Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Clarification regarding reports that a rocket was launched in the vicinity of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) compound

Source: APO


.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has received reports that a rocket was launched in the vicinity of its compound during the briefing of the Special Representative of Secretary-General, Hanna Tetteh, to the Security Council. The Mission’s premises were not impacted. UNSMIL acknowledges with appreciation the vigilance of the Libyan authorities and their swift measures to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure continued security of UN facilities. UNSMIL reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting Libya’s efforts toward peace, stability, and the rule of law.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Posted on

Eskom maintains over 98% electricity supply reliability

Source: Government of South Africa

During the current financial year, Eskom has ensured a consistent electricity supply for over 98% of the time due to the ongoing technical improvements achieved under the power utility’s Generation Recovery Plan.

As a result of this work, the power system continues to be stable, resilient and reliable with the plan yielding sustained grid stability and on-going efficiencies.

The country has gone 161 consecutive days without loadshedding, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 23 October 2025.

“Generation performance has improved significantly, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) having reached 70% and surpassing this level more than 24 times since August 2025.

“From 1 to 23 October 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF)—which measures the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages—reduced to 22.85%, reflecting a 2.81% improvement compared to 25.66% during the same period last year,” Eskom said on Friday.

The Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), which accounts for planned maintenance, increased to 12.55%, up from 12.51% recorded the previous year. 

The increased planned maintenance is aligned with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and ongoing efforts to improve and maintain plant reliability and operational consistency.

During the period between 10 and 23 October 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 9 954MW in unplanned outages—an improvement from 11 155MW during the same period last year. 

“This year-on-year reduction of 1 201MW in breakdowns reflects the growing reliability and resilience of the generation fleet.

“From 1 to 23 October 2025, the EAF stood at 64.28%, an improvement from the 61.44% recorded during the same period last year. This shows an improvement of 2.84% because of reduced unplanned outages and additional generation capacity,” the power utility said.

From 1 April to 23 October 2025, diesel expenditure remained consistently below budget, reflecting reduced reliance on the country’s diesel-powered Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) fleet, with the year-to-date load factor further decreasing to 6.06%. 

According to Eskom, this trend highlights ongoing efficiency improvements, a significant reduction in dependence on diesel generation, and a sustained shift toward more cost-effective primary generation sources.

To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 1 715MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 27 October 2025, and throughout the coming week.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which forecasts no loadshedding due to the structural progress in plant performance as a result of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Celebrates Outgoing President and Chairman

Source: APO

African Export-import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) in Cairo, Egypt, marked the end of the tenure of Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah as its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, with a legacy conference where the outgoing President announced that he made the promotion of intra-African trade and investment the arrowhead of the Bank’s strategy when he took office because of a conviction that was the only viable path forward for Africa’s development and economic emancipation.

The Farewell conference, attended by more than 2,000 guests, attracted heads of state, former heads of state, other government leaders and representatives from across Africa and the Caribbean, top African business leaders, all former Afreximbank Presidents, Afreximbank President designate, members of the Bank’s Board of Directors, shareholders, serving and former staff members, friends and family of Prof. Oramah and Afreximbank as well as a host of other dignitaries.

In a farewell address, Prof. Oramah stated: “Our philosophy was borne out of the conviction that the only viable path forward for Africa’s development and economic emancipation was one that would aggressively reverse-engineer the colonial strategy of ‘divide-and-rule’ and ‘divide-and-conquer’ that had, for decades, pinned Africa and people of African descent down in the dustbin of despair and desperation.”

“Accordingly, our philosophy was that Africa’s development dynamo must be powered from within, as hundreds of years of history, had shown us that external interests had been mostly predatory and parasitic, unless engaged from a position of strength and purpose,” he explained.

Prof. Oramah added that, because Afreximbank fought on all fronts, “we can point to tangible differences the Bank has made; we can now point to those things that now exist, those new institutional arrangements and interventions that have now joined as formidable forces in Africa’s armoury in its fight towards true self-determination – those things that we look up to today, many of which were mere hopes and aspirations, 10 years ago”.

