A new investment fund has raised ZAR 3 billion, about $182 million, to finance green hydrogen projects in South Africa as investors look to build new industries around the country’s renewable energy resources.

The SA H2 Fund, also known as Climate Investor Three South Africa, reached its first close with backing from public institutions, pension funds and private investors.

The fund aims to eventually raise ZAR 12 billion ($650 million) by mid 2028. It will invest across the green hydrogen supply chain, including hydrogen production, green ammonia and green methanol, as well as projects aimed at cutting emissions from industries that are difficult to electrify.

Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. It is being explored as a lower carbon alternative to fossil fuels in industries such as steel, fertiliser, chemicals and shipping.

The fund is being managed by Climate Fund Managers, a climate focused investment manager that uses public and private money to finance projects in emerging markets.

Its structure is designed to reduce some of the risks faced by private investors in early stage projects.

Public money will provide development capital and technical support to help projects reach a stage where they can secure final investment decisions. Equity funding will then help projects move from financial close into construction.

“The first close reflects confidence in Climate Fund Managers’ blended finance model and our track record of developing and scaling infrastructure projects in emerging markets into institutional grade assets,” said Andrew Johnstone, chief executive of Climate Fund Managers.

The European Commission is backing the fund through its Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilise investment in infrastructure and development projects outside the European Union.

Invest International, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa and the European Commission are among those backing the fund’s development tranche.

The equity tranches include investment from South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation, which manages money for the Government Employees Pension Fund, as well as Sanlam Life, Invest International and the European Commission.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa is also supporting the fund.

For South Africa, the investment comes as the country seeks to develop industries around renewable energy rather than relying mainly on exporting raw resources.

“South Africa’s combination of world class renewable resources, a strong industrial base and growing demand for low carbon fuels positions it to play a leading role in the emerging green hydrogen economy,” said Mphokolo Makara, chief executive of SA H2 Fund Managers.

The fund has already signed development funding agreements for two projects.

One is a wastewater to green methanol plant in Gauteng being developed by Green Efuels Producers. The other is the Hive Hydrogen Coega Green Ammonia Project, which is described by the fund as South Africa’s first large scale green ammonia production plant.

Green ammonia can be used in fertiliser production and is also being explored as a lower carbon fuel for shipping.

The European Commission sees the investment as part of a wider effort to attract private capital into emerging clean energy markets.

“This milestone sends a clear signal: Global Gateway is helping create the right conditions for private investors to enter fast growing markets with high potential,” said Jozef Síkela, the European commissioner for international partnerships.

He said the partnership would support job creation and industrial development while helping cut emissions from international industry.

The investment also reflects growing interest among African pension and development institutions in financing the energy transition.

South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation said its investment followed a hydrogen strategy adopted in 2022.

“Our investment in hydrogen gives the PIC the ability to assist its clients in diversifying their energy needs and meeting their net zero targets,” said Lucky Pane, the PIC’s head of research and innovation.

The fund is part of a wider expansion of climate finance in emerging markets.

Climate Fund Managers says its previous funds, Climate Investor One and Climate Investor Two, have together mobilised more than $2 billion for renewable energy, water, waste and ocean infrastructure.

The new fund will need to raise a further ZAR 9 billion to reach its target.

Its success will depend on whether projects can move beyond early stage development and attract enough capital to reach construction and commercial operation.

For South Africa, that could determine whether its renewable energy advantage translates into a larger industrial base built around hydrogen and its derivatives.

OPA News Agency

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The annual index measures container port efficiency by evaluating the total time vessels spend in port, making it one of the most widely used benchmarks for global maritime logistics. Efficient ports reduce shipping costs, improve supply chain reliability, and enhance a country’s competitiveness in international trade.

Tanger Med emerged as Africa’s standout performer, overtaking Egypt’s Port Said to become the continent’s highest-ranked port. Its continued investment in infrastructure, digital systems, and transshipment capabilities has enabled it to compete with some of the world’s busiest ports despite ongoing disruptions to global shipping routes.

