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South Africa: President Ramaphosa appoints new leadership for the Presidential Climate Commission
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new cohort of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 tenure, in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024).
Following due consideration of all submitted nominations, President Ramaphosa has appointed a total of twenty five(25) commissioners who are representative of broader sections of South African society including business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth and South African Local Government Association as the new commission
The commissioners bring in diverse experience and relevant experience in climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, social justice and were appointed with a strong consideration to achieving diversity in gender, age, geographic spread and background in line with national transformation goals and procedural justice principles.
The appointments are a culmination of a public nomination process, which was initiated in August this year in accordance with Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act.
The initial establishment of the PCC was an outcome of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa's just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.
President Ramaphosa has reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing commissioners on their leadership and achievements over the first five years and commends their role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa's Climate Diplomacy.
The President calls on the new commissioners to individually and collectively continue to fulfil their role and mandate of providing independent, evidence-based advice; facilitate inclusive dialogue in the pursuit of a consensus to address South Africa's complex climate and development agenda and to put into practice, the country's just transition framework.
The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the first Meeting of the Commission in 2026 and further outline high-level priorities for the Commission for the next five years.
Herewith is the list of the appointed commissioners.
1. Dr Phindile Masangane
2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela
4. Ms Shaamela Soobramoney
5. Dr Sarushen Pillay
6. Ms Catherine Constantinides
7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field
8. Ms Khungeka Njobe
9. Ms Zaynab Sadan
10. Dr Dipak Patel
11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe
12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya
14. Dr Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant
15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli
17. Ms Thandile Zonke
18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo
19. Prof Imraan Valodia
20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
21. Ms Joanne Yawitch
22. Ms Boitumelo Molete
23. Mr Brandin Abdinor
24. Mr Waheed Hoosen
25. Ms Shamini Harrington
Job Offer: Executive Assistant to the Founder & Chairman (Fully Remote)
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is hiring an Executive Assistant to the Founder and Chairman (fully remote).
APO Group is seeking a highly organised, discreet, and exceptionally reliable Executive Assistant to support its Founder and Chairman (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com). This is a position of absolute trust, requiring sound judgement, maturity, and the ability to operate seamlessly across both professional and personal matters.
The role is fully remote, but demands very high availability, flexibility, and a strong commitment beyond standard working hours, reflecting the Founder's international schedule and responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing the Founder's calendar, priorities, and scheduling with absolute discretion
- Coordinating meetings, calls, and travel across multiple countries and time zones
- Acting as a trusted point of coordination between the Founder and internal and external stakeholders
- Preparing briefs, documents, correspondence, and follow-up notes
- Ensuring continuity, organisation, and execution across ongoing priorities
- Handling selected personal and family-related matters with sensitivity, confidentiality, and efficiency
- Managing sensitive information with the highest level of discretion
Working Conditions & Availability
This role requires:
- Significant availability, including evenings, weekends, and short-notice requests when necessary
- Comfort operating in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment
- A mindset oriented towards ownership, responsiveness, and reliability
This position is best suited to someone who views availability and discretion as core aspects of the role, not exceptions.
Profile Sought
- Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or in a comparable senior support role
- Exceptional organisational, communication, and prioritisation skills
- High level of autonomy, accountability, and sound judgement
- Strong attention to detail and anticipation of needs
- Comfortable working remotely and independently
- Fluent English required; additional languages are an asset
Compensation & Status
- EUR 3,000 gross per month (approximately £2,600)
- Paid directly by the company
Please note:
The selected candidate will be required to register as a freelancer (self-employed) or under an equivalent independent status in her country of residence and will be responsible for managing her own local taxes and social contributions.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted by 15 January 2026 using the following form: https://apo-opa.co/49ndoa9
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Jobs.About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. The company specialises in elevating the reputation of organisations across Africa by combining deep-rooted African expertise with a global perspective.
Recognised for excellence and innovation, APO Group works with a prestigious portfolio of clients including Emirates, Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, UNDP, WHO and Coca-Cola. With teams operating across multiple African countries, the Group offers unmatched insight, reach and influence, with a clear mission: reshaping narratives about Africa and bringing inspiring African stories to a global audience.
Egypt: Her Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Meets Military Attachés Designated for Overseas Assignments
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- Integrated coordination across government policies to stimulate investment, boost production, and empower the private sector.
- Growth expected to exceed 5% in the current fiscal year, with efforts underway to reach 7% to increase employment and deliver citizen-centered development.
- International institution reports confirm the success of government measures in enhancing economic stability and overcoming multiple challenges.
