Category: Africa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

MPs are perturbed that government has identified a company to manage the lucrative national lottery without regulations in place.

This follows the revelation by the Ag. Chief Executive Officer of the Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, Denis Ngabirano, of the successful firm (not named) that they have recommended to the finance minister.

The board was responding to queries in the Auditor General’s report for the year ended June 2022 during a meeting with MPs on the Public Accounts Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).

Chaired by Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, the board members that appeared on Tuesday, 01 August 2023, were to tasked explain how they procured the operator to conduct the national lottery.

“We still have not sorted out issues of standards, and now there is a mega national lottery coming up. We previously had Premier Lottery and JADA which made some people rich,” said Ssenyonyi.

According to the Auditor General’s report, four sets of regulations had not been set up including those to handle complaints and determine disputes, as well as those to handle the disposal of unclaimed prizes.

“The absence of the different regulations has resulted in an unregulated industry with risks of abuse and possible exploitation of gamblers and minors,” reads the report in part.

Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi (FDC, Mawokota County South) said it is key to have regulations to manage lottery and gaming centres across the country, to ensure users are not taken advantage of.

“With just guidelines per se, one cannot sue an operator. Many youths go into gambling out of naivety and as such, you must ensure control over the operators,” said Nsibambi.

In his presentation, Ngabirano cited the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016, which provides for a National Lottery conducted on behalf of the finance minister, with a view of raising funds for a purpose defined by the minister.

According to Section 23 of the Act, “the Board shall, before recommending to the Minister to issue a licence to conduct the national lottery, satisfy itself that the person is fit and proper to conduct a national lottery.”

Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi (NUP, Kyadondo County East) said the finance minister ought to be summoned to the committee to give an account on the regulations.

Deborah Kituyi, the Head of Legal Aftairs at the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, said they have advised the minister through recommendations, to have the pending regulations enforced.

“The finance ministry forwarded them to Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for legislative drafting. I am confident that probably by the end of this quarter, we will have these regulations in force,” Kituyi said.

The board has been given until Wednesday, 02 August 2023 to respond to the queries raised in the Auditor General’s report.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

President William Ruto has said the country’s education system will undergo immediate changes.

This follows Tuesday’s launch of the report of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform at State House in Nairobi.

He said the new system will inculcate innovation and facilitate learners to explore their talents.

“Education is central to our human capital development. That is why the Government is intentionally investing in quality education.”

He explained that the government will ensure the provision of quality, inclusive and relevant education.

“We will routinely sharpen and make it better to help learners fulfill their potential.”

He asked stakeholders to direct their attention towards the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

The Head of State added that there is a lot to be done in terms of policy, legislative, organisational, strategic and administrative measures to actualise the recommendations.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua noted that the new system will ease burden on children and give them room to exploit their skills.

He said it was time Kenya’s education was made more competitive and rewarding.

“Our human capital is one of the finest in the world. This is a resource we should continue to pride ourself of,” he pointed out.

The Working Party’s Chairman Raphael Munavu said the findings of the report was based on primary information gathered across the country.

“It is a people-driven outcome. This means this is what they look forward to, to make the best of their children.”

Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu argued that the Ministry of Education will continue formulating and implementing appropriate education and training policies to churn out competent human power.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

In the first six months of 2023, 231 rhinos were killed in South Africa. These figures represent an eleven percent decrease (or a decline of 28 animals killed for their horn) compared to the same period last year. Between 1 January and 30 June 2023, poaching trends also continued to show a move away from the Kruger National Park to provincial and private reserves.

Forty two rhino were poached in the Kruger National Park and 143 in KwaZulu-Natal Province from January to June 2023.  Forty six of the rhino killed were in privately-owned nature reserves and 143 in provincially owned reserves.

Because the demand for rhino horn remains a constant threat to rhino populations collaboration between the law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS, DPCI and the Green Scorpions, Customs officials, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the National Prosecuting Authority, remain key. These efforts are supported by private security.

