Category: Africa

RABAT, Morocco (NPA) — The Moroccan government says the country’s unemployment rate has declined to 9.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, citing improved economic performance and the creation of 279,000 new jobs during the period.

The announcement comes amid renewed attention on migration from Morocco following recent attempts by thousands of migrants to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in search of better economic opportunities.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of King Mohammed VI, the government attributed the improvement in employment to sustained economic reforms and investment-driven policies implemented under the monarch’s leadership.

According to the statement, data released by the High Commission for Planning showed that the national economy generated 279,000 jobs during the second quarter of the year, contributing to the decline in the unemployment rate.

The government described the figures as evidence of the economy’s improving capacity to create employment and sustain growth.

It said the positive trend reflects the continued implementation of reforms aimed at supporting investment, stimulating entrepreneurship and expanding employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women.

“The unemployment rate dropped to 9.5 per cent during the second quarter of the current year after the national economy managed to create 279,000 new jobs over the same period,” the statement said.

According to the government, the gains demonstrate the impact of projects and reforms undertaken under the leadership of King Mohammed VI to strengthen Morocco’s economic resilience and improve citizens’ livelihoods.

The statement added that the reforms are designed to consolidate the foundations of a more resilient economy while delivering tangible socio-economic benefits for the population.

The government reiterated its commitment to sustaining policies that encourage private sector investment, promote entrepreneurship and create more employment opportunities across the country.

The announcement comes as Morocco continues efforts to strengthen economic growth while addressing employment challenges, particularly among young people and women.

NAIROBI, Kenya (Agency Report) — The Kenyan government has begun developing a regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies amid growing concerns that AI-generated misinformation could undermine the credibility of the country’s 2027 General Election.

The move follows findings in the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Governance Study 2025/2026, which identified AI-generated misinformation as one of the fastest-growing threats to democratic processes, particularly through deepfakes, manipulated images, cloned voices and fabricated online content.

According to the study, 77 per cent of Kenyans rely on social media for political information, while 55 per cent depend on radio and television. It identified WhatsApp as a major channel for the rapid spread of misinformation through personal networks.

Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, NCCK Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Dennis Bosire, warned that unchecked AI-generated content could erode public trust in electoral institutions and heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 polls.

“When false content goes unchecked, it can fuel division and undermine trust. Many young people cannot reliably detect manipulated media, raising concerns about institutional credibility if no action is taken,” Bosire said.

He noted that existing laws, including the Data Protection Act, 2019, and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, provide important safeguards but are insufficient to address the risks posed by generative AI.

Bosire urged the government to fast-track the proposed Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, including the establishment of an AI Commissioner to oversee transparency measures such as AI content labelling and human rights assessments.

As part of its response, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, through the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, has invited public comments on the Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy before the August 4, 2026 deadline.

The draft policy seeks to establish a national framework for the governance, development, deployment and responsible use of AI and other emerging technologies while promoting innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, said Kenya has an opportunity to become a regional leader in responsible AI development by balancing innovation with adequate safeguards for citizens.

“Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming economies and redefining public service delivery. Kenya has an opportunity to build an AI ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive, secure and anchored in our national values,” Kabogo said.

He urged Kenyans to participate in the ongoing public consultation, noting that the feedback received would shape future AI governance, digital skills development and the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

The proposed policy is expected to provide the foundation for future AI legislation as Kenya prepares for wider adoption of artificial intelligence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

KNA.

PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country’s transition to cleaner energy is gaining momentum, creating new investment opportunities while laying the foundation for long-term energy security, economic growth and job creation.

In his weekly “From the Desk of the President” newsletter released on Monday and made available to New Post Africa, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s evolving energy landscape demonstrates that the country is successfully balancing its traditional energy strengths with investments in renewable power.

He cited the newly commissioned Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm in Mpumalanga as a symbol of South Africa’s changing energy future.

Located between Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon, the first phase of the project, developed by Seriti Green, a subsidiary of Seriti Resources, recently commenced commercial operations.

According to the President, the project demonstrates that South Africa’s clean energy transition is increasingly being driven by local companies investing in the country’s future.

“This is a demonstration that South Africa’s clean energy investments are not only being driven from abroad, but also by domestic firms with the foresight to invest in their country’s future,” Ramaphosa said.

The first phase of the project comprises 25 wind turbines capable of generating 155 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which will be transmitted through Eskom’s network to power Seriti’s mining operations.

Once completed, the 900MW hybrid energy facility will combine wind, solar and battery storage technologies, making it the largest hybrid energy project in South Africa.

Ramaphosa said the development aligns with the country’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which seeks to diversify electricity generation by increasing the contribution of renewable energy while gradually reducing reliance on coal.