Earlier, Dr. George Elombi, President Designate of Afreximbank, described Prof. Oramah as “one of the few in the world, the 0.8 per cent, who combines vision and execution”, saying that, under his leadership, Afreximbank and its willing partners built a solid foundation for enhancing intra-African trade and industrial development. 

“Instruments were created to dismantle the obstacles that have hindered Africa’s progress for nearly seven decades since Africa’s independence. He confronted the challenges of Africa’s industrial underdevelopment head-on, building on the work of those who came before him,” said Dr. Elombi.

He noted that Afreximbank was now one of the key multilateral financial institutions leading Africa’s development efforts, particularly in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and transforming the continent’s industrial landscape, adding, “Oramah has turned decades and centuries-old political wishes into tangible gains for all Africans.”

Prof. Oramah’s 10-year tenure, which began in September 2015, saw Afreximbank’s balance sheet and guarantees grow almost eight-fold, from US$6 billion when he took office to almost US$44 billion as at September 2025. It also saw the introduction and implementation of far-reaching products, programmes and initiatives specifically designed to address the challenges facing Africa’s trade and economic growth, helping to cement Afreximbank’s place as Africa’s foremost trade finance institution.

During his time, Afreximbank’s support played a significant role in putting the implementation of the AfCFTA ahead of schedule. The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which it has backed with a US$3 billion clearing and settlement facility, has become operational in 20 countries and has made it possible for African countries to trade across borders in their own local currencies.

The AfCFTA Adjustment Funds, supported by Afreximbank with a US$1 billion commitment and a partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat, is enabling AFCFTA participating states to adjust in an orderly manner to the new trading regime.

The biennial Intra-African Trade Fair, introduced by Afreximbank in 2018, is tackling the challenge of limited access to trade and investment information across Africa and has, in its four editions, attracted over US$170 billion in trade and investment deals and 180,000 visitors. Moreover, the Bank’s digital platform, the Africa Trade Gateway, is using digital technology to break down information barriers, while the Afreximbank Africa Trade Centres, which have sprung up across the continent, are providing solid platforms for intra-African trade and investment information.

In the area of standards, through the Bank’s testing and certification centres, about 500 standards for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, agriculture, automobiles, textiles, etc. have been harmonised, enabling smoother intra-African trade as the Bank continues to build more centres across Africa to ensure that there is infrastructure to implement the standards it has helped to harmonise.

Working with the AFCFTA Secretariat and COMESA, Afreximbank launched the African Collaborative Transit Guarantee Scheme, supported by US$1 billion in guarantee limits, which addresses the transit barriers to the movement of goods across borders.

In addition, Afreximbank is supporting the development of industrial parks and special economic zones across Africa, creating exports where none existed, including the emergence of heavy industries, such as the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical plant in Nigeria.

Also, importantly, the Bank’s work has ignited socio-cultural and economic ties between Africa and the CARICOM and the broader African diaspora and its execution of African Medical Centre of Excellence projects has paved the way for quality healthcare to become accessible to many Africans.

Other significant accomplishments include the Bank’s COVID-19 intervention when it disbursed over US$10 billion to enable Africa to fend for itself during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Bank also put up US$2 billion that enabled Africa and the Caribbean to procure COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, under President Oramah, Afreximbank recently launched the African Trade and Distribution Company (ATDC), an institution designed to tackle logistical hurdles in cross-border trade within the continent.

The legacy conference also featured tributes delivered by Afreximbank staff, members of the business community, political leaders, friends and other people from various walks of life who were impacted by the work of Prof. Oramah.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Follow us on:
X: https://apo-opa.co/3L0MIDP
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3WoEffX
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3WSJJ2K
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3J0HWpe

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 over 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 industrialisation 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 has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity 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.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Media files

.

Posted on

Qhawekazi Mazaleni crowned Miss South Africa 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Government has congratulated Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who was crowned this year’s Miss South Africa at a prestigious ceremony held at the SunBet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria East.

 At just 24 years old, the Eastern Cape-born beauty and youth ambassador has brought pride to the nation through her remarkable achievement.

“Government wishes Mazaleni well as she undertakes her reign and continues to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society.