Egypt also strengthened its position in the rankings, with Port Said and Damietta joining Tanger Med among the world’s top-performing ports. Their strategic locations along the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal continue to provide significant advantages for international shipping and regional trade.

The report paints a more mixed picture for Sub-Saharan Africa. While ports such as Djibouti, Berbera, and Tema recorded relatively strong performances, many major gateways continued to rank significantly lower due to congestion, infrastructure constraints, and operational inefficiencies.

South Africa showed signs of improvement, with Durban and Ngqura among the world’s most improved ports compared with the previous year’s rankings. However, despite these gains, the country’s major container terminals remain among the lowest-ranked globally, reflecting persistent logistical challenges that continue to hamper cargo movement.

The findings come as global ports continue to operate under pressure from geopolitical tensions, changing shipping routes, climate-related disruptions, and persistent supply chain volatility. According to the World Bank, these external factors have affected vessel turnaround times across multiple regions, making year-on-year comparisons more complex.

The CPPI evaluates more than 400 container ports worldwide using standardized vessel call data. Rather than measuring cargo volumes, the index focuses on operational efficiency, particularly the amount of time ships spend at berth from arrival to departure. Faster turnaround times generally translate into lower transport costs, reduced emissions, and improved trade competitiveness.

For Africa, the latest rankings underscore the growing importance of sustained investment in port infrastructure, automation, digitalization, and operational reforms. As global trade continues to shift, ports that can process vessels more efficiently are expected to attract greater shipping volumes, strengthen regional connectivity, and support long-term economic growth.

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Urban areas worldwide contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, with buildings accounting for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon output. Much of this footprint comes from cooling systems, artificial ventilation, and carbon-heavy construction materials such as concrete and steel. In contrast, many indigenous African architectural practices were developed over centuries to naturally regulate indoor temperatures while minimizing environmental impact.

Across different regions of Africa, communities historically designed structures adapted to local climates. Coastal Swahili settlements, for instance, incorporated internal courtyards, shaded balconies, and strategically positioned openings to maximize airflow and reduce heat accumulation. Coral stone walls and whitewashed surfaces helped reflect sunlight and maintain cooler indoor conditions without mechanical air conditioning.

Similarly, traditional housing across Sub-Saharan Africa often relied on passive cooling techniques, including cross-ventilation, shaded outdoor spaces, and locally sourced materials with low embodied energy. These approaches reduced reliance on external energy sources while improving comfort in hot and humid environments.

Urban planners and climate researchers now believe these heritage practices could guide modern sustainable architecture. By combining indigenous design principles with contemporary technology, cities may significantly lower energy consumption and emissions while improving resilience to climate change.

The renewed interest comes as African cities face unprecedented growth. Rapid urbanization is increasing demand for housing and infrastructure, often leading to construction methods imported from temperate regions that are poorly suited to African climates. Such buildings frequently depend on air conditioning and artificial cooling systems, driving electricity consumption and emissions higher.

Architects advocating for climate-responsive design argue that reviving traditional knowledge could help cities transition toward low-carbon urban development. Concepts aligned with carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative architecture emphasize natural ventilation, renewable materials, and reduced reliance on fossil-fuel-based construction processes.

Beyond environmental benefits, integrating heritage architecture into modern urban planning could also strengthen cultural identity and promote locally driven innovation. Using indigenous materials supports local supply chains, lowers construction costs, and reduces emissions linked to importing building materials.

As governments across Africa pursue climate commitments and sustainable development goals, experts say architectural heritage offers more than historical value. it provides practical solutions. Reimagining cities through traditional climate-adaptive design may allow Africa to build rapidly while avoiding the high-carbon urban pathways followed elsewhere.

In this way, Africa’s architectural past may become a cornerstone of its sustainable urban future.

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The government plans to increase national maize output to 10 million metric tons by 2031, nearly tripling production from the 3.6 million tons harvested in 2025. The initiative forms part of a broader push to transform agriculture into a major engine of economic growth, food security, and rural development.