An important development in strengthening the collaboration between these role players in order to effectively address the organised nature of rhino poaching and wildlife trafficking, is Cabinet’s recent approval in May this year of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT).  

“This strategy aims to break the illicit value chain of wildlife trafficking in South Africa and beyond its borders. It represents a commitment by government to direct law enforcement ability and effort and mobilize society support to address the threat wildlife tracking poses to national security and the country’s rich biodiversity. Although currently our main focus is rhino, the Strategy also aims to address the illegal trade in, and poaching of, other species that are threatened by trafficking syndicates, like abalone” said Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Ms Barbara Creecy.

In the first six months of this year our hard work with both the SAPS and the NPA has led to the conviction of 31 offenders. The majority of sentences were custodial. In Skukuza one suspect found guilty of killing 3 rhino and possession of unlawful arms and ammunition was sentenced to an effective 32 years imprisonment.

In another matter, 3 accused, found driving in Kruger National Park, with 5 rhino horns hidden in the vehicle, a hunting rifle with a silencer, ammunition and knives, were convicted for the killing of 3 rhinos in the park, possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons and trespassing. Accused 1 and 2 were sentenced to 34 years imprisonment, whilst accused 3 was sentenced to 39 years imprisonment.

In Limpopo, an accused individual was sentenced on a charge of murder, killing of 2 rhinos, unlicenced firearm and ammunition to an effective sentence of 24 years imprisonment.

In the Eastern Cape, 6 accused were convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit rhino poaching (notably no rhinos were killed) and the possession of unlicenced firearm and ammunition and effectively sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 16 to 20 years.

Yesterday was World Ranger Day and so it is important today that we honour the bravery and dedication of the men and women who run our ranger services and who are on the front line of the battle against wildlife poaching.

The role of rangers in supporting the prosecution and sentencing of those arrested for wildlife crimes committed in the Kruger cannot be underestimated. There is strong collaboration between the SAPS forensic teams and SANParks ECI when attending crime scenes to ensure the collection of vital evidence to link suspects to the crime scenes. It is also done to ensure minimum contamination of the crime scene. 

During the meeting held earlier this year with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)’s Environmental Working Group we discussed the challenge relating to the opposing of bail due to the fact that rhino poaching is not listed as a Scheduled Offence. Research is being conducted to propose, if viable, legislative amendments to address this challenge.

Unfortunately, rhino poachers have continued to target the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal where Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, supported by the Department and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, continues to implement a number of measures to combat rhino poaching.

Among these has been the establishment of a Tactical Operations Joint Control Centre, which now facilitates the SAPS deployments to Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Park (HiP). The Department made available R40 million for the repair and replacement of the boundary fence around the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi game reserve which is regularly breached and through which wild animals can escape to nearby communities.

The National Prosecuting Authority has also designated a prosecutor to facilitate rhino cases in KZN and cases have been prioritised and identified to be expedited through the court processes.

In response to a range of studies that point out collusion between our ranger services and criminal syndicates, the Kruger National Park has developed a holistic Ranger Services – Integrity Management Plan.

This plan aims to improve ranger morale and resilience to corruption by providing services that enhance ranger health and well-being, provide training and counselling, offer a range of financial management services and debt management. The Ranger Service has also enlisted the Association of Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA) Foundation to provide specialised Financial Literacy Training for all field rangers. This was attended by 334 employees.

SANParks has also established an Integrity Testing System (a Polygraph policy) for new recruits and to support anti-corruption investigations.

To ensure safe passage of tourists en route to the park, SANParks has joined a task team championed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, in collaboration with the traditional leaders of adjoining communities, the SAPS and Private Security companies to ensure constant patrols along the identified hotspots en route to the Kruger National Park.

South Africa’s national parks are situated in areas of extreme poverty and are surrounded by many vulnerable communities. In order to ensure that communities on the outskirts of parks benefit from tourism and thus help to keep tourists safe, SANParks has held a number of stakeholder engagements with entrepreneurs in the past four years with regard to the provision of goods and services to our national parks. In addition, through Working for Water, Ecosystems and Wetlands programmes, we have created 33 222 Work opportunities for communities living on the outskirts of our national parks.

