EcoFlow (za.EcoFlow.com), a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company, has reached a new milestone with the launch of its latest innovation, the PowerStream (https://apo-opa.co/3Tiz7Jv), a mini home solar system that potentially helps users save on energy bills. This groundbreaking expandable system can also provide backup power when connected to a portable power station, making it a simple, flexible, and reliable energy source at home.

With over 2.5 million users worldwide, EcoFlow has established itself as a leader in the portable power industry. During load shedding last year, the EcoFlow portable power stations helped power over 50,000 families in South Africa. The PowerStream marks the company’s expansion into the home solar energy solutions market, responding to the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy solutions that households can depend on.

“Home solar energy solutions play an increasingly important role in an age of frequent energy crises, and that’s what inspired the EcoFlow PowerStream,” said Bradley Chetty, Key Account Director at EcoFlow South Africa. “EcoFlow is committed to a future where everyone can care for their families and combat climate disasters, aging grids, and rising energy bills, and PowerStream is our first step towards that future.”

Keep Home Powered During Load Shedding

The PowerStream is an expandable system that includes the EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter, solar panels, and EcoFlow portable power stations if users want to store excessive energy generated through the system.

When incorporating portable power stations into the system, the stored energy can continue to power the home throughout the night, and provide users with peace of mind during load shedding by keeping the essential devices up and running – from heavy-duty appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators to low-wattage devices like phones and tablets.

With a maximum 800W solar input, the PowerStream generates around 1277kWh[1] of electricity annually, covering a great amount of electricity an average household consumes yearly. Using the EcoFlow app, users can keep track of the solar energy captured, and the estimated saving on energy costs, and get a clear picture of their home energy usage.

A Plug-and-Play System with High Compatibility

The PowerStream is designed for the users to install by themselves as the microinverter, solar panels and portable power stations are all plug-and-play. The solar panels also fit in different scenarios, including flat or house balconies, house gardens, and house Façades. Using the EcoFlow super-flat cables, users don’t need to drill through walls or windows to connect the system outdoors to indoors.

The system is compatible with 99% of solar panels on the market and works with all EcoFlow portable power stations, including the DELTA Pro, if users want to store more surplus energy and save more on energy bills. With a base capacity of 3.6kWh and expandable up to 7.2kWh, the DELTA Pro provides reliable power for 99% of home appliances, making it one of the best companions for the PowerStream.

An Entry-level System for Every Home

The PowerStream is an ideal home solar system for beginners, especially if they have already been using solar panels and EcoFlow portable power stations at home. The PowerStream microinverter features a compact design and is lightweight. It can easily blend in users’ houses or apartments.

Plus, when users look to enjoy outdoor activities, they can disconnect the portable power station and use it on the go. If moving to new apartments or houses, the entire system can be easily unplugged and packed to go.

Price and Availability

Currently available on the EcoFlow South Africa website (https://apo-opa.co/48AtQ4B), the PowerStream comes in different kits with an Early Bird discount till 31st March 2024.

The No-Storage Kit includes only the PowerStream microinverter, two EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels, one solar cable, and one EcoFlow AC cable. The kit is priced at R 14,999 for an Early Bird discount.

The 3-kWh Storage Kit includes the PowerStream microinverter with the EcoFlow solar cable and AC cable, an EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable power station with an EB cable and two EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels. The kit is currently priced at R 61,999 for an Early Bird discount.

To learn more about kits with different storage options, please visit: za.EcoFlow.com

Specs

EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter

Weight

Approx. 3 Kg

Waterproof

IP67

Dimensions

242 × 169 × 33 mm

Max. Charging&Discharging Power

600W

PV Input Power

400W x 2

DC Input Output

600W

Max. Input Voltage

55Vd.c. (PV Port)/ 59Vd.c. (DC Port)

Max. Input Current

13A

AC Output-Grid Tied

600W

Max. AC Output Current

2.8A

Charging Voltage

30 – 58 Vd.c.

Communication

Wi-Fi&Bluetooth

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.

About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 2.5 million users in over 100 markets worldwide.

The United States government has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, along with other senior officials, for corruption and human rights abuses.

On Monday the US government said leaders in Zimbabwe were siphoning off public resources for personal gain.

This move scraps the old executive sanction order introduced in 2003 and moves 11 individuals and three entities onto the global list – the Global Magnitsky sanctions program.

“These illicit activities support and contribute to a global criminal network of bribery, smuggling, and money laundering that impoverish communities in Zimbabwe, southern Africa, and other parts of the world,” a statement said.

The US also criticised the targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity.

As well as President Mnangagwa, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei have also been sanctioned.

Mr Mnangaga’s wife, Auxillia Mnangagwa, was also hit with sanctions because she “facilitates her husband’s corrupt activities”.

The US government said the egregious behaviour of some of the most powerful people and companies in Zimbabwe matched the actions of the worst human rights abusers and corrupt actors in the world.

The US assured that “sanctions on theses individuals and entities do not represent sanctions on Zimbabwe or its public”.

The government of Zimbabwe has not commented on the latest allegations but has dismissed previous sanctions as part of a Western plot to bring about political change.

ALSO READ:

• ‘Life is hell’: Zimbabwe flood survivors lament loss of land, livelihoods

• Shock in Zimbabwe as Finance Minister named Africa’s best

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has been ranked number one in all three categories in the Bloomberg Capital Markets League Tables Report for African Capital Markets. Afreximbank is ranked as number one Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner, and Administrative Agent for Sub-Saharan Africa Borrower Loans. These rankings recognize the Bank’s leadership role in facilitating capital from within and outside of the continent, from a diverse range of investors and stakeholders to fulfill the financing needs of African member states and organizations.

Topping these prestigious rankings in all three categories simultaneously for the first time in the Bank’s 30-year history is a testament to the Bank’s remarkable growth, its systemic relevance on the continent, and its leading market position in the African loan markets. Despite the challenges faced by the African syndicated loan market in 2023, with volumes remaining relatively subdued at US$32 billion and a total of 82 loans only closing during the year, the rankings reflect Afreximbank’s unwavering commitment to its mandate.

Notably, the Bank has almost doubled its market share in both the Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA) and Bookrunner categories, rising from 8% and 9% in 2022 to an impressive 19% and 14% in 2023, respectively. In the Loans Agency category, Afreximbank retained a significant 15% market share, while achieving a remarkable milestone of securing the position of the number one facility agent for the first time ever. The Bank’s specialized agency team is committed to growing the provision of these loans’ agency and security trustee services and is actively managing some of the largest loans on the continent.

These statistics reflect Afreximbank’s pivotal role in proactively stepping in to close the funding gap across various industry sectors and recognise the Bank’s continued leadership in mobilising and leveraging African capital from within and international capital from outside the continent from a diverse range of investors and stakeholders to meet the financing needs of African borrowers.

Afreximbank’s increased market share is particularly noteworthy in the challenging sectors of oil and gas and sovereign finance. Landmark financings in 2023 facilitated by the Bank include the US$1.3 billion Project Gleam facility for Angolan Ministry of Finance , the most significant “Green Loan” in Africa to date; partial prefunding of the US$2.7 billion multi-sourced financing for Ministry of Finance&Planning Tanzania’s backed development of Lots 3-4 of the Standard Gauge Railway; the US$ 1.3 billion annual facility for Angolan national oil company Sonangol; and a US$ 2,25 billion initial commitment of the US$ 3.3 billion crude oil prepayment facility for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof. Benedict Oramah, commented;

“These outstanding rankings in the Bloomberg League tables underscore Afreximbank’s commitment to driving economic growth, facilitating capital flows within the African continent while reflecting our resilience and ability to navigate challenging market conditions. The success of our rankings is a testament to the hard work and commitment of my colleagues and reinforces our position as a trusted financial partner for African organizations. We look forward to servicing their financing requirements for many years to come.”

The Bloomberg Capital Markets tables showcase the top arrangers, bookrunners and advisors across a broad array of deal types in the financial sector including loans, bonds, equity and M&A transactions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of September 2023, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$33.4 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.8 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$104 billion between 2016 and 2023. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

In a shocking turn of events, a senior magistrate, Terence Mashaire, has found himself in legal turmoil as he is accused of accepting a bribe to manipulate a trial verdict.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe shared on their X account how the accused and the bribery planned to turn a verdict into a innocent one beyond the court.

Details of the Alleged Bribery

According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Mashaire allegedly received groceries, stationery, and a Defy Microwave from the defendant, Allen Bhaswi, in September 2023.

The gifts were purportedly given as a token of appreciation for the favourable ruling in Bhaswi’s case.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that the accused and Bhaswi went beyond a professional relationship, engaging in communication before and after court sessions.

The case, which concluded in December 2023, resulted in a ruling in favour of Allen Bhaswi.

It is alleged that Mashaire accepted a Solo Defy Microwave, groceries, and stationery as gifts from Bhaswi. Law enforcement officers later discovered the stove at Mashaire’s residence, providing further evidence of the alleged bribery.

Even after the conclusion of the case, Mashaire’s involvement did not cease. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) appealed the judgment in the Allen Bhaswi case.

Mashaire reportedly continued to advise Bhaswi on the legal proceedings at the High Court. An additional allegation states that Mashaire received USD450 through Ecocash from Bhaswi.

Terence Mashaire has been remanded in custody and is set to appear in court on 4 March 2024 for a bail ruling.

The scandal has raised concerns about the integrity of the judiciary. The potential influence of external factors on legal decisions is being questioned.

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed several agreements with Uzbekistan, amounting to US$ 715 million, on the sidelines of the Arab Coordination Group meeting, which was held from 4th to 5th March 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

ITFC has been actively supporting the Government and local banks in Uzbekistan since 2018, with total financing approved for the country standing at US$773 million. This financing is geared towards supporting the production of cotton and wheat, ensuring food security, and helping stabilize prices for essential commodities, as well as supporting the trade finance needs of private sector and SME clients. In addition, ITFC will continue supporting local banks with technical assistance through new Integrated Trade Solutions in the coming years.

The collaboration also encompasses the “Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+)” Program, a flagship initiative developed by ITFC. The TCCA+ targets the expansion and economic integration of trade and investment cooperation among six countries: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The first agreement is a Framework Agreement on cooperation for the period of 2024 – 2026, amounting to US$600 million. This agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade and IsDB Governor of Uzbekistan, and Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC. The agreement aims to strengthen areas of cooperation between ITFC and Uzbekistan, focusing on trade finance, agricultural and food security financing for the public sector, support for state-owned enterprises, and financing for small and medium enterprises in sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, textile, and manufacturing.

The second agreement is a US$100 million Murabaha Financing Agreement signed by Mr. Ilkhom Norkulov, First Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC. This financing agreement aims to contribute to food security and agriculture in Uzbekistan, through procurement of strategic agricultural goods, to ensure a stable supply of wheat throughout the year. This initiative helps to stabilize wheat prices and support local farmers.

Additionally, ITFC signed a Line of Trade Financing Agreement jointly with AgroBank and its subsidiary SmartBank, amounting to US$15 million. This agreement will support SMEs and the private sector in Uzbekistan, boosting private sector contributions to the country’s economic development. The line of financing will  provide Sharia-compliant trade finance solutions to private sector and SME clients of AgroBank and its subsidiary SmartBank. This financing will be focusing on sectors like food and agriculture, manufacturing, and textile, and will aim to promote  financing of green projects.

Commenting on the signings, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC said: “The agreements signed today strengthen our collaboration with Uzbekistan and are a testimony of our commitment to the socio-economic development in Uzbekistan and the Central Asia region at large. We believe the projects and programs that will benefit from the approved financing will positively contribute to national economic growth. We are pleased to be covering key sectors such as food security and the private sector which align with our focus on contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 8 (Decent Work&Economic Growth).

With a focus on key sectors such as trade finance, agriculture, and SME development, these agreements are meant to stimulate growth, ensure food security, support SMEs, and create sustainable economic opportunities. ITFC remains dedicated to driving positive change in Uzbekistan and the region, leveraging its expertise and resources to foster prosperity and resilience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Contact Us
Tel.: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Social Media:
Twitter: @ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ITFCCORP
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)

About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided US$75 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund approved, in Abidjan on 27 February 2024, $11.96 million Grant to speed up the establishment of the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda.

The financial support from the African Development Bank Group’s Regional Public Good window, together with a contribution of $1.93 million from the Rwandan government, is intended to implement the Regional Pharmaceutical Sector Support Project in Rwanda.

“The project should produce considerable benefits (outputs and outcomes) throughout Africa,” stated Aissa Touré Sarr, head of the African Development Bank’s Rwanda country office. “The leading-edge research and technological innovations of the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (https://apo-opa.co/49DqOxy) should improve health care outcomes by providing access to advanced medicines and treatments, tackling prevalent diseases and contributing to the continent’s overall health resilience.”

The support from the African Development Fund should help improve access to advanced pharmaceutical technologies and strengthen the regulatory framework of the pharmaceutical industry in Africa.

The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, whose creation was approved in June 2022 by the African Development Bank Board of Directors, signed a host country agreement in December 2023, with the government of Rwanda, where it is based.

Given the difficulties that African countries face in accessing technology to manufacture medicines and vaccines in their own countries, this foundation will act as a transparent intermediary that promote and negotiate with pharmaceutical multinationals and other countries in the South on sharing technology, know-how, and patents protected by intellectual property rights. 

The foundation will build the capacity of African pharmaceuticals so that they commit to increasing local production as part of a systematic approach to learning new technologies and bringing production plants up to standard technologically. It will strengthen human and professional competences in the sector and in the R&D ecosystem, as well as in pharmaceutical and vaccine innovation to develop the skills needed for a thriving sector on the continent.

The African Development Fund grant will be used to purchase office equipment — furniture, hardware and software — and to enable the Foundation, to which the Rwandan government granted the status of an international agency, to recruit experts and relevant specialized technical firms to provide a range of specialist health and pharmaceutical services. In addition to administrative and human resources, some experts will be responsible for establishing financial and contract award systems.  