“Warm congratulations are also extended to Luyanda Zuma, the first runner-up, and Karabo Mareka, the second runner-up, for their remarkable performances in this year’s competition,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Sunday.

Mazaleni won the coveted title on Saturday night after competing against nine women during the finale, which showcased South African beauty, culture, and purpose-driven vision.

“Beauty pageants, such as Miss South Africa, play an important role in uplifting the youth by promoting confidence, leadership, and social responsibility, while providing a platform for young women to advocate for change and make a meaningful impact in their communities. We say Halala!” GCIS said. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

SARS welcomes decision to delist SA from FATF greylist

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has welcomed the decision by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to delist South Africa from its grey list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. 

“This is a significant moment for our country and a testament to the whole of government approach and its institutions to restore the integrity of our financial system,” the Commissioner said on Friday.

The decision to delist South Africa was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary, which took place over 22-24 October 2025 in Paris, France.

“While the FATF’s initial grey-listing in February 2023 was a consequence of systemic weaknesses aggravated during the era of state capture, SARS is acutely aware that it, along with other key institutions, was impacted and must continue to play a crucial role in preventing any future regression.

“We recognise that removing the designation of grey listing is not a finish line but a milestone on a long-term journey toward building a robust and resilient financial ecosystem,” he said.

The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation and finance watchdog that was established to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, as well as other threats to the integrity of the international financial system. 

It sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, promotes the effective implementation of these standards, and conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with the FATF Recommendations.

“This delisting is a vote of confidence in South Africa’s progress, but it is not an end to our vigilance. The fight against financial crime and corruption is a continuous one. 

“SARS remains committed to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and, as we approach the new round of FATF review commencing in the latter part of 2026, SARS will work relentlessly to ensure that we do what is required to combat the illicit economy. 

“By doing so, we will not only maintain our standing with FATF but, more importantly, continue to build public trust and confidence in our financial system, and create a stronger, more prosperous South Africa for all,” Kieswetter said.

SARS supported the national efforts to meet the 22 action items required by the FATF. 

These efforts include the following areas: 

  • In partnership with other law enforcement agencies, SARS has strengthened its financial intelligence-gathering capabilities and increased investigations and asset preservation/recovery in relation to tax and customs crime matters involving complex money laundering and terror financing schemes.
  • SARS has introduced beneficial ownership reporting obligations for legal persons and trusts as well as collaborated closely with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and the Master of the High Court (MOHC) to improve access to accurate and up-to-date beneficial ownership information for legal persons and trust.
  • The Tax Administration Act was amended in 2023 to enable information exchange with CIPC, MOHC and the Department of Social Development (DSD) further supporting the national beneficial ownership information framework.
  • The development and piloting of a digital traveller declaration system for cash and bearer negotiable instruments (BNIs) on entry and exit at all borders. This system enables the sharing of information with the FIC and is expected to become mandatory by the end of 2025.
  • SARS provided training to its officials as well as other law enforcement officials on money laundering, beneficial ownership, legal gateways for information exchange and the application of mutual legal assistance.

SARS’s focus will now shift to embedding these improvements permanently and sustainably into its operations. This means continuing to:

  • Make it clear and easy for taxpayers to comply with their obligations to pay tax.
  • Enforce tax and customs laws decisively and fairly without fear, favour, or bias.
  • Cooperate effectively with domestic and international partners in combatting the illicit economy.
  • Utilise sophisticated data and business intelligence to understand and counter illicit financial flows. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

SA exits FATF Greylist after successful reform efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has officially exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The decision to delist South Africa was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary that took place over 22-24 October 2025 in Paris, France.

After South Africa was listed on the FATF greylist in February 2023, government worked tirelessly to address all the deficiencies that were identified by the FATF and which were reflected in the 22 Action Items in the Action Plan agreed between South Africa and the FATF.

The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation and finance watchdog that was established to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, as well as other threats to the integrity of the international financial system. 

It sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, promotes the effective implementation of these standards, and conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with the FATF Recommendations.

