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Forbes
05-08-2025
- Forbes
The World's Best Countries To Visit In 2025, According To Experts
F rom golden plains where ancient stone cities rise to mossy fjords carved by millennia of ice, 2025 has unveiled a world rich in texture—from Zimbabwe 's thunderous gorges to Lithuania 's midsummer meadows and Sri Lanka 's jungle-wrapped railways. Soulful countries like South Korea invite quiet reflection amid temple-laced forests and volcanic island trails, while Morocco shimmers in desert hues and Norway gleams with waterfalls and glinting glaciers. To help narrow your search, we've enlisted trusty experts from world-leading travel site, KAYAK , to reveal their favourite countries for the remainder of 2025—based on deep insights laid out in their Travel Check-in report. Whether you're chasing auroras or sipping vineyard-born vintages in unexpected gems like Moldova , the long and winding road of 2025 awaits. Victoria falls in Zimbabwe getty Zimbabwe is a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage—where jagged granite outcrops rise above sun-scorched golden plains, and skies stretch wide over rustling acacia groves. The ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe stands as a powerful reminder of the country's layered past—its dry-stone walls steeped in centuries-old history. Meanwhile, at Victoria Fall s, the Zambezi crashes into thunderous gorges below—sending mist into the air that often catches the sun in fleeting rainbows. The Eastern Highlands , however, offers a quieter scene: think cloud-covered slopes, winding hiking trails, and pockets of mist-laced mountain stillness. Why? Zimbabwe cities like Bulawayo have seen more than 80% increase in flight searches on KAYAK, while Harare 56% for summer this year. Forbes The World's Most Visited Countries, According To Research By Lewis Nunn Shaped by ancient forests and hidden lakes, Lithuania carries a richly layered history etched into its cobbled stone streets and timeworn farmhouse windows. Here, midsummer light settles gently on the countryside—where wooden crosses lean in wildflower-strewn fields and long-legged storks perch atop soot-darkened chimneys. While in its capital, Vilnius , medieval lanes twist into ivy-draped courtyards; its churches baroque, but understated. Along the coast, the Curonian Spit unfurls like a ribbon—golden dunes shifting under languid winds and pine forests whispering above the sea. While Klaipėda hums with the rhythm of ferries and the briny scent of smoked Baltic herring. Why? The Baltic city of Vilnius has seen flight searches more than double (+105%) on KAYAK when compared to summer last year. 3. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a landscape of contrasts and quiet depth—where palm-fringed coastlines meet dense emerald rainforests, and ancient cities rise from jungle clearings. Sigiriya 's towering rock fortress looms above the plains—its frescoed walls and symmetrical water gardens echoing a kingdom long vanished. In the misty central highlands, tea plantations ripple across undulating hillsides in neat green rows, as cool mist drifts through eucalyptus groves and over winding railway tracks that curve like silver ribbons. The southern coast moves to a gentler rhythm: fishermen balance on stilts in shallow waters, and colonial-era forts stand sentinel over bustling harbours. Inland, the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa speak to centuries of Buddhist devotion—their ancient stone stupas and intricately carved moonstones worn smooth by time. Why? Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, ranks among the top 10 most searched flight destinations for this summer with KAYAK . Read More Forbes The World's Best River Cruises 2025, According To Experts By Lewis Nunn 4. South Korea Gyeongbokgung Palace in autumn,Seoul, South Korea. getty South Korea unfolds quietly beneath its shifting seasons—where winding mountain trails weave through pine forests and the sound of temple bells drifts across mist-laced wooded valleys. In Seoul, faded remnants of the Joseon era press up against sprawling concrete neighborhoods, and timeworn hanok courtyards linger behind cozy cafés and alleyways. Meanwhile, the southern mountains— Jirisan and Seoraksan —gather thick fog at dawn, their jagged ridgelines fading in and out of view. In Gyeongju , ancient stone foundations and earthen tombs sit in silence—surrounded by low hills and open meadows. Farther out, Jeju Island rises with sheer black cliffs and hushed trails carved from volcanic lava. Why? Seoul has seen a 65% increase in flight searches on KAYAK this year. 5. Argentina Argentina drifts between vivid contrasts—sunburnt plains where solitary gauchos ride beneath endless cobalt skies, and icy winds that sweep across Patagonia 's snow-dusted spine. In Buenos Aires , faded tango bars nestle beside dusty bookstores and ivy-draped balcony gardens, where laundry sways