He acknowledged the historic role of Mpumalanga’s coalfields in powering South Africa’s industrial development, noting that the province is now becoming a centre for the country’s renewable energy future.

While coal continues to dominate the national energy mix, the President said renewable energy generation has grown steadily in recent years.

According to Statistics South Africa, renewable energy accounted for just 2 per cent of locally generated electricity in 2016, rising to 6 per cent in 2021 and 9 per cent by 2024.

South Africa now has nearly 16 gigawatts (GW) of installed renewable energy capacity, while an additional 32GW of projects are expected to be connected to the national grid by 2030.

Ramaphosa also highlighted the rapid expansion of rooftop solar installations by households and businesses.

He said Statistics South Africa recorded an 86 per cent increase in households with solar panels over the past three years, reaching approximately 675,000 households in 2025.

The President attributed the growth in renewable energy investment to policy and regulatory reforms introduced in recent years.

These include the removal of licensing thresholds for self-generation projects and the revival of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which he said unlocked significant private sector investment.

Ramaphosa noted that more than R50 billion in green energy investment commitments were announced during this year’s South Africa Investment Conference.

He also pointed to the launch of the country’s first Energy Infrastructure Investment Prospectus, which outlines investment-ready projects across the electricity value chain.

The President stressed that secure, reliable and affordable electricity remains essential for economic growth, industrial development and improved living standards.

He said the government’s just energy transition strategy is aimed not only at reducing carbon emissions but also at ensuring affected communities, workers and businesses benefit from the transition.

According to him, government is working towards establishing a competitive electricity market that will lower costs and improve efficiency through greater competition.

Ramaphosa disclosed that Cabinet has approved the publication of the revised Electricity Pricing Policy and the draft Electricity Sector Market Transformation Position Paper for public consultation.

He also revealed that government continues to make progress towards establishing an independent state-owned transmission company responsible for operating South Africa’s electricity market.

“The clean energy revolution underway bears witness to a country that, even when confronted with an energy crisis, adapted, reformed and laid the groundwork for a new future,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that government would continue working with business, labour and civil society to ensure the country’s energy transition remains inclusive, expands economic opportunities and delivers affordable electricity for all South Africans.

MIDRAND, South Africa (NPA) — The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will convene the First Ordinary Session of its Seventh Legislature from July 17 to August 1, 2026, bringing together lawmakers and policymakers from across Africa to deliberate on key issues affecting the continent’s development, governance and regional integration.

The session will be held at the Pan-African Parliament Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, with proceedings scheduled to begin daily at 9:00 a.m. South African Standard Time (SAST).

According to the Parliament, the meeting will attract African Heads of State and Government, members of the Pan-African Parliament, Speakers and members of national and regional legislatures, government officials, representatives of African Union institutions, civil society organisations, academia, the diplomatic corps, and officials of the United Nations.

The session will be conducted in four phases designed to strengthen legislative cooperation and advance the African Union’s continental agenda.

The first phase, scheduled for July 17 and 18, will comprise preparatory meetings involving the PAP Bureau, ambassadors, committee bureaux and parliamentary caucuses. The closed-door meetings are expected to harmonise priorities and finalise work programmes ahead of the plenary.

The second phase, from July 20 to 26, will feature meetings of the Parliament’s Permanent Committees and caucuses. The sessions will be open to the media and will include interview opportunities.

Discussions during the committee meetings will focus on the African Union Theme of the Year 2026: “Ensuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Lawmakers are also expected to deliberate on peace and security, trade and economic integration, gender equality, youth development and other cross-cutting continental issues before submitting their reports to the plenary.

The plenary session of the Seventh Legislature will take place between July 27 and 30.

Activities will include the President’s opening address, the swearing-in of new members, solidarity messages from partner institutions and the presentation of the State of the African Union by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Members will also debate committee reports, review the Women’s Caucus report, deliberate on the AU Theme of the Year and adopt resolutions before the formal closing ceremony.

The final phase, scheduled for July 31 to August 1, will feature the Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments, which will provide a platform for dialogue between the Pan-African Parliament and legislative institutions across the continent.

According to PAP, the conference is expected to strengthen cooperation among African legislatures and promote the harmonisation of laws and policies among African Union member states.

The Parliament noted that its Rules of Procedure require at least two plenary sessions each year, during which members consider committee reports and make recommendations to African Heads of State and Government on continental policies and legislation.

It added that the upcoming session will further strengthen the Parliament’s legislative, advisory and oversight functions while supporting the implementation of African Union priorities and Agenda 2063.

The Pan-African Parliament said the session would also serve as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with regional and international partners and reinforce the role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing Africa’s development agenda.