South Africa: Minister Nomakhosazana Meth welcomes High Court ruling upholding legality of Employment Equity Regulations

Source: APO


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The Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth, welcomes the judgement handed down on 28 August 2025, by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, in the matter of NEASA & Sakeliga NPC against Minister of Employment and Labour & Others (Case No. 107022/2025).

The application had two parts. In part A of the application, the Applicants approached the court for an order, on an urgent basis pending the relief sought in Part B, interdicting and/or suspending the operation and implementation of the sectoral numerical targets published by the Minister in Government Notice No. 6124 in Government Gazette No.52514 on 15 April 2025 (“the Sectoral targets”); and the Regulations 9(1), 9(2), 9(5)(b), and 9(7) to 9(14) of the General Administrative Regulations published in Government Notice No. 6125 in Government Gazette No. 52515 on 15 April 2025 (“the Administrative Regulations”).

In Part B of the application, they sought an order – declaring sections 15A, 20(2A), 42(1)(aA), 53(6)(a) and 53(6)(b) of the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998 as amended (“the Employment Equity Act”) unconstitutional and invalid; declaring the sectoral targets unlawful, and reviewing and setting them aside; and Declaring Regulations 9(1), 9(2), 9(5)(b), and 9(7) to 9(14) of the Administrative Regulations unlawful, and reviewing and setting them aside.

The High Court judgement focused on Part A of the NEASA and Sakeliga NPC Application, which the Court dismissed.

The Court dismissed Part A of the urgent application brought by the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA) and Sakeliga NPC, which sought to interdict and suspend the implementation of the sectoral numerical targets and specific provisions of the General Administrative Regulations published by the Minister on 15 April 2025.

This ruling confirms the legality and procedural integrity of the Employment Equity (EE) Regulations, which are designed to promote equitable representation across all sectors of the economy. The judgement is a significant affirmation of the Department’s commitment to fostering inclusive and fair labour practices in South Africa.

In his ruling, Judge Graham Moshoana disagreed with the applicants that the alleged mayhem will be caused by the setting of numerical goals as opposed to the setting of numerical targets stating that; “numerical goals are set by the designated employers and not the Minister. The Minister has already done so and no untold mayhem is alleged to have taken place.”

The applicants have indicated their intention to proceed with Part B of their application, which challenges the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Employment Equity Act and seeks to have the sectoral targets and regulations declared unlawful. However, the ruling provides a strong legal foundation for the continued implementation of these transformative measures.

The Court also dismissed an application by the Solidarity trade union to be admitted as amicus curiae (friend of the court), following opposition from the respondents.

Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Nomakhosazana Meth, welcomed the judgement, stating, “This ruling is a victory for equity, justice, and the rule of law. It affirms that the Department has acted within its legal mandate to advance transformation in the workplace. We urge all employers to comply with the Employment Equity Regulations and to prepare for the submission of their 2025 EE reports. The time for meaningful change is now.”

Employers are reminded that the reporting period for the 2025 EE submissions opens on 1 September 2025 and closes on 15 January 2026. Compliance with the published regulations is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative in building a more inclusive economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Gauteng Provincial Legislature calls for roadblocks that fight crime not just revenue collection

Source: APO


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The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised concerns over the current approach to roadblocks conducted across the province by Metro Police Departments and the Gauteng Traffic Police.

During a meeting held yesterday, where Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni appeared before the Committee, Members questioned the widespread practice of roadblocks that appear to focus primarily on checking and printing outstanding traffic fines and forcing motorists to pay fines, particularly those with enforcement orders.

The Committee expressed concern that these operations are increasingly being used as a revenue collection exercise and a substitute for the Post Office in distributing traffic fines, especially following its closure in many areas.

Instead of targeting criminals, illegal firearms, drugs, and unroadworthy vehicles, some of these roadblocks merely hand motorists notices of unpaid fines, often creating severe traffic congestion and frustration without meaningfully contributing to the fight against crime.

The Committee is of the view that Gauteng residents want to see roadblocks that make them safer, not roadblocks that feel like mobile Post Offices. Every roadblock should be a crime-fighting tool—arresting wanted suspects and illegal foreign nationals, recovering dangerous weapons, and ensuring general compliance with the law.

