The project, called Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), is set to run for four years.

Action Against Hunger (ACF), together with national and regional partners, has launched a £10mn livestock development project aimed at improving the livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon.

The project, called Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), is set to run for four years. It focuses on boosting resilience, increasing income, and strengthening livestock trade across borders by building better market systems and enhancing value chains.

The initiative was introduced at a national workshop held in Yola. Representing ACF Nigeria Country Thierno Diallo, Director  and Emmanuel Pmabi, the field coordinator in Borno, explained that the project targets vulnerable communities in the Lake Chad Basin.

“The project will improve livelihoods, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable agro-pastoral communities. It will open up new markets and ensure reliable off-takers for livestock products,” said Diallo.

He highlighted that beyond climate challenges, poor access to markets has held back livestock producers. PASCO is expected to fix this gap by creating sustainable trading systems.

Jocelin Glaguidi, chief of party for PASCO, described the project as a necessary step to help communities facing economic and security difficulties. “This project will promote inclusive governance, cross-border trade, and sustainable natural resource management within the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.

Alhaji Idi Maiha, the federal minister of livestock development, welcomed the launch, saying it supports Bola Tinubu President's renewed focus on livestock development, marked by the creation of a dedicated ministry in 2024.

“With the right infrastructure, enhanced security, and strong collaboration among the three countries, we can develop seamless cross-border livestock value chains that will benefit pastoralists and increase national revenue,” the minister stated.

He acknowledged existing problems such as insecurity and the effects of climate change, but assured stakeholders that the government is working on solutions.

Dr. Emmanuel Kadal, Borno’s State technical director of livestock development, praised PASCO for aligning with ongoing state efforts. “The governor has established international cattle markets in several local government areas to restore livelihoods and enhance resilience in post-conflict communities. This project will further boost productivity,” he said.

The project is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) through the Minka Peace and Resilience Fund. Implementation is led by IRAM in partnership with ACF and other local and regional actors.

The launch event brought together government officials, NGOs, and community leaders from across the Lake Chad region.

The committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production.

South Africa's  Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has called on the Department of Electricity and Energy to prioritise the local manufacturing of renewable energy products instead of relying on imports

This came after the department briefed the committee on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP).

During the presentation, the department outlined the key goals of the Master Plan, describing it as a driver for industrial development that aims to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, especially solar and wind power. A strong focus was placed on the importance of promoting inclusive economic growth by involving previously disadvantaged groups, with particular emphasis on youth and women, in the renewable energy sector.

The committee was briefed on several initiatives under the Master Plan. These included the localisation of renewable energy production, the rollout of skills development programmes, and the establishment of proper monitoring systems to track progress. Committee members stressed that the plan should not only address energy needs but also promote job creation and skills development.

Members raised concerns about the involvement of vulnerable communities, especially those in rural areas, asking the department how it plans to ensure these groups benefit from the Master Plan. The department responded by affirming its goal to ensure that at least 50% of job opportunities go to youth and marginalised communities. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify skills needs and expand internship and training programmes.

Regarding local manufacturing, the committee questioned the current focus on training people only for assembly work rather than producing renewable energy components like solar panels and charge controllers. They urged the department to move beyond just assembling and start developing the capacity to manufacture such products locally. In response, the department confirmed that steps are being taken to explore and expand local manufacturing opportunities.

The committee also flagged concerns about regulatory hurdles, particularly a moratorium from the Department of Defence, which has delayed the issuing of letters of no objection needed by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). They warned this could slow down progress in renewable energy projects. The department assured the committee it would work with the relevant departments to address these challenges and avoid any delays for IPPs.

Overall, the committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production and ensure broad community participation.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.

The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has praised the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure for its strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year

The committee Chairperson, Rikus Badenhorst, said, "This is not a mere tweak of the department, but a fundamental shift in how it understands and executes its core mandate. Minister Macpherson's agenda marks a critical departure towards a department that catalyses infrastructure-led growth, a partner in job creation, and a driver of economic recovery."

Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, presented these plans, highlighting their alignment with the National Development Plan & commitment to economic recovery and job creation.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline, with a budget of R7.2 billion to create long-term, dignified jobs. Rikus highlighted the importance of this shift for restoring human dignity and economic resilience. The committee also supported the department’s initiatives for urban regeneration and optimising state assets to enhance public value.

While in conversation with Macpherson, Badenhorst said, "It is clear that you bring political will to the table. This committee will match it with rigorous oversight, constructive engagement, and institutional support. Together, we can turn this department, and indeed South Africa, into a construction site of progress.”

Badenhorst expressed confidence in the Ministry's leadership and the committee's readiness to provide oversight and support in driving these reforms for South Africa's progress.

With its Itaba maize seed facility in Zambia, Bayer supports food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Bayer)

Bayer recently unveiled its new maize seed facility in Kabwe, Zambia

Through this US$34.7mn facility, Bayer has managed to triple its existing capacity for high-quality maize seed production in 2025. This capacity ultimately converts into annual maize consumption of approximately 30 million people in the region, and is expected to further increase in the coming years. 

The high-yielding seeds will reach 6.4 million smallholder farmers in Zambia and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa this year and up to 10 million by 2030. To date, the investment is the second largest private investment by a German company in Zambia. The site is a key component of Bayer’s growth strategy for Africa, with the aspiration of doubling the Crop Science Division’s business on the continent by 2030.

Bayer plans to employ 80 permanent staff members and over 100 seasonal workers and contractors at the site. Additionally, approximately 15,000 seasonal on-farm jobs will be generated through Bayer’s field operations and those of contract growers to produce the seeds. By addressing up to 10 million smallholder farmers, the investment significantly helps to advance Bayer’s goal of reaching 21.5 million smallholders in Africa and 100 million globally by 2030.

Bayer is also supporting the local healthcare system by funding the establishment of a new health centre, which aims to provide essential healthcare services to more than 10,000 residents, including Bayer employees and their dependents.

“Millions of people around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, suffer from severe food insecurity. Ending hunger is central to our mission at Bayer. With our new seed facility in Zambia, we want to make a meaningful contribution to that crucial goal,” said CEO Bill Anderson, who inaugurated the site alongside president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema. “The new facility will help us improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and support communities in numerous countries on the African continent. It’s also a great business opportunity for Bayer. We can’t wait to ramp up production," Anderson concluded.