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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Rasha Kelej together with Kenya First Lady support the education of 47 Kenyan Schoolgirls by providing Annual Scholarships till they Graduate

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their Educating Linda program in Kenya in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” at the Kenya State House. The program was chaired by Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H..

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign said, “I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, and officially launch our Educating Linda program in the country, to support girl education.

As a part of Educating Linda, we are providing annual scholarships to 47 deserving, high performing, yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, till they finish their education. This will ensure they are not forced to abandon their education due to financial hardship. We truly believe that an educated girl transforms the entire community.”

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, expressed, “I deeply appreciate all the programs of Merck Foundation including the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to our 47 deserving schoolgirls to support their education until they graduate. We believe that every girl in Kenya, and across Africa, deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Every barrier that prevents a girl from going to school must be dismantled, and this program is one powerful means of doing exactly that. I am confident these young girls will reach their full potential and go on to inspire many others.”

During the program, the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with the First Lady of Kenya, took the opportunity to meet and encourage the Kenyan schoolgirls who are the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program, and to hear directly from them and their parents about the impact the scholarships have had on their lives.

The Educating Linda program by Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies, is providing annual scholarships to more than 1,250 schoolgirls across 21 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others. The program also ensures that thousands of schoolgirls across Africa receive essential school supplies, removing further practical obstacles to their education.

“When a girl is educated, entire nation is empowered. Educated girls grow into empowered women, who drive prosperity, strengthen families, and advance nations. That is the vision behind everything we do: Girl Education today for Women Empowerment tomorrow,” said Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation together has provided 328 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties; including Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Gastroenterology, Psychiatry, Neurology, and many more. During the visit, Merck Foundation also conducted their Alumni Summit 2026, to acknowledge and meet their Alumni. Moreover, they also met and recognized the Merck Foundation Awards Winners of 2024 and 2025.

Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya is also launching children’s storybooks: “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These storybooks address critical social and health issues and will be available in both English and Swahili. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren across Kenya.

Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Kenya also annually launch their 8 important awards for best media, film, fashion designs and songs. Together they have also conducted several editions of Merck Foundation Health Media Training Program, enabling Kenyan journalists to be equipped to be the voice of the voiceless and report responsibly and effectively on sensitive subjects including infertility, child marriage, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/49Ce8cx

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fht7w9), X (https://apo-opa.co/4uMTGhC), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4dJPyJ7), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4g0EwAy), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4uarELW) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4dTCTSD).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Bafana Bafana arrive in Mexico 

Source: Government of South Africa

Bafana Bafana arrive in Mexico 

South Africa’s national’s men’s soccer team Bafana Bafana have arrived in Mexico ahead of the start of the FIFA Soccer World Cup next week.

Their safe arrival was announced in a post on social media platform, X, on Tuesday.

The team departed for the tournament on Monday after visas were secured for all the players on Sunday, 31 May.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) held an Emergency Committee Meeting on Sunday night, 31 May, where a number of issues around the South African senior men’s national team’s delayed travel plans to Mexico were discussed by the members,” the association said in a statement on Monday.

At the meeting, it was revealed that four members of the camp had outstanding visas for the North American trip.

“To strengthen operational coordination during the FIFA World Cup, SAFA can further reveal that a three-member organising committee has been established to manage the team’s administrative affairs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup comprising of Bafana Bafana Head of Delegation (HOD) David Molwantwa, SAFA Chairperson of the Finance Committee Mxolisi Sibam, together with the Team Manager Vincent Tseka.” 

The three will work together in ensuring that any logistical or administrative matters that may arise during the global tournament are dealt with expeditiously. 

“While the visa delays resulted in the team losing a valuable day in its travel and preparation schedule, SAFA is satisfied that the matter has now been substantially resolved and that the team’s World Cup plans remain firmly on course,” SAFA said at the time.

In addition, SAFA also apologised to the nation for the unexpected travel delays and thanked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for their assistance, as well as the US Consulate in Johannesburg, which went beyond the call of duty over the weekend to ensure that the visas were issued for all  players to travel.

This year’s FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men’s football team prepares to make its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.

READ | Call to rally behind Bafana Bafana

“I call on all South Africans to rally behind our team and show their support. Let us wear the team colours and fly the flag,” said the President. – SAnews.gov.za

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SIU uncovers maladministration in awarding of Free State bursaries

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU uncovers maladministration in awarding of Free State bursaries

An investigation into the affairs of the Office of the Premier in the Free State has uncovered serious maladministration and the awarding of bursaries to foreign nationals, relatives and a deceased student.