The Committee reaffirmed its support for roadblocks as a vital tool in crime prevention, but insists that they must be impactful, intelligence-driven, and crime focused.

Members further called on motorists to play their part by respecting the rules of the road and settling outstanding fines timeously, thereby freeing law enforcement officers to direct their energy towards fighting core criminality.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

President Ramaphosa declares Special Official Funeral Category 2 in honour of the late Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, former Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and a long-serving diplomat, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

Ambassador Mahlangu passed away at the age of 72 on 24 August 2025, on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness.

Ambassador Mahlangu served as the High Commissioner of South Africa to the Republic of Kenya; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Mahlangu Family as well as the many colleagues, comrades and associates with whom Ambassador Mahlangu engaged during his distinguished career.

Ambassador Mahlangu was instrumental in the drafting of South Africa’s democratic Constitution and served in the first Parliament.

President Ramaphosa has declared that Ambassador Mahlangu will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 which will entail ceremonial honours performed by the South African Police Service.

The funeral will take place at Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be half-masted at all flag stations from tomorrow morning, Saturday, 30 August 2025, until the evening of the funeral on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: One Month to Go Until the Global Energy Industry Unites in Cape Town

Source: APO

With just one month to go until African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies – Africa’s largest energy event -, investors, policymakers and project developers are gearing up to discuss strategies for Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion. Taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, the event serves as a vital platform to sign deals and drive energy projects forward. Returning bigger and better than before, here is what delegates can look forward to at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025:

Multi-Track Program Agenda

This year’s event features an expanded program taking place across multiple stages and covering the entire energy sector and its value chain. An Upstream E&P Track will tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities across Africa’s upstream oil and gas space, delving into topics such as deepwater development, onshore exploration, the role of independent firms and balancing African priorities with global supply dynamics. A dedicated Energy Finance Track will explore emerging trends across Africa’s investment environment, with topics covering strategic investment avenues, innovative financing models, reducing risk perception and more. A Powering Africa Track will address emerging opportunities across the continent’s power and infrastructure sectors, while an Energy Transition Track will offer insight into the continent’s energy transition strategy, from natural gas to carbon capture to storage, green hydrogen and renewable energy rollout.

High-Profile Speakers

Driving discussions across the event’s agenda will be a series of high-profile speakers. From government to private sector to public institutions, finance, technology and policy, speakers will lead key conversations around the state of play of Africa’s energy sector. Featured speakers include Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria; Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Algeria; Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of Central Africa Republic; and Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe. Petroleum and energy ministers from South Africa, Mauritania, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Somalia, Namibia, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, The Gambia, and many more have also joined, alongside c-suite executives from leading global energy companies.

Country Spotlights

As the premier platform for the continent’s energy sector, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 takes place under a mandate to drive investment across the continent – and as such, covers almost every African country and their investment prospects. Country Spotlight sessions will offer first-hand insight into regulatory reforms, emerging investment avenues, key trends and challenges across a variety of markets. These include South Africa, Senegal, Gabon, Uganda, Nigeria, Angola, Namibia, Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Libya and Zimbabwe. Investors have the chance to gain access to some of the continent’s most promising investment opportunities.

Roundtables & Investor Forums

One of the highlights of AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 is the event’s series of industry-focused roundtables and investor forums. Taking place on the pre-conference day (September 2) and the three main conference days (September 3-4), these sessions will unpack Africa’s emerging status as a global energy stronghold. Highlights include the Global Energy Leaders Roundtable, the OPEC-Africa Roundtable, the US-Africa Critical Minerals Roundtable, the Just Energy Transition Roundtable, the Local Content Roundtable, the Russia-Africa Roundtable, the COP 30 Roundtable and more. Targeted forums pave the way for dealmaking and partnerships, with sessions including the Deal Room, the African Farmout Forum, the NOC & IOC Forum, the US-Africa Investment Summit, the General Counsel Forum, among others.

