Latest news with #sub-SaharanAfrican
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Casablanca Authorities Crack Down on Unauthorized Churches
Marrakech – Local authorities in Casablanca have taken action against the spread of unauthorized churches operating illegally in apartments and commercial spaces, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced on Thursday. The minister's statement came in response to a written parliamentary question from Justice and Development Party (PJD) representative Abdessamad Haiker, who raised concerns about the proliferation of these informal worship spaces. 'Local authorities in Casablanca have implemented several measures, recognizing the need to balance protection of religious freedom with the risks that unlicensed places of worship pose to public order,' Laftit stated in his official response. Joint inspection committees have visited locations being used illegally in several neighborhoods, including Oulfa, Hay Hassani, Sidi Maarouf, and Sidi El Khadir. These teams have instructed occupants to comply with applicable legal requirements. Tenants were informed that these spaces 'are not intended for religious activities,' the minister said, noting that property owners were also contacted and asked to ensure their tenants adhere to rental contract terms. These communications with property owners have already resulted in the regularization of several locations previously used for such activities, according to the Interior Ministry. Additionally, authorities launched an awareness campaign targeting foreign Christian residents, warning them about the risks of practicing religious rituals in unsuitable spaces. The issue was thrust into the spotlight following reports on social media about underground spaces allegedly being used as unauthorized 'churches,' particularly in working-class neighborhoods. These reports created concern among local residents. In his parliamentary question, Haiker expressed worry about the lack of clear information regarding these spaces. He questioned their legality and whether those operating them had obtained necessary permits. Such phenomena could 'spread anxiety and a lack of spiritual security among citizens,' the PJD representative warned, calling on the relevant ministries to disclose planned measures to address these issues and ensure compliance with laws governing religious practices in Morocco. The phenomenon of unlicensed churches has become widespread in the Hay Hassani area, according to converging reports. Local sources indicate that property owners have been renting their premises to individuals from sub-Saharan African countries, who convert them into primary locations for religious practices without proper authorization. The ministry confirmed that additional inspections will be conducted in the coming weeks, while continuing dialogue and awareness efforts with the affected communities. Some reports suggest that several of these 'informal churches' are located in basements or discreet premises, sometimes set up in precarious conditions. Read also: Moroccan Christians 'Hope for a Future Civil Code That Includes All Moroccans' Tags: Casablancachurches in morocco
Fibre2Fashion
10-06-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Ghana, US discuss AGOA renewal, tariffs, trade balance
Ghana's Trade, Agri-business and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare recently met senior US officials in Washington, DC, to address critical trade policy issues affecting both sides. They discussed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Ghana's local content policy, US import regulations, outstanding debts to US firms and the revival of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Ghana's Trade, Agri-business and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare recently met senior US officials in Washington, DC, to address critical trade policy issues. They discussed the AGOA, Ghana's local content policy, US import regulations, outstanding debts to US firms and the revival of the TIFA pact. She is scheduled to meet USTR officials in the next few weeks to continue consultations. The minister stressed the importance of AGOA—set to expire in September 2025—in attracting US investment, particularly, in Ghana's growing garment and textile industry. Enacted in 2000, AGOA offers duty-free access to over 1,800 products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. The high-level meeting followed protectionist measures announced under the United States' revived 'America First' trade policy. Both sides agreed on the need for constructive engagement to balance Ghana's development goals with the expectations of foreign investors, and highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity and compliance with safety and environmental standards, a domestic news agency reported. The minister is scheduled to meet officials of the office of the US trade representative in the next few weeks to continue consultations. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
African Manager
10-06-2025
- Business
- African Manager
'ABPD 2025' poised to redefine Tunisia-Africa economic ties