like flags between terracotta rooftops. Far south, El Chaltén 's granite peaks flicker through shifting cloud cover, and a silence settles over winding trails etched between turquoise glacial lakes. In Córdoba , colonial chapels cast long shadows across warm sandstone plazas, while Mendoza stirs slowly beneath the crystalline melt of the Andes— its sprawling vineyards glowing gold in the slanting afternoon light. Why? Buenos Aires has seen a 49% increase in flight searches for summer 2025 on KAYAK . Read More: Forbes The World's Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn 6. Morocco Ait Benhaddou - Ancient city in Morocco North Africa getty Morocco flickers like a mirage—where the Sahara's red dunes stretch into silence, and the High Atlas rises with snow-dusted peaks above olive-laced valleys. In Fez , shadowy narrow alleys twist through the medina—past mosaic-tiled courtyards and the pungent scent of leather dyeing vats. Meanwhile, Marrakech hums with the clang of metalworkers and the call of vendors beneath ochre walls, where lantern-lit rooftop cafés overlook minarets. Along the coast, Essaouira 's briny sea winds rattle blue shutters, and gulls circle above salt-stained, crumbling ramparts. Inland, gnarled olive groves and twisted argan trees scatter across cinnamon-colored hills, and Berber villages cling to slopes carved by centuries of footsteps. Crowning jewel? In Chefchaouen, blue-washed streets climb toward the Rif Mountains—quiet but watchful. Why? Marrakech stands out as one of the best-value long-haul destinations with flight prices down 5% compared to summer last year on KAYAK . 7. Norway Beautiful Nature Norway natural landscape aerial photography. getty Norway hums with cold, crystalline clarity—where glacial fjords carve deep into the land like ancient scars, and towering pine forests lean over mirror-still lakes. In Oslo , sleek trams glide past glass-boxed museums and leafy parks, while the scent of spiced cardamom buns drifts from cozy corner cafés. Far to the north, the sky opens wide: auroras ripple in luminous green across the ink-black dark, and antlered reindeer move like spectral shadows over snow-blanketed tundra. While Bergen 's timeworn wooden wharf creaks beneath steady rain, its faded facades leaning into centuries of sea wind. Along the rugged coast, fishing villages huddle between jagged cliffs—their red cabins glowing against brooding skies. Meanwhile, inland, cascading waterfalls tumble through mossy ravines and ancient stave churches stand like solemn sentinels of forgotten faith. Visit in summer and the sun famously lingers past midnight; in winter, it barely rises. Why? Oslo has become significantly more accessible, with flight prices dropping by 20% from the UK and 11% from the US. In addition, KAYAK 's data shows flight searches to Norway from travellers in the US have increased by 25% this summer. Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn 8. Moldova Aerial drone view of Chisinau downtown at sunset, Moldova. View of Central Park, Cathedral, Goverment and a lot of greenery, buildings, illumination getty Moldova settles into the landscape quietly—where rolling hills fold into sun-dappled vineyards and winding river valleys, and time seems to drift at a slower pace. In Chișinău , aging trolleybuses rattle past crumbling Soviet-era facades and tree-lined boulevards, while market stalls overflow with late-summer plums and jars of pickled vegetables. The Dniester flows eastward, broad and unhurried, past cliffside monasteries carved into limestone cliffs and sleepy villages where roosters crow across cobbled courtyards. While in Orheiul Vechi , ancient stone churches cling to the rock face—their bells tolling hours that feel older than the winding road below. Autumn hushes the Codrii forest, where mushrooms push through damp soil and the air smells of woodsmoke and moss. Beneath the surface, vast wine cellars stretch for miles—cool, shadowy, and lined with dusty bottles that have outlasted empires. Why? This is one of Europe's lesser-known gems, with its capital, Chisinau , seeing a 47% year-on-year increase in flight searches on KAYAK . 9. Hong Kong Junk boat crossing Hong Kong harbor. getty Hong Kong —while not an official country (rather, a Special Administrative Region)—deserves a spotlight. Here, skyscrapers rise shoulder to shoulder with ancient temples as neon-lit streets hum with life around the clock. Ride the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for panoramic views of its soaring skyline, or ascend to Victoria Peak for glorious sunsets. Shopping here is legendary, too—you can explore luxury malls or haggle for hidden treasures in the markets of Mong Kok . Foodies, meanwhile, are spoiled for choice: sip tea in historic dim sum teahouses, munch on egg waffles from street vendors, or sample Michelin-starred street bites at restaurants like Tim Ho Wan . Be sure to explore Hong Kong's spiritual side too: pay a visit