The project will also support information and awareness raising, consultancy services, training manufacturers in good manufacturing processes, and study trips for tacit knowledge transfer. It will also improve the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products, accelerate the implementation of a regional mutual recognition system, in line with harmonizing the regulations on medicine in the East African Community. It will therefore support several activities, including joint evaluations of medical product documentation, joint inspections of good manufacturing practices, signal detection and investigations of medical products, as well as post-marketing surveillance activities of antibiotics.

The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation will collaborate closely with the African Union Medicines Agency, Africa CDC, the European Union, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the Medicines Patent Pool, philanthropic organizations and bilateral and multilateral agencies and institutions.

The first institution of its kind to collaborate with the public and private sectors in Africa, North America, Europe and the rest of the developing world, the foundation has agreed a memorandum of understanding with the European Investment Bank. In addition, it receives substantial support from Germany.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
 

With 180 million barrels of proven oil reserves – and up to 5 billion of estimated oil reserves – the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is embarking on an extensive exploration campaign to harness its resources for enhanced energy security and GDP growth. As the country intensifies upstream activities, the Invest in African Energy (IAE) (https://Invest-Africa-Energy.com) 2024 forum, slated for 13 – 14 May in Paris, will spotlight lucrative investment opportunities spanning the DRC’s oil and gas value chain.

Featuring Africa’s key policymakers and industry leaders – including the confirmed participation of Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga, Congolese Minister of Hydrocarbons – the IAE forum will connect energy and infrastructure projects with global investors, aimed at advancing oil and gas exploration, transport, processing and distribution in the DRC and East African region. The country currently produces 25,000 barrels of oil per day from its Coast Basin, in partnership with independent hydrocarbon producer Perenco. Yet with additional hydrocarbon-rich basins remaining untapped – such as the highly prospective Albertine Graben, shared with Uganda – the DRC represents a frontier market with significant upside for oil and gas explorers.

Organized by Energy Capital&Power, IAE 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/49krKXM) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 14-15, 2024 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

With Perenco and French major TotalEnergies already active in the country, the DRC is looking to strengthen collaboration with international partners to drive upstream investment. To realize this objective, the DRC launched an upstream market expansion initiative, initiating a 30-block licensing round in early-2022 aimed at unlocking oil reserves valued at up to $650 billion.

In January 2023, the DRC awarded exploration and production licenses for three Lake Kivu gas blocks to North American energy companies Symbion Power, Winds Energy&Production and Alfajiri Energy. The awards pave the way for the development of a $300-million, 60 MW gas-to-power project by Symbion Power, which could unlock further expansion of the country’s gas value chain. Perenco’s launch of a new offshore gas production and training platform last May also serves to propel domestic gas production, while training the local workforce.

The DRC is prioritizing collaboration with regional governments and stakeholders to attract investment and foster local content development. Last July, the country signed an agreement with Angola for the joint development of Block 14, situated on the maritime border of the two countries. The agreement not only encourages investments from block operator Chevron, but also increases Angola’s supply of refined petroleum products to the DRC, thereby enhancing energy resilience in the country. Moreover, the partnership provides for knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at establishing best practices and expanding both countries’ respective oil and gas industries.

Last May, the DRC signed an agreement with Uganda that would see oil produced from the DRC’s Albertine Graben transported via the planned East African Crude Oil Pipeline and exported to global markets. The DRC also forged an agreement with Equatorial Guinea in 2022 for the construction of a refinery and storage facilities. Both initiatives are set to usher in a new era of mid- and downstream development, facilitating the export of the DRC’s crude oil to new markets. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

The Gender Mainstreaming Awards, a powerful indicator of progress towards gender mainstreaming in the corporate world, proudly returns for its 12th event across Africa. Developed by Business Engage (www.BusinessEngage.africa), these awards inspire private corporates to champion gender mainstreaming as a strategic imperative. The Awards also recognise individuals who are contributing to this success.

This year, in collaboration with Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), RCL FOODS, AECI, Assupol and Rand Merchant Bank, the 2024 Gender Mainstreaming Awards are set to elevate Africa as the focal point of gender mainstreaming success.

The Gender Mainstreaming Awards, held annually, honour those who have made tangible contributions to gender mainstreaming. The winners and finalists have consistently demonstrated their unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the African business arena.

The JSE, RCL Foods, AECI, Assupol and Rand Merchant Bank in partnership with Business Engage invite you to participate in the celebration of gender mainstreaming by nominating outstanding individuals and corporates for the 12th Gender Mainstreaming Awards, scheduled for 31 October 2024. Entries are open to corporates and individuals across various categories, reflecting the diversity of your company’s commitment to gender mainstreaming. For more information, visit www.GenderAwards.com.

Vuyo Lee, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the JSE, stresses, “As a key contributor to the functioning of the South African economy, at the JSE, we believe that promoting gender equality is not only a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity.  By recognising and celebrating the efforts and achievements of companies that prioritise gender equality, the Gender Mainstreaming Awards promote principles of inclusivity, diversity, and representation, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity”.

Tasmin Coleman, HR Director: Diversity and Inclusion, Growth and Groceries&Spreads commented. “We are proud to be a sponsor of this year’s 12th Africa Gender Mainstreaming Awards, celebrating individuals and corporates who have made a tangible impact on achieving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Aligned with our purpose of “Growing what Matters,” RCL FOODS is committed to advancing gender empowerment through various initiatives within our organization. Our commitment extends to improving gender representation at leadership levels and fostering a culture that is both diverse and inclusive for all”.

The Gender Mainstreaming Awards extend their reach across East, West, and Southern Africa, crowning an overall Africa Champion. In 2023, simultaneous in-person events across different African regions showcased the Awards’ growing influence, with thousands of attendees celebrating gender mainstreaming success. This continental approach aims to position Africa as the gender hub for exporting stories of gender mainstreaming to the world.

AECI’s Group Chief People Officer, Khabonina Ramoupi, added “As part of our ongoing commitment to gender equality and inclusion, AECI is proud to announce our partnership with Business Engage. This sponsorship reflects our dedication to advancing gender mainstreaming in our organization, our industry and beyond.  Gender mainstreaming is a key focus for our Sustainability journey and enables us to build a more diverse, robust workforce for a more peaceful, prosperous sustainable future.  We are excited to be part of the annual Gender Mainstreaming Awards and look forward to the positive impact it will have on advancing gender equality”.

The Gender Mainstreaming Awards comprise 9 private sector categories for corporates, highlighting achievements in areas like board representation, workplace empowerment, disability, entrepreneurship, disability, and community engagement.  There are also three individual categories, the Inclusive Leader Award, Positive Role Model and RMB’s Africa’s Fearless Thinker Awards.

“Diversity has become a critical differentiator and an essential part of providing excellent service, not matter what sector you operate in. Cultivating an environment in which gender inclusivity is intrinsic in everything we do is key, and it is important to acknowledge the role that all genders play in successful business,” says Nana Phiri, Head: Corporate Client Group at RMB.

Bridget Mokwena-Halala, CEO of Assupol, highlights the importance of gender equality in all spheres of corporate. “Assupol is a big supporter of gender equality and actively promotes diversity in the workplace. We believe that everyone should have equal opportunities and be treated fairly, regardless of their gender or background. This is why we are proud to be involved in the 2024 Gender Mainstreaming Awards which recognise organisations that prioritise inclusivity and gender equality in their operations.”

As we continue the journey of gender mainstreaming, Colleen Larsen of Business Engage asserts, “We believe the best way to influence change is to strengthen and grow the current conversation, then couple that with deliberate actions.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Business Engage.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Nelson Mabela
Business Engage Association NPC
Email: nelson@businessengage.co.za

About Business Engage Association NPC:
Business Engage Association NPC, established in 2005, is an exciting and inventive non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting gender mainstreaming in the private sector. It is a shared-value initiative which currently 115 corporates across Africa contribute to on an annual basis. The initiative includes various programmes based on driving the business case for gender mainstreaming.  The vision is to ensure that Africa becomes the hub for gender  mainstreaming whereby good news stories are shared with the rest of the world rather than relying on international data to benchmark our success. 

Visit us at www.BusinessEngage.africa.

About AECI:
AECI is a diversified chemicals solutions company employing 7 168 people at more than 100 sites. We have a presence in 22 countries on six continents. Founded in 1896 to service South Africa’s burgeoning gold and diamond mining industries, the company was formally established in 1924. AECI was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1966. A mainstay of the economy in South Africa, over the years we have expanded our presence and evolved our product and service offering to a broad base of customers. Our products and services include, mine-to-mineral solutions, water treatment solutions, chemical raw materials and related services, asphalt and bitumen for road construction, food and beverage ingredients and commodities, vitamin and mineral animal feed premixes, crop protection products and plant nutrients as well as property leasing and provision of utilities. Our operating businesses are structured into four key operating business segments – AECI Mining, AECI Water, AECI Agri Health and AECI Chemicals. 

For more information visit: www.AECIworld.com

About Assupol:
Assupol Life is a South African fully fledged life insurer which has become a household name, synonymous with high-quality service and affordable products tailored for our focused markets. With a focus on innovation, we offer a comprehensive range of affordable funeral, life, savings, investments, and retirement products to meet the needs of the South African market. With a strong emphasis on transformation, we encourage real change in the equal representation of women within the private sector. We are proud to have a workforce that is 85% African, and we actively promote the appointment of women in key positions, striving to contribute to a society that supports and empowers women. With over 110 years of serving those who serve, Assupol Life remains a leader in the financial services industry and continues to uphold its legacy as a caring company since its inception.

For more information visit: www.Assupol.co.za

About JSE:
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history of operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world-class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself on being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent.  The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 136 years. As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates unlocks value&makes real connections happen. 

For more information visit: www.JSE.co.za

About RCL FOODS:
RCL FOODS is a deeply rooted South African business with more than 30 much-loved brands including Yum Yum peanut butter, Nola mayonnaise, Ouma rusks, Pieman’s pies, Number 1 mageu, Sunbake bread, Supreme flour, Selati sugar, Simply Chicken, Rainbow chicken, Bobtail and Canine Cuisine dog food, Catmor and Feline Cuisine cat food, and Molatek and Epol animal feed. We are more than 10 000 people working together towards a powerful purpose: We Grow What Matters.  

For more information visit: www.RCLFOODS.com

About RMB:
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) is a leading African corporate and investment bank (CIB) and part of the largest financial services group (by market capitalisation) in Africa – FirstRand Bank Limited (which is wholly owned by FirstRand Limited). We offer our clients innovative, value-added advisory, funding, trading, corporate banking, and principal investing solutions.

With a presence in 10 African countries, we have a significant footprint on the continent. We also have access to a network of retail banks, representative offices and branches across Africa, the UK, India and the US.

For more information visit: www.RMB.co.za 

Canon EMEA (www.Canon-CNA.com), the world’s leading imaging company, continues its sponsorship of the Canon Young Champion of the Year category at the Global Good Awards for the fifth year running to highlight the achievements of young campaigners. Entries for the Canon Young Champion of the Year category open today, closing on 3 May.

The Canon Young Champion of the Year Award recognises young leaders who are driving positive change across any area of sustainability and use their examples to encourage others to take action. The award started as an extension of Canon EMEA’s Young People Programme (https://apo-opa.co/3P2mks8), which gives young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle sustainability issues that matter to them using creativity and critical thinking.

Last year, Raheen Fatima and Manyasiri ‘Pear’ Chotbunwong were named the winners of the under 16s and under 21s categories. The judges praised Raheen’s work as an activist, which has seen her help to educate young people around the world on a range of topics, using the Sustainable Development Goals as a basis. To date, Raheen has taught more than 5,000 young people from 20 different countries.

Meanwhile, Manyasiri ‘Pear’ Chotbunwong, founder of feminine health non-profit organisation H.E.R. (Health. Equity. Respect) was recognised for her efforts in supporting women’s access to period products, education, healthcare and employment. Through her organisation, she has helped to distribute over 10,000 reusable and FDA-approved sugarcane fibre pads to women in five countries through partnerships with 30+ schools and NGOs.

Previous winners of the Canon category have gone on to represent Canon at global events including Expo 2020 Dubai and some of last year’s finalists featured in a TV and social media global video campaign with Warner Brothers Discovery brand, Cartoon Network

Peter Bragg, Canon EMEA Sustainability&Government Affairs Director said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Global Good Awards for the fifth year running. I look forward to seeing applications over the next months highlighting the hard work and achievements of young sustainability campaigners. This is an important time to recognise young sustainability champions making a real difference in their communities”.

To determine this year’s Canon Young Champion of the Year Award winner, an inspiring bench of judges have been announced including Executive Director at UN Global Compact Network UK, Steve Kenzie, Sustainability advisor and author of Be the Change Books, Georgina Stevens, 2023 Canon Young Champion of the Year finalist Jodie Bailey-Ho, and photographer and Canon Ambassador, Laura El Tantawy.

Details on the Canon Young Champion of the Year category

The award is open in two categories – under 17s and under 25s – both of which are free to enter and welcome entries from participants of Canon Youth Programmes and for external youth activists. Judges will consider applications from more than one candidate per entry, for example where groups or siblings have worked together to campaign for a good cause. Entries are open now (https://apo-opa.co/3V2lzTB) and will close on 3 May 2024.

To apply, entrants must submit up to 1250 words, a personal video statement and as many as six captioned images that tell their story and the change they’ve been working towards. Using the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (https://apo-opa.co/3P6nX82) as a guide, entries may focus on any form of social and environmental sustainability activism, whether it’s a local community project or a large, global initiative.

Winners of the Young Champion Award will receive a Canon EOS R50 Content Creator Kit and will be invited to a masterclass with a Canon Ambassador. Shortlisted finalists will also receive a certificate, sustainably made medal and a joint masterclass with a Canon Ambassador.