- Completion of the fifth and sixth IMF reviews and the continuation of reforms reinforce positive economic prospects for 2026.
- The government continues to implement incentives that strengthen the contribution of production, exports, investment, and industry to economic growth.
- Public investment governance successfully enforced in FY 2024/2025, adhering to the EGP 1 trillion ceiling to enable private sector expansion.
- Completion of 11 high-level and ministerial joint committees in 2025 with brotherly and friendly countries, and the signing of more than 65 cooperation agreements and protocols.
- Unified horizontal objectives and clear performance indicators across all ministries to ensure coordinated efforts and the achievement of ambitious growth, employment, and export targets.
- Macroeconomic stability and reform are mutually reinforcing paths—reforms enhance stability, and stability enables reform, laying solid foundations for sustainable economic development.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, met with military attachés designated for overseas postings.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that Egypt's economic growth rates have risen steadily since July 2024, explaining that growth is primarily driven by productive sectors—namely industry, tourism, and information and communications technology—sectors largely led by the private sector. She emphasized that 98% of the tourism sector is private, as is the industrial sector, including automotive manufacturing, chemicals, textiles and garments, household appliances, and broader manufacturing activities, reaffirming that Egypt's economy is driven by productive, private-sector-led sectors.
She explained that industrial production growth has translated into a significant increase in Egyptian exports. In tourism, Egypt is expected to approach nearly 19 million tourists this year, while tourism nights in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year reached record levels. She added that Suez Canal activity recorded positive performance in the quarter ending September and is recovering amid peace efforts sponsored by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite Egypt being among the countries most affected by regional developments due to declining Suez Canal revenues, the economy has recovered and its indicators have improved. She noted that the Suez Canal accounts for around 12% of global trade, and any disruption has global inflationary implications.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stressed that economic growth followed critical reforms implemented in March 2024, alongside measures to govern public investment and impose a fixed investment spending ceiling of EGP 1 trillion in the budget to create space for private sector expansion. This led to an increase in the private sector's share of total investment, with private enterprises now receiving the largest share of bank credit, particularly in the industrial sector.
She projected that Egypt's economy will achieve growth approaching 5% in the current fiscal year, supported by continued economic and structural reforms, with the government aiming to reach growth rates of 7% to boost employment and ensure development outcomes that positively impact citizens. She highlighted that international institution reports confirm the effectiveness of government measures in strengthening economic stability and overcoming challenges.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that 2026 will represent a pivotal turning point for the Egyptian economy following fiscal and monetary reforms, the continuation of structural reforms, and efforts to open new economic horizons. The emerging economic model builds on infrastructure investments—particularly in ports and logistics zones—while focusing on higher-productivity sectors. She emphasized that Egypt's policy framework prioritizes industry, tourism, technology, and construction, noting that such reforms cannot be implemented without macroeconomic stability.
She highlighted the role of productive sectors in job creation, stressing that reforms drive employment through private-sector-led growth, particularly in industry, tourism, and ICT. She added that the completion of the fifth and sixth IMF reviews, alongside sustained reform policies, will further strengthen positive economic trends in 2026.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat underscored Egypt's Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, which guides the transition toward a higher-productivity economic model.
She noted that the second edition includes a dedicated human development pillar, reaffirming that macroeconomic stability is a cornerstone of development through predictable fiscal and monetary policies, public investment governance, fiscal discipline, and domestic resource mobilization. Structural reforms, she added, reinforce macroeconomic stability, support the green transition, and unlock economic growth channels.
She explained that the national structural reform program follows a defined timeline and is implemented under the Ministry's supervision in coordination with more than 40 national entities. The program includes over 430 measures across sectors such as tax and trade reforms, public investment governance, social protection, private sector participation, labor market reforms, electricity and renewable energy, innovation and startups, and industrial competitiveness.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that the Ministry continues to strengthen partnerships with international institutions, UN organizations, and the private sector to mobilize resources and advance development finance solutions. Egypt's strong international relations, implementation capacity, and effective project design enhance access to concessional financing—lower-cost alternatives to market borrowing—without increasing debt burdens or shortening maturities.
In this context, she highlighted that concessional financing for budget support for 2023–2026 amounts to USD 9.5 billion, while the private sector has received USD 17 billion since 2020. Renewable energy was underscored as a critical alternative to reduce gas and fuel oil imports, with the government targeting 42% renewable energy by 2030.
