundations for The Gambia’s resilience to climate challenges by establishing a robust institutional and legal framework to guide climate action and coastal zone management. 

“This financing will enable The Gambia to carry out reforms to build fiscal space, facilitate the development of key sectors, improve human capital and business environment to enhance participation of the private sector in the economy. The proposed operation provides a critical line to improve access to essential services, enhance women and youth employment opportunities while enhancing environmental sustainability” said Franklin Mutahakana, World Bank Group Resident Representative in The Gambia.

This operation has been designed to meet the authorities’ priorities outlined in the Gambia Recovery-Focused National Development Plan, 2023-2027. The reform program supports the green, resilient, and inclusive development agenda by strengthening the country’s adaptation and resilience to climate change through robust legal and institutional framework for climate governance and climate resilience, ensuring that territorial and sectoral planning integrate climate adaptation and disaster risk management. 

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of World Bank

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SAP appoints Nazia Pillay as Managing Director for Southern Africa

New leader takes reins as region gears up for era of AI and cloud.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 10th, 2025-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-SAP has appointed Nazia Pillay as its new Managing Director for Southern Africa.

Sergio Maccotta, Senior Vice President at SAP Middle East and Africa South, says: “Our purpose as a business is to help the world run better and improve people’s lives, reflected in our ongoing commitment to transformation and corporate responsibility throughout the continent. Nazia will bring vital expertise and leadership skills to one of SAP’s most important regions as we continue to empower youth, drive innovation within our customers and partners, and build a more inclusive, sustainable future. With companies across Southern Africa gearing up for an era of AI- and cloud-led innovation, we are especially excited to see how Nazia’s leadership will guide how organisations adopt technology as a strategic lever for national development and growth.”

Pillay says she will focus on three core areas in her new role, including a laser-like focus on customers to ensure existing partnerships are strengthened and new ones cultivated, and helping customers prepare for a digital-first, cloud-first world. “Teaming up with our valued customer and partner ecosystem across the region is mission-critical for our business, especially as we showcase SAP’s latest capabilities as an AI-first, suite first technology partner. As a people-focused leader, I have also made it my longer-term ambition to make our local office the best place to work in South Africa.”

The appointment comes as companies across Africa gear up for AI and cloud transformation. A recent report found that AI could revolutionise Africa’s economy and contribute as much as $2.9-trillion to the continent’s economy by the end of this decade.

Research conducted by SAP found widespread challenges with access to AI and other tech skills throughout East, West and Southern Africa. According to SAP’s ‘Africa’s AI Skills Readiness Revealed’ report, six in ten African organisations view AI skills as ‘extremely important’ to their success.

However, all companies surveyed expected to experience some AI-related skills gap in 2025, with nine in ten saying a lack of AI skills is already hurting their organisations through failed innovation initiatives, delays in implementations, and an inability to take on new work.

Pillay joined SAP as a graduate over 20 years ago, and has worked in roles spanning consulting, support, quality management, customer success and, most recently, as the head of the organisation’s regional partner ecosystem. She fundamentally believes SAP has a leading role to play in helping Africa’s public and private sector companies achieve their AI and innovation ambitions.

“Large cloud vendors such as SAP can help offset local skills shortages by providing access to advanced tools managed by global experts. Companies across the region benefit from global insights and best practices while bolstering their internal capacity to achieve higher levels of efficiency, innovation and growth.”

Companies are also increasingly investing in upskilling and reskilling their workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business and technology landscape. “Our research found that nearly half (48%) of African organisations consider upskilling their employees a top skills-related challenge this year. As the pressure to build greater skills depth mounts on companies, vendors such as SAP can be invaluable partners, providing insight, expertise and technical capabilities that help drive successful innovation and transformation.”

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of SAP Africa.

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews.

About Absa Group Limited

Absa Group Limited (‘Absa Group’) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups. 

Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance. 

Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Kenya and South Africa. Absa also has representative offices in the People’s Republic of China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic.

For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.absa.africa

About SAP

As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. For more information, visit www.sap.com.

Note to editors:

To preview and download broadcast-standard stock footage and press photos digitally, please visit www.sap.com/photos. On this platform, you can find high resolution material for your media channels.

For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:

Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24

United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)

For more information, press only: 

SAP Head of Communications Africa, James Wilson at

james.wilson03@sap.com 

ByDesign Communications, Palesa Mokitle, at

p.mokitle@bdcomms.co.za  

SAP Press Roompress@sap.com

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South Africa urges white farmers to stay amid U.S. refugee controversy

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged white farmers, particularly Afrikaners, to remain in the country and work with the government to overcome challenges facing rural communities. His comments come in response to the departure of 49 white South Africans who were resettled in the United States as refugees this week under a policy initiative driven by President Donald Trump.

Speaking at the National Maize Producers Organisation (NAMPO) Show – Southern Africa’s largest agricultural exhibition – Mashatile sought to reassure the farming community of the government’s support.

“The farmers that we have met here today are saying they are happy to stay in South Africa,” Mashatile said. “All they need is for us to work with them to address the challenges they face. One of them is rural roads… Then there’s rural safety because we know over the years, people in the farming communities have been attacked, and crime has been rife. They want us to work with them on that.”

Mashatile emphasized that the government does not want Afrikaner farmers to leave the country, highlighting their essential role in agriculture and national development.