Acting Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Leonard Lekgetho said the investigation was initiated following a referral from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) concerning irregularities.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Tuesday, Lekgetho said the AGSA’s reports from 2019 and 2020 revealed serious irregularities in the management of bursaries and funds intended to educate and uplift youth in the Free State.

The awarding of the bursaries in question took place during Ace Magashule’s tenure as Premier. The investigation was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 123 of 2023.

“The SIU’s investigation revealed that officials approved bursaries negligently, failed to comply with the eligibility criteria, and irregularly extended bursary contracts,” Lekgetho said.

Lekgetho said the investigation confirmed that a deceased student had received bursaries from both Office of the Premier and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

“The Office of the Premier paid R34 891.60 to the University of the Free State, which deposited the money into a suspense account after the student’s death. NSFAS also paid R13 000 into the student’s bank account, which his parents used. 

“Since the student had died before completing his studies, the funds could not be recovered, especially since the proclamation did not cover NSFAS. The parents also lack the means to pay back the money.

“The SIU identified the officials who approved the bursary and extension, resulting in the payment of R34 891.60, as well as funding courses the student failed to complete, resulting in breach of contractual and policy obligations,” Lekgetho said.

The investigation also showed that seven students who received the bursary were foreign nationals, with six students then funded on a merit basis as top achievers.

However, the SIU found no approval to deviate from the policy, which specifies that bursaries are for South African citizens residing in the Free State, and this resulted in an expenditure of R576 734.48.

According to Lekgetho, in total, an amount of R8.3 million was spent, benefiting 161 students and 16 officials from various government departments. 

Lekgetho said the SIU has made 38 disciplinary referrals against the implicated officials, including human resources officials, administration clerks, Assistant, Deputy Directors and Directors.

The unit also uncovered that in one instance, a degree that was supposed to be finalised in three years ended up being finalised in seven years, and throughout these years, the bursary was awarded. 

In their investigations, the SIU uncovered that an official awarded bursaries to relatives without following due process. 

In some cases, the Office of the Premier awarded bursaries to applicants for qualifications not included in the 2018-19 Provincial Workplace Skills Plan.

The SIU said it had signed 18 acknowledgements of debt totalling R1.9 million with individuals who received undue benefits from the bursary scheme.  

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae welcomed the investigation and committed her administration to supporting the SIU investigations.

“Our objective is to ensure that eligibility requirements, approval, and oversight mechanisms are clearly defined and consistently applied,” she said.

She said the disciplinary process for the eight employees involved in these irregularities would be executed. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Minister Meth defends push to prioritise South Africans for jobs

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Meth defends push to prioritise South Africans for jobs

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says government is strengthening labour market enforcement and labour migration reforms to ensure South Africans are prioritised for employment opportunities, while maintaining a lawful and fair migration system.

Speaking during a Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Deep Dive Media Engagement, Meth said government’s labour market reforms are intended to address high unemployment levels and tackle unlawful employment practices.

“These reforms are intended to strengthen labour market governance, improve the regulation of employment services, [and] protect labour standards,” she said.

The reforms include implementation of the National Labour Migration Policy and the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which seeks to strengthen enforcement powers available to labour inspectors.

Meth said the measures are designed to strike a balance between protecting opportunities for South Africans and meeting the economy’s demand for scarce and critical skills.

“They seek to strike an appropriate balance between safeguarding employment opportunities for South Africans and meeting the economy’s demand for critical skills,” she said. 

A key focus of the reforms is strengthening enforcement against the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.

“It is important for employers to be deliberate in utilizing ESSA [Employment Services South Africa]  to recruit South Africans, and in abiding with the law to prioritise South Africans and employ those who are legally in South Africa from other countries,” the Minister said.

Meth rejected claims that South Africans are unwilling to work, arguing that the real challenge is a shortage of employment opportunities.

“We must firmly reject the narrative that South Africans are unwilling to work.

“Millions of South Africans wake up every day in search of work, eager to contribute their skills, earn a living and support their families,” the minister said. 

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya echoed the sentiment, saying employers should stop favouring undocumented foreign nationals.

“There is nothing like South Africans do not want to work, we must stop that notion,” he said. 

Sibiya warned that tougher penalties are on the way for employers who violate labour and immigration laws.

“Our fines are going to be harsher going forward for employers who are non-compliant. Non-compliance is very expensive. You can’t prioritise illegal immigrants because you want to exploit them,” he said. 