Entrants may submit an entry for themselves if they are over 18, or alternatively they can be nominated by a parent, guardian, company, or the charity or organisation which they are working with but must be an integral part of the application process.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3T4u12k) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition has launched its sixth annual continent-wide search for 10 exceptional entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact in their local communities. The application form can be accessed for free on ABH’s official website (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) starting today.

Since its inception in 2019, ABH has spotlighted and supported some of Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial minds. The ABH top 10 finalists (Heroes) over the last five years:

have created 123,000 direct and indirect jobs in Africa
are serving over 37.5 million customers in Africa and beyond
have raised over US$153 million (not counting debt raises)
operate in 52 African countries

As ABH enters its sixth year, it is calling on entrepreneurs across Africa to pitch on the biggest entrepreneurial stage in the continent. ABH encourages applicants from all 54 countries, from all business sectors, of all ages and genders, to submit their applications in English or French. Along with invaluable benefits such as training, exposure and networking opportunities, the top 10 finalists will also compete for their share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

Audio

“Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of our Heroes. Many of our Heroes have leveraged the grant funds to expand their geographic footprint, hire talent, grow their operations and invest in new products and services. It’s been heart-warming to see our Heroes collaborate with each other and to tap into the ABH network of judges and experts. We are motivated to continue to play our part in supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are calling on all eligible African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact to join us in this journey!” says Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships&Programs, Africa’s Business Heroes.

Applications for ABH 2024 are open from now until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the announcement of the top 10 in September. The final winners will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in November.

To apply, and for more information about ABH 2024, please visit ABH’s website (https://apo-opa.co/3uUYEPD) and follow ABH on Twitter (@africa_heroes), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), TikTok (https://apo-opa.co/48DjD7o) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).

For more details, read the full press release on the launch of this year’s ABH Prize Competition here: https://apo-opa.co/48HeTgS

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

Press Contact:
Africa’s Business Heroes Press Room
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English: Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic: Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com

About Africa’s Business Heroes:
The Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

Nilepet is a major employer and incubator of talent in the petroleum industry of South Sudan. Its new, modern HQ marks a shift to being a more active and ambitious national company.

South Sudan’s national oil company Nilepet today opened its new headquarters in Juba, marking a significant milestone for the corporation. H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, officially cut the ribbon at the new building.

The project took six years to complete, over the tenure of four managing directors, with the final stages and inauguration achieved under Managing Director Bernard Amour Makeny. At the opening, Nilepet (officially the Nile Petroleum Corporation) gathered together all international partners in South Sudan’s upstream petroleum segment, including CNPC, Petronas, ONGC, Sinopec and Tri-Ocean, as well as the joint operating companies Greater Pioneer Operating Company, Dar Petroleum Operating Company and Sudd Petroleum Operating Company. Also present were heads of Nilepet’s joint ventures and subsidiary firms.

“For all the young people, this truly is the beginning of the journey of transformation of Nilepet. I want us to change our mindsets,” said Makeny at the opening ceremony. “What produces results is commitment, integrity and the love of being a citizen … We need to prove that today we can build a better company if we work as a team. No more division. No more segregation. No more gender imbalance.

As South Sudan’s primary employer, with 2,000+ staff, Nilepet has a fundamental role in the human capacity development of the nation. The new headquarters, dubbed ‘the Home of Transformation’, can hold up to 1,100 staff. It signifies Nilepet’s growing ambition across the spectrum of energy activities, in particular the upstream business, where Nilepet recently grew its stake in Dar Petroleum Operating Company from 8% to 10%.

The building further demonstrates the corporation’s dedication to equipping South Sudanese nationals with the skills to build a competitive energy sector. Makeny emphasized that it is vital for Nilepet’s vision to engage further with international investors and partners, with accountability, efficiency and professionalism as core values.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

About Nilepet:
Nilepet is the Host Sponsor and Gala Dinner Sponsor of the seventh edition of the South Sudan Oil&Power conference on 25-28 June 2024. For the first time this year, the event – which is organized by Energy Capital&Power – includes a mining forum, and free-to-attend youth workshops hosted by energy business leaders. The event is organized by Energy Capital&Power.

EMURGO Africa (www.EMURGO.africa), the investment and commercial arm of Cardano in Africa, today announced the launch of EMURGO Labs, a dedicated development entity for emerging Web3 technologies. EMURGO Labs is designed to support the growth of established and nascent Web2 and Web3 organizations. EMURGO Labs is set to spearhead the digital transformation across borders, leveraging the transformative power of the Cardano blockchain.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/3V3SDLg

EMURGO Labs will serve as the central hub for fostering the growth of both established and burgeoning Web2 and Web3 organizations throughout the region. By leveraging the unparalleled power and potential of the Cardano blockchain, EMURGO Labs aims to empower innovation, facilitate cross-border expansion, and contribute to the overall expansion of the global blockchain ecosystem.

“The launch of EMURGO Labs marks a significant step forward in our mission to unlock the transformative potential of blockchain technology in Africa, Middle East and GCC,” said Ahmed M. Amer, CEO of EMURGO Labs. “Through comprehensive support services, strategic partnerships, and industry-leading expertise, I am confident that EMURGO Labs will become the premier destination for Web3 ventures seeking to thrive in this dynamic region” added Amer.

EMURGO Labs is dedicated to delivering a broad spectrum of services, meticulously designed to meet the evolving needs of the digital era, enabling organizations to seamlessly migrate from Web2 to Web3 while also enhancing and expanding the capabilities of already established Web3 entities.

Blockchain Solutions Development: Partnering with global enterprises, startups, and accelerators, EMURGO Labs is at the forefront of investing in and developing groundbreaking blockchain solutions with real world use cases

Custom Software Development: Tailored software solutions are crafted to drive digital transformation, propelling enterprises into the future.

UI/UX Design: With a focus on user-centric design, EMURGO Labs ensures intuitive user experiences and sleek interfaces for Cardano blockchain applications, setting a new standard in usability and aesthetics.

Aiming to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from Web2 and Web3 startups, banks, and large corporations to governments and the wider business community, EMURGO Labs is strategically positioned. By appealing to investors, blockchain enthusiasts, media, and policymakers, it is poised to become a pivotal player in the global blockchain ecosystem. For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, please visit https://apo-opa.co/3uNgPa2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EMURGO Africa.

For more information, please contact:
Omar Badr
Marketing Director
omar@emurgo.africa

PROVIDING IMPACTFUL SOLUTIONS ON CARDANO
www.EMURGO.africa

About EMURGO Africa:
EMURGO Africa is the investment and commercial arm of Cardano in Africa and the MENA region, using blockchain technology to address challenges on the ground and empower individuals and businesses across the continent. Focused on supporting entrepreneurs in the Web 3.0 space, EMURGO Africa also provides tailored solutions for startups, corporations, and governments through EMURGO Labs to foster the development of blockchain-enabled ecosystems.

The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition has launched its sixth annual continent-wide search for 10 exceptional entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact in their local communities. The application form can be accessed for free on ABH’s official website (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) starting today.

Since its inception in 2019, ABH has spotlighted and supported some of Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial minds. The ABH top 10 finalists (Heroes) over the last five years:

have created 123,000 direct and indirect jobs in Africa
are serving over 37.5 million customers in Africa and beyond
have raised over US$153 million (not counting debt raises)
operate in 52 African countries

In 2023, ABH published a five-year impact report that details the impact ABH Heroes have had. The full report can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/3T4mErL

As ABH enters its sixth year, it is calling on entrepreneurs across Africa to pitch on the biggest entrepreneurial stage in the continent. ABH encourages applicants from all 54 countries, from all business sectors, of all ages and genders, to submit their applications in English or French. Along with invaluable benefits such as training, exposure and networking opportunities, the top 10 finalists will also compete for their share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

“Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of our Heroes. Many of our Heroes have leveraged the grant funds to expand their geographic footprint, hire talent, grow their operations and invest in new products and services. It’s been heart-warming to see our Heroes collaborate with each other and to tap into the ABH network of judges and experts. We are motivated to continue to play our part in supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are calling on all eligible African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact to join us in this journey!” says Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships&Programs, Africa’s Business Heroes.

To date, nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the ABH Prize Competition. Last year’s winners were chosen from 27,267 applicants from sectors spanning agriculture, education and training, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The competition cumulated in the Grand Finale, where the top 10 finalists mounted Africa’s largest augmented reality-powered stage to present their businesses to a panel of esteemed judges.

Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies, ABH 2023 First Prize Winner says: “Participating in the ABH Prize Competition has been a transformative experience for Wellahealth Technologies, profoundly impacting our journey as a startup. ABH not only provided us with financial assistance but also offered unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship training, networking, and exposure. I urge fellow entrepreneurs across Africa to seize this extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a wealth of benefits that can catalyze growth and success for your ventures.”

WellaHealth (www.WellaHealth.com) provides affordable healthcare plans that start at less than a dollar a month to cover care common conditions delivered via pharmacies and remote doctors. The company serves over 300,000 individuals and is aiming to reach one million within 18 months and expand to 10 million within the next five years, extending its services in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

ABH constantly explores effective ways to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. As with previous years, the journey to this year’s Grand Finale will also include access to a community of business leaders, innovators, industry experts and investors as well as multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions.

To better facilitate the engagement with entrepreneurs and facilitate applications, this year ABH will organize a series of roadshows in multiple countries, including Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. These events will be conducted in collaboration with local entrepreneur organizations and ABH community members. Participants will gain valuable insights into the ABH initiative as well as enhance their chances of success in the competition. Further details regarding the roadshows and information sessions will be disseminated via ABH’s official social media channels and newsletters.

Applications for ABH 2024 are open from now until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the announcement of the top 10 in September. The final winners will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in November.

To apply, and for more information about ABH 2024, please visit ABH’s website (https://apo-opa.co/3uUYEPD) and follow ABH on Twitter (@africa_heroes), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), TikTok (https://apo-opa.co/48DjD7o) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

Press Contact:
Africa’s Business Heroes Press Room
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English: Tracy Walakira 
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic: Malika Bouayad 
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com

About Africa’s Business Heroes:
The Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

Pecan Energies (www.PecanEnergies.com), the operator of the Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) block offshore Ghana is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its rebranding journey.

The company has evolved with a new name, logo, and a revitalized brand identity to better reflect its commitment to building prosperity and enabling growth for African communities. Underlining this transformation is Pecan Energies’ new tagline: “Unlocking Prosperity.”

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) acquired Pecan Energies in April 2023, laying the foundations for a new brand identity. AFC is a multilateral financial institution created by African sovereign states to provide pragmatic solutions to Africa’s infrastructure deficit and challenging operating environment. The acquisition was a demonstration of AFC’s commitment to ensure that Africa’s natural resources, including its vast oil and gas reserves, are developed sustainably while retaining value on the continent. Pecan Energies holds a 50 per cent stake in the DWT/CTP block offshore Ghana.

“Pecan Energies represents our ambition to become the Pan-African oil and gas operator of choice in offshore deep waters of Ghana. Our new brand is dedicated to value creation, one of our core values. This also includes an unwavering commitment to transparency in how we harness our commercial and technical expertise for developmental outcomes in Ghana and beyond,” said Eiliv Gjesdal, Chief Executive Officer of Pecan Energies AS.

Pecan Energies is making good progress towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) following the successful approval of its Plan of Development (PoD) for the DWT/CTP contract area by Ghanaian authorities. Under its new ownership and identity, the goal is to realize the full social and economic impact potential of the entire DWT/CTP block. The block has discoveries of approximately 550 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalents, in addition to a significant exploration portfolio.

“As we embrace our new identity, sustainability, localization, empowerment, and giving back aren’t just commitments — they’re woven into the very fabric of our business,” said Kadijah Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of Pecan Energies Ghana Limited.

Key Highlights of the Rebrand:

New Logo: The logo is a culmination of modern design elements that represent the company’s forward-thinking approach. It has been designed to be clear, simple, and bold and stems from a series of shapes and symbols that evoke collaboration and mutual benefit. 

Brand Palette&Typography: Adopting a palette that represents our devotion to the sustainable development of the natural resource was essential and plays a central role in creating and sustaining brand recognition.

Vision and Mission: Our vision and mission speak to our aspiration to mature and produce resources in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the mutual benefit of the Ghanaian people, the company, and our partners. Our goal is to unlock greater prosperity in Ghana and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pecan Energies.

Media Contact:
T +233 30274 4140
E info@pecanenergies.com
PecanEnergies.co

About Pecan Energies:

Pecan Energies is the operator and 50 per cent shareholder in the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points block (DWT/CTP) offshore Ghana. It is fully owned by Africa Finance Corporation. Our partners in the DWT/CTP block are: Lukoil Overseas Ghana Tano Limited, 38 per cent, Fueltrade Limited 2% and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, 10%.

Read more about Pecan Energies at www.PecanEnergies.com 

Hundreds of protesters in the Senegalese capital Dakar have called for elections to be held before the end of President Macky Sall’s term on 2 April.

Mr Sall sparked huge protests when he postponed last month’s elections and failed to announce a new date.

On Saturday, protesters from opposition parties and campaigning groups called the president a dictator and demanded the release from prison of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Delegates taking part in political crisis talks last week, which were organised by the president but boycotted by the opposition, recommended holding elections in June.

ALSO READ:

• ECOWAS Commission keeps close-eyes on Senegal presidential elections

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Some 170 people including women and children have been “executed” in attacks on three villages in Burkina Faso, a public prosecutor has said.

Aly Benjamin Coulibaly appealed for witnesses to help find those who attacked Komsilga, Nordin and Soro.

Separately, army chiefs warned of the increased risk of attacks by militants, “including attacks on urban centres”.

The country’s army seized power in 2022, but more than a third of Burkina Faso is controlled by insurgents.