The 1st edition of the Africa Business Partnership Days (ABPD 2025) already billed as a 'major event for developing partnerships between Tunisia and sub-Saharan African countries,' will bring together twelve sub-Saharan African countries in Tunis from June 23 to 25. Mourad Ben Hassine, the CEO of the Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX), said that ten African countries will be represented by companies, while the remaining two will attend through export support structures or chambers of commerce and industry. The participating countries are Uganda, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mauritania, Senegal, Benin and Côte d'Ivoire. 'So far, 33 African companies from these countries have confirmed their attendance at this event, exceeding the target of 30 companies.' More than fifty Tunisian companies are expected to participate in the event, Ben Hassine added in a statement to TAP, pointing out that CEPEX is targeting the participation of 100 Tunisian companies. Operating in sectors such as agri-food, construction and public works, health, ICT, start-ups and services, these companies will hold professional networking meetings via a digital platform set up for this purpose. Nearly 1,000 business meetings are scheduled to take place over the first two days of the three-day event (23–25 June 2025), following the official opening chaired by the Minister of Trade and Export Development. Technical workshops are also planned, the themes of which will be determined according to requests from export support structures and chambers of commerce and industry in the participating countries. 'We also intend to sign bilateral agreements or memorandums of understanding on cooperation and information exchange with the bodies responsible for investment and export development, as well as with CEPEX's counterparts in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso.' Digital exchange platforms In this respect, Ben Hassine indicated that CEPEX is working on a project to set up digital information exchange platforms, which will provide access to information on products intended for export. These platforms will facilitate instantaneous product exchange operations. He said that the aim is to respond to calls for tenders from African countries via these platforms. He also emphasized the possibility of forging investment partnerships in processing industries between Tunisia and other African countries. 'We came up with this project because we noticed that Tunisian companies operating in certain sectors were importing products from other continents when these products are already available on the African market. Moreover, importing under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement reduces costs for Tunisian companies. This event, which follows the success of the three editions of the 'Tunisia Africa Business Meetings' (2020–2022 and 2024), is specific in that it targets African countries where CEPEX has no commercial representation, such as Uganda, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, and Burkina Faso. The primacy of investment The 1st Africa Business Partnership Days (ABPD 2025) are being organized by the Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX) under the presidency of the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad. The event is supported by the 'Arab Africa Trade Bridges' program,' which is financed by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), and the 'Qawafel' program, which is financed by the French Development Agency. The event forms part of CEPEX's ongoing efforts to target the sub-Saharan African market and develop trade with sub-Saharan African countries. The focus is on Tunisia-Africa partnership and investment cooperation rather than exports, particularly given the solid economic growth indicators on the African continent. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group's flagship report, 'African Economic Outlook 2025' (AEO 2025), Africa's economic growth is expected to rise from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.9% in 2025, reaching 4% next year, despite rising geopolitical uncertainties and trade tensions.
Broadcast Pro
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Canal+ and Netflix expand strategic partnership to sub-Saharan Africa
Canal already offers a line-up of over 400 live channels in the region, including 28 produced for African audiences. Canal+ and Netflix have deepened their longstanding partnership, originally established in 2019 for France and Poland, by extending their strategic distribution agreement to sub-Saharan Africa. Through this collaboration, Canal+ will become the first operator to offer Netflix as part of its content bundle across 24 sub-Saharan African countries, enhancing access to premium entertainment for African viewers. Beginning in July, Canal+ subscribers in French-speaking African nations will be able to access Netflix directly through their existing packages, providing a seamless and integrated viewing experience. This move further expands the value proposition of Canal+, which already delivers over 400 live channels—including 28 channels specifically curated for African audiences—alongside advanced digital features via the Canal+ app and smart set-top boxes. The partnership brings Netflix's globally acclaimed originals such as Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel, Lupin, Emily in Paris and Squid Game to the platform, while also spotlighting popular African titles like Blood & Water, Young Famous & African, Unseen, King of Boys, Anikulapo, Blood Sisters and Kings of Joburg. For Netflix, this marks a significant milestone as its first distribution agreement in the region, enabling broader reach through Canal+'s strong presence across the African continent. For Canal+, it reinforces its status as a global content aggregator by bringing the world's leading streaming service to millions of its African subscribers. Commenting on the partnership, Pascale Chabert, Chief Content Acquisition Officer of Canal+, said: 'A few years after our distribution agreement in France and Poland, I am delighted to extend our historic partnership with Netflix to Africa. Our millions of African subscribers will benefit from a unique offer, bringing together the best of Canal+ and Netflix content in a joint package. This new agreement demonstrates Canal+'s ability to extend its unique super-aggregation model beyond the European continent.' Emma Lloyd, Vice President Partnerships EMEA at Netflix, added: 'We're thrilled about this extension of our partnership with Canal+ which will allow us to reach even more people across French speaking African countries. It's a big win for entertainment fans and part of our ongoing mission to make the member experience even better.'