At the center of the strategy is increased investment in irrigation, mechanization, and improved seed technologies designed to reduce dependence on rainfall and stabilize yields. Authorities also aim to expand cultivated land while improving productivity among smallholder farmers, who currently account for the bulk of maize production.

Government officials view maize not only as a staple food crop but also as a strategic export commodity capable of strengthening Zambia’s influence in regional food markets. Demand for maize remains strong across Southern and Eastern Africa, where recurring climate shocks and supply gaps have increased reliance on surplus-producing countries.

To support this expansion, Zambia plans to mobilize roughly $760 million in agricultural investments, targeting infrastructure development, fertilizer access, and modern farming techniques. Enhancing storage facilities and logistics systems is also expected to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure consistent supply chains.

Despite its strong production potential, Zambia faces structural challenges. Average maize yields remain below optimal levels compared to global standards, highlighting the need for better farming practices, improved inputs, and climate-resilient agriculture. Analysts note that closing this productivity gap could significantly accelerate output growth without requiring massive land expansion.

If successful, Zambia’s maize strategy could elevate the country into Africa’s top tier of grain producers, reinforcing its role as a regional breadbasket while supporting farmer incomes and economic diversification beyond mining.

The initiative reflects a growing continental trend in which African governments are prioritizing agricultural modernization to meet rising food demand and reduce dependence on imports amid global supply uncertainties.

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Under the partnership, Morocco will share its experience in implementing digital public administration reforms, including the deployment of online government services, interoperable administrative platforms, and digital identity solutions designed to reduce bureaucracy and improve transparency. Morocco has made significant progress in digitizing state services through national programs aimed at modernizing administration, streamlining licensing procedures, and expanding citizen access to public services via digital platforms. Ghana, meanwhile, brings valuable experience from its own digitalization efforts, particularly in mobile-based public services, fintech innovation, and electronic governance initiatives that have helped expand financial inclusion and public access to government systems.

The cooperation framework emphasizes institutional collaboration, joint technical training, and the exchange of expertise between ministries and public agencies in both countries. Moroccan digital transition initiatives are overseen by Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, whose office has been leading reforms aimed at integrating artificial intelligence, strengthening administrative efficiency, and building inclusive digital services. Through this partnership, Ghanaian institutions are expected to benefit from Morocco’s practical experience in implementing large-scale digital reforms while contributing insights from Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

Officials from both nations highlighted that strengthening e-government systems is essential for improving transparency, reducing administrative delays, and enhancing citizen trust in public institutions. The collaboration also aligns with broader continental ambitions to promote African-led digital solutions and reduce reliance on external technological models. By working together on cybersecurity frameworks, digital infrastructure development, and interoperable government platforms, Morocco and Ghana aim to accelerate economic growth, encourage innovation, and position themselves as leaders in Africa’s digital governance transformation.

The partnership reflects a wider shift toward South-South cooperation across Africa, where countries increasingly collaborate to share expertise, scale successful digital policies, and support regional integration through technology. As governments across the continent invest more heavily in digital public infrastructure, initiatives such as the Morocco-Ghana agreement are expected to play a key role in shaping efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered administrations capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly digitizing global economy.

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Now in its 33rd year, the festival brings together filmmakers, actors, producers, and cultural leaders from across Africa and the diaspora, showcasing more than 100 films from over 30 countries. The event highlights the diversity of African narratives while strengthening cultural exchange between the continent and global audiences.

Organized by African Film Festival, Inc. in partnership with Film at Lincoln Center, the festival begins with screenings in New York City before expanding to additional cultural venues throughout the month of May.

This year’s program features a blend of feature films, documentaries, short films, and experimental productions exploring themes such as identity, migration, climate change, social justice, and urban transformation. Both established directors and emerging filmmakers are represented, reflecting the rapid rise of African cinema on the global stage.

Beyond screenings, the festival includes panel discussions, filmmaker conversations, exhibitions, and community events aimed at deepening engagement with African arts and culture. Organizers say the event continues to serve as a bridge connecting African creatives with international distributors, critics, and audiences.