Exclusive Networking Opportunities

AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 places strong emphasis on building meaningful business relationships, and as such, offers a variety of strategic networking functions and side events. These functions aim to foster collaboration across the energy sector by bringing together governments, global partners and African companies under one roof. Key functions include the AEW Gala Dinner & Awards, the JET Concert, the AWBEN Women in Energy Power Lunch, as well as a calendar of cocktail events, business breakfasts and tourist and technical excursions. By creating a culture of collaboration, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 strives to promote partnerships while driving commercial deals forward.

“At a time when global energy dynamics are rapidly evolving, AEW: Invest in African Energies has emerged as strategic platform to advance Africa’s priorities in the global energy arena. Uniting global investors, African governments, public institutions and finance and technology providers in Cape Town, the event is set to redefine the continent’s energy landscape by driving deals, partnerships and projects,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies
AEW: Invest in African Energies 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.

Media files

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Regional cooperation in agriculture key to food security

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger collaboration between South Africa and Zimbabwe to boost food security, climate resilience and agricultural trade in the region.

Speaking at the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on Friday, President Ramaphosa said agriculture remained central to both countries’ economies and vital to addressing unemployment and poverty.

He commended Zimbabwe for its reforms in irrigation, mechanisation and farmer support, noting the sector’s importance in driving economic recovery.

“We congratulate the government of Zimbabwe for the measures it is taking to revive the country’s agricultural sector,” he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Harare at the invitation of Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for a working visit. The President participated as a guest of honour in the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.

The President stressed that climate change posed a growing threat to agriculture, with droughts already reducing yields across the region. He said countries needed to adapt through innovation, technology and joint initiatives.

“Collaboration among countries is critical,” the President said.

He also highlighted biosecurity as an area requiring regional cooperation, citing recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and bird flu. He said investment in research, seed provision, irrigation, training and agro-processing would help strengthen resilience and expand trade opportunities.

He urged the private sector in both countries to use the agriculture show as a platform to build partnerships and leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, agriculture accounts for between 60% and 80% of employment in the region. President Ramaphosa said creating a more enabling environment for small and medium-scale farmers, especially women and youth, was essential.

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is an annual event organised by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society to facilitate and promote agricultural development in the country. Now in its 130th year, it continues to be a platform for promoting innovation, investment and cooperation in the agricultural sector. – SAnews.gov.za

LEKOIL Named Silver Partner at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, Highlighting Growth and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leadership

Source: APO


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Africa-focused exploration and production company LEKOIL will participate as a Silver Partner at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025, underscoring its commitment to scaling oil production, advancing ESG principles and aligning with Nigeria’s energy transition and reform agenda. 

LEKOIL is pursuing a medium-term goal of reaching 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), driven by a portfolio of marginal and offshore assets. Growth will be achieved through rapid project execution, technical innovation and strategic partnerships designed to maximize efficiency and production. 

Earlier this year, the company entered a strategic partnership with the Kwa Ibom State government to catalyze investment across the oil and gas value chain, while also promoting agricultural, infrastructure and community-based initiatives. This collaboration reflects LEKOIL’s long-term vision to integrate energy production with socioeconomic empowerment, creating jobs and driving development in host communities. 

ESG remains central to LEKOIL’s strategy. The company actively promotes environmental stewardship, social investment and governance best practices across Africa’s energy sector. By minimizing environmental footprints, empowering local communities, and ensuring operational transparency, LEKOIL is strengthening investor confidence and supporting sustainable growth. 

Operationally, the company has established a track record of efficiency. The Otakikpo field in Rivers State – acquired in 2014 – was brought into production within 18 months, setting a benchmark for indigenous operators. Today, it remains a cornerstone of LEKOIL’s production base. Meanwhile, OPL 310 offshore Lagos – one of Nigeria’s largest recent offshore discoveries, with estimated recoverable resources exceeding 700 million barrels of oil equivalent – offers significant long-term growth potential. 

These activities align with Nigeria’s broader energy sector reforms, including new executive orders and fiscal measures aimed at boosting competitiveness, attracting investment and enhancing transparency. LEKOIL’s production ambitions and governance commitments position it as a key partner in achieving national energy targets and advancing regional economic growth. 