According to the department, the Employment Services Amendment Bill will introduce stronger enforcement mechanisms and fines of up to R100 000 for non-compliance.

The Deputy Minister said inspections have already uncovered widespread violations in sectors such as hospitality and construction.

“We’ve been going big on construction,” he said.

He revealed that labour inspections recently identified 79 undocumented foreign nationals on a single construction site in the Western Cape.

“We are going big on them, but we are going to engage as well with the construction sector, as we are doing with hospitality,” Sibiya said. 

At the same time, government says it remains committed to ensuring labour migration is managed in a lawful and developmental manner.

Acting Deputy Director-General Thembinkosi Mkalipi explained that the National Labour Migration Policy does not exclude the informal sector and forms part of a broader package of reforms being implemented across government.

He said government is also working with companies operating in platform and delivery services to improve opportunities for South Africans.

Mkalipi pointed to partnerships with delivery and e-hailing companies that have resulted in greater employment opportunities for local workers.

“The Minister talked about this perception that South Africans don’t like certain jobs, which is not true,” Mkalipi said. 

The labour migration reforms form part of government’s wider strategy to improve labour market governance while addressing unemployment and protecting labour standards.

Meth said government’s objective is to create a labour market that is fair, orderly and supportive of inclusive economic growth.

“Collectively, these measures will contribute to a more orderly, equitable, and effective labor market that protects workers, supports employers, and advances inclusive economic growth.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank renforce son engagement en faveur des progrès économiques aux Bahamas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) a organisé une tournée de présentation de haut niveau à Nassau, aux Bahamas, le 29 mai, afin d’approfondir son partenariat avec les principaux acteurs et entreprises des secteurs public, privé et financier du pays.

Organisée dans le cadre de la stratégie globale de la Banque visant à renforcer le commerce, l’investissement et la coopération économique entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes, cette tournée, placée sous le thème « Investir dans le progrès grâce à la mise en œuvre du mandat d’Afreximbank aux Bahamas », s’est appuyée sur les réalisations actuelles de la Banque et des Bahamas pour explorer de nouvelles opportunités de prospérité partagée.

Cette tournée de présentation fait suite à l’approbation par le Conseil d’administration d’Afreximbank d’une facilité de financement pouvant atteindre 5 milliards de dollars US pour la région des Caraïbes, y compris les Bahamas. Cette approbation témoigne de l’engagement d’Afreximbank à promouvoir les objectifs du programme Global Africa (Afrique mondiale) en renforçant les liens commerciaux et financiers entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes.

L’événement, présidé par l’honorable Philip Davis, Premier ministre des Bahamas, et auquel ont participé de nombreux acteurs du monde des affaires bahaméen, a permis à Afreximbank de présenter sa gamme de solutions de financement, de conseil et de facilitation du commerce destinées aux entreprises et aux institutions des Bahamas et de renforcer les partenariats institutionnels.

Lors de la tournée de présentation, le Premier ministre a déclaré : « La croissance économique doit se traduire par une participation économique plus large, afin de garantir à un plus grand nombre de Bahaméens la possibilité de créer des entreprises, des emplois et de tirer profit des progrès du pays. Nous avons réalisé des avancées dans ce domaine, mais le renforcement de l’accès au capital par le biais d’institutions telles qu’Afreximbank demeure un élément essentiel de nos efforts continus ».

« Cette tournée de présentation nous rappelle également l’importance de la coopération régionale et internationale à un moment où de nombreuses économies traversent une période d’incertitudes », a-t-il ajouté.

Dans son discours d’ouverture, M. Ihejirika a déclaré : « En moins de trois ans d’activité au sein de la CARICOM, Afreximbank a démontré un engagement fort en faveur du développement économique de la région, et plus particulièrement des Bahamas, en soutenant des projets clés dans des secteurs essentiels. À ce jour, la Banque a facilité le financement d’infrastructures à hauteur d’environ 140 millions de dollars US par le biais de partenariats public-privé (PPP), et a également accordé 30 millions de dollars US de soutien au secteur des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME). Ces investissements soulignent la mission d’Afreximbank, qui est de stimuler une croissance durable, de renforcer la résilience économique et d’offrir davantage d’opportunités aux entreprises et aux collectivités des Bahamas ».