** Members of the public can report any suspicious activities around wildlife to its environmental crime hotline which is 0800 205 005 or the SAPS number 10111

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The United States commends the Government of Kenya for responding to Haiti’s call and for considering to serve as the lead nation for a multinational force in Haiti to assist in addressing insecurity caused by gang violence. The United States looks forward to working with partners of Haiti to advance this process successfully, including through a UN Security Council Resolution authorizing a multinational force to Haiti.

Our support for the people of Haiti remains unwavering.

The United States calls on Haitian stakeholders to take steps urgently to expand political consensus and restore democratic order, consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter.  We reaffirm our gratitude to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), its Eminent Persons Group, and the Organization of American States through its Haiti Working Group chaired by Trinidad and Tobago, for their vital support of these efforts. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the review report of the National Development Plan (NDP) presented by the National Planning Commission (NPC) on Tuesday, 1 August 2023 at the Union Buildings.

The NPC briefed the President about their findings having reviewed the country’s progress against the objectives and targets of the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 (NDP) in the past decade. The NDP, which was drafted by the first Commission in the 2010-2012 period and adopted by all parties represented in Parliament in 2012, is the long-term plan for national development. It provides guidance for all Government policy formulation and implementation. 

In this regard, Government uses the Medium-Term Strategic Framework in order to implement the NDP in a structured manner, across Government departments and spheres. It is also used to mobilise all South Africans to take ownership of the country’s long-term plan, its objectives, and targets.

One of the main findings made in the Ten-Year Review of the NPC was that the economy was not only failing to grow at the rate required for the objectives of NDP to materialise, but the economy was also not structured to serve the interests of all South Africans, resulting in poverty and inequality remaining extremely high and persistent. 

The report further stated that the economic, social, and spatial legacies of apartheid, inappropriate economic policies that prevent redistribution, and the hollowing out of state capacity during the state capture years continue to undermine both South Africa’s competitiveness and the potential of its people. 

The review recommended that planning be institutionalised and made a cross-cutting imperative across the state and Government sector to enable the country to make the necessary progress towards the attainment of the NDP goals and targets.

“We need to embark on a course of action to get the country back on the developmental path envisaged by the Plan and place more focus on resolving key issues related to the provision of energy, addressing infrastructure backlogs including transport and freight, building state capacity, and addressing the apartheid spatial legacies,” said Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. 

“Despite the challenges experienced, the objectives of eliminating poverty, and reducing unemployment and inequality, which are the overarching goals of the NDP, should and must remain the country’s priority if it is to uplift the conditions of its people,” said Hon. Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in The Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation and Chairperson of the Commission.

“The 10 Year Review of the NDP will assist us in identifying the systemic issues that limit the effectiveness of the state and its social partners in making greater progress. We need to be able to plan better, to integrate and coordinate the work of different departments and institutions, and to ensure that we are using our limited resources most effectively.

It is important that the State has the capacity to meet its developmental responsibilities, that it is appropriately structured that has the right people in the right places with the appropriate skills and ethos” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa committed his administration’s support to the commission and to ensure that the proposals presented are incorporated into Government across all departments and spheres. 

The President further underscored the importance of strong leadership and partnership with, labour, civil society, communities and business in effecting the envisaged change. 

The NPC is an independent planning body, comprising a diverse group of experts in various fields, appointed by the President to advise Government on the country’s long-term development as contained in the National Development Plan. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Africa’s pivotal role in global supply chains and its energy landscape take center stage with the International Energy Forum’s (IEF) Secretary General, Joseph P. McMonigle, participating as this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference, taking place October 16–20 in Cape Town. With the IEF’s mission of fostering dialogue and cooperation between nations, McMonigle’s expertise will shed light on Africa’s energy challenges and how the continent can seize opportunities in the energy transition. Through his expertise, attendees will gain valuable insights into how the continent can navigate its energy landscape to embrace a sustainable and prosperous future.