to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island and stroll through the incense-filled halls of Man Mo Temple . Nature lovers, however, can hike the Dragon's Back trail for stunning coastal views or lounge on the beaches of Sai Kung . Why? KAYAK 's data shows that travelers in the US are seeing a decrease in average flight prices (down 16%) from summer last year for Hong Kong . Read More: Forbes 3 Epic Hotels In The Netherlands For 2025 By Lewis Nunn 10. Denmark Sunrise Over Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark: A Serene Morning with Vibrant Historic Buildings Mirrored in the Still Canal Waters getty Denmark breathes in quiet rhythm—where sweeping flat fields stretch toward low horizons, and sleek wind turbines turn like slow dancers above golden barley and silvery rye. In Copenhagen , cyclists glide past oxidized copper spires and canals lined with houseboats, while the scent of warm cinnamon pastries curls from morning bakeries. Along the Jutland coast, windswept dunes shift under briny gusts, and quaint thatched cottages huddle behind tangled sea buckthorn and windswept grasses. While in Roskilde , the cathedral's towering brick spires rise solemn and majestic—sheltering centuries of royal slumber. Farther south, the chalk cliffs at Møns Klint plunge dramatically into the Baltic—blinding white against the deep blue. Beneath the surface, Denmark 's Viking fortresses encircle the land—silent, symmetrical, and stoic. Why? US travelers can get there for 16% less this summer compared to last year, according to KAYAK . More From Forbes Forbes The World's Most Visited Countries, According To Research By Lewis Nunn Forbes The World's Best River Cruises 2025, According To Experts By Lewis Nunn Forbes The World's Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn Forbes 3 Epic Hotels In The Netherlands For 2025 By Lewis Nunn
RNZ News
22-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
How soaring prices are brewing prosperity for PNG's coffee farmers
Las Malo coffee mill Photo: Scott Waide For decades, coffee has been the lifeblood of countless rural communities in Papua New Guinea, a crop that sustains families and connects this rugged nation to global markets. As international coffee prices surge to unprecedented levels, and farmers experience a windfall, the challenge for many within government is to address the existing systemic and long-standing issues that have prevented farmers from fully reaping the benefits of these high prices. The latest figures paint a remarkable picture. According to Kina Bank, coffee prices jumped a staggering 70 per cent in 2024, with an additional 18 per cent increase in the first quarter of 2025. While there's been a slight dip in the current June quarter, prices remain historically high. These elevated figures are largely attributed to adverse weather conditions in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam, creating a global supply deficit that PNG farmers are now helping to fill. For the vast majority of rural highlands households reliant on coffee, this translates to tangible benefits. More money in the pockets of smallholder farmers means improved living standards, better access to education, and greater financial security. "Coffee is everything. We pay for school fees. We pay for our cultural obligations," said Robert Solala, a coffee farmer and community leader in Nivi village, Unggai-Bena District, Eastern Highlands - one of PNG's leading coffee-producing provinces. This sentiment is echoed across the coffee-growing regions. Robert Solala, coffee farmer Photo: Scott Waide The surge in income is driving a mini-boom in local economies, as farmers spend their newfound earnings on goods and services, stimulating wholesale and retail trade. ANZ Research forecasts Papua New Guinea's GDP to grow by 4.7 per cent in 2025, largely powered by exports of coffee, cocoa, and palm oil. This economic uplift is also playing a crucial role in easing the country's persistent foreign currency issues. While the figures look good, the difficult realities for many coffee farmers continue largely unabated. Nivi village is located in a valley where getting a trusty Toyota Landcruiser to the community can take hours of pushing and pulling, especially after even a slight drizzle. The road leading to the village has deteriorated so much that farmers often walk for four hours, carrying 40-kilogram coffee bags, to reach the nearest truck stop. Even with these difficulties, the village still produces an average of 5,000 bags a year. "This is something I am yet to understand. I don't know if the government understands the difficulties we face as farmers," Robert Solala said. "We contribute to the economy of the country. We make the money. But we're not getting the help we need." Solala is one of many smallholder farmers who continue to work the land despite the challenges. With the spike in coffee prices expected to be sustained for at