“Over the past 32 months, South Africa has engaged with a team of reviewers assigned by the FATF to assess progress against the Action Plan. This culminated in an on-site visit at the end of July 2025, when the assessors came to the country to confirm the sustainability of the reforms that had been reported to them,” National Treasury said on Friday.

This concluded with a meeting with Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, who assured the FATF of the South African Government’s political commitment to continue to sustainably improving the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system.

“South Africa’s progress in addressing the AML/CFT deficiencies and exiting the FATF greylist represents a major policy and institutional achievement for the people of South Africa, particularly following the weakening of key law enforcement and other institutions during the state capture era. 

“However, while exiting the greylist is an important milestone and a demonstration of South Africa’s commitment to rebuilding the rule of law, it is only start of a broader process to continue to strengthen key institutions, improve enforcement and governance processes, and ensure that such improvements are sustainable and that our systems become increasingly effective in combating money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing. 

“Neither government agencies nor regulated entities in the private sector can afford to become complacent and stop improving. Instead, through public-private collaboration, they must continue to strengthen the AML/CFT system,” National Treasury emphasised.

The FATF requires countries that have exited the greylist to demonstrate continued commitment through measurable outcomes, including successful investigations, prosecutions, and sanctions as they relate to AML/CFT.

These actions will form the basis of the next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa, which is expected to commence in the first half of 2026 and conclude in October 2027.

“To prevent being placed back on the greylist, it is important that systems of monitoring and enforcement work more efficiently and effectively, and that there are no gaps, by the time of the Mutual Evaluation. Preparations, in this regard, have already begun and we remain confident that South Africa will be able to sustain the progress made,” National Treasury said.

The department has congratulated Nigeria, Mozambique and Burkina Faso, which were also delisted from the FATF greylist this week. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Le Président Ndayishimiye a éteint le Flambeau de la paix après un mois de tournée dans le pays

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, en compagnie de Son Epouse Son Excellence Angeline Ndayishimiye et d’autres hautes autorités, a éteint samedi soir au stade Ku Gasaka, en commune Ngozi de la province Butanyerera, le Flambeau de la Paix- XIXème Edition, marquant ainsi la fin de son périple dans 42 communes des 5provinces du Burundi où il avait apporté un message de paix et d’étoile-éclaireur sur le chemin du développement aux nouveaux leaders.

“Je confie à cette équipe Intwararumuri la responsabilité des travaux de construction du Monument du Flambeau, un édifice de 13 niveaux dont la maquette est déjà disponible”, a dit le Président Ndayishimiye après l’avoir félicité pour les résultats remarquables enregistrés lors du périple du Flambeau de la Paix.

Le Numéro Un Burundais a également encouragé les jeunes entrepreneurs à démontrer leur détermination à réaliser la Vision 2040–2060, à partir de l’année de référence 2025, avec le capital déjà disponible des ressources naturelles et les minerais.

Il a saisi cette occasion pour annoncer le démarrage de l’exportation des minerais en cours, à l’état brut, en prélude à leur transformation locale.

Il a en outre rappelé les nouveaux leaders à adopter de nouvelles mentalités et à être des modèles dans l’accélération du développement du Burundi.

Les cérémonies de clôture du Flambeau de la Paix ont été agrémentées par des danses traditionnelles, des shows des stars, des tambourinaires, et des feux d’artifice.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

Posted on

Qatar Reaffirms Its Firm Commitment to UN Charter

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, October 25, 2025

The State of Qatar has renewed its unwavering commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, affirming its continued support for the international organization, the strengthening of its partnerships, and its backing of reform efforts aimed at enhancing the UN’s effectiveness and responsiveness to global challenges.

This came in the statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the Open Debate of the Security Council on “The United Nations Organization: Looking into the Future,” held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Her Excellency noted that over the past eighty years, the United Nations has served as an indispensable global platform for promoting multilateralism and realizing the purposes of the Charter. It has achieved notable successes in preventing and containing numerous conflicts around the world, reflecting the organization’s critical role in maintaining international peace and security.

She emphasized that the State of Qatar has remained a strategic partner committed to the Charter and objectives of the United Nations, highlighting its leading role in mediation efforts, peaceful conflict resolution, and de-escalation in various regions across the globe.