The IEF, boasting 72 member countries representing energy producers, consumers and transit nations from across the globe, remains a vital force in facilitating international cooperation and dialogue within the energy sector. Established three decades ago, the IEF’s initial purpose was to foster collaboration between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – whose Secretary General is also delivering an address at AEW 2023 this October – and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The significance of organizations like OPEC and the IEA finding common ground cannot be overstated in achieving both energy security and a successful energy transition. As key players in the global energy landscape, their cooperation and collaboration are essential to addressing the challenges posed by the dual objectives of securing energy supply while transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. By fostering dialogue and working together, they can develop strategies that ensure a stable energy supply while simultaneously promoting and supporting the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Several African countries have emerged as key players in OPEC, contributing significantly to the organization’s oil production and exports. Nations such as Nigeria, Angola and Algeria are notable oil producers, supplying a substantial portion of the world’s oil demand. Their membership in OPEC allows them to have a voice in shaping global oil policies and decision-making processes. The IEF acknowledges the need to collaborate closely with African OPEC members to tackle energy-related challenges and seek shared objectives. The IEF serves as a bridge between energy-producing and -consuming nations and offers a forum for dialogue, cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Additionally, the IEF plays a vital role in promoting energy security for both African OPEC members and energy-importing countries. By fostering dialogue between producing and consuming nations, the IEF contributes to stable energy markets and supply, which is crucial for the economic growth of African nations and their international trade relations.

For many African producers, oil revenues play a significant role in their economies. However, fluctuations in oil prices can pose economic challenges. Thereby, the IEF’s collaborative efforts help address price volatility concerns and explore strategies for economic resilience and diversification. With 20+ years of experience in energy-related issues and as Secretary General of the IEF, McMonigle is the ideal leader for high-level discussions on how Africa can tackle oil and gas industry constraints. His expertise will optimize production, address skill gaps and local content development, while promoting energy reliability and economic growth.

A shining example of international cooperation and knowledge exchange is the joint IEF-led workshops on interactions between physical and financial energy markets. With the IEF, IEA and OPEC joining forces, this high-level technical workshop fosters a deeper understanding of the intricate links between physical and financial energy markets. Moreover, it holds immense potential for creating global supply chains that benefit African nations. As regulators, academics, market experts, and technical delegations from various member countries come together, AEW 2023 will build on these sessions, offering a platform where discussions can be strengthened and collaborative efforts advanced.

“The IEF plays a crucial role both in Africa and worldwide by fostering awareness and collaboration within the energy sector. Through its efforts, the IEF brings attention to the challenges, opportunities and emerging trends in the industry. By promoting awareness of African energy projects and linking various industries to the energy sector, the IEF unites energy players and facilitates sustainable growth and development worldwide,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Managing Director of the Republic of Congo’s national oil company (NOC), Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) Maixent Raoul Ominga has been confirmed as a speaker at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition. Scheduled to take place on October 16-20 in Cape Town, Ominga will also lead discussions at the Congo Country Spotlight during the event. AEW will provide a platform for Ominga to demonstrate SNPC’s commitment to responsible oil and gas exploration and production and rump up investments into the country’s promising energy industry.

Holding significant potential, Congo’s oil and gas industry, led by SNPC has been a pioneering force in West Africa. With substantial proven reserves of approximately 1,811 million barrels and 284 billion cubic meters of gas, the nation stands as a major player in Africa’s oil and gas industry.

SNPC is actively pursuing a comprehensive energy strategy to propel Congo’s energy sector into a new era of growth and sustainability. Several key initiatives are at the forefront of this endeavour, including increasing LNG production, economic and energy diversification, the Gas Master Plan, partnerships and much more.

The state-run company actively collaborates with international oil companies (IOCs) such as TotalEnergies, Chevron, Perenco and Eni, which actively participate in the country’s upstream sector. Independent companies alongside the NOC, also contribute to the tapping of the nation’s valuable resources. The majority of the nation’s producing fields are now located offshore, with notable developments like the prolific Mondo Nord field.