She noted that through the NWFE Country Platform (Nexus of Water, Food and Energy), approximately USD 5 billion in concessional development financing has been mobilized for domestic and foreign private sector entities to implement renewable energy projects and support investments in the national electricity grid.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that human development is a core pillar of economic development, with investment in human capital representing a direct investment in a more productive and equitable future. She noted that citizens are the (center of development), adding that 48% of public investments in the FY 2025/2026 plan are directed toward human development sectors.
She explained that the medium-term development plan, prepared in accordance with the State Planning Law, will be developed using the programs-and-performance methodology and will include shared horizontal objectives and clear performance indicators across ministries to ensure unified efforts and the achievement of ambitious targets for growth, employment, and exports.
Finally, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of high-level and ministerial joint committees overseen by the Ministry, describing them as a key mechanism for strengthening Egypt's economic, trade, and investment relations, as well as cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation with partner countries. The Ministry oversees around 55 joint committees with countries across the globe. In 2025 alone, Egypt completed 11 high-level and ministerial committees and signed more than 65 cooperation agreements and protocols to enhance trade and investment relations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Building a Bridge to African Energy Security and Prosperity (By NJ Ayuk)
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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).
Africa is awakening to the power of its natural gas reserves, recognizing that among its many resources, natural gas offers a reliable and expedient track to economic growth and energy independence.
In our “State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report," the African Energy Chamber (AEC) details how the energy matrices of several gas-producing nations are pivoting from holding gas back as mainly an export product to building gas-centric domestic markets.
We regard this crossover not as some hopeful economic gamble, but as an essential step that all gas-producing nations on the continent must take if Africa is to benefit fully from its fossil fuel reserves and build up true self-reliance — without apology — just as the developed nations of the world did when it was their time.
As our report makes clear, domestic gas demand in Africa is ready to surge in the coming years, driven primarily by rising power needs. At this pivotal juncture, several African nations serve as prime case studies on how forward-looking investments in gas production can power whole industries, create new jobs, and stabilize grids in places where such improvements are desperately needed. Additionally, their stories exemplify how, amid a global energy transition, natural gas will serve as a bridge fuel that will power Africa into its own sustainable future.
Angola's Gas Renaissance: From Exports to Domestic Growth
In Angola, the oil and gas sector has seen its economic footprint shrink over the last decade amid declining output. Regardless, Angolan policymakers are well aware of the vast untapped value in the country's gas reserves, and recent industry moves reflect a commitment to realizing their potential.
Angola's journey into the global gas arena began with the construction of the Angola LNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in 2008. This transformed associated gas (gas found in wells alongside crude oil), which was previously flared or reinjected, into exportable LNG — slashing upstream emissions in the process.
The raw natural gas (or feedstock) that is processed and liquefied to produce LNG initially came from key offshore blocks operated by ExxonMobil, Total, and Eni/BP, and was augmented later with gas from other blocks operated by Eni/BP and Chevron. Though half of the associated gas produced in Angola today is still reinjected into wells to maintain pressure and enhance oil recovery, recent progress — like the December 2024 achievement of first gas from the Sanha Lean Gas project — aims to boost supply volumes to the Angola LNG plant.
Angola has also begun to pivot toward non-associated gas fields in areas like the Lower Congo basin. The New Gas Consortium, a joint venture headed up by Azule Energy, is targeting numerous developments on multiple blocks that are expected to ramp up LNG capacity by 2026.
Post 2010 exploration in the southern Kwanza Basin offshore led to giant non-associated gas discoveries. While exciting, we at AEC are frustrated that those finds remain stranded due to a lack of gas export infrastructure in the area and the high cost and difficulty of deepwater drilling where they're located.
The Kaminho project, which targets condensate-rich pre-salt discoveries in the Cameia and Golfinho fields, is the first operation under development in block 20 of the Kwanza basin. Condensate/light oil recovery is the current priority at the site, and the extent of development will depend on the completion of the Kaminho floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit expected in 2028. As our report speculates, the possibility of a network between Kaminho and the appraisal programs at the Lontra, Zalophus, and Bicuar fields in the same region could encourage development of gas transport infrastructure leading to Angola LNG at Soyo or central Angola.
The Angolan government seeks to expand its pipeline network, which may involve gas evacuation from Cameia-Golfinho to the coastal point of Caboledo and an onshore pipeline to Luanda and Soyo to satisfy local demand, but project costs and the necessary transportation tariffs are holding up investment. Funding for such developments could potentially come from upstream firms or international banks with added tax breaks to make them viable.
In the long term, gas blowdown operations at maturing oil fields in the Congo Fan could also supply Angola LNG, leveraging existing midstream infrastructure for extended production into the 2030s.