Parmi les autres intervenants de marque présents à l’événement figuraient l’honorable Michael B. Halkitis, Ministre des Finances, l’honorable Ginger M. Moxey, Ministre de Grand Bahama, M. Atario Mitchell, Président du Bahamas Stripping Group of Companies, et M. Kino Simmons, Directeur général de CAT Island Development Company.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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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 2025, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 48,5 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 8,4 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A par GCR, A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et Baa2 par Moody’s. Moody’s (Baa2). 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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Assemblées annuelles 2026 : les gouverneurs soutiennent les solutions de plateforme de la Banque pour transformer l’aviation et les systèmes de santé en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • Le Japon apporte 10 millions de dollars américains en faveur de l’IATP.
  • Les participants ont appelé à une forte appropriation nationale, à l’alignement des partenaires et à une discipline d’exécution visible.
  • Une meilleure connectivité aérienne peut renforcer les chaînes d’approvisionnement, y compris en médicaments, vaccins, équipements médicaux et personnels de santé.
  • Les gouverneurs et partenaires ont salué l’approche de la Banque visant à transformer des priorités continentales en plateformes finançables et déployables.

Les gouverneurs du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org), les partenaires techniques et financiers, représentants du secteur privé, fondations philanthropiques et investisseurs ont exprimé leur fort soutien à la nouvelle approche de solutions de plateforme du Groupe de la Banque visant à accélérer la transformation de l’Afrique dans la santé et l’aviation.

En marge de ses Assemblées annuelles 2026, le 28 mai à Brazzaville, le Groupe de la Banque a présenté à ces acteurs essentiels, deux applications concrètes de cette approche : le Programme intégré de transformation de l’aviation en Afrique (IATP) et la Facilité africaine pour les médicaments et équipements médicaux (AMEF), conçus pour mobiliser davantage de capitaux, réduire les risques et répondre à des défis continentaux majeurs.

La rencontre organisée sur le thème :« Solutions de plateforme pour la transformation de l’Afrique : réduction des risques dans les secteurs de l’aviation et des systèmes de santé grâce à des financements innovants », a permis aux participants d’apprécier l’approche du Groupe de la Banque, qui reflète l’évolution du rôle des banques multilatérales de développement : passer du financement projet par projet à la création de plateformes capables d’agréger des partenaires, d’attirer des capitaux et de produire des résultats à l’échelle des défis du continent.

Ainsi, la Banque a présenté l’IATP et l’AMEF non seulement comme deux initiatives complémentaires, mais surtout comme deux applications d’une même architecture financière : l’une visant à renforcer la connectivité aérienne, les chaînes logistiques et l’intégration régionale ; l’autre à sécuriser l’accès aux médicaments, aux vaccins et aux équipements médicaux essentiels.

« Nous avons besoin de médicaments de bonne qualité, conformes aux normes internationales. L’Afrique a également besoin de compagnies capables de connecter l’ensemble du continent, de renforcer l’intégration régionale et de soutenir la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) », a déclaré le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, en ouvrant les échanges.

Dans le secteur aérien, l’IATP vise à soutenir la modernisation des flottes, l’amélioration des infrastructures, le renforcement de la logistique et l’intégration du marché africain du transport aérien. Le Groupe de la Banque entend mobiliser sept milliards de dollars américains au cours des cinq prochaines années afin de contribuer à libérer le potentiel de l’aviation africaine, en partenariat avec les États africains, l’Union africaine, les partenaires du développement, le secteur privé, les banques et investisseurs, les avionneurs, les sociétés de leasing, les compagnies aériennes, entre autres.

Dans le secteur de la santé, l’AMEF vise à appuyer des mécanismes d’approvisionnement plus stables et mieux coordonnés afin d’améliorer l’accès durable aux produits de santé de qualité.

Selon le directeur du Département du secteur privé de la Banque africaine de développement, Ousmane Fall, l’Afrique fabrique seulement 1 % des médicaments dont elle a besoin et environ 0,5 % de ses vaccins. Seuls 40 % des médicaments essentiels sont disponibles à temps pour les populations, tandis que les délais d’accès peuvent aller de trois à neuf mois. Dans le secteur aérien, a ajouté son collègue Mike Salawou, directeur du Département des infrastructures et du développement urbain, seulement 19 % des vols sont opérés en Afrique par des compagnies régionales ou nationales africaines, et le manque à gagner lié au déficit du transport aérien est estimé entre 50 et 100 milliards de dollars par an.