Mr Coulibaly said he had launched an investigation into the village attacks in Yatenga province on 25 February.

The AFP news agency reported that dozens of women and children were among the dead.

It was not known which group was behind the attacks.

They are not believed to be related to other recent violence – attacks on a church as well as a mosque and army bases – elsewhere in the country.

On Friday, the country’s army chief warned soldiers to stay vigilant due to an increased risk of suicide attacks by militants.

He said there were also “fears of a series of large-scale attacks” against security forces in cities.

Humanitarian workers say Burkina Faso is one of the world’s most-neglected crises.

Years of rampant insecurity has forced more than two million people from their homes, and the UN estimates that a quarter of all children under five have stunted growth resulting from hunger.

The military seized power two years ago promising to win the battle against rebels, yet the violence continues.

“The epicentre of terrorism has now conclusively shifted out of the Middle East and into the central Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa,” said the Institute for Economics and Peacepicentere earlier this week.

The Sahel includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger among other nations.

Decision is a “very important” step, says Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General ad interim and Chair of The IFAB’s Board of Directors; FIFA (www.FIFA.com) to launch global campaign to raise awareness of concussion symptoms; Decision is among several law changes confirmed at the 138th Annual General Meeting.

The decision to make permanent concussion substitutes part of the Laws of the Game, taken by The IFAB at its 138th Annual General Meeting, was based on extensive medical research and out of concern for the welfare of the players.

“I think we’re not afraid to take on responsibilities and we really want to base all our decisions on data and also medical advice,” said FIFA Secretary General ad interim Mattias Grafström following the meeting in Loch Lomond, Scotland. “This is also the basis [on which] we took the decision today on the permanent concussion substitution, which I think is a very important step moving forward,” added Mr Grafström, who was confirmed as the new Chair of The IFAB’s Board of Directors.

FIFA also confirmed that it would launch a global campaign to raise awareness of how to recognise the symptoms of concussion and treat them appropriately, and that it would continue to invest in gathering more medical expertise about concussions.

“If there’s any doubt about any player’s ability to continue due to a suspected concussion, then they should be taken off the pitch, they should be assessed properly,” said Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales. “And the medical evidence we’ve got suggests there is no amount of time that will allow that to happen and let them still take part in the game. And fundamentally, the protection of the players has to come first.”

He added: “Why would you risk a player coming back onto the field who may be concussed because the only tests you can carry out at the side of a pitch won’t give you the concrete understanding of whether a player is concussed or not? So it’s very simple. If there’s any doubt about player safety, then the player should be removed from the pitch.”

The decision will be incorporated into the next edition of the Laws of the Game, which will come into effect on 1 July 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

Contact for African media: 
AfricanMedia@fifa.org

Veteran Nigerian actor, John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu has passed on.

The actor died in a hospital in Lagos state on Saturday, March 2. 

According to family sources, the actor has been on life support after he underwent a second surgery for his ailment recently.

The family source said that his blood pressure has been over 200 after he had the surgery and that efforts were being made to stabilize it before he sadly passed away this evening. 

The actor battled with constant clotting of blood on his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health challenges for years.

In October 2023, he came out publicly to seek financial assistance to treat his ailment. There were plans to fly him abroad for further medical care but that plan was aborted by his doctors who believed he wasn’t fit to fly.

During the course of his treatment, his leg was amputated in November 2023.

The actor is survived by his wife and children. He was 62 years old.

 The veteran actor was very famous for his sterling interpretation of humorous roles in movies.

José Peseiro, the head coach of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, has left his role following the expiration of his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In a statement released on X, the Portuguese coach expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment.”

Peseiro’s initial contract with the NFF ended just before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

He agreed on an extension until the end of the tournament after reducing his salary from $70,000 to $50,000.

Despite leading Nigeria to the AFCON final, where they lost 2-1 to the host nation Ivory Coast, both parties decided to part ways.

Peseiro thanked the NFF and expressed his gratitude to those who made his tenure memorable, including Sir Amaju Pinnick, President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, and all the staff and players.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.”

During a five-day visit to Ethiopia, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Ted Chaiban, urged the international community to immediately scale up their support for children and families to avert a deepening humanitarian catastrophe throughout the country.

“Ethiopia is facing multiple crises and needs are outpacing our response,” said Chaiban. “The El Niño-driven drought, which has hit northern, central, and southern Ethiopia, is having a ravaging impact on millions of children. For 2024, it is projected that almost 1 million children will suffer from acute malnutrition and around 350,000 pregnant and lactating women will be malnourished.”  

Chaiban visited one of the hardest-hit drought areas in Tigray where malnutrition rates have surpassed the emergency threshold.  

“This is a region where families’ coping mechanisms have been exhausted,” said Chaiban. “I met one mother, called Lemlem, and she told me that just when she thought things were getting better, the drought hit. She had a look of real despair in her eyes.”

To further complicate the situation, there is a public health emergency taking place across the nation with outbreaks of cholera, measles, dengue fever and malaria.

“These are killer diseases for children and are easily preventable,” said Chaiban. “In addition, the country is dealing with the impact of conflict which is also exacerbating the situation for vulnerable communities.” 

UNICEF, in strong collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia and other partners, are working tirelessly to respond to the crises, providing nutritional support, as well as access to safe water, routine immunization, education and child protection services. But much more needs to be done.

“If we act now, we can save the lives of millions of children,” said Chaiban. “But we need resources so that we can increase our humanitarian response. We also hope for a peaceful way forward to address the unresolved disputes, so we can reach all children in need, no matter where they are.”

The UN in Ethiopia is seeking US$3.24 billion, and UNICEF is appealing for US$535 million to ensure children get the help they so desperately need.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org) has been awarded the prestigious “Middle East&Africa Deal of the Year” at the just concluded Project Finance International (PFI) 2023 awards ceremony in London. The PFI awards, one of the oldest and most globally recognized project finance publications, which honours achievement and ingenuity in the global project finance market, recognised AFC’s successful acquisition of Lekela Power B.V. (Lekela), Africa’s largest wind platform, alongside its partners – Infinity WorldWide, the principal sponsors of Infinity Power Holdings (IPH), Masdar, the renewables energy company of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The award was presented to AFC for its innovative financial structuring on the Lekela acquisition, where AFC deployed a suite of equity and quasi equity instruments for the investment. Following the acquisition of Lekela, Infinity Power is now the largest renewable energy company in Africa. Today, IPH has 1.3 GW of operational solar and wind power projects in South Africa, Egypt, and Senegal, and an impressive 14GW project pipeline at various stages of development. Through its operations, the company avoids more than 3.4 million tons of CO2 emissions per year, generates more than 4,000GWh of zero carbon energy and powers more than 1.2million homes. The company is a UN recognized sustainability climate leader, having been rated 1st of 672 global utilities on ESG by Sustainalytics in 2021. Over the next 4 years, Infinity Power plans to triple the generation capacity of its operations.

Commenting on the award, Sameh Shenouda, AFC’s Chief Investment Officer, said, “We are honoured and grateful to receive this prestigious award on behalf of AFC and all our partners. It is a testament to our commitment to address Africa’s energy crisis in a sustainable and climate responsible manner. Our investment in Infinity and acquisition of Lekela Power is one of our many transformational projects that accelerates Africa’s instrumental role in the global energy transition, whilst contributing significantly to value addition, job creation, industrialisation and economic growth on the continent.”

Since its creation in 2007, AFC has been prioritising closing Africa’s crippling energy deficit responsibly and efficiently, with development impact at the forefront of decision making. The Corporation has financed over 3,000MW of power generation and has current beneficial ownership interests in 1400MW, all of which is sourced from renewable energy. The successful close of the Lekela acquisition follows the Corporation lead development role in the recent landmark inauguration of Djibouti’s first-ever wind farm, advancing its stated ambition to become the first nation in Africa to rely entirely on renewable sources for electricity by 2035.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for private sector-led infrastructure investment across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 43 member countries and has invested US$13 billion across Africa since inception.
www.AfricaFC.org

On February 29th, during a stakeholder engagement session, Health CS Nakhumicha S. Wafula endorsed the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Regulations, emphasizing their pivotal role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Kenya.

Nakhumicha stressed the critical importance of these regulations in ensuring that quality and affordable healthcare services are accessible to all citizens.

She urged Members of Parliament to swiftly approve the regulations, citing their proposed enhancements in deductions and mandatory contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Additionally, Nakhumicha highlighted the inclusive nature of the proposed healthcare package, expressing confidence that it would alleviate the financial burden of medical bills for all citizens, regardless of their social status.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Stellantis Middle East and Africa (MEA) (www.Stellantis.com) has shown robust performance in 2023, effectively advancing its Dare Forward 2030 objectives despite global challenges. Key achievements include:

Net Revenues up 64% versus 2022 to €10.560 billion
Shipments up 43% versus 2022 to 616,100 units
Adjusted Operating Income (AOI) up by 111% versus 2022 to €2.503 billion
Market Share up, reaching 14.9%, a 3-point gain versus 2022
LCV Regional Market Position: ranked 2nd in 2023, 1st in Q4 2023
Customer centricity: Top Level of Performance of the Group with n.1 position in quality of service and n.2 position in quality of product

Stellantis MEA’s performance in 2023 reflects a steady alignment with the Dare Forward 2030 strategy, focusing on offering mobility solutions that answer the needs of our customers in the MEA region. Market share grew to 14.9%, a notable step towards the 22% leadership market share 2030 goal outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 MEA section of the plan, suggesting an expansion in market presence.

Samir Cherfan, Chief Operating Officer Stellantis Middle East and Africa commented: “The region is very dynamic, and we have ambitious plans. We are aiming to become the n.1 regional market player with one million vehicles sold by 2030 of which 35% will be electric. We want to move to over 90% regional production autonomy meaning producing in the region for the region, which will position us by far as the most localized player in the region. Thanks to the strong engagement of our employees and partners, we are advancing at full speed in achieving our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan”.

These accomplishments highlight Stellantis MEA’s pivotal role in Stellantis “Third Engine” and its dedication to growth and customer satisfaction. Progress was made in several strategic areas, including:

Industrial Expansion:

Algeria: start of production of Fiat 500 in December 2023 in Tafraoui plant manufacturing.
Morocco: progress in the announced doubling of the production capacity in Kenitra manufacturing facility to reach 400,000 vehicles by 2024 along with 72,000 electric micro-mobility objects with 3 models Citroen Ami, Opel rocks-e and Fiat Topolino that has been added to the product portfolio in 2023.
Egypt: Announcement of production with a new automobile plant, enhancing market position and strengthening Stellantis footprint.
South Africa: Announcement of the building of a new plant in 2025 with a maximum capacity of 100,000 unites by 2030.
Turkey: Production increase with the allocation of “K0” model to Tofaş.

Product Innovation:

111 Launches across 77 Markets in 2023 of which 21 BEV launches.
In 2023, Stellantis made significant strides across diverse regions, from Turkey through the Middle East, North Africa, to Sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa. Fulfilling its commitment to enhancing customer mobility and innovation, the company collected 13 awards for a range of models in various markets.

Commercial Growth:

Turkey: announcement of the merging of all Stellantis commercial activities under one single entity TOFAS enabling increased business synergies and value creation for all Stellantis brands and segments.
Morocco: improvement of the distribution setup and network structure. 
Algeria: Start of import operations and development of a distribution network with more than 50 points of sales covering 65% of the Algerian territory in less than one year.

Purchasing Excellence:

Reached an annual purchasing value of € 5.6 billion, with a robust development in our supplier ecosystem across the region.

Building on 2023 momentum, Stellantis MEA enters 2024 with a focused strategy aiming to:

Consolidate the Stellantis position in the Mediterranean crown and the French overseas territories by achieving above 30% market share by 2030.
Enhance commercial performance across key markets, ramping up in the Middle East, South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa with a market share above 12% by 2030.
Continue to build on sourcing autonomy.
Make significant strides in micro-mobility.
Continue to nurture and hire local talent.

These efforts will maintain the growth trajectory and continue delivering exceptional value to Stellantis MEA customers and stakeholders.

For reference, Stellantis MEA strategy is to reach by 2030:

Over 22% market share
Over 25 % LEV Mix
Over 12% Adjusted Operating Margin
Around 55 launches
A self-sourcing rate above 70%

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

For more information, contact:
Yolande PINEDA
yolande.pineda@stellantis.com
www.Stellantis.com

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About Stellantis:
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today’s customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com

Devi Paulsen-Abbott, CEO of event producer Energy Capital&Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com), took home the prestigious Association of African Exhibition Organizations (AAXO) ROAR Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Exhibition Industry. The award recognizes her remarkable dedication to the sector and is a testament to both her invaluable support to AAXO and visionary leadership at ECP.

The AAXO ROAR Awards were held on Thursday in Johannesburg and aimed to Respect Opportunities, Achievements and Recognition across the African exhibition industry.

Paulsen-Abbott’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the industry has been instrumental in ushering in a new era of creative exhibition solutions in Africa. Since joining the board of AAXO in 2017, she has proven herself invaluable to the organization and industry at large. Under her Chairmanship (since 2022) as well as her membership in the Exhibition Challenge Committee, AAXO has continued to promote the African exhibition industry, ensuring the sector returns to its full potential following the global COVID-19 pandemic.   

At the same time, under her leadership as CEO of ECP, the company has grown to new heights, and now represents the leading investment platform for the African energy sector. ECP’s strong lineup of events across the continent have emerged as the official platforms for government to connect with global investors, while African energy and service providers showcase the latest innovations and offerings in African energy.

“I am deeply honored to receive the AAXO ROAR Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Exhibition Industry. I have always believed that African exhibitions provide a platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to come together to share ideas, drive innovation and promote the best of what Africa has to offer. I am grateful to AAXO for this recognition and look forward to continuing to drive excellence and innovation in the exhibition industry,” stated Paulsen-Abbott.

