Day: September 19, 2022

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Global Africa Business Initiative, “Unstoppable Africa — Africa Leading the World”, in New York today:

It is a pleasure to join you for this inaugural meeting of the Global African Business Initiative — Unstoppable Africa.  This week, leaders from around the world will come together to focus on global challenges and zero in on global solutions.  This event is so important because it focuses on answers and ideas — and it puts the spotlight on what I deeply believe is one of the most important stories in our world today.

Africa is unstoppable.  Africa is an essential part of global business and a major investment destination.  Africa includes some of the world’s fastest growing economies.  And Africa has more — much more — to offer.  Every sector of the African economy is growing — from manufacturing to agriculture, from services to finance.

The continent’s vibrant, young population represents a dynamic workforce and a massive consumer and business market.  And the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement will further accelerate investment and trade opportunities.

Let’s tell it like it is.  Africa is facing tremendous headwinds and crises not of its own making:  from COVID-19 and climate chaos, to the war in Ukraine;  from growing inequalities, a cost-of-living crisis, and the reversal of the Sustainable Development Goals; to a global financial system that is rigged against Africa and requires fundamental reform.

But we are here together because we know the time has come for action based on a new narrative:  highlighting the opportunities for new financing models and technologies; recognizing the emergence of Africa’s creative and cultural industries on the global stage; focusing on climate transition and transforming food systems; and ensuring the full participation of women, young people, and the African diaspora.

The world must see Africa for what it is:  a land of enormous potential and resources.  Guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, we can and must shift the paradigm.  Working together, Governments and the private sector can create the conditions for success.  Bold investments and new finance models can put the Sustainable Development Goals at the heart of business models.

For example, Africa has huge potential to move away from fossil fuels.  The continent boasts significant solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy sources that could make it a renewable energies leader.  The transition to clean energy could create more than 6 million new jobs in Africa by 2050.  And yet, it has received just 2 per cent of global investment in renewables over the past decade.

Now is the time for innovation.  For new public-private partnerships.  For high-value jobs based on renewable technologies.  There are opportunities in all sectors — from education and healthcare to finance and services.

This inaugural Global Africa Business Initiative aims to transform these opportunities into ambitious business practices that benefit people.  The United Nations is your steadfast partner in creating conditions for business success in Africa and around the world.  And Africa remains our first priority in all what we do.

In my many visits to Africa, I have witnessed the energy and hope of young people — in particular, young women.  I urge you to include the contributions of young people in all your projects and initiatives. They must have a role in designing their own future.  I also urge you to make sure your efforts are gender-equal, from design to implementation and impact.  It is simply not possible to build a prosperous, sustainable, stable African continent without the full contributions of half the population.

Africa’s success is unstoppable, by any measure.  The only question is whether the world seizes the opportunity to reap the global benefits of African business.  Let’s work together to make it happen.  Thank you for all your efforts to do just that.  I wish you a very successful meeting.  And I thank you.

Source: United Nations

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer arrived in Ethiopia on September 5 to encourage efforts for an immediate stop to the fighting and participation by the government of Ethiopia and the Tigrayan regional authorities in African Union-led peace talks. Special Envoy Hammer met with Ethiopian government officials, AU representatives, and international partners on next steps forward, and returned to Washington September 16. He will continue diplomatic efforts on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York during high-level week beginning September 19.

During his visit to Ethiopia, Special Envoy Hammer met with the AU’s High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo on several occasions to discuss how the United States can partner to support the peace process. In addition, SEHOA Hammer met with his counterparts the UN Special Representative to the Secretary General Hanna Tetteh and EU SEHOA Annette Weber, as well as other international partners. Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Molly Phee, who attended the inauguration of Kenyan President Ruto in Nairobi, also advanced these diplomatic efforts aimed at getting AU-led talks launched in pursuit of peace. The United States welcomes the Government of Ethiopia’s restatement of its continued readiness to participate in talks, as well as the September 11 statement by Tigrayan regional authorities accepting an AU-led process, including by naming its delegation. Based on these commitments, the United States seeks tangible follow through from all parties to the conflict to enter into negotiations in good faith.

Special Envoy Hammer and Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Tracey Ann Jacobson at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa also met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen to discuss U.S. concerns about the renewed fighting in the north of Ethiopia and Eritrea’s re-entry into the conflict as well as the urgent need to redouble efforts to begin AU-led talks aimed at bringing a permanent end to the conflict. During his meetings with Ethiopian government officials as well as with Tigrayan regional authorities Special Envoy Hammer reiterated the need for unhindered humanitarian access in the Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions, stressed the need to respect human rights and avoid civilian casualties, raised ongoing reports of ethnically-based detentions, and pressed for accountability for those responsible for atrocities and justice for the victims and survivors.