La plateforme proposée par le Groupe de la Banque s’appuie sur une collaboration entre gouvernements, institutions de financement du développement, partenaires philanthropiques, fournisseurs et investisseurs afin de mobiliser des financements adaptés, renforcer la transparence et améliorer la soutenabilité financière des systèmes d’approvisionnement.

Un appui de haut niveau pour passer de la conception à la mise en œuvre

Les interventions des participants ont convergé autour d’un message clair : les deux plateformes doivent désormais avancer vers la mise en œuvre, avec une forte appropriation nationale, des partenaires alignés et un suivi régulier des résultats.

Plusieurs intervenants ont souligné que la réussite des deux plateformes dépendrait de la capacité à maintenir une coalition large associant États, banques multilatérales de développement, investisseurs institutionnels, fondations philanthropiques et acteurs du secteur privé autour d’objectifs communs et mesurables.

« La réduction des risques est le plus grand défi, a souligné Abdourahmane Sarr, ministre de l’Économie, du Plan et de la Coopération du Sénégal. C’est là que le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement peut jouer un rôle catalyseur en faisant profiter de sa notation triple A. »

La gouverneure suppléante du Groupe de la Banque pour la Tanzanie, Dr Natu El Maamry Mwamba, secrétaire permanente au Trésor, a salué le modèle financier proposé pour les deux initiatives, rappelant qu’une garantie de la Banque avait permis à son pays de mobiliser, en quelques mois, la moitié du 1,2 milliard de dollars nécessaire à son projet de chemin de fer à écartement standard.

« Le Cameroun soutient ces deux initiatives qui permettront de prendre en charge des besoins cruciaux pour nos populations et de renforcer la mise en œuvre de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine », a déclaré Alamine Ousmane Mey, ministre de l’Économie, de la Planification et de l’Aménagement du territoire du Cameroun.

Dix millions de dollars du Japon pour l’IATP

Les participants ont insisté sur l’importance d’une coordination étroite des différents acteurs afin de garantir des résultats concrets, mesurables et visibles pour les populations.

Se félicitant de l’approche du Groupe de la Banque, le Japon a annoncé un appui de dix millions de dollars en faveur de la Facilité de partage du risque du Programme intégré de transformation de l’aviation en Afrique (IATP) afin de réduire les risques du financement des flottes par les compagnies aériennes africaines. Cette annonce constitue un signal important de confiance des partenaires dans l’ambition de moderniser le transport aérien africain, de renforcer les liaisons régionales et d’appuyer l’intégration économique du continent. Cette contribution devrait soutenir la phase initiale de mise en œuvre de la plateforme et renforcer sa capacité à mobiliser des financements complémentaires, a déclaré M. Salawou.

« Il s’agit de construire une plateforme continentale de connectivité capable de relier les marchés, de renforcer les chaînes de valeur régionales et de soutenir la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. Dans un contexte marqué par des risques sanitaires, climatiques et géopolitiques croissants, la connectivité devient également un enjeu de résilience. Les avions transportent des passagers, mais aussi des médicaments, des vaccins, des équipements stratégiques et des opportunités économiques. En mobilisant davantage de capitaux, en réduisant les risques et en renforçant les partenariats, l’IATP contribue à transformer l’aviation en levier d’intégration, de compétitivité et de prospérité pour l’Afrique », a-t-il ajouté.

Le ministre Ismael Nabé, gouverneur de la Banque pour la Guinée, a souligné l’importance de la mutualisation des efforts afin d’éviter une fragmentation qui limite l’émergence de grandes compagnies africaines. Le ministre fédéral de l’aviation du Nigéria, Festus Keyamo, a appelé à développer davantage les solutions de leasing dans le secteur aérien, annonçant la signature avec la Banque du premier Pacte national du Programme intégré de transformation de l’aviation en Afrique.

Au-delà de l’aviation et de la santé, les échanges ont mis en évidence le potentiel des solutions de plateforme comme nouvel instrument de transformation du continent. « Les populations ont besoin de pouvoir accéder rapidement aux médicaments, aux vaccins, aux biens essentiels et aux opportunités économiques. Cela exige des chaînes logistiques performantes, des infrastructures de connectivité efficaces et des mécanismes de financement capables d’intervenir à l’échelle des défis du continent. Les solutions de plateforme constituent une évolution importante de la manière dont nous abordons le développement : elles permettent de transformer des priorités africaines en programmes finançables, déployables et mesurables, tout en renforçant l’intégration régionale, la résilience et la capacité de l’Afrique à façonner son propre avenir », a souligné le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement.