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How South Africa's G20 Presidency transforms infrastructure finance in Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa said recently that his US counterpart Donald Trump, has agreed that the US should continue playing a key role in the G20. Image: Supplied/GCIS IN 2025, South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to lead the world's most influential economic forum. This milestone comes at a critical juncture for both the global economy and the African continent. Against the backdrop of widening inequality, climate instability, and calls for more equitable global governance, South Africa's leadership offers an opportunity to reshape international economic priorities through a lens of inclusivity, resilience, and long-term development. Under the theme Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, South Africa has used its presidency to elevate issues that have long defined the Global South — access to infrastructure finance, food security, digital transformation, and institutional reform. With the G20 representing 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP), 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the global population, this platform provides unparalleled leverage to influence how capital flows, how development is financed, and how emerging markets can take a more active role in setting the rules of the global economy. South Africa has set the tone for a presidency driven not by rhetoric but by results. The presidency includes chairing more than 200 meetings of ministers, officials, and international organisations such as the IMF and World Bank, culminating in a summit of Heads of State and Government. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ These engagements are already shaping discourse on sustainable economic recovery, digital infrastructure, climate resilience, and more equitable access to capital. South Africa has used its platform to champion the unique challenges faced by developing economies, particularly in Africa, while pushing for systemic reforms in global economic governance. One of the core priorities for South Africa's G20 presidency is expanding access to capital for infrastructure — a pressing concern not only for South Africa but across the African continent. Africa's infrastructure deficit, estimated at more than $100 billion (R1.8 trillion) a year, continues to hinder growth, integration, and competitiveness. Traditional funding models — reliant on sovereign debt or limited public resources — are insufficient to meet the scale of need. South Africa is advocating for blended finance structures that combine concessional funding from development institutions with private sector investment. These models help reduce investor risk while crowding in private capital for long-term infrastructure projects in transport, energy, water, and telecommunications. The G20 Infrastructure Working Group, under South Africa's chairship, is pushing for reforms that make such finance more accessible, transparent, and catalytic. A key focus has been on improving credit enhancement tools, lowering the cost of capital for African countries, and standardising project preparation processes to improve bankability. South Africa's National Treasury and development finance institutions are leading by example, offering replicable models in renewable energy and logistics. South Africa's ability to lead on financial innovation is underpinned by the strength of its own financial services sector. Recognised globally for its stability and sophistication, the South African banking system is one of the most advanced in emerging markets. Institutions such as Standard Bank, FirstRand, Absa, and Nedbank operate with robust capital buffers, strong governance, and active engagement in infrastructure finance across the continent. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) remains Africa's most liquid capital market, while the country's insurance and pension sectors collectively manage more than R5trln in assets. Regulatory bodies such as the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) and Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) ensure prudential oversight in line with global standards. This mature financial ecosystem positions South Africa not only as a credible G20 partner but also as a financial gateway to Africa. As G20 president, it is championing mechanisms that allow institutional investors to participate more meaningfully in infrastructure development, unlocking a new asset class that delivers both economic and social returns. Another dimension of the G20 presidency's impact lies in the potential it holds for African entrepreneurship. Across the continent, entrepreneurs are building solutions in clean energy, mobility, fintech, agritech, and logistics — often filling gaps left by public infrastructure. Yet access to scale-up capital, exposure to global markets, and integration into value chains remain significant barriers. South Africa's G20 leadership is helping to reposition these innovators as central actors in development. The presidency has promoted inclusive procurement frameworks, G20-backed innovation hubs, and SME-focused financing tools that aim to reduce barriers to entry for African businesses. Through public-private dialogues and policy discussions, the G20, under South Africa's guidance, is highlighting how local entrepreneurs can be integral to infrastructure rollouts —from smart metering in cities to solar microgrids in rural communities. This signals a shift in how the global economy sees African enterprise, not as recipients of aid but as drivers of innovation, employment, and resilience. Agriculture, a lifeline for millions across the continent, is another central theme of South Africa's presidency. With shifting climate patterns and increased food insecurity, the G20 is being mobilised to focus on food systems that are both productive and climate-resilient. South Africa is drawing attention to the dual role its agricultural sector plays — as a food supplier to the region and a testbed for climate-smart technologies. Investments in irrigation, transport logistics, cold chains, and digital platforms for farmers are being showcased as scalable models. The presidency is calling for greater investment in regional food corridors and cross-border agricultural trade to bolster food security. Beyond finance and development, South Africa's G20 presidency is a call for structural reform. The current architecture of global economic governance — from the IMF to credit rating agencies — remains skewed toward the interests and assumptions of high-income countries. South Africa has been vocal in calling for a more balanced and inclusive system. Central to this is the push for IMF quota reform, enabling greater voice and vote for African countries. South Africa is also urging the G20 to examine how international institutions assess environmental and social impacts, particularly in the developing world. Reforms could include more localised frameworks, better representation in decision-making, and stronger mandates to support just transitions. The presidency is facilitating discussions on the division of responsibility between international organisations and member states, with the goal of ensuring that global policies better reflect local realities and development pathways. The benefits of hosting and leading the G20 are not limited to policy influence. They include tangible economic gains for South Africa itself: increased visibility to global investors, enhanced tourism and conferencing activity, and a sharpened diplomatic presence. Moreover, the presidency allows South Africa to spotlight its strategic industries —renewables, financial services, agritech, and manufacturing — and secure stronger bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It is also an opportunity to advance regional priorities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital integration, and cross-border infrastructure development.