The AAXO ROAR Award is an accolade in the exhibition industry that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sector. The awards acknowledge excellence in the industry and Paulsen-Abbott’s win is a testament to her leadership, vision and commitment to African exhibitions.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

About Energy Capital&Power:
ECP is the African continent’s leading investment platform for the energy sector. Join us at our world-class investment-focused events in Africa and worldwide. ECP’s events, reports, content and other services are built to serve the African energy community. For more information, visit www.EnergyCapitalPower.com.

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has declared a national disaster to tackle the prolonged drought affecting the country.

Addressing the nation on Thursday afternoon, Mr Hichilema said 84 districts out of a total of 116 were affected.

Zambia has been experiencing poor rain, with fears mounting that the country may experience hunger and struggle to meet its electricity demands as most of its energy is from water sources.

Water levels at Kariba Dam – which Zambia and neighbouring Zimbabwe use for hydroelectricity – had fallen to about 11.5% of usable storage as of last December.

The president said the drought would affect the generation of more than 450 megawatts of power.

He said almost half of the land used for planting crops had been affected by the dry spell.

Mr Hichilema said his government would work to ensure that additional maize and other food was brought into the country to make up the deficit.

He said he would use Zambia’s defence forces “in this fight to save our lives and save families and create a longer term solution to drought”.

“We will work together to get together farmers to plant more crops. We shall also enhance the social support programmes for the farmers that have been affected by the drought,” he said.

“We call upon all our local and international partners to avail any excess food on hand to provide relief. Some partners have already extended their commitment to offer their support, such as the British, the UN system, the World Bank Group and others.”

He called on farmers to use irrigation methods to cope with the dry spell. An estimated one million farmers have been affected by the drought.

Mr Hichilema said his government would work with different stakeholders, opposition politicians and the church to tackle the situation.

Social media has been awash with videos and pictures of fields with dying crops.

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The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has maintained Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election.

According to JoyNews sources, the names that have come up as possible running mates include the former Chief of Staff – Julius Debrah, former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu, the NDC Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey constituency – Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings and Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

John Mahama has submitted names to the National Executive Committee and the Council of Elders of the party for scrutiny.

The NEC and the Council of Elders of the party are preparing to deliberate on Mr Mahama’s choice for running mate but a highly placed source has confirmed to JoyNews that the former president will nominate Prof Opoku-Agyemang to partner with him for the 2024 general elections.

Speaking to JoyNews‘ Parliamentary correspondent, some MPs expressed their support for Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s nomination to partner with Mr Mahama in the December general elections.

The NDC MP for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed said; “I think all the names you have mentioned are capable than Dr Bawumia but I really don’t think it will make any sense changing the running mate we used in the 2020 elections. 

He said it was very clear that there were some impacts being made by the running mateship of Prof Naana Jane and it wouldn’t make no political sense to replace her.

“I really don’t think there will be any changes. I will be shocked if there are any changes and the only way there could be a change is if Prof Naana says she is no longer willing to contest,” he told Kwaku Asante.

On her side, the Deputy Minority Whip, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah also backed the running mate position of Prof Opoku-Agyemang.

She remarked, “Why should it be another name? …. She was supporting way back before she came to the limelight. People were supporting behind and she was part of those people.”

Mrs Cudjoe-Ghansah stated that it is time for women to lead, emphasising that it starts from the vice president position.

“I believe the choice of a female running mate shows a commitment to gender equality and participation in leadership. John Mahama has made it and he’s going to do it again.

“We couldn’t get the general elections because of one or two reasons and this time, he’s going to name her again and have the first female vice president for Ghana,” she said.

The NDC MP for Kintampo North constituency, Joseph Kwame Kumah also backed the call to retain Prof Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate.

“I’m a gender activist, and I’m very sensitive when it comes to gender. For me, our mother Naana Jane did marvelously well.”

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The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), a subsidiary of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) dedicated to fostering development impact, is pleased to announce the Arab Republic of Egypt’s accession to its Establishment Agreement.

With Egypt’s longstanding position as a founding shareholder and the host country of Afreximbank’s headquarters, this recent development underscores Egypt’s commitment to supporting Afreximbank and FEDA’s mission of catalyzing intra-African trade and export development. The signing of FEDA’s Establishment Agreement opens avenues for strengthening trade relations between Egypt and other African nations.  

The inclusion of Egypt in FEDA’s membership base significantly expands the reach of FEDA’s interventions with its primary objectives of providing sustainable capital to African economies. FEDA’s intervention places great emphasis on industrialization, intra-African trade, and the development of value-added exports. 

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank and Chairman of the Boards of both Afreximbank and FEDA, expressed gratitude for Egypt’s accession, stating, “We warmly welcome the signing of the FEDA Establishment Agreement by the Arab Republic of Egypt. This momentous occasion exemplifies Egypt’s unwavering support for Afreximbank and its initiatives since inception. With Egypt onboard, FEDA is well-positioned to enhance its transformative investments within the country.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

About FEDA:
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) is the impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the Trade sector in Africa. FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport&logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks.

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of September 2023, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$33.4 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.8 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$104 billion between 2016 and 2023. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

We are delighted that you have decided to apply to the World Rugby (www.World.Rugby)/Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme. The Programme aims to support talented women so that they can develop their leadership potential in rugby. We have awarded 73 scholarships since 2018.

The criteria for applications are:

Applicants must be involved in their rugby union or region as a board member, or staff, or volunteer.
Applicants must have leadership aspirations and demonstrate their professional development plan in their application.

Applicants must send their C.V. and a letter of endorsement from their union – Please note that failure to send the letter of endorsement will be disqualifying; this is to ensure that applicants are involved in their union/region

In 2022, Capgemini became a global partner of the Leadership programme and we are delighted with Capgemini’s ongoing support. As part of this partnership, Capgemini will be providing the scholars with a range of professional and personal development opportunities. They include:

Leadership Coaching Sessions: scholars will be connected to a Leadership Coach from Capgemini and have a few coaching sessions
Access to NEXT platform: a one-stop shop for the scholars to learn about leadership with leading content from HBR and much more
Connected Manager: a Harvard Business certified programme. Scholars can join a team to discover Harvard Business Review best in class content and practical tool management
Leadership Series: scholars will sharpen their leadership practices and impact through experiential and peer learning
A leadership summit in Capgemini Les Fontaines Campus near Paris: connect together, be inspired by Capgemini leadership speakers, network with some leaders in Capgemini

Please visit https://apo-opa.co/3SZbQLj for more information on how Capgemini supports women’s rugby.

In addition to the Capgemini offering, scholars will get an additional discretionary grant up to £5,000, subject to the activity plan that scholars proposed, and that World Rugby approves. Each scholar will also be matched to a mentor. Mentors can be from the world of rugby, other sports, businesses or Capgemini.

The discretionary grant can be used to fund leadership, coaching, mentoring, education and training activity, that support your professional development in rugby. This can include related travel and accommodation costs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.

In a devastating incident that unfolded in Karoi, three men died when a room where they had illegally stored fuel exploded and engulfed in flames.

The incident, which occurred on the 24th of February 2024, has left the community in shock and prompted a warning from the police regarding the dangers of such practices.

Confirming the tragic event, National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi shared details of the incident in a statement.

According to the police report, the fire erupted after a room located in the Chikangwe high-density suburb, where the victims had stored fuel for illegal resale exploded. The intense flames quickly engulfed the house, leading to the tragic loss of lives.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of three people in a fire incident which occurred at a house in Chikangwe, Karoi on 24th February 2024 after the room in which the victims used to stock fuel for illegal resale exploded,” stated Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

The police have since identified and revealed the names of the 3 victims who died in the fire incident.

The police have urged the public to refrain from storing fuel in their homes or public spaces, emphasizing that these actions are not only in violation of public safety regulations but also pose significant environmental risks.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public, motorists, and illegal fuel dealers against storing fuel in their homes or public places as this is in breach of the country’s laws on public safety and environmental regulations,” Assistant Commissioner Nyathi warned.

The family of the late Herbert Wigwe, the former group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, has announced arrangements for his burial rites.

The banking guru with his wife, Chizoba, and son died in a chopper crash in the US on February 9.

According to the funeral announcement, the Wigwes will begin with a celebration of the professional legacy of the former GCEO of Access Holdings at the Eko Hotel in Lagos on March 4, and will end with an outing service at the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers, on March 10.

The lives of Chizi and Chizoba will be celebrated in separate ceremonies scheduled for March 5 at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, before a night of tribute a day later at the same venue.

A combined service of songs will be held on March 7 at the RCCG, Resurrection Parish, Lekki, followed by a Christian wake-keeping at Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers.

The combined funeral and private internment service are scheduled for March 9.

The City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God where the late Wigwes worshipped was conspicuously excluded from the burial programme after the senior pastor’s wife, Siju Iluyomade, held a talk of the town birthday party days after his demise.

Many Nigerians have argued that the cleric’s wife who was like a spiritual mother to the Wigwes should have postponed her birthday party due to the unfortunate incident.

Today, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and UNICEF announced an extended partnership dedicated to strengthening primary healthcare, supply chain management, pooled procurement and local manufacturing, and emergency response.

The collaboration builds on the 2022-2024 Partnership Framework Agreement between Africa CDC and UNICEF, which aims to achieve the goals outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on public health in Africa by strengthening procurement and supply chain systems, with a particular focus on immunisation for children across the continent.

H.E Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, and Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, signed the expanded partnership agreement in Addis Ababa.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of many healthcare systems and highlighted deficiencies and challenges in medical supply chains. While countries with strong primary healthcare systems were better able to cope, the disruption caused by the pandemic left others facing shortages of vital medical commodities. Over the next four years, Africa CDC and UNICEF will work together to establish robust institutional backing for supply chain management and enhance pooled procurement mechanisms to fortify Africa’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring timely and adequate access to essential medical supplies for its population.

H.E Jean Kaseya expressed his pride in the partnership with UNICEF, stating that their shared commitments will enhance primary healthcare and strengthen Africa’s health security. ‘‘The partnership will optimise supply chain management, operationalise the pool procurement mechanism for Africa CDC, empower community health workers, and advance local manufacturing. Ultimately, these efforts will strengthen immunisation systems and reduce outbreaks and epidemics on the continent’’, he says.

Immunisation is one of the most effective public health interventions globally. However, millions of children in Africa are still deprived of life-saving vaccinations. UNICEF’s The State of the World’s Children 2023: For Every Child, Vaccination report revealed that 12.7 million children were under-vaccinated in 2021, including 8.7 million who did not receive a single dose, also called “zero-dose” children.

“This partnership is a commitment to the well-being of children and their families, affirming their right to health. By strengthening our partnership with Africa CDC and the Joint Emergency Action Plan for Africa, we can ensure communities get the support they need without delay,” said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations. “The push forward on paid and protected community health workers, medical supplies made in Africa, for Africans, remains one of our highest priorities.”

During the past two years, UNICEF and Africa CDC have achieved significant milestones in strengthening Africa CDC’s institutional capacity and catalysing community health programmes, immunisation systems, emergency response, and supply chain enhancement. Collaborative efforts secured the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine doses and essential cold chain equipment for routine immunisation. Joint high-level advocacy initiatives focused on immunisation, community health, and response to public health emergencies.

Africa imports 99% of its vaccines and 70 to 90% of its medicines and medical devices, which is a significant challenge. Africa CDC aims to achieve sustainable production and supply of essential health commodities through African manufacturers, considered Africa’s second independence by Africa CDC. Africa CDC’s goal is to work with African Union Member States and partners to actively advocate for and support the procurement of vaccines made in Africa and prioritise initiatives that strengthen local manufacturing.

Through the Partnership for Vaccine Manufacturing, Africa CDC aims to manufacture 60% of the continent’s vaccine needs by 2040, paving the way toward robust and self-reliant health systems, ensuring that people can obtain and use health commodities when and where required.

The expanded partnership between Africa CDC and UNICEF signifies a concerted effort to address Africa’s pressing health challenges. By prioritising immunisation, strengthening health systems, and promoting local production, both organisations are poised to make tangible and sustainable impacts on the health and well-being of children and communities across the continent while safeguarding Africa’s health security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

On February 28, Mr. Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services at the Ministry of Health in Kenya, held a meeting with Lotte Machon, State Secretary for Development Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark. The meeting, held at Asiatisk Plads 2 in Copenhagen, focused on critical healthcare matters aimed at advancing the welfare of Kenyan citizens.

 During the discussion, Mr. Kimtai expressed gratitude to the Government of Denmark for its steadfast support in various healthcare initiatives within Kenya. He highlighted initiatives such as the Danida Primary Healthcare Program and projects facilitated by organizations like the World Diabetes Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation.

 The PS highlighted significant achievements and ongoing challenges of the Danida Primary Healthcare Program, emphasizing improvements in health financing, quality of care, and the need for sustained assistance to overcome persistent obstacles.

 Mr. Kimtai also outlined several requests for collaboration and support, including increased funding for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, strengthened partnerships with organizations supporting diabetes projects, and exploration of opportunities to establish a manufacturing plant for insulin.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Angola’s premier event for the oil and gas sector – the Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) conference – was officially launched in Luanda on Tuesday. Uniting Angolan government and energy companies with global operators and investors, the launch event set the tone for the main conference, scheduled for October 2-3 at Centro de Convencoes Talatona.

Angola plans to increase production to 1.18 million barrels per day in the short term while establishing itself as a global LNG supplier. A six-year licensing round is underway to achieve oil production targets, with the most recent 12-block tender receiving 53 bids. Plans to develop downstream capacity to support regional demand continue to create lucrative opportunities for project and service companies, and the AOG 2024 conference this October will not only shed light on upcoming investment prospects but connect global players to the growing Angolan oil and gas market.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

“The Angola Oil&Gas conference represents a catalyst for investment. The country is on the precipice of becoming a regional hub for oil and gas, making great strides towards maximizing its recourses for the betterment of the regional population. Building on this success as a premier investment destination for energy development AOG’s fifth edition is set to attract a fresh slate of capital into the country’s oil and gas industry,” said Luís Conde, Angola Oil&Gas Event and Project Director.