Cette approche s’inscrit pleinement dans la vision portée par le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement visant à renforcer le rôle de l’institution comme plateforme de mobilisation de capitaux pour l’Afrique et à contribuer à l’émergence d’une Nouvelle architecture financière africaine pour le développement capable de soutenir une croissance plus intégrée, plus résiliente et plus inclusive.

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

Contact médias :
Romaric Ollo Hien
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

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Governadores apoiam as soluções de plataforma do Banco para transformar a aviação e os sistemas de saúde em África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

  • O Japão contribui com 10 milhões de dólares americanos para o IATP.
  • Os participantes apelaram a uma forte apropriação nacional, ao alinhamento dos parceiros e a uma disciplina de execução visível.
  • Uma melhor conectividade aérea pode reforçar as cadeias de abastecimento, incluindo de medicamentos, vacinas, equipamentos médicos e profissionais de saúde.
  • Os governadores e parceiros elogiaram a abordagem do Banco que visa transformar as prioridades continentais em plataformas financiáveis e implementáveis.

Os governadores do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), os parceiros técnicos e financeiros, representantes do setor privado, fundações filantrópicas e investidores manifestaram o seu forte apoio à nova abordagem de soluções de plataforma do Grupo Banco, que visa acelerar a transformação de África nos setores da saúde e da aviação.

À margem dos seus Encontros Anuais de 2026, a 28 de maio em Brazzaville, o Grupo Banco apresentou a estes atores essenciais duas aplicações concretas desta abordagem: o Programa Integrado de Transformação da Aviação em África (IATP) e o Mecanismo Africano para Medicamentos e Equipamentos Médicos (AMEF), concebidos para mobilizar mais capitais, reduzir os riscos e responder aos principais desafios continentais.

O encontro, organizado sob o tema ‘Soluções de plataforma para a transformação de África: redução de riscos nos setores da aviação e dos sistemas de saúde através de financiamentos inovadores’, permitiu aos participantes avaliar a abordagem do Grupo Banco, que reflete a evolução do papel dos bancos multilaterais de desenvolvimento: passar do financiamento projeto a projeto para a criação de plataformas capazes de agregar parceiros, atrair capitais e produzir resultados à altura dos desafios do continente.

Assim, o Banco apresentou o IATP e o AMEF não só como duas iniciativas complementares, mas sobretudo como duas aplicações de uma mesma arquitetura financeira: uma destinada a reforçar a conectividade aérea, as cadeias logísticas e a integração regional; e a outra que visa garantir o acesso a medicamentos, vacinas e equipamentos médicos essenciais.

“Precisamos de medicamentos de boa qualidade, em conformidade com as normas internacionais; África precisa também de companhias aéreas capazes de ligar todo o continente, reforçar a integração regional e apoiar a Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (AfCFTA)”, declarou o presidente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, ao dar início aos debates.

No setor da aviação, o IATP visa apoiar a modernização das frotas, a melhoria das infraestruturas, o reforço da logística e a integração do mercado africano de transportes aéreos.

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento tenciona mobilizar sete mil milhões de dólares ao longo dos próximos cinco anos, a fim de contribuir para libertar o potencial da aviação africana, em parceria com os Estados africanos, a União Africana, os parceiros de desenvolvimento, o setor privado, os bancos e investidores, os fabricantes de aeronaves, as empresas de leasing e as companhias aéreas, entre outros.

No setor da saúde, o AMEF visa apoiar mecanismos de abastecimento mais estáveis e mais bem coordenados, a fim de melhorar o acesso sustentável a produtos de saúde de qualidade.

Segundo o diretor do Departamento do Setor Privado do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Ousmane Fall, África fabrica apenas 1% dos medicamentos de que necessita e cerca de 0,5% das suas vacinas. Apenas 40% dos medicamentos essenciais estão disponíveis atempadamente para as populações, enquanto os prazos de acesso podem variar entre três e nove meses. No setor aéreo, acrescentou o seu colega Mike Salawou, diretor do Departamento de Infraestruturas e Desenvolvimento Urbano, apenas 19% dos voos são operados em África por companhias regionais ou nacionais africanas, e a perda de receitas associada ao défice do transporte aéreo está estimada entre 50 e 100 mil milhões de dólares por ano.

A plataforma proposta pelo Grupo Banco assenta numa colaboração entre governos, instituições de financiamento do desenvolvimento, parceiros filantrópicos, fornecedores e investidores, com o objetivo de mobilizar financiamentos adequados, reforçar a transparência e melhorar a sustentabilidade financeira dos sistemas de abastecimento.

