For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Eskom welcomes IRP 2025 as a clear investment roadmap; Lamola cites 'positive vibes' on AGOA; And, Uganda sets general election for January 15

Eskom welcomes IRP 2025 as a clear investment roadmap

State-owned utility Eskom has expressed support for the launch of South Africa’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which it said aims to balance energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability and socioeconomic priorities in the country’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources.

The IRP 2025 sets out a framework for electricity supply intended to accelerate economic growth and inclusion, in a context where South Africa’s overall unemployment is 30% and youth unemployment exceeds 50%.

Eskom said it plans to conduct a thorough review of the IRP 2025 and publish a comprehensive response alongside an updated strategic plan.

Eskom CEO Dan Marokane said the IRP 2025 is not merely a policy update; it is a clear investment roadmap, informed by the input of over 4 000 interested parties at the public consultation stage.

It signals to investors, regulators and citizens that South Africa has a focussed pathway to reach net zero inclusively and provides the opportunity for Eskom to play its role fairly and compete in a reformed electricity supply industry.

Lamola cites 'positive vibes' on AGOA

Trade talks between South Africa and the United States are "very positive", and there is hope that the US congress could renew a key free trade agreement with the continent before the end of the year, South Africa's minister of International Relations and Cooperation said today.

Minister Ronald Lamola told the FT Africa Summit in London that there are "positive vibes" coming from US Congress about the renewal of the AGOA trade agreement, which expired last month, and that ongoing bilateral trade talks were also productive.

Lamola said negotiations are going very well with the United States.

And, Uganda sets general election for January 15

Uganda's electoral commission today gave January 15 as the date for the country's general election, at which octogenarian President Yoweri Museveni will seek to extend his rule to nearly half a century.

Now Africa's fourth longest-ruling leader, Museveni's government has changed the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, allowing him to remain in office since 1986.

As in the 2021 election, Museveni's main rival is expected to be 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who has parlayed his singing stardom to amass a large support base among young voters.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, says Museveni won the last election through ballot-stuffing, intimidation of voters, bribery and other rigging tactics.

Ruling party officials dismiss the accusation and say Museveni won through genuine support.

Six other candidates representing smaller parties are contesting the upcoming presidential race, and voters will also elect members of parliament.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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