The year 2024 promises to be an exciting one for Angola’s oil and gas market. The country anticipates a final investment decision to be made for the Cameia-Golfinho fields operated by Total E&P Angola; expects first production at the 30,000 barrel per day (bpd) CLOV Phase 3 project in Block 17; and plans to start the first phase of the 30,000 bpd Cabinda Oil Refinery.

Focus remains on upstream development, with 43 wells expected to be spud this year alone, as well as downstream infrastructure, with projects such as the Lobito and Soyo Refineries, the Angola-Zambia Oil Pipeline, an LNG storage and gas processing terminal and more, currently underway.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Angola’s oil and gas sector has been transformed to offer a highly attractive environment for doing business. Fiscal and monetary reforms including the establishment of the National Agency for Oil, Gas&Biofuels and the enactment of decrees to streamline investment have only strengthened the industry. Additionally, the privatization of national oil company Sonangol has ensured a competitive partner for global firms, signaling a new era of successful E&P projects in Angola.

These reforms have already shown positive results as companies turn their interest towards Angola’s attractive oil and gas opportunities. TotalEnergies is implementing a multi-year energy strategy encompassing the $850 million Begonia development; ExxonMobil is looking at investing up to $15 billion in the country while M&A have been a buzz of activity. Specifically, energy company Azule Energy signed three Risk Service Contracts for Blocks 46, 47 and 18/15 while upstream oil and gas company Afentra acquired Blocks 3/05 and 23. Players including Inktank Group, Brite’s Oil and Gas, MTI Group and more have also entered the market in recent months.

AOG 2024 builds on this momentum to promote new opportunities in oil and gas. Under the theme, Driving Exploration and Development Towards Increased Production in Angola, the event unites the entire oil and gas value chain to discuss the way forward for the industry. With over nine billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 11 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas, the country offers lucrative prospects for E&P firms, service companies and global investors alike.

“The [AOG 2024] event is effectively a fantastic platform to allow Angolan service companies to not only promote their services and portfolios but also provides opportunities for all to exchange experiences and businesses. In all, it is a venue where strong and long-lasting business links are established, and as we see very often, good business is also carried out,” stated Bráulio de Brito, Chairman of the Board, Angola Oil&Gas Service Companies Association.

Taking place October 2-3, AOG 2024 – organized by Energy Capital&Power – builds on the success of its previous editions to offer a platform for dialogue, deals and decision-making. In 2023, the event welcomed 2,213 delegates from 41 countries, with seven industry-advancing deals signed. The 2024 edition promises to be even bigger and better, offering unparalleled opportunities for financiers, project developers and Angolan companies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

On Friday, February 22, Ambassador FitzPatrick met with the Minister of Health to discuss the opportunities in the public health sector that the USA is funding and assisting with here in Gabon. Extremely prominent among these efforts has been the donation through the US Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) of a years’ worth of Antiretroviral medication for the entire ~29000 people of Gabonese population who currently test positive for HIV worth over $2.5M. DHAPP Director General, Dr. Braden Hale, was present at the meeting and stated that though “DHAPP has worked closely with the DGSSM on a daily basis for over the past ten years to assist Gabon’s military health initiatives, but this donation went above and beyond to assist the civilian population as well.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Gabon.

On February 27, Ambassador Yin Chengwu attended the donation ceremony for the China-Liberia Paired Hospital Cooperation Mechanism’s cardiology project and the 16th China-Aid Medical Team to the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center. Mr. Wang Jiaxin, Counselor of the Embassy, Dr. Robert Dannis, Officer-in-Charge of JFK Medical Center, Dr. Dama Yekeson-Koffa, Deputy CEO for Administration, Dr. Guo Jian, captain of the 16th China-Aid Medical Team and representatives from the Liberian Ministry of Health and JFK Medical Center’s Department of Cardiology attended the ceremony alongside .

Ambassador Yin lauded the China-Aid Medical Team’s significant contributions and vital role in bolstering China-Liberia healthcare cooperation. Ambassador Yin also underscored the importance of the ongoing construction project for the Department of Cardiology at the JFK Medical Center. He reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to supporting continued China-Liberia healthcare exchanges and cooperation, emphasizing join hands with Liberians to build a shared future of health and well-being for all.

Dr. Guo Jian presented on the progress of the paired hospital cooperation mechanism. Dr. Dennis and Dr. Koffa expressed their sincere gratitude to the Chinese government for their longstanding support to Liberia.

The donation agreement was subsequently signed by both sides.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

Health is a fundamental and universal right, and in Angola, as elsewhere, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a growing challenge. The Angolan Ministry of Health, with the support of the World Health Organization, held a workshop to technically validate the Multisectoral NCD Plan. The event brought together a range of actors, from health professionals, academics and ministerial, civil society and private sector representatives, reflecting the importance of mutual collaboration.

Strategies for tackling NCDs, such as promoting healthy habits and raising awareness about risk factors, were discussed, as well as priorities and monitoring progress. This effort is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially target 3.4 on reducing premature mortality from NCDs by 2030. The technical validation of the plan is a crucial step towards subsequent approval, presentation and implementation which will, in the future, ensure its effectiveness and alignment with best practices, promoting a healthier life for all Angolans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of Ireland and Switzerland have signed an agreement to undertake the Mid Term Review of the Health Sector Strategic Plan-V (HSSP V) to strengthen health systems in Tanzania.

Under the agreement the Governments of Ireland and Switzerland will jointly provide US $ 100,000 for this purpose. Additionally, WHO will provide both technical and additional financial support to the Government of Tanzania in undertaking the midterm review of HSSP-V.

The Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V) is the guiding framework for the detailed planning and implementation of activities by health sector stakeholders at all levels. Its development was guided by the National Health Policy 2007, Vision 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, the third Five Year Development Plan 2021/22 – 2025/26), as well as the ruling party election manifesto.

The Mid Term Review (MTR) of the Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V) is planned in Chapter 8 Monitoring and Evaluation for the end of year 3 (2023) to inform the continued execution of HSSP V and the prospective shaping of HSSP VI.  It will check if the service delivery and reforms objectives are on track.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the agreement, WHO Representative to Tanzania, Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, underscored the relevance of the review process on the Health Sector Strategic Plan as the fifth edition considered the inclusion of emerging health threats such as industrialization, urbanization, and human travel leading to new spread of diseases, like the recently experienced COVID-19.

He expressed gratitude to the governments of Ireland and Switzerland for joining hands with WHO to support the strengthening of Tanzania’s health systems.

“The Government of Tanzania has in the last two decades made giant strides to bolster the resilience of the health systems through its health strategic plan,” noted Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses. “The midterm review exercise is an opportune time to ensure that all health priorities are strategically prioritized. We are indeed glad about this partnership which will in turn impact the lives of the people of Tanzania.

On their part, the Irish Representative and the Head of Delegation affirmed their renewed commitment to supporting Tanzania in achieving its health priorities.

The Embassy of Ireland Chargé d’Affaires, Mary McCarthy commended the government of Tanzania for the notable milestones towards the achievement of the SDG goals particularly SDG 3 and SDG 5 and reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in achieving its health priorities.

“Ireland will continue to support the government of Tanzania in delivering its Health Sector Strategy through different mechanisms including the Health Basket Fund and through our UN partners including WHO. The planned Health Sector Strategy MTR will generate essential data to inform the country on whether we are on the right track to achieve the five-year health sector priorities”  

Also, the Representative from the Embassy of Switzerland, H.E Holger Tausch emphasized “Let’s continue to join forces, align development partners’ efforts with national priorities and be guided by evidence generated through reviews, studies, and evaluations”.

The Tanzania HSSP V took into consideration of the following: Emerging strategic priorities, Industrialization and urbanization demanding for new types of services for the urban poor, Globalization in trade and human travel leading to new spread of diseases, like recently experienced with COVID-19, unfinished business of HSSP IV.

It also consolidates existing Health Sector Reforms, retains key strategic priorities of HSSP IV, and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Human Resource for Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, and outbreaks of epidemics.

The issues identified in the MTR Report, and associated pieces of work, will inform the elaboration of Joint Annual Health Sector Technical Review and Technical Committee-SWAp Meeting policy recommendations.

The Government of Tanzania acknowledged all Members of SWAp for their timely support for the Mid-Term Review of the Health Sector Strategic Plan V that was launched in 2021.

As indicated by HSSP V the idea is No One is left behind in terms of quality health service access. The review will guide the Government of Tanzania to align and realign its efforts towards achievements of the indicators of the HSSP V and will enable the government to know the effectiveness of the plans towards achieving its goals of improving public health”.

The funds will be managed by WHO and utilized for MTR activities between March 1st, 2024, until August 31st, 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

MainOne (www.MainOne.net), an Equinix Company, is delighted to announce its pivotal role in the historic landing in Akwa Ibom State of the first and only submarine cable system in Nigeria outside of Lagos. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing broadband connectivity and driving economic development in the South-South, South-East and North-Central regions of Nigeria.

Spanning 45,000km in length, 2Africa will be one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects and will interconnect Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a design capacity of up to 180Tbps. The significance of 2Africa lies in its capacity to address critical internet needs and enhance reliability across vast expanses of Africa. Furthermore, 2Africa serves as a catalyst for the advancement of 4G, 5G and fixed broadband accessibility, extending its impact to billions of people. Akwa Ibom’s selection as a landing site underscores its strategic importance in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. By offering cable diversity and resiliency, 2Africa contributes significantly to the country’s digital infrastructure resilience and MainOne’s role as the landing partner solidifies this endeavour. Notably, MainOne will facilitate the establishment of a terrestrial metro fiber network in Akwa Ibom State and the entire South-South Nigeria, seamlessly connecting enterprises and people in the region to the submarine cable system.

“With a commitment to consistently deploy financial capital and project resources towards infrastructure investments, MainOne is dedicated to improving internet capacity and driving various aspects of development, including economic growth, digital transformation, healthcare, security, agriculture, and increased state revenue in South-South Nigeria,” stated Abayomi Adebanjo, Regional Business Head, MainOne, an Equinix Company.

The terrestrial metro fiber network will address internet distribution constraints across the Southern and North-Central region of Nigeria, bridging the gap in unserved and underserved areas. By hosting the submarine cable system landing and the fiber cable interconnection, Akwa Ibom State, the South-South Region and Nigeria will unlock numerous economic and social benefits, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and improved public service delivery.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MainOne.

MainOne Media Relations:
press@mainone.net

About MainOne, an Equinix Company:
MainOne, an Equinix Company, is a leading West African data center and connectivity solutions provider with presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. MainOne provides highly reliable services to major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, small to large enterprises, and educational institutions. https://apo-opa.co/49TqCKe

Within the scope of the “Sağlığa Dost Eli-4 Project,” which was carried out for the fourth time this year in cooperation with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and Dost Eli Association, Turkish physicians provided free health services to thousands of Chadian citizens in the Ndjari district.

The lack of healthcare infrastructure in Chad, one of the poorest countries not only in Africa but also in the world, is one of the most important factors that make people’s daily lives harder.

This year, as in previous years, thousands of Chadian citizens benefited from the health project carried out at Nama Hospital in the Ndjari district, the 8th Region of the capital N’Djamena.

With the health project carried out in cooperation with the Dost Eli Association, Turkish physicians provided free health services to Chadians of all ages. A Turkish healthcare team of 12 people, 10 of whom are healthcare professionals from 5 different branches, provided free healthcare services to 5,328 people over the course of one week. In addition, medicines and medical supplies brought from Türkiye were distributed to patients free of charge.

Within the scope of the health services provided by the Turkish healthcare team, completely free of charge, treatment was provided to 685 patients in the pediatrics branch, 693 patients in the otorhinolaryngology branch, and 466 patients in the surgical examination branch. 653 patients received dental treatment and 725 patients had tooth extractions. 49 surgeries were performed and 2,057 boys were circumcised throughout the project.

At the end of the week-long health project, which was successfully completed, the Chad Ministry of Health thanked the Turkish healthcare team by awarding them certificates of appreciation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

The recent Technical Workshop on the Development of the African Union Digital One Health platform signifies a significant advancement in Africa’s quest to enhance health governance and management. Taking place from February 26th to 28th, 2024, in Naivasha, Kenya, this workshop united key stakeholders from across the continent to refine and propel the development of the Digital One Health platform.

Among the participants were members of the AU One Health Technical Working Group, specialists in One Health, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, and essential partners such as ILRI, FAO, and GIZ. Over the span of three days, they collaborated to shape the platform prototype for targeted use-cases and finalize the proposed administrative structure.

This workshop builds upon prior discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing the intricate health challenges prevalent in Africa. In recent years, the concept of One Health has gained prominence as an integrated approach to health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. Recognizing the necessity for coordinated action, the African Union (AU) initiated the development of a Digital One Health platform for the continent.

Key outputs from preceding meetings and workshops set the agenda for the Technical Workshop, which saw the realization of several significant achievements:
•    Agreement on priority continental zoonoses that informed the formulation of use-cases.
•    Identification and documentation of priority use cases based on user needs and requirements.
•    Development of a prototype for the African Union Digital One Health platform for selected use-cases.
•    Agreement on the continental administrative structure for the proposed African Union Digital One Health platform.

The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to build upon these outputs, refining both the platform prototype and administrative structure. Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary cooperation, participants aimed to accelerate progress towards the implementation of the Digital One Health platform.

As Africa grapples with health challenges exacerbated by factors such as climate change, urbanization, and globalization, the development of the Digital One Health platform represents a critical stride towards improving health outcomes across the continent. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, this initiative holds the potential to drive positive change and promote the well-being of people, animals, and the environment.