Her Excellency outlined Qatar’s recent achievements, notably its successful mediation, alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Turkiye, and the United States of America, which led to a ceasefire agreement and the end of the war in Gaza, signed on the 13th of this month. This agreement was the result of two years of tireless efforts aimed at halting bloodshed, ending humanitarian suffering, and securing the release of prisoners and hostages.

She added that Qatar continues its efforts in mediation and de-escalation, pointing to its hosting earlier this month of delegations from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the caretaker government of Afghanistan, as part of its initiative to facilitate dialogue and promote stability between the two countries, in cooperation with the Republic of Turkiye.

Her Excellency also highlighted Qatar’s outreach to the African continent, noting that in March, it hosted a dialogue between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These efforts culminated in the signing of a mechanism for monitoring and verifying the ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on October 14, in accordance with the “Doha Declaration of Principles” signed in July 2025. She expressed gratitude to the United States for its fruitful partnership in this regard.

Her Excellency stressed Qatar’s call for a comprehensive review of the United Nations system, focusing on modernizing working methods and ensuring the implementation of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions in a way that guarantees accountability and avoids selectivity.

She underscored the need for tangible measures to address the crisis of trust by reviving the spirit of dialogue, strengthening cooperation and unity within the organization, and ensuring pluralism and inclusivity in global governance, with greater roles for developing and small states in decision-making processes.

Her Excellency also emphasized the urgency of accelerating UN reform efforts and supporting the implementation of the “UN 80” initiative across its three tracks, commending the proposals outlined in the Secretary-General’s report titled “A Breakthrough for People and Planet: Effective and Inclusive Global Governance for Today and the Future”.

Her Excellency concluded by affirming the importance of the new peace agenda, which focuses on investing in prevention, addressing root causes of conflict, building sustainable peace, and enhancing mediation, stressing that the success of this vision requires effective structures and strong political will to improve coordination within the organization.

Posted on

Qatar Joins UN Convention against Cybercrime

Source: Government of Qatar

Hanoi, October 25, 2025

The State of Qatar signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime during an official ceremony held today in Hanoi, Vietnam, with broad international participation.

The Convention was signed on behalf of the State of Qatar by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

In a speech during the ceremony, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation said that the adoption of the UN Convention against Cybercrime represents an important turning point in the international system and reflects a collective will to protect the security of peoples in the digital space, noting that cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical issue, but has become a pillar of international peace and security.

Her Excellency further said that the State of Qatar was among the first to support the development of a comprehensive agreement based on international cooperation, protecting infrastructure, and strengthening national capacities, especially in developing countries. She noted that the agreement fills a gap in the international legal system and enables countries to work together to confront cyber threats that affect human security and the stability of societies.

Combating cybercrime is an act of peace, Her Excellency said, noting that protecting the digital space contributes to preventing conflicts, building trust, and supporting dialogue between countries.

From this standpoint, she added, the State of Qatar’s commitment to cybersecurity aligns with its established role in mediation, building bridges, and promoting peaceful solutions. Just as Qatar works to resolve conflicts in the real world, it also strives to prevent conflicts in the digital realm, believing that true peace encompasses all dimensions of human life.

Her Excellency noted the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime in Doha, which will contribute to capacity building and strengthening international cooperation, particularly in serving developing countries, in preparation for the implementation of this Convention.

Her Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to being a reliable international partner in building peace and protecting security, in both the real and digital worlds, out of its conviction that protecting human beings and preserving their dignity is the essence of all security and peace.

The Convention iis the first UN criminal justice treaty adopted in more than 20 years, and the first global treaty on cybercrime and the exchange of electronic evidence related to serious crimes.

Posted on

Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento recebe 14 milhões de dólares na primeira alocação da nova janela de financiamento do setor privado do Programa Global para a Agricultura e Segurança Alimentar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Programa Global para a Agricultura e a Segurança Alimentar (GAFSP) anunciou a primeira alocação da sua nova janela de financiamento do setor privado ao Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), fornecendo 14 milhões de dólares em capital de redução de risco que visa desbloquear 200 milhões de dólares do setor privado para melhorar a segurança alimentar em países de baixo rendimento.