Meanwhile, SNPC’s portfolio includes significant stakes in several oil fields, demonstrating its strategic involvement in various upstream activities. The NOC serves as the primary operator for two oil fields: Mengo-Kundji-Bindi II (MKB II), with estimated reserves exceeding 300 million barrels, and Mayombe. By having interests in these fields, SNPC plays a critical role in the exploration, production, and management of oil resources in the Republic of the Congo. These partnerships with international oil companies enable the country to benefit from shared expertise and resources while also contributing to its overall economic development.

In collaboration with the government, SNPC is determined to capitalize on the Republic of Congo’s vast gas reserves and secure new investments to maximize the potential of both marginal and large-scale plays in the energy sector. While efforts to increase exports remain a priority, the government, through SNPC, is equally committed to utilizing domestic gas resources for power generation as part of its comprehensive Gas Master Plan.

The Gas Master Plan, driven by SNPC and the government, serves as a strategic framework aimed at promoting the utilization of up to 10 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves in the country. To achieve this ambitious goal, SNPC and the government are actively seeking foreign investment to tap into the numerous opportunities emerging across the gas market.

Apart from the country’s major oil and gas projects, SNPC is proactively pursuing low-carbon and clean energy projects. The company plans to allocate about 5% of its budget to the development of such initiatives. In particular, SNPC is exploring hydrogen prospects and has received authorization to prospect for hydrogen in the Congo Basin. The company plans to attract investment by organizing a bid round for granting hydrogen licenses in 2023. However, for hydrogen projects to prosper in the country, there needs to be adequate legislation as well as investments to support these projects.

“Ominga’s deep expertise and strategic vision have propelled SNPC to the forefront of Congo’s energy landscape. As the nation’s NOC, SNPC holds a steadfast commitment to responsible oil and gas exploration and production, making it a key player in shaping the country’s energy future,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Looking ahead, Ominga’s participation at AEW, particularly in the ‘Invest in Congo Energies’ spotlight session, will play a crucial role in showcasing the nation’s oil and gas potential and advocating for investments in cleaner technologies and sustainable energy alternatives. His insights will shed light on the promising prospects for the country’s energy sector, emphasizing the importance of embracing cleaner solutions for a more sustainable energy landscape.

AEW is the AEC’s annual energy conference and exhibition uniting African energy policymakers and companies with global investors to discuss the future of Africa’s energy sector. For more information about attendance, sponsorship and partnership opportunities, visit www.AECWeek.com

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued the following statement today (1 August) on the latest developments in the Niger:

Almost a week after the coup in the Niger began, the military is still attempting to hold on to power despite being internationally isolated. Particularly in light of this context, I welcome the efforts by the African Union and ECOWAS to find a political solution, which we in the European Union fully support.

The people of the Niger deserve a democratic future. We are working with our partners to ensure that the leaders of the coup engage with ongoing mediation efforts, for the good of their country, and do not hold on to power any longer. The members of the democratic government who have been detained for no good reason whatsoever must be immediately released and power must be handed back to them. It is still not too late to return to the path of democracy. The German Government has already taken initial steps to respond to the situation by suspending development cooperation, and we stand ready to take further measures together with our European partners.

The German Government’s utmost priority at this time is of course the safety of the German nationals who are in the country. As in previous crises, we are coordinating closely with France and our other European partners in this regard. I would especially like to thank my counterpart Catherine Colonna for her offer to fly German nationals out of the Niger. This is an example of the close Franco-German friendship in action.

The German Embassy in Niamey will continue its work.

In addition, the following statement was issued today (1 August) by a Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson:

We can confirm that our French colleagues have offered to allow German nationals to board their flights out of the Niger, to the extent that capacity is available.

Broadly speaking, the Federal Foreign Office advises all German nationals in Niamey to take up this offer.