least the next two to three years, he is hoping there will be long-term investments into transport infrastructure and farmer support. The PNG government, with support from international partners like the World Bank, has been actively working to bolster the coffee industry and ensure these benefits reach the grassroots. However, it's the slow grind of legacy problems like land disputes and bad roads that present a tricky situation for those driving the intervention programs. A cornerstone of these efforts is the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project, managed by the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC), PNG's administering body. Co-funded by the World Bank and the government, the project is a multi-million dollar initiative designed to empower farmers and enhance productivity. For the PACD's project coordinator in the highlands, Potaisa Hombunaka, bad roads remain the biggest obstacle to achieving the high coffee export figures demanded by Prime Minister James Marape. "If I had the financial ability, I would put all the money into roads," Hombunaka said. "So-called experts who plan in air-conditioned offices in Port Moresby need to go to the villages and understand how people live." Potaisa Hombunaka Photo: Scott Waide Potaisa Hombunaka has worked in the coffee-rich highlands for the last three decades. His intimate knowledge of landownership and the deadly disputes it can trigger make him a valuable government asset. Under a similar project six years ago, Potaisa Hombunaka and his team oversaw the construction of what they called "coffee roads". These are short stretches of road leading into coffee-growing regions that drastically reduced the time it took for farmers to transport their coffee. Under the PACD Project, the focus has shifted to enhancing the ability of farmers and PNG exporters to actively participate in global trade. "In 2023, coffee was the second biggest commodity traded on the world market. The first was oil. But our farmers get very little from the global trade. That has to change now." The program has been careful with the partners it works with, avoiding any groups with unresolved land disputes. Through the PACD, coffee farmers are receiving direct assistance in various forms. This includes the distribution of high-quality coffee seedlings, crucial for revitalizing aging coffee trees and increasing yields. In provinces like Chimbu and the Eastern Highlands, farmers have received thousands of seedlings, along with essential farming tools such as pruning shears and canvases. The project also supports the construction of vital infrastructure, such as coffee training centres, storage sheds, and wet mills - facilities that improve the quality of coffee processing and help farmers fetch better prices for their beans. In Goroka, Las Malo, a family-owned coffee processor, has just begun using an electronic colour sorter. The machine, which occupies two-thirds of a newly built warehouse, removes the need for manual labour and quadruples production. "Since 2019, we've paid K13 million [kina] in taxes. We buy directly from farmers," said owner Ken Dumudi. Ken Dumudi - owner, Las Malo Photo: Scott Waide However, there is still a tough nut for the PNG government to crack. The vast majority of coffee exported comes from smallholder farmers who cultivate coffee on their customary land. While plantations with state land titles produced coffee from the 1960s through the 1980s, much of that land has, since Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975, been taken over by its customary owners, many of whom are embroiled in long-running land disputes, some spanning 40 years. "All our coffee comes from smallholders," says Ken Dumudi of Las Malo. "Even us, we don't own plantations." The interventions are not just economic; they are also fostering social change. In areas previously affected by tribal conflict, coffee initiatives are becoming powerful tools for peace and community building. The Kualga Women's Development Association in Nebiliyer, for instance, has received significant funding through the CIC-PACD Project for a nursery, office, and wet bean factory. This project is not only boosting coffee production but also bridging relationships damaged by decades of unrest. While the current climate is undoubtedly positive, challenges remain. Issues such as pest management, declining production in some areas due to aging trees, and ongoing logistical hurdles in transporting coffee from remote farms to market still need addressing. However, with sustained high prices and continued support, the outlook for Papua New Guinea's coffee farmers is brighter than it has been in years, provided prices remain high and long-term investments are made into existing and new transport infrastructure.
ABC News
04-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Papua New Guinea is abundant in natural energy resources — so why does it struggle with blackouts?