Since its launch in 1993, the New York African Film Festival has played a key role in introducing American audiences to African filmmakers while supporting new generations of storytellers shaping the future of global cinema.

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The government has rolled out an AI-powered customs valuation system at major ports, including Tema, as part of broader efforts to modernize border management, reduce fraud, and plug long-standing revenue leakages. Authorities view the technology as a key instrument in improving efficiency and strengthening fiscal stability amid evolving global trade pressures.

Early outcomes suggest the reform is already delivering measurable results. Customs revenue collections have increased significantly following the deployment of the system, reflecting tighter monitoring of imports and improved detection of undervaluation practices. Officials argue that automated assessments reduce human discretion, limit corruption risks, and align Ghana’s trade administration with digital transformation trends taking hold worldwide.

The AI platform works alongside Ghana’s existing digital trade infrastructure, including electronic customs processing systems introduced to streamline import and export documentation. By automating valuation processes, authorities aim to shorten cargo clearance times while enhancing compliance monitoring across supply chains. Similar digital reforms are increasingly seen across Africa as governments pursue efficiency gains under expanding regional trade frameworks.

However, the transition has triggered friction between regulators and private-sector operators. Freight forwarders, importers, and traders have voiced concerns that algorithm-driven valuations sometimes exceed declared transaction prices, leading to higher duty assessments. Industry groups argue that limited transparency surrounding how the AI calculates values makes it difficult for businesses to challenge decisions or predict costs accurately.

Critics warn that heavy reliance on automated benchmarks could create disputes with international trade rules that prioritize actual transaction value in customs assessments. Legal and logistics experts caution that without sufficient oversight and stakeholder engagement, the technology risks disrupting trade flows rather than facilitating them.

Government officials maintain that the reform is necessary to curb systemic under-invoicing and revenue losses that have historically weakened public finances. The AI system is also expected to accelerate customs processing, reducing clearance procedures that previously took hours to just minutes while strengthening enforcement against fraud and smuggling.

The debate highlights a broader challenge facing many emerging economies: balancing digital innovation with commercial predictability. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in customs operations, Ghana must reconcile its push for technological modernization with the need to preserve trader confidence and maintain smooth cross-border commerce.

Ultimately, the success of Ghana’s AI-driven customs reform will depend on transparency, regulatory clarity, and continuous dialogue between authorities and the private sector. If managed effectively, the initiative could position the country as a regional leader in digital trade governance; if not, it risks deepening trade friction at a time when Africa is working toward greater economic integration.

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The report shows that intra-UEMOA trade continued to expand steadily, rising by 12.1% year-on-year to reach $2.25 billion in the final quarter of 2025. The increase signals improving economic integration among member states as businesses increasingly rely on neighboring markets for supply chains, manufactured goods, agricultural products, petroleum derivatives, and processed food items. The shared CFA franc currency framework and ongoing regional trade facilitation efforts have further strengthened commercial exchanges across borders.

While Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal dominated export flows, landlocked Sahel countries emerged as the primary engines of regional demand. Mali and Burkina Faso together absorbed 44.8% of intra-union exports, making them the largest destination markets within UEMOA. Their strong import dependence stems from limited access to seaports, forcing reliance on coastal economies for fuel supplies, food products, construction materials, and industrial goods transported through established trade corridors linking ports to inland markets.

Côte d’Ivoire’s export leadership reflects its broader economic dominance within the union, where it contributes roughly 40% of UEMOA’s total gross domestic product, supported by strong performance in cocoa, cashew processing, energy production, and light manufacturing. Senegal has also strengthened its export profile through expanding services, chemicals, refined petroleum products, and infrastructure-driven industrial growth, positioning itself as another central pillar of regional commerce.

Overall, the latest trade data highlights the growing effectiveness of UEMOA’s regional integration strategy, which seeks to build a unified economic space among Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. As intra-regional trade gains momentum, analysts believe stronger commercial ties within West Africa could reduce dependence on external markets, enhance supply chain resilience, and accelerate industrialization across the region.

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