“We’re not going anywhere, and we do encourage those who are leaving to please stay. There’s no need to leave — let’s build this beautiful country,” he added.

U.S. Refugee Policy Reignites Controversy

The latest migration of white South Africans to the United States has reignited a long-standing controversy over race, violence, and political rhetoric. According to the U.S. State Department, the group of 49 Afrikaners brought to the U.S. as refugees qualifies under asylum laws and fulfills priorities set by President Trump.

“This has been a concern that the President has had for a very long time,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. State Department. “He’s been clear about that for years – about the abuses we are seeing in South Africa. So this is a priority outlined by the president.”

Pigott insisted that the recent refugee arrivals “met the same standard that is across the board for refugees.”

Trump’s Genocide Claim Sparks Diplomatic Tension

Earlier this week, President Trump made headlines by accusing South Africa’s government of allowing a “genocide” of white farmers – his harshest statement yet since returning to office. The claim, which has been widely disputed, represents an escalation in Trump’s broader criticism of South Africa’s Black-led government, which he has repeatedly accused of enabling anti-white racism.

South African officials have rejected these accusations, calling them inflammatory and inaccurate. The government maintains that while rural crime is a national concern, violence affects all communities regardless of race, and policies are aimed at addressing security for everyone.

Historical and Political Context

The issue of white farmers in South Africa remains a sensitive topic in the country’s post-apartheid landscape. Land ownership, rural development, and safety have long been at the center of political debates. While crime in farming communities is a documented problem, analysts caution against using it to draw racially charged conclusions or justify migration narratives without nuance.

Source: Africanews

Malawi space programme unveiled as game changer for-national

By Jones Gadama

In a bid to harness the potential of space technology for national development, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) recently hosted government ministries and departments (MDAs) at Sigelege Hotel in Salima for an orientation on space technology and the Malawi Space Programme.

The orientation, which took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, was aimed at equipping MDAs with knowledge on how to leverage space technology to advance research and development in various sectors.

According to Dereck Kondwani, MACRA Spectrum Planning Manager, the Malawi Space Agency (MSA) is currently running the Malawi Space Programme with funding from MACRA.

“The Malawi Space Programme is designed to advance research and development in space technology and ensure optimisation of the country’s space industry,” Kondwani said,adding that “We believe that space technology has the potential to drive national development and improve the lives of Malawians.”

Maxwell Kamba, Earth Observation Manager for MSA, observed that space technology could be a game-changer for Malawi if well harnessed.

“Space technology can help us in natural resource management, disaster management, environmental monitoring, agricultural crop estimates, disease burden monitoring in health, urban planning, and e-learning in education, among others,” Kamba said.

He added that the Malawi Space Programme is aligned with the country’s development ambitions, including the Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“By leveraging space technology, we can accelerate our development progress and achieve our national goals,” Kamba said.

The Malawi Space Programme is a significant initiative that aims to promote the use of space technology for sustainable development.

The programme is expected to benefit various sectors, including agriculture, health, education, and disaster management.

In agriculture, space technology can be used to monitor crop health, predict yields, and detect pests and diseases. This can help farmers make informed decisions and improve their productivity.

In health, space technology can be used to monitor disease outbreaks and track the spread of diseases.

In education, space technology can be used to develop e-learning platforms and provide access to educational resources.

This can help improve the quality of education and increase access to education for marginalized communities.

The Malawi Space Programme is also expected to promote research and development in space technology.

By investing in research and development, Malawi can develop its own space technology capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign technology.

The orientation for MDAs was a significant step towards promoting the use of space technology in Malawi.

By equipping government officials with knowledge on space technology, the programme aims to ensure that MDAs can effectively leverage space technology to drive national development.

The Malawi Space Agency (MSA) is committed to promoting the use of space technology for sustainable development.

The agency is working closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries and departments, to ensure that space technology is harnessed for the benefit of the country.

The Malawi Space Programme is a timely initiative that can help the country address some of its development challenges.

By leveraging space technology, Malawi can improve its agricultural productivity, enhance disaster management, and promote sustainable development.

The Malawi Space Programme is a game-changer for national development.

The programme has the potential to drive development progress and improve the lives of Malawians.

As the country continues to harness the potential of space technology, it is essential to ensure that the programme is well-coordinated and effectively implemented.

The orientation for MDAs was a significant step towards promoting the use of space technology in Malawi.

By equipping government officials with knowledge on space technology, the programme aims to ensure that MDAs can effectively leverage space technology to drive national development.

As Malawi looks to the future, it is essential to continue investing in initiatives that promote sustainable development.

The Malawi Space Programme is a significant initiative that can help the country achieve its development ambitions.

By harnessing the potential of space technology, Malawi can promote sustainable development and improve the lives of its citizens.

The Malawi Space Programme is also expected to promote international cooperation and collaboration in space technology.

By working with other countries and international organizations, Malawi can learn from best practices and leverage expertise in space technology.

In addition to promoting national development, the Malawi Space Programme is also expected to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

By promoting STEM education and careers, the programme can help build a skilled workforce that can drive innovation and development in the country.

Overall, the Malawi Space Programme is a significant initiative that can help the country achieve its development ambitions.

By harnessing the potential of space technology, Malawi can promote sustainable development, improve the lives of its citizens, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM.