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Africa must seize global trade disruption as ‘historic opportunity,’ leaders tell private sector

Source: APO

Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Mambé and African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Sidi Ould Tah have urged Africa’s private sector to take centre stage in the continent’s economic transformation, stressing that the current global trade disruptions present an opportunity rather than a threat.

The two leaders were speaking on Monday at the opening of the 13th edition of the CGECI Academy, the flagship annual forum of Côte d’Ivoire’s employers federation, held under the theme “Economic sovereignty: Time for Action.” The two-day event drew senior government officials, business leaders, and representatives of regional employers’ organisations.

Prime Minister Mambé underscored the urgency of moving beyond analysis to action. “The time for self-analysis is over; it’s now time for action!” he reiterated. “We must become aware of our strengths, our weaknesses and our untapped potential, and most importantly, we must establish a synthesis that consolidates our achievements for new prospects that are based on intelligent and dynamic partnerships.”

He stressed that economic sovereignty requires coordinated effort from government, private investors, young entrepreneurs, and consumers.

Dr Ould Tah echoed this call, telling the gathering that Africa must turn the current global trade tensions into a “historic opportunity” to strengthen regional value chains and process more of its abundant raw materials locally.

“For Africa, this is not a threat; it is a historic opportunity to establish a stronger, more integrated and more resilient local economy,” the Bank President said.

Dr Ould Tah, who assumed office on September 1, outlined his four-pillar strategy for Africa’s development: mobilising large-scale capital, reforming Africa’s financial architecture, accelerating the creation of quality jobs, and building climate-resilient infrastructure with green industrialisation.

He emphasised that structural economic transformation cannot be achieved by governments alone. “They will also come from the African private sector, which must be central to the strategy,” the Bank president said, calling on entrepreneurs to innovate and become major players in global markets.

The gathering comes as multilateral trade frameworks face mounting pressure from protectionist policies and geopolitical tensions. African leaders see the moment as critical for the continent to strengthen intra-African commerce and reduce dependence on external markets.

Ahmed Cissé, president of CGECI, pledged the private sector’s support for continental efforts to restore economic and financial sovereignty through institutional partnerships, including “working closely” with the African Development Bank.

The CGECI, which represents nearly 80 percent of Côte d’Ivoire’s private sector companies, has a long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank to boost youth entrepreneurship. Their joint initiative, La finance s’engage (Finance Commits) (https://apo-opa.co/4gOhTOt) has mobilised resources for hundreds of Ivorian start-ups since 2016, including a €1.108 million project (https://apo-opa.co/4nBJAN4) that has supported 200 young entrepreneurs, nearly a third of them women.

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

Flickr album:
https://apo-opa.co/4gS2gW3

Contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank Group
media@afdb.org

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Dams for development? Unpacking tensions in the World Bank’s hydropower policies

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Barnaby Joseph Dye, Lecturer, King’s College London

Dams have been emblematic of the World Bank’s approach to development for many decades. From the bank’s early years in the 1960s and 1970s, large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams, power plants and transport networks were central to its strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction. This reflected a top-down modernisation paradigm.

But the controversial social, economic and environmental impacts of dams sparked widespread criticism. This prompted internal scrutiny and a reduction in funding by the 1990s. Notable examples included the bank’s withdrawal from India’s Narmada Dam and Nepal’s Arun III hydropower project. Both followed large-scale protests.

From 2007, the bank’s support for dams began to rise again, reflected in an increasing portfolio of projects. There were two main drivers. Hydropower gained renewed appeal as a low-carbon energy source. And infrastructure-led economic growth regained prominence in development policy. Yet, earlier debates were not erased: questions about social, environmental and political consequences continued to influence decision-making.

This begs the question of whether anything has changed. Does the World Bank approach dams differently today? Did past protests and policy reforms have a longer-lasting effect?

We are researchers examining the politics of development, with a focus on dam decision-making in Africa and South Asia. In a recent book chapter we show that debates over dams are far from settled. Reforms have strengthened planning, impact assessment and mitigation. But change has been gradual, contested and layered, reflecting the deeply political nature of large-scale infrastructure projects.

In the book chapter we trace how the World Bank’s approach to dams has shifted over decades. We ask whether reforms have genuinely altered how dams are built and their impacts.

The answer is nuanced. Reforms have improved planning, impact assessment and mitigation. These changes have indeed reduced negative social and environmental effects. But they have been introduced gradually, in layers, without fully replacing older practices.

Some negative impacts continue to be overlooked, and compensation schemes are often inadequate. The balance of trade-offs has shifted. Yet decades of reform have not resolved the tensions surrounding dam-building. These remain hotly debated both within and outside the bank.

This reveals the World Bank as a dynamic institution, shaped by debates and contestations. These take place within the organisation and from governments, communities and civil society. Policy-making and implementation are inherently contested processes. Both require careful negotiation, oversight and engagement.

Our findings highlight the importance of critical engagement and independent research to influence how large-scale infrastructure projects are planned and executed. And to bring alternative perspectives into institutional decision-making.

The evolution of dam-building

In the mid- to late 20th century, the World Bank championed large dam projects as engines of economic growth. The bank supported hydropower and irrigation infrastructure across Asia, Africa and Latin America. These projects often prioritised technical and financial feasibility over social and environmental issues.

The consequences were significant: widespread displacement, ecological damage and resistance from affected communities and advocacy groups.

Civil society, academic research and internal bank discussions increasingly criticised this approach. By the 1990s, development thinking began to shift. Greater emphasis was placed on participation, environmental safeguards, and social inclusion. Concepts such as sustainable livelihoods, social capital, and community-driven development gained traction. Participatory development approaches became more prominent.

The bank increasingly positioned itself as a “knowledge bank”. It began to emphasise data collection and local consultation alongside financing.

New mechanisms were introduced to embed participation and safeguard considerations. These included social and environmental impact assessments and stakeholder consultations. Yet these processes often operated within existing frameworks that continued to prioritise economic and engineering objectives. The result was that technical and financial considerations largely remained central.

Participation or performance?

In theory, local consultation and stakeholder engagement have become integral to the World Bank’s approach to dam development. In practice, however, these processes often serve more as legitimising tools than as genuine mechanisms for power redistribution.

For example, in Nepal, the World Bank’s subsidiary, the International Finance Corporation, promotes sustainable hydropower through stakeholder-based discussions and training programmes. Yet these initiatives frequently exclude key local actors. The focus instead remains on government agencies, industry representatives and international donors.

Similarly, at the Rusumo Falls Dam in Tanzania, resettlement action committees comprising affected communities were established to liaise with project authorities and advise on compensation. The committees provided a formal avenue for local input. But they had limited power to challenge national governments or alter major financial and infrastructural decisions.

In essence the bank co-opts critical voices while proceeding with its own priorities. Local communities can voice concerns. But their influence over the trajectory of development projects remains constrained.

Where change comes from

Scholars have often attributed shifts in World Bank policy to external pressures. These include civil society advocacy, intellectual debates on development and evolving global norms.

These factors certainly play a role. But our research highlights the importance of internal dynamics within the institution.

Competing factions within the bank generate tensions that drive both reform and continuity. For example, financiers focus on lending targets. Engineers prioritise large-scale infrastructure. Others advocate for social and environmental protections.

This internal contestation helps explain why new World Bank dam policies often fail to produce the expected outcomes. Policy evolution is gradual. New priorities layered onto existing frameworks. The result is a mixture of change and continuity.

Far from being a monolith, the World Bank is an institution shaped by ongoing internal debate. Different interests, factions and ideas rise and fall in influence over time.

Rethinking participation

Dams are a microcosm of broader development debates. They demand political choices and trade-offs between infrastructure needs, financing, environmental sustainability, social equity and economic impact.

The World Bank reflects these tensions internally, with competing priorities and factions shaping how decisions are made.

For those interested in meaningful reform, the challenge is to embed more inclusive governance and decision-making. Participation must go beyond token consultation. It should involve genuine power-sharing with affected communities, stronger accountability mechanisms and real influence over project outcomes.

– Dams for development? Unpacking tensions in the World Bank’s hydropower policies
– https://theconversation.com/dams-for-development-unpacking-tensions-in-the-world-banks-hydropower-policies-260947

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L’Afrique doit saisir la grande bascule du commerce international comme une « opportunité historique », ont appelé de hauts dirigeants devant des représentants du secteur privé africain

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Premier ministre ivoirien, Robert Beugré Mambé, et le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org), Sidi Ould Tah, ont appelé les représentants du secteur privé africain à occuper une place centrale dans la transformation économique du continent, soulignant que les perturbations actuelles du commerce international constituaient une opportunité plutôt qu’une menace.

Les deux hauts dirigeants s’exprimaient, lundi, à l’ouverture de la 13e édition de la CGECI Academy organisée par la Confédération générale des entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire. Le forum annuel phare du patronat ivoirien était organisé sur le thème suivant : « Souveraineté économique : le temps de l’action ». Cet événement de deux jours a réuni des hauts fonctionnaires, des chefs d’entreprise et des représentants d’organisations patronales régionales.

M. Robert Beugré Mambé a souligné l’urgence de passer de l’analyse à l’action. « Le temps n’est plus au diagnostic, le temps est à l’action ! », a-t-il insisté. Avant d’ajouter : « Nous devons prendre conscience de nos forces, de nos faiblesses, de notre potentiel inexploité, et surtout établir une synthèse qui consolide nos acquis pour ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives fondées sur des partenariats intelligents et dynamiques. »

Le Premier ministre de la Côte d’Ivoire a souligné que la souveraineté économique exigeait des efforts coordonnés de la part des gouvernements, des investisseurs privés, des jeunes entrepreneurs et des consommateurs africains.

M. Ould Tah a fait écho à cette analyse, appelant l’Afrique à transformer les tensions commerciales internationales en une « opportunité historique » pour renforcer les chaînes de valeur régionales et transformer davantage localement ses matières premières abondantes.

« Pour l’Afrique, il ne s’agit pas d’une menace. C’est une occasion historique de bâtir une économie locale plus forte, plus intégrée et plus résiliente », a déclaré le président du Groupe de la Banque.

Sidi Ould Tah, qui a pris ses fonctions à la tête de l’institution le 1er septembre dernier, a présenté sa stratégie bâtie autour de quatre points cardinaux pour le développement de l’Afrique : mobiliser des capitaux à grande échelle ; réformer l’architecture financière du continent ; accélérer la création d’emplois de qualité, et construire des infrastructures résilientes au changement climatique à l’appui d’une industrialisation verte.

Il a souligné que la transformation économique structurelle ne pouvait être réalisée par les gouvernements seuls. « Elle viendra également du secteur privé africain, qui doit être au cœur de la stratégie », a estimé le président du Groupe de la Banque, appelant les entrepreneurs à innover et à devenir des acteurs majeurs sur les marchés mondiaux.

Ce forum économique se déroule au moment où les cadres commerciaux multilatéraux subissent une pression croissante due aux politiques protectionnistes et aux tensions géopolitiques. Les dirigeants africains estiment que le moment est crucial pour le continent de renforcer le commerce intra-africain et de réduire sa dépendance aux marchés extérieurs.

Le président de la CGECI, Ahmed Cissé, a assuré le soutien du secteur privé aux efforts continentaux visant à restaurer la souveraineté économique et financière par des partenariats institutionnels, y compris en « travaillant en étroite collaboration » avec la Banque africaine de développement.

La Confédération générale des entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), qui représente près de 80% des entreprises du secteur privé ivoirien, est un partenariat de longue date du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement pour stimuler l’entrepreneuriat des jeunes. Leur initiative conjointe, « La finance s’engage » (https://apo-opa.co/4gOhTOt), a mobilisé des ressources pour des centaines de start-up ivoiriennes depuis 2016, notamment le Projet d’incubateur des jeunes (https://apo-opa.co/4nBJAN4) doté de 1,1 million d’euros qui a soutenu 200 jeunes entrepreneurs, dont près d’un tiers de femmes.  

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Album flickr :
https://apo-opa.co/4gS2gW3

Contact :
Alexis Adélé
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations : www.AfDB.org

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DWS to host programme for future leaders

Source: Government of South Africa

DWS to host programme for future leaders

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will host its annual Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) in Boksburg, Gauteng.

Set to be held from 5–11 October 2025, the programme is aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders in the sector.

The programme seeks to raise awareness among learners about water use efficiency, resource protection, health, hygiene, and the impact of invasive alien plants. Young minds are given the tools and encouragement to shape the future of this vital sector.

The WSEP also promotes careers in the water sector by transforms classrooms into hubs of water literacy, inspiring students to value every drop and become champions of wise water use.
Through hands-on projects, the programme invites learners and educators to become problem-solvers, tackling real water and sanitation challenges in their schools and communities. They investigate issues, brainstorm creative solutions, and put their ideas into action.

The WSEP is implemented through several initiatives, including Baswa Le Meetse (Youth in Water), Aqua Enduro, public speaking, curriculum support, intervention projects, career promotion, and the celebration of special days.

At the end of this dynamic week, outstanding learners will be rewarded with full study bursaries, opening doors to science and engineering careers in the world of water and sanitation.
Spokesperson at the department, Wisane Mavasa said the programme has already produced young leaders making significant contributions in the sector.

“Some of our previous winners have to study for PhDs, travel to various parts of the globe, and participate in everything water and sanitation related. This programme is an opportunity for the disadvantaged to get a foot in the door and explore all possibilities,” Mavasa said.

She added that the programme reminds both pupils and teachers that South Africa’s water is precious and every drop counts, empowering young leaders to safeguard the nation’s most essential resource. – SAnews.gov.za

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KZN Education dismisses claims linking video to local school

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Education dismisses claims linking video to local school

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has moved to clarify misinformation surrounding a disturbing video circulating on social media which depicts the rape of a minor by an elderly man.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said contrary to claims, the incident did not take place in Inanda or involve a learner from Zwelisha School in the Pinetown District.

“The incident in question took place in Mozambique. The department is relieved to confirm that the perpetrator of this heinous crime was immediately arrested by the relevant law enforcement agency in his country,” the department said.

The department urged the public to act responsibly by verifying information before sharing content on social media platforms, warning that the spread of false information creates unnecessary panic and harm within the communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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African Development Bank Group Approves $22.8 Million Grant to Boost Mozambique’s Rice Production and Build Climate Resilience

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $22.8 million grant from its concessional African Development Fund to strengthen Mozambique’s rice value chain and enhance climate resilience, targeting 30,000 smallholder farmers across four provinces.

The grant will fund the Rice Value Chain and Climate Resilience Project, which seeks to increase Mozambique’s rice self-sufficiency from 50 percent to 75 percent by 2030, addressing critical food security challenges in one of Africa’s most food-insecure nations.

Despite rice being a staple food, Mozambique produces only half of the 600,000 tons it consumes annually. The country relies on imports to bridge the 300,000-ton gap, a dependence that drains foreign reserves and deepens rural poverty.

“By targeting the most vulnerable populations and focusing on climate-smart technologies, the grant will create a lasting impact on food security and rural livelihoods,” Macmillan Anyanwu, the Bank Group’s Country Manager for Mozambique, stated, noting that the initiative aligns with the country’s national development strategy and the Bank’s commitment to transforming agricultural value chains. The project specifically targets vulnerable populations, with 70 percent of beneficiaries being women and 30 percent being youth.

The project is designed to quadruple rice yields, from a ton per hectare to four tons per hectare, and raise annual household incomes from about $590 to $1,000. Initial results are expected to generate an extra 6,000 tons of rice annually. While that covers just 2 percent of the country’s current deficit, it sets a foundation for scaling up production and reducing import dependency.

RIVACREP will rehabilitate 1,000 hectares of irrigation infrastructure, primarily in Gaza province, and establish five small-scale milling factories alongside 10 aggregator centres through a public-private partnership. Key interventions include the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, soil leveling, drainage improvements, and the construction of climate-resilient storage facilities, as well as the introduction of drought- and flood-tolerant rice varieties through partnerships with international research institutions. These interventions are expected to cut post-harvest losses by more than half, from 26 percent to 12 percent.

“By building resilient infrastructure and integrating private sector actors, RIVACREP will enable Mozambique to reduce dependency on imports, create domestic value addition, and set the foundation for an industrialized and climate-smart rice sector,” said Neeraj Vij, African Development Bank Group’s Regional Sector Manager.

“The project will also serve as a model for transformative value chain development that can be replicated in other key commodities. This will contribute to building a more self-reliant and resilient economy, reducing external dependency while creating opportunities for youth and women.”

Addressing Food Security and Nutrition

Mozambique faces widespread malnutrition, with child stunting rates as high as 44% in Zambezia province. The project incorporates a strong nutrition component targeting 6,000 beneficiaries through the promotion of biofortified rice varieties rich in iron and zinc.

To address vulnerability to climate shocks and regional security challenges, particularly in northern provinces, RIVACREP also features a Contingency Emergency Response mechanism, enabling rapid support during crises.

Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries will lead project implementation, with safeguards in place to ensure environmental and social protection. RIVACREP supports multiple development objectives aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The project duration spans from December 2025 to December 2030, with a mid-term review in 2028.

The African Development Fund is the concessional arm of the African Development Bank Group, providing grants and soft loans to support development projects in Africa’s most vulnerable countries. The support demonstrates the African Development Bank Group’s renewed commitment to climate resilience, inclusive growth, and value-added agricultural production.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Additional images: 
Mozambique flag with a stack of money coins and piles of wheat and rice seeds: https://apo-opa.co/4mKNSjI
African Development Bank Group’s $22.8 Million grant targets 30,000 smallholder farmers across four provinces: https://apo-opa.co/4gNt9dI
Rice Storage Silos in the Rural Town of Chokwe​: https://apo-opa.co/4pLjaKh

Media contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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

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African Energy Week (AEW) Announces 2025 Award Winners, Celebrating Trailblazers in African Energy

Source: APO – Report:

African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies announced the winners of the AEW 2025 awards during a ceremony held on Tuesday. Celebrating trailblazers shaping the future of the African energy sector, the awards recognized excellence across the African energy sector.

Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award: François Perrodo

François Perrodo was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to positioning Perenco into one of Africa’s most influential energy companies. Under his leadership, Perenco has become synonymous with frontier exploration, responsible production and gas-led development across Central and West Africa.

Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award: Adriano Mongini

Adriano Mongini was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for leading Azule Energy through a series of impactful oil and gas projects. From day one, he focused on building Azule not just as Angola’s largest independent oil and gas producer, but as a company that invests in training, local content and national development.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Katrina Fisher

Katrina Fisher was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions towards Africa’s energy sector. She has led ExxonMobil Angola through an ambitious exploration and production drive, while her dedication to STEM has created significant opportunities for youth and women in energy.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Sebastião Gaspar Martins

Sebastião Gaspar Martins secured the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to transforming Angola’s national oil company Sonangol into a competitive operator. His leadership has not only seen the company transition into a major player but has helped shape Angola into one of the continent’s biggest producers.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Haitham Al Ghais

Haitham Al Ghais won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to Africa. Al Ghais has consistently put Africa at the forefront of global discussions on finance, just transition and sustainable development.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jubril Adewale Tinubu

Jubril Adewale “Wale” Tinubu was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to building Oando into one of Africa’s leading energy companies. He has carried the company through periods of uncertainty and transformation, growing it into a multinational enterprise that represents African resilience and ambition.

ESG Leader of the Year: ExxonMobil

Recognized for STEM Africa, equipping 3,000+ students and educators with industry-ready skills, aligning social impact with long-term workforce development across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique.

Service Provider of the Year: Technip Energies

Awarded for engineering excellence delivering complex LNG, hydrogen and decarbonization projects – from GTA to Rovuma – while maximizing safety, quality and local value creation.

Local Content Champion of the Year: Levene Energies

Awarded for scaling African-led projects anchored in local suppliers, talent pipelines and mentorship, building durable industrial capacity across West Africa.

International Local Content Champion of the Year: Woodside Energy

Awarded for its commitment to capacity building, skills transfer and local empowerment across the countries it operates.

Reformer of the Year: Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

Awarded for operationalizing the Petroleum Industry Act, modernizing licensing and flexible PSCs – unlocking billions in FIDs, infrastructure progress and transparent, investor-friendly processes.

Exploration & Production Leader of the Year: Azule Energy

Recognized for Agogo FPSO start-up and Angola’s first dedicated gas discovery, boosting production and de-risking Lower Congo Basin potential.

Deal of the Year: Vitol

Celebrated for strategic stakes in Baleine and Congo LNG, enhancing low-carbon upstream exposure and strengthening West and Central African gas positions.

CSR Project of the Year: ConocoPhillips

Honored for two decades of Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project support – dramatically reducing malaria, strengthening health systems and delivering evidence-based community impact in Equatorial Guinea.

Gas Monetization Strategy: Greater Tortue Ameyim Development

Celebrated for first gas and reaching its commercial operation date for the FLNG vessel in 2025, inaugurating MSGBC LNG exports and a scalable cross-border monetization framework.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Mozambique : le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement approuve un don de 22,8 millions de dollars pour stimuler la production de riz et renforcer la résilience climatique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un don de 22,8 millions de dollars provenant du Fonds africain de développement, son guichet concessionnel, pour renforcer la chaîne de valeur du riz au Mozambique et améliorer la résilience climatique, ciblant 30 000 petits exploitants agricoles dans quatre provinces du pays.

Le don contribuera au financement du Projet de chaîne de valeur du riz et de résilience climatique, qui vise à accroître l’autosuffisance en riz du Mozambique en la faisant passer de 50 % à 75 % d’ici à 2030. Cette opération permettra de relever des défis cruciaux en matière de sécurité alimentaire dans l’un des pays africains les plus touchés par l’insécurité alimentaire.

Bien que le riz soit un aliment de base, le Mozambique ne produit que la moitié des 600 000 tonnes que sa population consomme chaque année. Le pays compte sur les importations pour combler ce déficit de 300 000 tonnes, une dépendance qui épuise les réserves de change et aggrave la pauvreté dans les zones rurales.

« En ciblant les populations les plus vulnérables et en mettant l’accent sur les technologies climato-intelligentes, ce don aura un impact durable sur la sécurité alimentaire et les moyens de subsistance des populations rurales », a déclaré Macmillan Anyanwu, chef du bureau pays du Groupe de la Banque pour le Mozambique. Il a souligné que l’initiative était alignée sur la stratégie nationale de développement du pays et sur l’engagement de l’institution en faveur de la transformation des chaînes de valeur agricoles. Le projet cible spécifiquement les populations vulnérables, 70 % des bénéficiaires étant des femmes et 30 % des jeunes.

Le projet est conçu pour quadrupler les rendements dans la production de riz, les faisant passer d’une tonne par hectare à quatre tonnes par hectare, et pour accroître les revenus annuels des ménages, d’environ 590 dollars à 1 000 dollars. Les premiers résultats devraient se traduire par une augmentation de 6 000 tonnes de riz par an. Bien que ce chiffre ne couvre que 2 % du déficit actuel du pays, il pose les bases d’une hausse de la production et d’une réduction de la dépendance à l’égard des importations.

Le projet « RIVACREP » réhabilitera 1 000 hectares d’infrastructures d’irrigation, principalement dans la province de Gaza, et établira cinq petites usines de rizerie ainsi que dix centres d’agrégation par le biais d’un partenariat public-privé. Les interventions clés comprennent la réhabilitation des systèmes d’irrigation, le nivellement des sols, l’amélioration du drainage et la construction d’installations de stockage résilientes au climat, ainsi que l’introduction de variétés de riz résistantes à la sécheresse et aux inondations grâce à des partenariats avec des institutions de recherche internationales. Ces interventions devraient permettre de réduire de plus de moitié les pertes post-récolte, qui passeraient ainsi de 26 % à 12 %.

« En construisant des infrastructures résilientes et en intégrant les acteurs du secteur privé, le RIVACREP permettra au Mozambique de réduire sa dépendance à l’égard des importations, de créer de la valeur ajoutée au niveau national et de poser les bases d’un secteur rizicole industrialisé et climato-intelligent », a précisé Neeraj Vij, responsable sectoriel régional pour l’industrie, l’agriculture et le développement humain au sein du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement.

« Ce projet servira également de modèle pour le développement d’une chaîne de valeur transformatrice, reproductible pour d’autres produits de base clés. Cela contribuera à bâtir une économie plus autonome et plus résiliente, réduisant la dépendance extérieure tout en créant des opportunités pour les jeunes et les femmes », a-t-il ajouté.

Répondre aux besoins en matière de sécurité alimentaire et de nutrition

Le Mozambique est confronté à une malnutrition généralisée, avec des taux de retard de croissance infantile atteignant 44 % dans la province de Zambezie. Le projet intègre une forte composante nutritionnelle ciblant 6 000 bénéficiaires par le biais de la promotion de variétés de riz biofortifiées riches en fer et en zinc.

Pour traiter la question de la vulnérabilité aux chocs climatiques et aux défis sécuritaires régionaux, en particulier dans les provinces septentrionales du pays, le projet « RIVACREP » comporte également un mécanisme de réponse d’urgence, permettant un soutien rapide en cas de crise.

Le ministère mozambicain de l’Agriculture, de l’Environnement et de la Pêche dirigera la mise en œuvre du projet, avec des garanties pour assurer la protection environnementale et sociale. Le « RIVACREP » soutient de multiples objectifs de développement alignés sur l’Agenda 2063 de l’Union africaine et les Objectifs de développement durable des Nations unies.

La durée du projet s’étend de décembre 2025 à décembre 2030, avec une revue à mi-parcours en 2028.

Le Fonds africain de développement est le guichet concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, qui octroie des dons et des prêts à taux réduit pour soutenir des projets de développement dans les pays les plus vulnérables d’Afrique. Ce soutien illustre l’engagement renouvelé du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement en faveur de la résilience climatique, de la croissance inclusive et de la production agricole à valeur ajoutée.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Images supplémentaires : 
Drapeau du Mozambique avec une pile de pièces de monnaie et des tas de graines de blé et de riz : https://apo-opa.co/4mKNSjI
La subvention de 22,8 millions de dollars du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement cible 30 000 petits exploitants agricoles dans quatre provinces : https://apo-opa.co/4gNt9dI
Silos de stockage de riz dans la ville rurale de Chokwe ​​: https://apo-opa.co/4pLjaKh

Contact médias :
Emeka Anuforo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution de financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 États membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

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Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova subvenção de 22,8 milhões de dólares para impulsionar a produção de arroz em Moçambique e reforçar a resiliência climática

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (BAD) (www.AfDB.org) aprovou uma subvenção de 22,8 milhões de dólares do seu Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, vocacionado para financiamento concessional, para reforçar a cadeia de valor do arroz em Moçambique e melhorar a resiliência climática, visando 30 mil pequenos agricultores em quatro províncias.

A subvenção financiará o Projeto da Cadeia de Valor do Arroz e Resiliência Climática (RIVACREP), que visa aumentar a autossuficiência de arroz de Moçambique de 50% para 75% até 2030, abordando desafios críticos de segurança alimentar numa das nações africanas mais inseguras em termos alimentares.

Apesar de o arroz ser um alimento básico, Moçambique produz apenas metade das 600 mil toneladas que consome anualmente. O país depende das importações para colmatar o défice de 300 mil toneladas, uma dependência que esgota as reservas cambiais e agrava a pobreza rural.

“Ao visar as populações mais vulneráveis e concentrar-se em tecnologias climaticamente inteligentes, a subvenção terá um impacto duradouro na segurança alimentar e nos meios de subsistência rurais”, afirmou Macmillan Anyanwu, representante residente do BAD em Moçambique, salientando que a iniciativa está em consonância com a estratégia nacional de desenvolvimento do país e com o compromisso do Banco de transformar as cadeias de valor agrícolas. O projeto visa especificamente as populações vulneráveis, sendo 70% dos beneficiários mulheres e 30% jovens.

O projeto foi concebido para quadruplicar a produção de arroz, de uma tonelada por hectare para quatro toneladas por hectare, e aumentar o rendimento anual das famílias, de cerca de 590 para 1000 dólares. Os resultados iniciais deverão gerar um acréscimo de 6.000 toneladas de arroz por ano. Embora isso cubra apenas 2% do défice atual do país, estabelece uma base para aumentar a produção e reduzir a dependência das importações.

O RIVACREP irá reabilitar 1.000 hectares de infraestruturas de irrigação, principalmente na província de Gaza, e estabelecer cinco fábricas de moagem de pequena escala, juntamente com 10 centros agregadores, através de uma parceria público-privada. As principais intervenções incluem a reabilitação de sistemas de irrigação, nivelamento do solo, melhorias na drenagem e a construção de instalações de armazenamento resistentes às alterações climáticas, bem como a introdução de variedades de arroz resistentes à seca e às inundações, através de parcerias com instituições de investigação internacionais. Espera-se que estas intervenções reduzam as perdas pós-colheita em mais de metade, de 26% para 12%. 

“Ao construir infraestruturas resilientes e integrar atores do setor privado, o RIVACREP permitirá a Moçambique reduzir a dependência das importações, criar valor acrescentado interno e estabelecer as bases para um setor de arroz industrializado e climaticamente inteligente”, afirmou Neeraj Vij, Diretor Regional do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para o Setor Industrial, Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Humano.

“O projeto servirá também como modelo para o desenvolvimento transformador da cadeia de valor, que poderá ser replicado noutras matérias-primas essenciais. Isto contribuirá para a construção de uma economia mais autossuficiente e resiliente, reduzindo a dependência externa e criando oportunidades para os jovens e as mulheres”, acrescentou.

Abordar a segurança alimentar e a nutrição

Moçambique enfrenta uma malnutrição generalizada, com taxas de atraso no crescimento infantil que chegam a 44% na província da Zambézia. O projeto incorpora uma forte componente nutricional que visa 6.000 beneficiários através da promoção de variedades de arroz biologicamente fortificadas, ricas em ferro e zinco.

Para abordar a vulnerabilidade aos choques climáticos e aos desafios de segurança regional, particularmente nas províncias do norte, o RIVACREP também apresenta um mecanismo de resposta de emergência a contingências, permitindo um apoio rápido durante as crises.

O Ministério da Agricultura, Ambiente e Pescas de Moçambique irá liderar a implementação do projeto, com salvaguardas em vigor para garantir a proteção ambiental e social. O RIVACREP apoia vários objetivos de desenvolvimento alinhados com a Agenda 2063 da União Africana e os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da ONU.

A duração do projeto vai de dezembro de 2025 a dezembro de 2030, com uma revisão intercalar em 2028.

O Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento é o braço concessional do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, que concede subvenções e empréstimos em condições favoráveis para apoiar projetos de desenvolvimento nos países mais vulneráveis de África. Este apoio demonstra o compromisso renovado do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento com a resiliência climática, o crescimento inclusivo e a produção agrícola de valor acrescentado.

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

Imagens adicionais:
Bandeira de Moçambique com uma pilha de moedas e montes de sementes de trigo e arroz: https://apo-opa.co/4mKNSjI
Doação de US$ 22,8 milhões do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento destinada a 30.000 pequenos agricultores em quatro províncias: https://apo-opa.co/4gNt9dI
Silos de armazenamento de arroz na cidade rural de Chokwe: https://apo-opa.co/4pLjaKh

Contacto para os media:
Emeka Anuforo
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre 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

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Access Holdings and Coronation Group Unite to Champion Landmark Nigerian Art Exhibition at Tate Modern

Source: APO – Report:

Access Holdings Plc (https://TheAccessCorporation.com/) and Coronation Group Ltd, under the leadership of Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CFR, are proud to announce their joint support of Nigerian Modernism, the first major UK exhibition to trace the trajectory of modern art in Nigeria. Opening at Tate Modern in London this October, the exhibition brings together over 250 works from more than 50 artists, spotlighting Nigeria’s extraordinary artistic legacy from the 1940s to the turn of the century. This uniquely curated exhibition places Nigeria’s creative legacy firmly at the centre of global art history.

For the two financial institutions, this partnership represents more than corporate patronage. It is a strategic investment in cultural restoration and identity. By actively supporting Nigerian Modernism, Access Holdings and Coronation Group reaffirm their belief that Africa’s future will be shaped not only by innovation in boardrooms and markets, but by imagination in studios, classrooms and museums.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CFR, Chairman of both institutions and a Member of Tate Modern’s International Council, brings a deeply personal commitment to this cause as one of Africa’s foremost patrons of the arts.

“The modernist movement in Nigeria tells a story not just of art, but of the cultural awakening of a people who, even in times of transition and turmoil, used creativity to assert dignity above circumstance and retain their authentic cultural identity,” he said.

This commitment reflects Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s philanthropic vision to build enduring African institutions. For him, culture is not separate from progress, rather central to it.

He explains that through this partnership with Tate, Access Holdings and Coronation Group are helping to democratise access to African art, ensuring it is seen, studied and celebrated by the world.

“This is how we inspire the next generation. Not just of artists, but of Africans who know that our stories matter and their voices are heard throughout history. I believe we all carry a sacred duty to protect and share our cultural legacy. The stories told by the artworks are living testaments to our ingenuity and global contribution as Africans in the modern world,” he said.

Tate Modern Director, Karin Hindsbo, said “This landmark exhibition is a powerful celebration of the artists who shaped a powerful vision of African Modernism. It brings long-overdue international attention to their work and tells a visual story of cultural innovation and exchange. We’re thrilled to be presenting this show at Tate Modern and to share the richness of Nigeria’s artistic legacy with audiences here in the UK and around the world.”

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede calls Nigerians everywhere, whether at home or part of the country’s vast and vibrant diaspora, to celebrate Nigerian Modernism as a cultural homecoming and a catalyst for conversations that challenge outdated narratives.

“The power of art transcends borders, connecting hearts and minds to inspire and drive change. This exhibition reminds us to reconnect with our roots and invites the world to see us through our own lens: rich, diverse and unapologetically African,” said Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede.

Nigerian Modernism
9 October 2025 – 11 May 2026
Nigerian Modernism | Tate Modern (https://apo-opa.co/3IP341g)
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG, London, United Kingdom
Open daily 10.00–18.00
Tickets available at www.Tate.org.uk and +44(0)20 7887 8888
Free for Members. Join at https://apo-opa.co/47aiTYT
​Follow @ Tate #NigerianModernism

– on behalf of Access Holdings PLC.

Additional Information:
Nigerian Modernism is in partnership with Access Holdings and Coronation Group. Supported by Ford Foundation and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. With additional support from the Nigerian Modernism Exhibition Supporters Circle, Tate International Council, Tate Patrons and Tate Americas Foundation.

Curated by Osei Bonsu, Curator, International Art, Tate Modern and Bilal Akkouche, Assistant Curator, International Art, Tate Modern.

List of artists featured in Nigerian Modernism:
Tayo Adenaike, Jacob Afolabi, Sàngódáre Gbádégesin Àjàlá, Adebisi Akanji, Justus D. Akeredolu, Jimo Akolo, El Anatsui, Chike C. Aniakor, Abayomi Barber, Georgina Beier, Alexander “Skunder” Boghossian, Jimoh Buraimoh, Avinash Chandra, Nike Davies-Okundaye, Ndidi Dike, Uzo Egonu, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Afi Ekong, Erhabor Emokpae, Ben Enwonwu, Sir Jacob Epstein, Okpu Eze, Adebisi Fabunmi, Lamidi Olonade Fakeye, Agboola Folarin, Buraimoh Gbadamosi, Jonathan Adagogo Green, Yusuf Grillo, Felix Idubor, Ladi Kwali, Akinola Lasekan, Jacob Lawrence, Valente Malangatana, Naoko Matsubara, Demas Nwoko, Olu Oguibe, Rufus Ogundele, J.D Ojeikere, Emmanuel Okechukwu Odita, Simon Okeke, Uche Okeke, Olowe of Ise, Asiru Olatunde, Oseloka Okwudili Osadebe, Aina Onabolu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ben Osawe, Muraina Oyelami, Ru van Rossem, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Gerard Sekoto, Twins Seven Seven, Ahmad Shibrain, F.N. Souza, Ada Udechukwu, Obiora Udechukwu, Etso Clara Ugbodaga-Ngu, Solomon Irein Wangboje, and Susanne Wenger.

Media Contacts:
For Access Holdings
Olakunle Aderinokun
Head Media and Public Relations
Olakunle.Aderinokun@theaccesscorporation.com
+234 (0)803 320 4315

For Coronation Group
Omoniyi Kaka
Events and PR Specialist
omoniyi.kaka@CoronationGroup.com
+234 (0)90 5880 4693

For Tate Modern
Ella Baker
Press & Communications Manager
pressoffice@tate.org.uk
+44 (0)20 7887 8888

About Access Holdings | Access Holdings PLC (https://TheAccessCorporation.com/):
Access Holdings is a financial holding company licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The Company hosts the Access Bank Group, which operates across 24 countries, 3 continents, and serves over 60 million customers. Access Holdings, through its subsidiaries also offers pensions and retirement benefits, asset management, investment brokerage, technology, and other financial services. The Group has enjoyed Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory since the turn of the millennium and strives to support businesses that demonstrate a clear commitment to growth, sustainability, and long-term value.

About Coronation Group | Coronation Group (www.Coronation.ng):
Coronation Group, one of Africa’s leading financial services conglomerates, operates primarily in the insurance, asset management, and merchant banking sectors. Headquartered in Nigeria, Coronation has evolved into a multifaceted financial powerhouse, seamlessly integrating its core businesses through cutting-edge technology to serve both individual and corporate clients across Africa.

We are your trusted partner, providing transformational solutions through the deep expertise of highly skilled professionals. As custodians of Africa’s financial and cultural wealth, we are committed to the democratisation of African art, cultivating a more inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can flourish, making art more accessible to a broader audience and breaking down barriers to education, and cultural capital. 

Our commitment extends to high-impact partnerships with museums and cultural organisations, including our collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), where we support the preservation of the Benin Bronzes — a contribution that underscores our dedication to safeguarding heritage, strengthening identity, and building legacies that endure.

About Tate Modern | Tate (www.Tate.org.uk):
Tate Modern is the world’s most popular museum of modern and contemporary art. It is free to visit and open to all, welcoming millions of people each year. The museum’s collection displays span 100 years of art by renowned artists from around the world, presented alongside a diverse and international programme of exhibitions, commissions and events. For more information, visit https://apo-opa.co/4nyBwfY.

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