From Yonki hydropower plant in the Eastern Highlands to Warangoi in the Niugini Islands, Papua New Guinea is a nation abundant in natural energy resources — yet it consistently grapples with an unreliable electricity supply. For its citizens, power outages are not an occasional inconvenience but a persistent reality, impacting everything from daily routines to critical public services. This chronic instability, driven by a complex interplay of historical underinvestment, geographical challenges, and structural issues within the state-owned enterprise PNG Power, presents a significant hurdle to the nation's development and the well-being of its people. The immediate and most visible consequence of these blackouts is the disruption to everyday life. Imagine a student's lesson interrupted mid-PowerPoint, a family's evening plunged into darkness, or a small business that has to dump its perishable goods. These are not isolated incidents. Joy Asuire, lecturer from the University of Goroka, says the blackouts are a disruption. ( Image: The University of Goroka ) Joy Asuire, a lecturer from the University of Goroka, recounted the many instances she has had to manage her work with power blackouts. "It's a distraction to the education of our citizens, especially the young population, the students, because of what it causes… when you are in the middle of your lesson doing a PowerPoint presentation, the power goes off." In some remote areas, the situation is far more severe, with communities and schools receiving power only twice a week, as observed by lecturers in New Ireland. It's not just an inconvenience. The implications for critical sectors are dire. At Port Moresby General Hospital, oncology nurse Peter Fore highlights the life-and-death stakes involved. "Some of the patients, we do run their chemo using the infusion pumps. So when there is a blackout, it makes it very difficult for us. When there is power it makes everything possible." Surgical procedures are also frequently affected, and vital medical equipment, including refrigerators for drug storage, are vulnerable to damage from inconsistent power. Mr Fore expressed the frustration and added burden on medical staff, who often work uncompensated extra hours due to delays caused by outages. The immediate and most visible consequence of Papua New Guinea's blackouts is the disruption to everyday life. ( Supplied ) The state of PNG Power The entity primarily responsible for Papua New Guinea's electricity grid is PNG Power, a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). Like other SOEs such as PNG Water and Air Niugini, PNG Power is intended to provide essential services, but its performance has consistently fallen short, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction. Manu Rawali, Coordinator for the University of Papua New Guinea's Center of Renewable Energy, noted that the electricity supply had "gotten worse" over the years, with smaller towns experiencing outages for days or even weeks. "The electric supply has gotten worse. And as you head out towards the smaller towns, the smaller grids. Oh, man, those guys, it's almost half a day," he said. "They don't have electricity at times. They have, no electricity for up to, you know, weeks without electricity." For provinces like Manus, New Ireland, and West Sepik, people have come to expect outages for most of the day. This decline is particularly striking given that in the early 1980s, PNG's grid relied on over 70 per cent renewables, a figure that has since reversed, with the current energy mix being roughly 50 per cent thermal (diesel and gas) and 50 per cent renewables, even with the introduction of new hydro plants like Edevu. Mr Rawali attributed this shift away from renewables to increasing demand not being met by new renewable energy investments. The "quick fix" of diesel became the default, leading to a reliance that has proven difficult to break. This is further compounded by the state of the existing infrastructure. Describing many power stations as "practically black", Mr Rawali painted a grim picture of neglect: oil spills, fuel leaks, and "cannibalised generators" used for parts. This dilapidated infrastructure means that even when power is generated, the ageing network struggles to deliver it reliably. Adding to the complexity is PNG's unique geography. With 80 per cent of its population living off-grid, primarily in sparsely scattered communities across rugged terrain and islands, the conventional method of extending the national grid is deemed "impossible" by Mr Rawali. This stark reality means that significant portions of the population remain unconnected, highlighting a profound disparity in access to basic services. The government's budgetary allocations further underscore this imbalance; while almost a billion Kina was allocated to PNG Power (serving the 20 per cent on-grid population) for 2024-2028, only 15 million Kina was budgeted for off-grid initiatives. But even businesses and residents who live along the grid do not have ready access to power. The instability within PNG Power as a corporate entity also plays a role. With a reported 14 or 15 CEOs over its history, the lack of consistent leadership has led to frequent shifts in organisational direction. Mr Rawali suggested that decisions within the sector have often been influenced by "non-technical people" rather than being purely business or engineering-driven. This indicates a systemic issue where expertise may be overlooked in favour of external pressures, hindering effective long-term planning and implementation. Future outlook for Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea's Minister for Energy, Thomas Opa, acknowledged the challenges, describing the blackouts as "terrible". "We receive a lot of complaints, but basically it's not a problem of generation. It is a problem of constant supply." Mr Opa said the problem was often not a lack of generation capacity but rather issues with the reliable supply of diesel fuel and, critically, ageing infrastructure. He stressed