Finally, he met with AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Minister of Justice Dr. Gedion Timothewos, and National Security Advisor Redwan Hussein. The United States is committed to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ethiopia and seeks peace and stability for the benefit of all Ethiopians. Special Envoy Hammer received briefings on the ongoing severe drought in eastern and southern Ethiopia, including delivery of humanitarian assistance as the United States continues to be the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia.

Source: US State Department

HIGHLIGHTS

▪ Dry and hot weather conditions persisted over the June-August period worsening the impacts of drought in Somalia, Kenya and southern Ethiopia.

▪ The exceptionally long drought, amplified by warmer-than-normal temperatures, has devastated livelihoods, debilitated livestock herds, compromised crop production and vegetation regeneration, heightened water scarcity, lowered household incomes, and increased human displacement especially in Somalia.

▪ In equatorial areas of the region, the first season crop harvests are generally below-average/poor and delayed following the depressed March-May rains that delayed crop planting and development. This has prolonged the lean season period in some areas while the harvests are not enough to meet household consumption needstillthe next harvests.

▪ Significant vegetation deficits and water shortages continue to impact on livestock production in drought affected areas, increasing livestock migration or longer-than-usual trekking distances in search of water and pastures. The deteriorating livestock body condition has significantly impacted on livestock production and productivity, and reduced household incomes from livestock sales thereby driving huge consumption gaps and malnutrition amongchildren.

▪ Over 9.2 million livestock deaths have occurred in the drought affected areas of Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, eroding the assets depended upon by communities for livelihoods.

▪ The combined effect of drought and other shocks has worsened the food insecurity and malnutrition in drought affected areas, and increased the risk of famine in parts of Somalia. An estimated 18 million people are severely food insecure (IPC 3+) with likelihood to increase over the Oct-Dec period as food security deteriorates and drought conditions intensify and spread toKaramojaand northern Uganda.

▪ The on-going June-September rains in northern areas of the region are normal to wetter-than-normal in many areas allowing for crop production, regeneration of pastures and vegetation, and replenishment of water resources.

▪ This is in exception of central South Sudan, and parts of Ethiopia (SNNPR, central, southern Afar, and eastern Oromia) that benefit from both Belg and Meher seasonal rains where rains have so far been below-average. The depressed rains in Ethiopia is of concern as it follows a poor Belg season that affected crop and livestock production,and increasedfood and nutrition insecurity.

▪ The wetter-than-normal rains have resulted in flooding in Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, several areas of Ethiopia, southwest and eastern Uganda affecting populations, properties, infrastructure, and social facilities. Over 286,000 people are affected in Sudan. In addition, the floods have hindered agricultural activities or damaged growing crops, which is likely to influence the seasonal harvests and food availability in coming months.

▪ A fifth consecutive poor season looms in eastern Horn of Africa over the Oct-Dec period according to seasonal weather forecasts. This will aggravate the prevailing drought conditions, tighten food production among households that depend on the Oct-Dec rains for main cereal production, prolonging the period of food inadequacy until the next harvests in mid-2023. This will push more people into an alarming/severe food and nutrition insecurity (including risk of famine in parts of Somalia), and negativelivelihood coping situation.

▪ There is need for stakeholders in the various sectors to sustain/upscale humanitarian responses, enhance anticipatory actions such as forecast based financing (FbF), and strengthen resilience building to cushion the already affected populations from further impacts of drought.

Source: World Food Programme

Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Mr Sidumo Dlamini to handover equipment to informal businesses in Western Cape

The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Mr Sidumo Dlamini in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Metro Municipality will be handing over equipment and tools to informal businesses on 20 September 2022.

The Department’s Informal, Micro Enterprise Development Programme is intended to support Informal and Micro Enterprises by providing them with working material and further provides qualifying entrepreneurs with basic business management training. The programme is a 100% grant offered to informal and micro enterprises to assist them in improving their competitiveness and sustainability for their businesses.  The grant amount is a maximum of R10 000 for the purpose of procuring machine tools and equipment.

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Tour: A whale of a time in Hermanus

Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, had the pleasure of being joined by the Executive Deputy Mayor for Overstrand Municipality, Lindile Ntsabo, for a tour of the Old Harbour Museum, some whale spotting with the world-famous Whale Crier and a walk along the cliff path to look at the art installations, in Hermanus.

“The Old Harbour Museum is a treasure trove of wonderful facts and interactive exhibits about whales. The Museum was assisted with funding from the Department of Economic development and Tourism to upgrade exhibitions which include a whale sound exhibit, a submarine exhibit, information panels, a “build a whale” puzzle as well as whale video games.” Said Minister Wenger.

Mr Brendell Adams of the Old Harbour Museum said: “The Museum is at the historic heart of the village overlooking Walker Bay. This is part of the Cape Whale Coast Hope Spot which stretches 200kms from Rooi Els to Quoin Point and is recognised for its incredibly vibrant and visible whale visits. The museum offers family friendly experiences to ensure Hermanus and the Overstrand remain a world class and competitive option for travellers. No less than five blue flag beaches are dotted along this stretch of pristine coastline. Where else can you observe the Southern Right Whales so closely? No wonder that Hermanus is famed as the best land-based whale watching in the world.”