This event is executed under the auspices of the African Union One Health Data Alliance Africa Project, with funding by BMZ and technical support by GiZ. The Project falls under the jurisdiction of the Animal Health Unit at AU-IBAR.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

The order covers almost 50,000 people, including former child soldiers and children born out of rapes and forced marriages.

Ongwen was a ruthless rebel commander in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

He is currently serving a 25-year prison term in Norway for multiple war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He was originally abducted as a child and forced to join the LRA but went on to become one of the leaders of the notorious rebel group. During his trial, his argument that he should also be treated as a victim was rejected by the court.

The crimes were committed by his rebel fighters in northern Uganda in the early 2000s.

As part of the extensive compensation package, everyone who suffered, directly or otherwise, as a result of what Presiding Judge Bertram Schmitt described as Ongwen’s “unimaginable atrocities” will be awarded €750 ($812; £642).

Judge Schmitt described physical, moral, material, community and transgenerational harm, and explained the remainder of the $56m would constitute collective reparations, to be invested in projects designed to rehabilitate and rebuild broken lives.

The LRA was formed in the late 1980s in Uganda, where it said its goal was to install a government based on the biblical Ten Commandments.

It was eventually forced out of the country in 2005.

As a reminder of the many ways in which communities were affected by the LRA, an extensive list of the ruthless acts committed by Ongwen was read out during the hearing.

These included a catalogue of harrowing sexual and gender-based crimes that came to characterise Ongwen’s campaign of terror.

Judge Schmitt recounted that soldiers had raped a woman with a stick used for cooking while her husband was forced to watch, babies were thrown into bushes and left to perish because their crying made it hard for new mothers to carry looted goods, women and girls were “distributed” to soldiers and kept as sexual slaves – many forced to bear children after rape or forced marriage.

Children kidnapped and trained to be child soldiers were also among the victims – some were forced to kill others, as lessons to anyone who considered attempting to escape.

“Tens of thousands of individuals suffered tremendous harm due to the unimaginable atrocities committed,” as rebel fighters led by Ongwen attacked four camps for displaced people in northern Uganda, said Judge Schmitt.

Entire communities and families witnessed the attacks, after which people had to walk through villages strewn with dead bodies.

The court acknowledged it would take time before any payments were actually distributed and that not all victims would receive the amount at the same time – priority would be given to the most vulnerable people with the greatest need.

Ongwen has been declared indigent so the money will come from the Trust Fund for Victims.

The trust relies on voluntary contributions from ICC member states and to a lesser extent other public and private donors.

The trust’s mandate is to fulfil reparation orders and provide victims with physical and psychosocial rehabilitation or support.

During the hearing, the judge said the trust didn’t currently have enough to cover the full $56m reparations, and urged countries, organisations, corporations and private individuals to step up and support its mission.

A compensation plan must be submitted to the ICC by September 2024.

The ICC, located in the Dutch city of The Hague, was set up to prosecute war crimes and crimes of humanity and genocide.

The ICC believes reparations symbolise and promote hope and resilience within war-ravaged communities and serve as evidence of the court’s commitment to restorative justice.

The Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID) and DUBAWA have commenced training for forty journalists and researchers across Africa.

The 40 fellows will have the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and academics sourced across the globe.

This cohort of fellows drawn from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia and Sierra Leone will in the next six months, receive training in Media Information Literacy, Fact-Checking including visual verification, Data Analysis, and other carefully curated subjects that will equip them with skills to fact-check claims.

Ten out of the forty practitioners are journalist who report in local language including Hausa, Twi, Yoruba and Ibo; the first of its kind in the last four years.

The aim is to deepen the culture of fact-checking in newsrooms across Africa, and empower journalists to continue holding stakeholders to account, and counter the spread of fake news.

Named after Ghanaian Veteran Journalist and Writer Professor Kwame Karikari, the Kwame Karikari Fact-Checking Fellowship has trained hundreds of journalists across the continent in the past four years since it has been initiated.

Last year, 20 journalists graduated from the fellowship programme.

At the graduation ceremony in Abuja, three outstanding fellows Ibrahim Adeyemi, Kabir Yusuf, and Varney Dukuly were recognized for their exceptional achievements. 

The fellowship which is currently in its 5^th year, has become one of the flagship initiatives of DUBAWA under the auspices of the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and development – CJID, Nigeria.

“The Kwame Karikari Fellowship is Supported by the “National Endowment for Democracy (NED).”

The Chairman of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum (KAPS Forum) Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas has said the rights of migrants should be respected as they seek better life and economic development.

According to him, more people have migrated today than before to seek and develop themselves due to conflicts, unemployment, lack of opportunities, civil strives, environment and climate change, terrorism, political instability among others.

He explained a UN data has revealed that out of the over one billion migrants, over 800 million are internal migrants while over 281 million are International migrants.

Dr Chambas said these at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC) at Teshie in Accra.

Describing migrants as development enablers and critical for economic recovery, future and sustainability, he admonished countries to welcome new comers.

Dr. Chambas therefore called for a responsible migration policy, adding that the rights of migrants should be respected.

“There are many questions about the impact of migration that we have gathered here to address. What is certain is that large scale human human mobility is already a mega trend of the 21st century and it is vital that we work together to manage migration in the best interest of states and migrants,” he said.

He however noted “there is no magic formula or one that is universally applicable. A responsible migration policy is the one that I call a high road scenario. We need to take the high road.”

He explained that such a high road policy will determine who enters a country and who doesn’t, emphasising it must also respect old people desiring to migrate.

The respected international icon said “I wish to underline that humanitarian crisis are evidently a major cause of movement of people and frequently generate prolonged displacement.”

He added “In recent years, crisis such as political conflicts, violence, terrorism and general instability have affected numerous African States and regions Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and the horn generally Sahel, The Great Lakes region, Central African Republic, Mozambique, Libya to name a few.”

Dr. Chambas also stated that another contemporary aspect migration in Africa is the growing number of women who have also started to migrate in search of greater employment and economic opportunities.

He therefore stressed that it is a imperative to protect the welfare and human rights of migrants and to underscore the potential role of intra-regional migration and mobility within Africa.

In conclusion, Dr. Chambas said “the African Union Convention on cross-border cooperation, the Enyami Convention adopted by the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly which was held in Malabo in 2014 enjoins African Union member States to facilitate the resolution of border disputes and ensure efficient and integrated border management.”

He added, “this is amplified in the African Union Border Strategy which calls upon member states use borders as vectors to promote peace, security and stability; and to improve and accelerate integration through effective governance of borders by facilitating easy movement of persons, goods and services and capital among African Union member states”.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ibn Chambas applauded President Akufo-Addo for giving the assurance that elections will not be postponed beyond his term office as being witnessed in other countries like Senegal.

“As we speak today, in one of our member states, elections were due on 25th February, 2024. It’s past that date, and no date is known yet for the election, which is unfortunate given the democratic credentials of that particular country and even the President.

“So we hope that a date will be fixed sooner rather than later to avoid a deepened crisis in a country that is dear in the hearts of many of us. These are some of the trends which are worrying and should be avoided because we have had already too many coup d’états which are unwelcome, despicable and a reversal of the democratic progress the sub-region was making.”

The forum seeks to provide a platform for robust engagement on critical peace and security and Migration issues affecting the African continent.

It is also to honour the work of former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan and foster peace and stability through the provision of a globally recognised capacity and policy support for all actors on African peace and security issues.

The Kofi Annan Forum brought together over 200 invited delegates, including former African Heads of State and Government, high-level diplomats, and other participants from governmental and intergovernmental organisations.

Delegates also included representatives of security sector institutions and policy and research think tanks, development partners, training institutions, business leaders and other groups such as journalists, youth activists, and women’s groups.

This year’s Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum is under the theme Migration and Societal Resilience in a Multipolar World Order: Addressing Conflicts and Building Peace in Africa.

New tool to track qualifying race for places at maiden Mundial de Clubes FIFA (www.FIFA.com); Seven sections cover global qualifiers and teams’ progress in each continent; Inaugural tournament to be held between 15 June and 13 July 2025 in the United States

FIFA has launched an intuitive online club ranking tool to keep fans up to date as they watch their teams’ progress in the exciting race to reach the inaugural Mundial de Clubes FIFA in 2025.

The tool will serve not only as a reference point for supporters, but also media and other stakeholders. It charts which teams around the world have qualified or are still in the running to be one of the 32 sides that will take part in the competition, which will be staged in the United States.

The tool, available on FIFA.com (https://apo-opa.co/4c8nYTd), features seven unique sections.

The central section features all teams that have qualified for the tournament either as continental champions or those who have clinched their place via the ranking pathway. Branching off the main page, the remaining six sections are each dedicated to one of FIFA’s six confederations, giving users the opportunity to take a deep dive into the qualifying status of clubs within each region.

The tool also shows how clubs qualify, as well as the available slots, the qualification criteria for each confederation, and other additional aspects of the intriguing contest to be part of football history by being among the teams at the first Mundial de Clubes FIFA between 15 June and 13 July 2025.

Further information about the Mundial de Clubes FIFA will be announced throughout 2024, including the trophy, host cities, tournament brand, and draw.

The clubs that have already qualified for the first edition of the Mundial de Clubes FIFA are:

Africa
Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)
Al Ahly SC (Egypt)

Asia
Al Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia)
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

Europe
Chelsea FC (England)
Real Madrid CF (Spain)
Manchester City FC (England)
FC Bayern München (Germany)
Paris Saint-Germain FC (France)
FC Internazionale Milano (Italy)
FC Porto (Portugal)
SL Benfica (Portugal)

North and Central America, Caribbean
CF Monterrey (Mexico)
Seattle Sounders FC (United States)
Club León (Mexico)

Oceania
Auckland City FC (New Zealand)

South America
SE Palmeiras (Brazil)
CR Flamengo (Brazil)
Fluminense FC (Brazil)

More information regarding the state of play for qualification across the globe can be accessed here https://apo-opa.co/3STLYAx.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org

The 141 MW Aba Integrated Power Project (Aba IPP), an Afreximbank-financed project (www.Afreximbank.com), was officially commissioned in Abia State by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E Kashim Shettima. A first of its kind in Nigeria, the Aba IPP is a pioneering initiative capable of generating and distributing 141 MW of its produced power across nine local government areas (LGAs) within the Aba ring-fenced zone.

Adequate distribution of energy is a cornerstone for national development, playing a critical role in facilitating industrialization and trade. Recognising the challenges in the sector such as inadequate liquidity, high level of debt, and a lack of profitability, Afreximbank continues to support energy projects on the continent and has committed in excess of US$ 4.6 billion to Africa’s power sector since inception. With approximately USD 900 million of funding in Nigeria, the Bank is one of the leading financiers in the Nigerian power sector. In 2021, Afreximbank signed a US$50 million term loan facility with Geometric Power Limited to support the completion of the generation and distribution infrastructure, commissioning of the gas supply pipeline and commencement of operations of the project.

Speaking at the official launch ceremony, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank said: “Afreximbank is proud to be part of this great milestone achievement in Nigeria. The 141MW Aba IPP underscores what can be achieved when public and private sector stakeholders join forces to impact humanity. As champions of trade and industrialization initiatives in Africa, we believe that it is projects like this embedded IPP that will catalyze trade and economic development in Nigeria and across the region.”  

The Aba IPP is unique as it is the only electricity company in Nigeria that is fully vertically integrated with embedded generation and distribution capabilities. This model ensures the Aba IPP can supply power directly to its immediate community, prioritizing local needs and distributing surplus power to Nigeria’s national power grid. This ground-breaking approach ensures constant power supply in the ring-fenced area and  addressing the challenges associated with the national power grid. Furthermore, the integrated structure fosters value creation through improved cost management at various stages in the energy value chain: generation, distribution, and collection.

The Aba IPP is equipped with renowned world class infrastructure including three GE LM6000 Gas turbines, with a capacity to produce up to 47MW each. The power plant is also equipped with a 27km gas pipeline to ensure consistent fuel supply, three rehabilitated  distribution  substations, five new additional substations and 140km of 33kV/11kV lines using fibre optic cables for seamless data communication.

Strategically positioned in the industrial South-Eastern Nigeria, the Aba metropolis is one of the most commercial areas in West Africa, renowned for its cottage and small-scale industries specialising in the craftsmanship of leather goods, fabrics and related services. In addition to increased power supply and reliability, the Aba IPP is expected to enhance industrialization efforts and increase production of small and medium-scale enterprises, as well as local industries.

According to Geometric power, over 370,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created during the operational phase of the project. In addition, there are significant indirect benefits for the supporting industries including the development of road infrastructure, improvement in local services including enhanced water supply, schools and healthcare facilities, a boost in agricultural productivity due to a more reliable power supply, as well as increased support for rural electrification programs and enhanced tourism and leisure opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance, facilitate and promote intra and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative instruments to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the AfCFTA, Afreximbank has in partnership with the African Union Commission and AFCFTA Secretariat launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement. The AFCFTA Secretariat and the Bank have created a USD 10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA.

At the end of September 2023, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at USD 31.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to USD 5.85 billion. The Bank disbursed more than USD 100 billion between 2016 and 2023 through various interventions for the advancement of the continent. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). 

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has praised the North West Province for registering massive progress in the provincial department’s endeavour to trace and track ex-mineworkers who left work without claiming their benefits. Accompanied by the North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha at Westvaal Hospital, the Deputy Minister found out that a total of 20 798 ex-mine workers were successfully traced, with 2669 claims processed and paid a combined figure of R76.9 million. All this was achieved between August 2022 when the project was launched and the end of 2023.

The North West Province ex-mineworkers compensation project was launched by the Deputy Minister of Health, Premier of North West Province and the MEC for Health in August 2022.

The aim of the intervention is to provide ex-mineworkers and their beneficiaries with access to compensation benefits for occupational lung diseases and other social protection funds which were left unclaimed. 