Our Embassy is in contact with the German nationals who are present there; it will provide logistical support and will remain in Niamey until further notice. In addition, all German nationals present in the Niger are requested to immediately provide their details for our emergency contact register ELEFAND if they have not already done so. We will continue to monitor the situation in the Niger very closely.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The 3rd edition of MedCop Climate, jointly organised by the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region and the “Mediterranean House of Climate” foundation, took place on June 22nd and 23rd 2023, in Tangier, Morocco. Held this year under the theme « MedCop, the driving force of climate action at the local and regional levels in the Mediterranean, » this congress aimed to be a space for exchange, and debate, to realign the trajectory of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, based on the conclusions of the first Global Stock take to be held during COP28 in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

Aligned with the challenges faced by the international community, the MedCop Climate Tangier 2023 saw the participation of over 1,200 attendees representing 36 nationalities, including eminent climate experts and specialists. The congress brought together stakeholders from local governments, cities, and regions, development partners, intergovernmental organisations, private sector, academics, civil society organisations, women, and youth led CSOs. The objective was to design and catalyse actions and solutions to foster the implementation of the Climate Agenda in the Mediterranean region. This Agenda will provide a platform to shape a common vision and amplify the voice of Mediterranean cities and territories within the climate related decision-making processes, such as Conference Of Parties (COPs).

UNCDF was strongly engaged during this event:

• Participation to the high-level opening ceremony organised in three parts.

The inaugural ceremony was organised in three parts. The national segment featured speeches by HE. Omar Moro, President of the MedCop Steering Committee and President of the Tangier Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council. HE. Nezha Bouchareb and HE. Mohamed Sefiani, Vice-presidents of the Mediterranean Climate House Foundation who welcomed the participants and recalled the context and the objectives of the conference. HE. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, and HE. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, highlighted the leadership of the Kingdom of Morocco, under the enlightened guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in various advancements in sustainable water management and energy transition.

The second segment focused on regional and international participation, with interventions by the Union for the Mediterranean, UNCDF, UN-Habitat, UCLG World and UCLG Africa, the Mediterranean Climate House Foundation, and ICLEI. These actors emphasised the importance of local governments in implementing the Climate Agenda and the need to strengthen cooperation as a lever for accelerating innovation and sharing solutions, as well as showcasing ongoing initiatives and the necessity of enhancing synergies among them.

The third segment witnessed the signing of six (6) high-impact partnership agreements involving the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region, the Mediterranean House of Climate Foundation, UCLG Africa, AMCDD, UNCDF, AMEE in addition to a notable number of territorial collectivities. These agreements focused on significant programs that illustrate Morocco’s commitment at regional, national, and local levels toward a low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient economy.

• UNCDF and the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region signed Agreement to finance Green Public Lighting System

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to identify potential levels of energy optimization in public lighting in the region’s cities, define energy efficiency objectives to be achieved in this sector at regional level, assess standards in terms of social and economic impact, and identify funding providers. Capitalizing on the model developed by UNCDF and already implemented in the Moroccan Municipality of Chefchaouen, the agreement aims to develop an innovative financing mechanism for local public facilities in Morocco in which the energy savings coming from the network renovation are used to reimburse the concessional loans granted to fund the investment. By scaling up Chefchaouen’s pilot initiative to a first-time regional pooling, such MoU will help Moroccan local authorities to better contribute to the implementation of national energy efficiency strategies.

• UNCDF co-led a session on main stage in partnership with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM)

In a session entitled “Subnational Climate Facilities & Decentralized Cooperation”, UNCDF made two successive presentations. The first, by David Jackson, Global Director of the LTF Practice, on the LoCAL program, which aims to develop decentralized climate finance mechanisms for local governments; the second, by Christel Alvergne, Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa, on public lighting modernization programs financed through future energy savings, in Chefchaouen and soon throughout the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region.

The coming months will see both the deployment of the LoCAL mechanism in the Maghreb, particularly in Tunisia, and the implementation of the MOU signed at MedCOP 2023 with the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region.