“LEKOIL’s operational record, ESG focus and alignment with Nigeria’s reform agenda showcase how indigenous oil companies can deliver both commercial growth and socioeconomic impact. By combining technical expertise with strong local partnerships, the company is creating a blueprint for sustainable upstream development in Africa,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. 

LEKOIL executives Edward During, Chief Financial Officer, and Sam Olotu, Chief Technical Officer, will speak at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, offering insights into the company’s ongoing projects, growth trajectory and ESG-driven approach. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week (AEW):
AEW: Invest in African Energies 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. 

Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Official Opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Agricultural Show Grounds, Harare

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency and Dear Brother, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe;
First Vice President Honourable General Chiwenga;
Second Vice President Honourable Colonel Mohadi;
Ministers,;
Mayor of Harare, Cllr Jacob Mafume;
President of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, Mr Ngoni Kudenga;
Representatives from business and agriculture in Zimbabwe and South Africa;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good morning.

It is a great pleasure to be here. 

Mr President, allow me to congratulate you on the opening of this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.

Over the 130 years since its founding, the value and importance of this agricultural show has endured and grown. 

This premier event has weathered strong headwinds: political, economic and increasingly ecological. 

Even amidst these challenges, a constant feature of this show has been the commitment to use agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, sustainable development and historical redress. 

On independence in 1980, the new democratic government of Zimbabwe had to take on the momentous task of dismantling colonial-era patterns of land ownership. 

Most of the country’s commercially productive land and large-scale commercial farms were owned by whites. The black majority was confined to communal lands and all but completely excluded from commercial farming. 

This mirrored our own experience in South Africa. 

It was therefore essential – for both historical redress and food security, development and economic growth – that the government embarked on ambitious reforms to facilitate the entry of black Zimbabweans into productive agriculture, including support to small-scale farmers. 

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy.

We congratulate the government of Zimbabwe for the measures it is taking to revive the country’s agricultural sector through policy reforms, investment in irrigation and mechanisation, and empowering large- and small-scale farmers. 

We know that the agricultural sector has been heavily affected by the growing impacts of the changing climate. 

Severe drought has impacted crop yields in recent years. 

Adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change are an imperative for all nations. Collaboration among countries is critical to the success of these efforts. 

Biosecurity is another area in which we must step up our cooperation. 

Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, avian or bird flu, crop infections and others, call on us to pool our resources and strengthen our collaboration, including through our respective research institutions. 

Technological trends in agriculture must be fully embraced to increase output and conserve resources. 

By way of example, geo-spacial agriculture using earth observation and Artificial Intelligence has started to feature in some sectors of agriculture in South Africa and Zimbabwe. 

Such innovation will be key as we collectively build resilience in pursuit of food security. 

It will also help to make our industries more competitive in the global trading market and to make use of the substantial opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

President Mnangagwa and I recently attended the SADC Summit in Madagascar, where agricultural transformation in the region was a major point of discussion. 

The hosting of this Agriculture Show resonates with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, which seeks to improve domestic production and marketing as well as the facilitation of regional trade in food staples. 

Agricultural cooperation is key to sustaining jobs. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, agriculture accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of employment in the region. 

We must therefore work towards a more enabling regulatory environment to further boost this sector. 

We need increased investment in small and medium farming entities, particularly those owned and run by women and the youth. 

I call on the private sectors in both Zimbabwe and South Africa to use this show to explore avenues for great collaboration that will result in more trade and investment across our borders. 

We need investment in the provision of seeds, training, irrigation schemes, storage facilities and in agro-processing. 

The development of road, rail and aviation infrastructure is a key catalyst to take agriculture to an even higher level. 

Your Excellency, Mr President, 

As I conclude, I wish to once again thank you and the people of Zimbabwe for the warm welcome you have accorded us. 

I extend my warmest congratulations to the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society for successfully organising this edition of the agricultural show and to everyone present here today for ensuring that the show is a resounding success. 

I thank you. 