Some notable upcoming events include:

•             21 to 24 September – Hangklip Kleinmond Ceramic Festival

•             24 and 25 Sept – Celebration of Fynbos, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus

•             30 September to 2 October – Hermanus Whale Festival

•             29 September to 2 October – Stanford Culinary

•             2 October – Hermanus Art in the Park (every first Sunday of the Month)

•             Every first Friday of the Month Hermanus has Hermanus First Friday ArtWalk – more than 20 galleries stay open till 20:00

Deputy Mayor, Lindile Ntsabo, said: “It is great to have the Minister here, to make sure that, during tourism month, Overstrand is on the map.”

Minister Wenger commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Dr Els Vermeulen about her research into these majestic water mammals and was lucky enough to do so while watching a mother and her calf splash about in the bay.”

Dr Els Vermeulen is the research manager of the Whale Unit at the University of Pretoria. The unit is part of the University’s renowned Mammal Research Institute and is an internationally established whale and dolphin research hub.”

“We were very pleased to welcome the minister in Hermanus, to not only showcase our beautiful town but also speak to her about the unique tourism opportunities this region has to offer, principally based on the whales that visit these shores. The large whales present in Walker Bay are of huge importance to our country from a heritage and culture perspective, as well as from a socio-economic perspective. Understanding these whales from a scientific perspective, I strongly believe that working together (research, community, tourism sector) we can provide national and international visitors with an incredible whale-based experience, leading to increased education, awareness as well as revenues for the town, ultimately all factors that are critical in the proper conservation of the animals that form the backbone of it all.” Said Dr Els Vermeulen.

Minister Wenger continued: “Another highlight was being joined by Ms Mary Frure, the Custodian for Hermanus Fynarts Fees, who walked us along the cliff path to view the interesting and thought-provoking pieces of artwork that have been placed for the public’s enjoyment.”

“Throughout my visit to Hermanus, there was a tangible buzz from the many visitors out and about. There is so much to do and enjoy in this wonderful town which is expecting a packed summer season, which is fantastic news for the tourism and hospitality industry in the region.” Concluded Minister Wenger

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s state power utility, Eskom, has implemented its highest level of nationwide power cuts to reduce pressure on the grid after two more of its aging power plants broke down.

South Africans will be forced to go up to nine hours a day without electricity, putting a severe strain on Africa’s most industrialized economy.

The energy crisis is so severe that President Cyril Ramaphosa is cutting short his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to return home and try to find solutions to the electricity shortages.

Ramaphosa, who is currently in England for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, had just held an urgent virtual meeting with the concerned ministers to find out what led to so many units tripping, his spokesman Vincent Magwenya told VOA.

“He further wanted to understand what could be done immediately to resolve the current state of loadshedding which is devastating to businesses as well as households,” Magwenya said.

On Sunday, officials from state power utility Eskom warned that the country could be heading for even higher stages of what’s known here as “loadshedding” — scheduled blackouts to save energy.

Stage Six, the worst level seen so far, and which was last implemented in June during South Africa’s winter, allows for some 6,000 megawatts to be cut to avoid total collapse of the national grid.

Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter said loadshedding might have to be ramped up to Stage Eight, but that “total blackout” was not an imminent risk.

“I think we are doing our level best to avoid a total system collapse, that is why we have to impose loadshedding,” de Ruyter said.

For ordinary South Africans, loadshedding makes all aspects of daily life difficult, from having to plan when to cook, to making sure they always have gas lamps or candles available for when homes across the country are plunged into darkness.

And for small businesses that can’t afford to get generators, the cuts are devastating.

Jeanette Mmelwa is a hairdresser at a small Johannesburg salon which was empty on Monday morning. She says there’s no electricity to run the hair dryers, so no clients are coming in. Mmelwa works on commission, so isn’t earning anything.

“I am concerned because of this loadshedding my boss can one day just say, ‘No, I can’t take this anymore. We’re not making enough money, so we have to close.’ I am worried about that,” she said.

Things are even worse at home, said Mmelwa, who has a young son.

“Waking up in the morning and there’s no lights, now you think, ‘What is he going to eat before he goes to school?’ So yes, it’s very stressful,” she said.

The current electricity crisis has been brewing for a decade. The cash-strapped and debt-ridden power utility relies on aging coal plants that are prone to breakdowns.

Corruption has also weakened the utility considerably, said independent political analyst Ralph Mathekga.

“The problem with loadshedding is that ours is self-created, it is about corruption, inability to turn things around and fight against corruption,” Mathekga said.

If South Africa’s energy crisis persists, there will be massive damage to the economy, which has already been badly hit by the pandemic, with the official unemployment currently at 33.9 percent.

Source: Voice of America