Apoio de alto nível para passar da conceção à implementação

As intervenções dos participantes convergiram em torno de uma mensagem clara: as duas plataformas devem agora avançar para a implementação, com uma forte apropriação nacional, parceiros alinhados e um acompanhamento regular dos resultados.

Vários oradores sublinharam que o sucesso das duas plataformas dependeria da capacidade de manter uma ampla coligação que associasse Estados, bancos multilaterais de desenvolvimento, investidores institucionais, fundações filantrópicas e atores do setor privado à volta de objetivos comuns e mensuráveis.

“A redução dos riscos é o maior desafio”, sublinhou o ministro da Economia, do Planeamento e da Cooperação do Senegal, Abdourahmane Sarr. “É aqui que o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento pode desempenhar um papel catalisador, tirando partido do seu rating AAA”, vincou.

A governadora suplente do Grupo Banco para a Tanzânia, Natu El Maamry Mwamba, secretária permanente do Tesouro, saudou o modelo financeiro proposto para as duas iniciativas, recordando que uma garantia do Banco permitiu ao seu país mobilizar, em poucos meses, metade dos 1,2 mil milhões de dólares necessários para o seu projeto de ferrovia de bitola padrão.

“Os Camarões apoiam estas duas iniciativas que permitirão dar resposta a necessidades cruciais para as nossas populações e reforçar a implementação da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana”, declarou o ministro da Economia, do Planeamento e do Ordenamento do Território dos Camarões, Alamine Ousmane Mey.

Dez milhões de dólares do Japão para o IATP

Os participantes salientaram a importância de uma coordenação estreita entre os diferentes intervenientes, a fim de garantir resultados concretos, mensuráveis e visíveis para as populações.

Congratulando-se com a abordagem do Grupo Banco, o Japão anunciou um apoio de dez milhões de dólares a favor do Mecanismo de Partilha de Risco do Programa Integrado de Transformação da Aviação em África (IATP), com o objetivo de reduzir os riscos do financiamento das frotas pelas companhias aéreas africanas. Este anúncio constitui um importante sinal de confiança dos parceiros na ambição de modernizar o transporte aéreo africano, reforçar as ligações regionais e apoiar a integração económica do continente. Esta contribuição deverá apoiar a fase inicial de implementação da plataforma e reforçar a sua capacidade de mobilizar financiamentos complementares, declarou Salawou.

“Trata-se de construir uma plataforma continental de conectividade capaz de ligar os mercados, reforçar as cadeias de valor regionais e apoiar a implementação da AfCFTA. Num contexto marcado por riscos sanitários, climáticos e geopolíticos crescentes, a conectividade torna-se também uma questão de resiliência. Os aviões transportam passageiros, mas também medicamentos, vacinas, equipamentos estratégicos e oportunidades económicas. Ao mobilizar mais capitais, reduzir os riscos e reforçar as parcerias, o IATP contribui para transformar a aviação num alavanca de integração, competitividade e prosperidade para África”, acrescentou.

O ministro Ismael Nabé, governador do Banco para a Guiné, sublinhou a importância da partilha de esforços para evitar uma fragmentação que limite o desenvolvimento de grandes companhias africanas. O ministro federal da aviação da Nigéria, Festus Keyamo, apelou a um maior desenvolvimento das soluções de leasing no setor aéreo, anunciando a assinatura com o Banco do primeiro Compacto Nacional do Programa Integrado de Transformação da Aviação em África.

Para além da aviação e da saúde, os debates destacaram o potencial das soluções de plataforma como novo instrumento de transformação do continente. “As populações precisam de poder aceder rapidamente a medicamentos, vacinas, bens essenciais e oportunidades económicas. Isto exige cadeias logísticas eficientes, infraestruturas de conectividade eficazes e mecanismos de financiamento capazes de responder à escala dos desafios do continente. As soluções de plataforma constituem uma evolução importante na forma como abordamos o desenvolvimento: permitem transformar as prioridades africanas em programas financiáveis, implementáveis e mensuráveis, reforçando simultaneamente a integração regional, a resiliência e a capacidade de África para moldar o seu próprio futuro”, sublinhou o presidente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento.