Speaking at Westvaal Hospital in Orkney and after receiving a report and assessment of the center, the Deputy Health Minister, Dhlomo congratulated the North West Province, the provincial health department and all stakeholders including the Mining Council and the interim Ex-Mineworkers leadership structure for the commitment shown in tracing deserving ex-mine workers. 

“The province and the Department has done extremely well if you consider that between 2017 and 2021, the total value of the payouts were ranging from between 10 and 11% but in one year of 2023 the province was able to pay R76.9 million. It’s a massive success though there are still many ex-mineworkers to be traced and compensated”, said Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo

All stakeholders in attendance immediately convened to discuss strategies for accelerated tracing and tracking. The target is all Ex-mineworkers who are estimated at 168,000 and their beneficiaries who reside in the North West Province.  

As stakeholders deliberated on ways of improving the project output, MEC Madoda Sambatha made a commitment to integrate the Ex-mineworkers programme in the HAST programme of the Department. “We already have community health workers who are doing a good work of ‘loss to follow-up’ because they track and trace people who miss their TB treatment. When we integrate this programme, we will be able to utilise this resource to track and trace ex-mine workers”, said MEC Sambatha. 

The Ex-Mineworkers Council Interim Provincial Secretary, Mr Mr Tana Mahlophe suggested the use of two ex-mineworkers per region who can be contracted for a short period to assist in tracing deserving ex-mineworkers while the Mineral Council of South Africa committed to assist should this option be implemented.

Meanwhile the Department of Health has committed to ensure that all ex-mineworkers centers in the four districts remain operational and accessible to all ex-mineworkers. The centres are: Westvaal Hospital for Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Old Vryburg Hospital for Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Mahikeng Provincial Hospital for Ngaka Modiri Molema and Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Bojanala District. 

MEC Sambatha concluded the deliberations by assuring stakeholders that the Department is committed to conclude outreach in the remaining districts between March and May 2024 as this will raise awareness to ex-mineworkers especially those in deep rural areas who might not be aware of the project.

All the key stakeholders in the projects were highlighted as essential for its success and they include the Provincial Leadership, Local government structures, the Minerals Council SA, TEBA Bank, the National Department of Health MBOD/CCOD, XDS call centre, IP Capital, Rand Mutual / CCMS, Tshiamiso Trust and the Traditional Leadership.  They will be consulted throughout all the project implementation phases to ensure its success. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has announced the opening of a new Country and Project Office in Kenya, marking a significant step in the organization’s efforts to advance vaccine research and development in Africa. 

This office will serve as the headquarters for IVI’s Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) initiative in Africa and will collaborate closely with local partners, including the Kenya BioVax Institute.

 The AVEC Africa project aims to accelerate the development and manufacturing of vaccines in the region through end-to-end research and development projects.

By fostering public-private partnerships and providing hands-on training, AVEC Africa seeks to strengthen the vaccine ecosystem in Africa and ensure sustainable vaccine manufacturing.

 Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, expressed his excitement about the launch of AVEC Africa and the establishment of the Country and Project Office in Kenya. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Kenyan government and local research institutions to achieve the goals of the initiative.

 The launch of AVEC Africa was announced during an event co-hosted by IVI, the Government of Kenya, and the Africa CDC. The initiative has received strong political support from African leaders, including H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of Kenya.

 The new Country and Project Office in Kenya will oversee the implementation of the AVEC Africa initiative and manage its project portfolio. This expansion reflects IVI’s commitment to addressing global health challenges and building resilient vaccine ecosystems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

The World Bank is partnering with Smart Africa (www.SmartAfrica.org), to scale up the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA) initiative from a national to a regional focus as part of the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP), in a bid to advance regional integration of digital markets through a USD 20 million grant for 5 years.

This scale up will leverage on the existing SADA implementation and AReg4DT program to establish a new generation of policymakers and regulators across Africa, who are individually knowledgeable on how to harness the potential of green and inclusive digital transformation through new approaches to policy and regulation, and who collectively contribute to the establishment of a Single Digital Market in Africa. 

With this aim, the scale-up will reach 30,000 unique policymakers and decision makers from all countries in Africa, with a targeted participation level of females at 40%. 

Given the World Bank’s commitment to digital transformation in Africa, the grant will significantly contribute to regional integration and rapid adoption of the Single Digital Market for Africa.

Launched by the Smart Africa Alliance from a seed money of about thirty thousand US dollars which saw the first implementation of an online training for policy and decision makers in August 2020, the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA) has made significant strides in advancing digital skills and fostering a dynamic learning ecosystem across Africa with initial grant support from Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the German Federal Ministry for Corporation and Development and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (BMZ /GIZ).

SADA aims to bridge the digital skills gap in African countries, improving employability and meeting the emerging talent needs of African citizens. Since its inception, SADA has trained over 7000 beneficiaries across 35 countries in Africa on various digital transformation topics.

Commenting on the partnership with the World Bank, the CEO of Smart Africa, Mr. Lacina Koné highlighted “At the heart of the digital transformation lies the need to bridge the digital skills gap of our continent’s future and present workforce. Today, I am pleased to announce that SADA, our capacity building vehicle, is geared to reach a new milestone thanks to our key development partner, The World Bank”.

“DTfA/ WARDIP is a crucial step toward an interconnected, innovative, and inclusive future for West Africa. Beyond shaping a digital landscape, it aims to foster regional integration through collaboration and strategic investments”, said Boutheina Guermazi, World Bank Director for Regional Integration for Africa and the Middle East. “It will break down barriers, cultivate a dynamic digital ecosystem, and empower local communities and businesses to thrive in the digital age”.

As the implementation progresses, SADA will focus on competency-based skills training that allows a pipeline of talents to be created for the job market in Africa and beyond. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic, advocated the need to mainstream ICT and digital into Africa’s educational system, and this will be achieved through the training portfolio for teachers and children, which focuses on Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics.

SADA acknowledges the need for a tiered approach to digital skilling in Africa and has five main target groups with a multifaceted approach of interventions to these target groups, namely: Policy and Decision Makers, Youth and Entrepreneurs, Teachers and Students, Digital Experts and the General public. It federates existing initiatives and leverages on the convening power of the Smart Africa Alliance to implement solutions that are co-created with the countries and in collaboration with prominent international and private sector organizations, including the World Bank, ITU, BMZ, GIZ, IEEE, GSMA, USTTI and major tech companies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Smart Africa.

For more information, contact:
Smart Africa
Yvan Guéhi
Head of Brand and Communications
E-mail: comms@smartafrica.org

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About the World Bank IDA:
The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank’s fund for the poorest. Established in 1960, it provides grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. IDA resources help effect positive change in the lives of the 1.6 billion people living in the countries that are eligible for its assistance. Since its inception, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments are constantly on the rise and have averaged $21 billion over the past three years, with about 61% going to Africa.

About Smart Africa:
Smart Africa is an alliance of 39 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with Africa’s digital agenda. The alliance is empowered by a bold and innovative commitment by African Heads of State to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs. With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, the Smart Africa Alliance brings together Heads of State who seek to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market. Launched in 2013 by seven (7) African Heads of State, the Alliance now has 39 member countries, representing over 1 billion people and over 50 Private Sector members committed to the vision and the advancement of Africa. (Partners of the Smart Africa Alliance include the African Union, the ITU, World Bank, the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, the GSMA, ICANN and Companies).

Radisson Hotel Group (https://www.RadissonHotels.com) is targeting a 50% expansion of its West and Central African portfolio, consisting of 29 hotels and over 5,000 rooms in operation and under development, building on the success of its expansion strategy in 2023. Within the past 12 months, the Group signed five new hotels, adding over 1,000 rooms to the region’s portfolio.

These hotel signings included new market entries into The Gambia with Radisson Blu Beach Resort&Spa, Banjul and Radisson Hotel Benin City in Nigeria. In addition to the Radisson hotel in Benin City, the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel&Conference Center, Abuja; Radisson Blu Hotel, Abuja CBD and Radisson RED Lagos VI further strengthened the Group’s position as the market leaders in Nigeria, doubling the Group’s development pipeline in a year and expanding the portfolio in Nigeria to 12 hotels and over 1700 rooms.

Defining Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion strategy for West and Central Africa, Erwan Garnier, Senior Director, Development, Africa at Radisson Hotel Group said, “West and Central Africa has become increasingly important markets for our development across the continent. 2023 was a strong year for our expansion in the region and allowed us to further strengthen our leading position in Nigeria as well as enter a new market, The Gambia with our core brand Radisson Blu. It further demonstrates our ability to consistently deliver in key focus market while focusing on materializing the signing. Indeed 4 out 5 of the signings are already under active construction.”

Garnier added, “Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remain the six countries to develop this region with a clear strategy for city-wide growth in major African capitals, financial centers, and tourist destinations. In addition, we are focusing our efforts on large-scale expansion in eight proactive cities in West and Central Africa. These destinations are Abuja, Lagos, Accra, Abidjan, Dakar, Yaoundé, Douala, and Kinshasa. Our development strategy for West and Central Africa focuses on business hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and mixed-use projects.”

In 2023, the Radisson Hotel Group maintained its expansion momentum in Africa with eight new hotel signings, adding more than 1,600 rooms to its already robust portfolio on the continent. With this progress, the Group is well on track to achieving its objective of reaching 150 hotels in Africa over the next five years, up from its current count of 100 hotels.

Furthermore, over the past three years, Radisson Hotel Group has emerged as the fastest-growing hotel group in Africa, with 20 hotel openings across the continent. This remarkable achievement has set a record for the Group in terms of the realization of its pipeline into openings and has resulted in an impressive 15 percent annual growth on its African portfolio.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Media Contacts: 
Saadiyah Hendricks 
Area Director PR&Social Media
Middle East, Africa and Mediterranean
saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONTACTS:
Erwan Garnier
Senior Director, Development, Africa
erwan.garnier@radissonhotels.com

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About Radisson Hotel Group:
Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,320 hotels in operation and under development in +90 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn&Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/48eby8X) is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/49xBHAD) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.co/3SC295s) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/42k6te0).

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/42k6te0).

Africa’s largest energy event – the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – will feature the African Energy Finance Summit during this year’s edition in Cape Town. The summit, hosted in partnership with multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank and S&P Global Commodity Insights, offers a platform for project developers and financiers to sign deals and is poised to unlock a new era of growth across Africa’s oil, gas, critical mineral and renewable energy sectors. 

Africa requires over $200 billion in annual financing until 2030 to meet the Sustainable Africa Scenario’s energy and climate objectives, highlighting a growing opportunity for project developers, financiers and technology providers. Between 2012 and 2021, the continent received an average $35 billion in annual finance from G20 nations and multilateral development banks, underscoring a significant investment gap. The African Energy Finance Summit aims to address this gap by galvanizing financial support for African energy growth alongside intra-African energy trade and a just energy transition.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

The development of oil and gas has taken the forefront of many national development agendas in Africa, as countries move to monetize resources to make energy poverty history by 2030. In addition to expansion efforts across established oil and gas markets such as Angola, Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt, new frontiers are being revealed as discoveries showcase high-impact deposits.

In the last two years, Namibia made eight hydrocarbon discoveries in the Orange Basin, with reserves estimated to be as much as 11 billion barrels. Other discoveries such as the 20 trillion cubic feet (tcf) Yakaar-Teranga discovery in Senegal; the Orca find in Mauritania; the 650 billion cubic feet Eban-Akoma Complex find in Ghana; the Mukuyu-2 gas discovery in Zimbabwe and many more underscore the potential for million-dollar upstream investments in Africa.

Meanwhile, Africa is poised to be at the forefront of the global energy transition due to its critical mineral wealth. The continent has 85% of the world’s manganese resources; 80% of the world’s platinum and chromium; 47% of the world’s cobalt; 21% of the world’s graphite, among many other resources. Investment in this industry will support both economic growth in Africa through revenue generation and infrastructure development as well as the world’s transition to a cleaner energy future. Projects such as Namibia’s Eisenberg Rare Earth Minerals project; the DRC’s Metalkol RTR mine; Zimbabwe’s Bikita Lithium Mine; and many more represent some of the largest in the world.

Meanwhile, Africa’s hydropower potential is estimated at 340 GW; it’s wind potential is estimated at 180,000 TWh per year; while the continent owns approximately 40% of the globe’s potential for solar power generation. Yet, only 11% of Africa’s hydropower is currently being exploited while the continent accounts for 1.48% of the world’s total solar capacity, highlighting lucrative opportunities for clean energy project developers. Policies such as South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer program pave the way for increased private capital in renewable energy while efforts to develop large-scale green hydrogen projects in Namibia and Mauritania are poised to transform the continent.

The African Energy Finance Summit will not only showcase these emerging opportunities but connect the relevant investors to the projects themselves. By uniting global banking institutions, financial ministers and authorities, and international development platforms, the summit will see numerous deals signs that will further accelerate project growth in Africa. At the same time, the summit promotes the need for integration across the finance and energy sectors, demonstrating the benefit and opportunity of industries working hand-in-hand to create attractive environments to do business.

Across the continent, efforts are already well underway to attract energy investment through policy reform. Energy majors TotalEnergies and Shell are planning $6 billion and $5 billion in investment, respectively, in Nigeria over the coming years, owing largely to improved fiscal and monetary terms implemented through the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). In Angola, TotalEnergies announced a multi-year strategy including the $850 million Begonia oil development while ExxonMobil is looking at investing $15 billion in the country. These commitments are as a result of improved upstream terms that encourage exploration and development spending.

Going forward, the finance sector will continue to be key to improving an enabling environment for energy investment. Through forex, tariff and regulatory support, the finance sector will make it easier to do business in Africa, enabling the continent to benefit from its wealth of natural and mineral resources. The African Energy Finance Summit will unite the finance and energy sectors to drive new opportunities across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.