O GAFSP fornece recursos financeiros e técnicos – incluindo subsídios, financiamento concessional misto, assistência técnica e serviços de consultoria – aos países mais pobres do mundo para apoiar projetos em toda a cadeia de valor agrícola.

A nova janela, a Business Investment Financing Track, foi lançada em 2024 como a janela de financiamento do setor privado de segunda geração do GAFSP. Ela combina as subvenções e o financiamento concessionais do programa com o financiamento de bancos multilaterais de desenvolvimento para catalisar o financiamento do setor privado para pequenos agricultores, grupos de produtores, agronegócios e start-ups.

Esta primeira alocação será destinada à criação de um Mecanismo de Partilha de Riscos para Insumos Agrícolas – um fundo de 200 milhões de dólares que será administrado pelo Banco, com uma parcela de 10 milhões de dólares de capital para redução de riscos. Um montante adicional de 4 milhões de dólares em recursos de subvenção apoiará a assistência técnica destinada a catalisar até 200 milhões de dólares em empréstimos do setor privado para pequenas e médias empresas agrícolas na Etiópia, Uganda, Tanzânia, Maláui e Zâmbia. O Mecanismo de Partilha de Riscos para Insumos Agrícolas trabalhará para incentivar os bancos locais a conceder crédito a fornecedores de insumos agrícolas.

Os pequenos agricultores e as empresas agroalimentares em fase inicial em países frágeis e de baixo rendimento têm dificuldade em aceder a crédito, seguros e capital de investimento devido aos riscos elevados percebidos, o que limita a sua capacidade de satisfazer a crescente procura de alimentos.

O Mecanismo de Partilha de Risco para Insumos Agrícolas, a ser implementado pela Seguradora Africana de Desenvolvimento do Comércio e Investimento – uma instituição pan-africana que oferece seguro de risco político e crédito a investidores – irá colmatar esta lacuna, fornecendo garantias a instituições financeiras, uma medida de partilha de risco para incentivar os bancos comerciais a concederem empréstimos a estas empresas agrícolas carenciadas.

“Esta primeira alocação demonstra o interesse dos financiadores em trabalhar em conjunto neste novo modelo para resolver um desafio antigo do financiamento para pequenos agricultores: o risco”, disse Natasha Hayward, gestora do Programa Global de Agricultura e Segurança Alimentar.

“Ao combinar os fundos dos doadores do GAFSP com o financiamento multilateral para o desenvolvimento e o financiamento comercial, cada dólar do programa alavancará muito mais em investimento privado, multiplicando o impacto positivo na segurança alimentar e na resiliência ao aumento das temperaturas e aos padrões climáticos imprevisíveis”, acrescentou.

O financiamento ajudará a expandir o acesso a sementes certificadas, fertilizantes orgânicos, melhoradores de solo, mecanização e outros insumos que ajudam as empresas agrícolas a resistir ao calor extremo e prolongado, à escassez de água e a outros impactos de climas extremos. Espera-se que mais de 1,5 milhões de pequenos agricultores e 500 comerciantes agrícolas e cooperativas sejam beneficiados.

“Ao visar os comerciantes de insumos agrícolas e os pequenos agricultores, este mecanismo pretende fortalecer toda a cadeia de valor, desde o fornecimento de insumos até ao acesso ao mercado, construindo sistemas alimentares capazes de resistir a choques de mercado, incluindo, e especialmente, pressões ambientais. Com a criação do Mecanismo de Partilha de Risco de Insumos Agrícolas, estamos a plantar as sementes de uma África com maior segurança alimentar”, afirmou Philip Boahen, Coordenador do GAFSP do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento.

Esta primeira atribuição está em consonância com os compromissos africanos de base ampla para transformar os sistemas alimentares, incluindo o Programa Abrangente de Desenvolvimento Agrícola Africano (https://apo-opa.co/4o3eNsB) e a Declaração de Kampala sobre a Aceleração da Implementação da Transformação dos Sistemas Alimentares Africanos.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Desiree Bataba
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

About O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

Media files

Baixar .tipo