the government's ambitious "National Energy Rollout Plan", aiming to provide 70 per cent of Papua New Guineans with access to power by 2030. While many might be sceptical of this target, he maintained the government's vision and purpose. Papua New Guinea's Minister for Energy, Thomas Opa. ( Image: National Energy Authority (NEA) ) A key strategy under this plan is to demystify the myth that only PNG Power can provide power. This involves a deregulation of the energy sector, allowing private companies, districts, and associations to apply for licenses to generate, transmit, retail, and distribute power. Mr Opa suggested that this approach will facilitate the deployment of diverse solutions, including mini-hydro and solar, particularly for rural areas where PNG Power does not operate. Solar, in particular, is highly recommended due to its ease of deployment and cost-effectiveness. This move towards decentralised, renewable energy solutions resonates with experts like Mr Rawali, who believes PNG is uniquely suited for solar and hydropower. "Almost every location in PNG is good for solar. It could be easily integrated into the grid. That could be done in any location," he said. "Solar is easily accessible in many or almost all locations in Papua New Guinea. It's just a matter of having the funding, having the land and just working to integrate it." Papua New Guinea is a country at a crossroads. Rich in resources, yet plagued by a lack of consistent power. ( Supplied ) However, Mr Rawali's hope is tempered by a deep-seated scepticism, born from decades of unfulfilled promises and reform papers that have yielded little tangible change. "No amount of money poured in, no amount of overseas expertise poured in is going to resolve PNG power issues… I think we need it needs a structural change for the for us to see some light." As Papua New Guinea continues to navigate this complex energy crisis, the impact on its foundational pillars, such as education, remains profound. Papua New Guinea is a country at a crossroads. Rich in resources, yet plagued by a lack of consistent power, it faces a stark choice. The government's vision for deregulation and renewable energy offers a glimmer of hope, but the success of these initiatives will depend on overcoming entrenched structural issues, ensuring sustained investment, and fostering genuine collaboration to deliver reliable power that is not just an amenity, but a necessity for stability, security, and survival.
ABC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Penny Wong assures pacific nations of Australia's commitment to climate action
Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong has reaffirmed the government's commitment to climate action as she tours the Pacific region in her first solo overseas trip after Labor's election victory. A mystery illness in rural Eastern Highlands Province has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 10 people. Health authorities have been unable to verify the reports. Fiji's police commissioner says the country's new Counter Narcotics Bureau needs to be reviewed after a police officer working with it was arrested over a recent methamphetamine bust. The United Nations Human Rights Council has raised its concern over the risk to food supplies and marine life posed by Japan's controlled release of treated nuclear wastewater. There's debate in Guam over whether is should consider whether to become the United States' 51st State. The territory's decolonization committee says it must be determined by the people. Former Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu being appointed to lead a First Nations-Pasifika fifteen against the British and Irish Lions in July. With two rounds to go in the Super Rugby competition, Moana Pasifika are ranked 6th on the table and in a good position to make into the playoffs for the first time.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Shoprite and Checkers offer purified water at just $0.054 per litre
South Africa faces ongoing water shortages driven by shifting weather patterns, infrastructure challenges, and persistent droughts. In response, Shoprite and Checkers have stepped up to support customers by offering purified water at just R1 per litre in the majority of its supermarkets. 'We are aware that our customers and communities face tremendous difficulties during water supply outages, so we have equipped our stores to make water available at the lowest prices,' says Sanjeev Raghubir, chief sustainability officer at the Shoprite Group. To ensure sustained trade and service to customers, most stores have installed large backup water tanks that can typically provide water for three to six days should normal water supply be disrupted. When necessary, water is purchased in bulk to replenish supplies. Water is purified through a reverse osmosis process and regularly tested onsite, as well as subjected to independent laboratory analysis, to ensure its safety for consumption. Other water security efforts A percentage of proceeds from the sale of 500ml and 1.5L Eastern Highlands bottled water sold in all Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets nationally is donated to the Act for Change Water Fund to assist with water relief efforts in communities where it is needed most. In addition, the retailer is increasing the availability of clean drinking water in rural communities by providing PlayPumps – merry-go-rounds that pump drinking water as children play on the equipment – to 53 sites across South Africa, which benefits more than 18,000 people. The Shoprite Group has a long history of reaching out and assisting local communities that have been left without water, including transporting water to drought-stricken KwaZulu-Natal towns such as Ulundi, Vryheid, Harding and iXopo in 2016, providing relief during the Johannesburg hospital water crisis in 2021, and donating thousands of litres of bottled water to various Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in 2024. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