Ramokgopa advocates for just transition that will leave no community behind

Source: Government of South Africa

Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has outlined an ambitious plan to restructure the nation’s energy landscape, emphasising a balanced approach to decarbonisation that prioritises economic stability and community welfare.

Ramokgopa was speaking at the official launch of the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk and National JET Skills Advisory Forum.

Held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Friday, the Minister told delegates that government aims to dramatically shift its energy mix, targeting 60% renewable energy by 2042, transitioning from the current 78% fossil fuel dependency.

“And then, as we do that, we need to ensure that we domesticate the benefits.” 

The Minister said a key strategy involves repurposing existing power infrastructure, particularly in Mpumalanga, to create new green energy opportunities.

“Our view is that this is a diversified mix with a dynamic relationship.”

According to the Minister, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will add 11 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic and 9 GW of wind power by 2030, with an additional 74 GW planned between 2030-2042. 

The IRP aims to address energy sovereignty, economic impact, and environmental harm, projecting a significant increase in renewable energy sources by 2042. 

Meanwhile, the Minister said the Energy Action Plan (EAP) has improved electricity availability from 48% to over 70%. 

Importantly, the Minister said the transition prioritises “just transition” principles, ensuring communities are not economically decimated.

“As we transition, you must not leave anyone behind. We must design interventions to ensure the net employment benefit is positive.”

In addition, the plan includes massive transmission infrastructure investments, estimated at R440 billion and focuses on creating skills aligned with emerging green economy needs.

“That is because we want to transition. Otherwise, if you didn’t want to, we were not going to spend that money… and could be redirecting it to other sectors of the economy. I’m just saying it’s not free, but we know that the benefit outweighs the upfront cost and then the repurposing options of these power stations.”

In addition, he said the focus is on repurposing power stations and developing local skills to support the transition, ensuring a balanced approach that includes all energy sources and benefits communities.

The Minister said government’s message was clear, which is action over perfection. 

“Our biggest problem is seeking a perfect solution… Act, and in the course of doing that, we’ll make mistakes and get it right.”
Meanwhile, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, highlighted that the energy transition is “not just about megawatts” but is fundamentally about people, communities, and equity.

“It must be about ensuring that women, youth and vulnerable groups are not left behind,” Manamela said. 

READ | South Africa launches critical skills initiatives for Just Energy Transition

Today’s launch saw the unveiling of the JET Skills Desk and the National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, two pillars of South Africa’s JET Skills Portfolio. 

Manamela announced that the JET Skills Desk, located within his department, will coordinate the reskilling and upskilling of workers, while focusing on preparing them for opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industries.

“It will drive reskilling and upskilling of adult workers. It will anticipate skills needs through labour market intelligence. It will strengthen curricular and educator readiness and align training with industry.” – SAnews.gov.za

China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), Chinese leading rating agency affirms Afreximbank’s AAA/Stable rating

Source: APO

China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) has affirmed African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) AAA issuer credit rating with a stable outlook.

Download report: https://apo-opa.co/47lLSKY

The high rating reflects CCXI’s assessment of Afreximbank’s strengths including high strategic positioning, sound risk management system, flexibility in business development, very strong profitability, prudent liquidity management and very high coverage ratio of current assets on short-term debts.

The rating agency further said that it believed that Afreximbank’s ratings would remain stable over the next 12 to18 months, even after consideration of downside credit risks to the macroeconomic and operating environments affecting the Bank.

Reacting to the rating announcement, Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, noted that the rating affirms the Bank’s systemic relevance to Africa and its prudent risk management. He noted it will enhance funding diversification opportunities, particularly in China’s Panda bond market, supporting Afreximbank’s development mandate and trade facilitation between Africa and China.

He reiterated Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting trade finance in Africa and the Caribbean, even during challenging times. He noted the Bank’s commitment to its member states and all clients was unwavering and this resilient track record had significantly contributed to its formidable rating. He said the Chinese rating affirmed the Bank’s preferred creditor status among its 53 member states in Africa and 13 in the Caribbean.

Mr. Denya said: “CCXI’s rating is a remarkable achievement amid a challenging operating environment, and it is a demonstration of Afreximbank’s systemic relevance to Africa and the Caribbean, our key focus regions.” Mr. Denya added that the rating exemplified the Bank’s resilience and would enable it to leverage the breadth and depth of the Panda market as it diversifies its funding sources globally.

The CCXI rating is expected to galvanise greater support for Afreximbank’s funding plans in the Chinese market and enhance the Bank’s market presence and credit position.

In April this year, Afreximbank successfully issued its landmark inaugural Panda bond in the China Interbank Bond Market, raising RMB 2.2 billion (US $ 303 million). The issuance was a significant success, being oversubscribed and attracting high-quality investors, which underscored strong market confidence in the Bank’s credit profile. This pioneering transaction not only provides Afreximbank with a new source of diversified funding in Chinese Renminbi but also establishes a crucial benchmark for other African borrowers and marks a key step in deepening financial cooperation between Africa and China.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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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

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China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), la principale agence de notation chinoise confirme la notation AAA/stable d’Afreximbank

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) a confirmé la note de crédit émetteur « AAA » de la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), avec une perspective stable.

Télécharger le rapport https://apo-opa.co/47lLSKY

La note élevée reflète l’évaluation par CCXI des atouts d’Afreximbank, notamment un positionnement stratégique élevé, un système de gestion des risques solide, une flexibilité dans le développement des affaires, une rentabilité très forte, une gestion prudente des liquidités et un ratio de couverture très élevé des actifs courants sur les dettes à court terme.

L’agence de notation a en outre déclaré qu’elle s’attend que les notations d’Afreximbank restent stables au cours des 12 à 18 prochains mois, même après examen des risques de crédit à la baisse pour les environnements macroéconomiques et opérationnels affectant la Banque.

Réagissant à l’annonce de la notation, M. Denys Denya, Premier Vice-Président Exécutif d’Afreximbank, a souligné que la notation confirme la pertinence systémique de la Banque pour l’Afrique et sa gestion prudente des risques. Il a également noté que cette notation améliorera les opportunités de diversification du financement, en particulier sur le marché obligataire chinois de Panda, soutenant le mandat de développement d’Afreximbank et la facilitation du commerce entre l’Afrique et la Chine.

M. Demya a réitéré l’engagement d’Afreximbank à soutenir le financement du commerce en Afrique et dans les Caraïbes, en dépit du contexte difficile. Il a réaffirmé l’engagement indéfectible de la Banque envers ses États membres et tous ses clients ajoutant que la solide expérience de la Banque a grandement contribué à cette formidable notation. Il a déclaré que la notation chinoise confirmait le statut de créancier privilégié de la Banque auprès de ses 53 États membres en Afrique et de ses 13 États membres dans les Caraïbes.

M. Denya a poursuivi en ces termes : « La notation de CCXI est une réussite remarquable dans un environnement opérationnel difficile, et elle démontre la pertinence systémique d’Afreximbank pour l’Afrique et les Caraïbes, nos régions prioritaires ». M. Denya a ajouté que cette notation illustrait la résilience de la Banque et lui permettrait de tirer parti de l’ampleur et de la profondeur du marché Panda tout en diversifiant ses sources de financement à l’échelle mondiale.

La notation de la CCXI devrait stimuler un soutien accru aux plans de financement d’Afreximbank sur le marché chinois et renforcer la présence de la Banque ainsi que sa position de crédit

En avril de cette année, Afreximbank a émis avec succès son tout premier emprunt obligataire Panda sur le marché obligataire interbancaire chinois, levant 2,2 milliards de RMB (soit 303 millions de dollars US). Cette émission a constitué un succès majeur puisqu’elle a été sursouscrite et a attiré des investisseurs de premier plan, ce qui témoigne de la forte confiance du marché dans le profil de crédit de la Banque.  Cette opération pionnière offre non seulement à Afreximbank une nouvelle source de financement diversifiée en renminbi chinois, mais elle établit également une référence essentielle pour les autres emprunteurs africains et constitue une étape clé dans l’approfondissement de la coopération financière entre l’Afrique et la Chine ».

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

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Responsable de la communication et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
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À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

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