Domestically, Angola is allocating more gas to power generation, with supplies feeding the 750-megawatt (MW) Soyo combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant that has been balancing hydropower fluctuations since its start in 2018. But ambitions extend further: the Angola Gas Master Plan calls for fertilizer (ammonia) and methanol facilities by 2030, which would spur a massive increase in gas demand. The proposed ammonia plant, set for construction in 2025 and operations by 2027, could demand up to 80 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) by 2035. Power expansions and conversions from oil will also drive demand, while opportunities in petrochemicals, direct gas exports, or mining electrification could diversify use.
By integrating LNG exports with local needs, Angola exemplifies how Africa can benefit from its resources while encouraging economic diversification and reducing dependence on imports.
Emerging LNG Exporters: Mauritania and Senegal's Shared Success
Shifting north, Mauritania and Senegal have stepped into the LNG scene. They became exporters in 2025 with the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, a shared deepwater startup. This cross-border venture, featuring subsea infrastructure, an FPSO, and a floating LNG (FLNG) unit, has already generated approximately 3,000 local jobs and engaged roughly 300 domestic companies.
In 2015, developers overcame unitization hurdles through discussion, arriving at equitable terms, including domestic gas obligations. The project reached a final investment decision (FID) and agreed to a FLNG model, inspired by proven tanker conversions that have kept costs competitive on previous projects despite deepwater challenges.
Future expansions could double output through low-cost vessel upgrades; however, our report cautions that market oversupply risks and pledges from Senegal's new nationalist government to audit contracts may introduce additional risks.
Domestically, each country claims about 35 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) from the project — with delivery of Senegal's portion going to the Saint-Louis CCGT for power generation expected in 2026. Infrastructure initiatives, like gas networks and a proposed 366 MW power plant in Cap de Biches, aim to electrify close to 500,000 homes. Beyond power, other uses in petrochemicals and fertilizers could broaden the economic impacts, demonstrating how LNG can facilitate other industries.
Country-level initiatives like these align with the broader continental trends also outlined in our 2026 Outlook report.
Harnessing Regional Power Pools for Continental Integration
As of 2025, Africa's gross natural gas production is set to hit 331 billion cubic meters (bcm), led by the major producers: Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt. Natural gas already powers 40% of the continent's electricity, with North Africa's 32% share doing most of the heavy lifting.
By 2050, gas-fired capacity could swell by more than 77 GW, yet its share of the total energy mix should stay around 40%. This demonstrates how gas can fill in as a transitional fuel during the expected growth in renewables, as well as its flexibility in supporting solar and wind during downtime.
Numerous nations are phasing out coal and oil — implementing gas-to-power in their national strategies while looking toward LNG imports or domestic sources. For instance, Nigeria has made gas-to-power a centerpiece of its master plan. South Africa's plans emphasize converting gas to electricity during its coal retirement. Senegal aims to have 3 GW of gas-to-power in place by 2050, and Ghana and Tanzania have similar gas-powered ambitions.
Though challenges like infrastructure gaps, import vulnerabilities, and environmental concerns will surely arise, we at the AEC are confident that targeted investments can overcome them.
These efforts are amplified by regional power pools — collaborations that allow neighboring countries to connect to each other's power grids. Five pools cover the continent:
- Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) leads as the most mature and serves as a model for strong interconnections and competitive trading.
- West African Power Pool (WAPP) has advanced cross-border links but grapples with regulatory and financial issues.
- Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) is also making progress on interconnections despite political hurdles.
- Central African Power Pool (CAPP) is the furthest behind due to instability, limited infrastructure, and a lack of investment.
- North African Power Pool (NAPP) has arguably the most advanced infrastructure but limited trade as it has more of a focus on integration with European markets.
The African Single Electricity Market, an effort to combine these five pools into a single continental power market, has sights on full integration by 2040. Although barriers like physical distances and technological and political compatibility issues are expected, finding ways around these barriers could further unlock the potential of gas by linking exporters to importers and boosting access and cooperation.
"The State of African Energy" spells it out: Natural gas is a catalyst for African prosperity, not merely a commodity on the market. By expanding LNG and domestic uses, nations can drive growth, cut emissions, and assert their energy independence. As a transitional fuel, it offers a comfortable route to an eventual conversion to renewables and can ensure that no African is left in the dark during the process.
Africa deserves to thrive on the wealth of its own resources, and the developments outlined in our latest report prove that outcome is possible.
"The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report" is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/3YH75ct to request your copy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.