Esta abordagem insere-se plenamente na visão defendida pelo dr. Sidi Ould Tah, que visa reforçar o papel da instituição como plataforma de mobilização de capitais para África e contribuir para o surgimento de uma Nova Arquitetura Financeira Africana para o Desenvolvimento (NAFAD), capaz de apoiar um crescimento mais integrado, mais resiliente e mais inclusivo.

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

Contacto para os media:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

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Qatar Affirms Continued Commitment to Its Efforts in Mediation, Dialogue, and Preventive Diplomacy

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, June 02, 2026

The State of Qatar has affirmed continued commitment to its efforts in mediation, dialogue, and preventive diplomacy to bolster peaceful efforts aimed at de-escalation and the preservation of international peace and security.

This came in Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani before the UN General Assembly meeting on ‘Strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution’, under agenda item 31(b), at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Reiterating Qatar’s position that mediation remains one of the most effective tools for settling disputes peacefully, preventing their outbreak, and building sustainable peace, Her Excellency said that mediation constitutes a fundamental pillar of preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution, and that the need to strengthen it is increasing, especially given the growing complexity of conflicts in light of modern technology, at a time when the world is witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since the founding of the United Nations.

Her Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar is proud of its longstanding role in mediation, noting that preventive diplomacy, mediation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts are fundamental pillars of its foreign policy, based on the principles enshrined in its constitution and in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN highlighted the joint mediation efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar, alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and the Republic of Turkiye, in reaching the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, which was signed in October of last year, stressing Qatar’s emphasis on the necessity for all parties to fulfill their commitments, fully implement the ceasefire agreement, and open the crossings to ensure the sustained and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Her Excellency said that Qatar continues its efforts in eastern Congo through the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed on November 15, 2025, while noting Qatar’s mediation efforts in Afghanistan, which culminated in the signing of the peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban in Doha in February 2020.

Her Excellency renewed Qatar’s appreciation and support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, affirming its full support for mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation, thereby contributing to enhanced security and stability in the region.

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Two Mozambican nationals and SA teenager killed in Mossel Bay

Source: Government of South Africa

Two Mozambican nationals and SA teenager killed in Mossel Bay

Police in the Western Cape are investigating the murders of two Mozambican nationals and an 18-year-old South African following violent unrest in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, over the weekend.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers from the George Public Order Police unit, supported by local police, responded to sporadic violence in the Asla Park informal settlement on Friday, 29 May 2026. 

About 55 shacks were allegedly set alight by a group of people during the unrest.

Police, together with fire services and disaster management teams, brought the situation under control, however, a number of residents have been displaced.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, police discovered the body of a 27-year-old man with multiple injuries in the area. 

Shortly afterwards, another man who had sustained assault-related injuries was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital. 

Investigators later confirmed that the two victims, aged 27 and 43, were Mozambican nationals.

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the two murders, and investigations are continuing, said the police.

In a separate incident, KwaNonqaba police were called to the New Rest informal settlement at about 3am on Sunday after the body of an 18-year-old South African man was found outside a shack. 

The victim had suffered stab wounds and was declared dead by paramedics at 3:19am.

Police said detectives were making progress in the investigation and were searching for a known suspect.

Since the outbreak of violence, police have arrested five suspects. 

Two have been charged with public violence and appeared in court on Monday, where they were granted bail of R1 000 each.

Three other suspects were expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges relating to the possession of presumed stolen property.

SAPS said it respects the right of citizens to protest but urged demonstrators to act within the law. The police warned that officers would act decisively against those involved in violent acts or the incitement of violence.

The police also appealed to community members and leaders to refrain from spreading unverified information, saying it could cause unnecessary panic and anxiety.

Police said deployments remain on high alert in the area as authorities work to restore calm and order. No further incidents have been reported since Monday. – SAnews.gov.za

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Annual Meetings 2026: Governors Back the Bank’s Platform Solutions to Transform Aviation and Health Systems in Africa

Source: APO

  • Japan contributes US$10 million to support the IATP.
  • Participants called for strong national ownership, partner alignment, and clear implementation discipline.
  • Improved air connectivity can strengthen supply chains, including for medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, and healthcare personnel.
  • Governors and partners praised the Bank’s approach of turning continental priorities into bankable and deployable platforms.

Governors of the African Development Bank Group (Bank Group) (www.AfDB.org), technical and financial partners, private sector representatives, philanthropic foundations, and investors expressed strong support for the Bank Group’s new platform solutions approach aimed at accelerating Africa’s transformation in the health and aviation sectors.

On the sidelines of its 2026 Annual Meetings, held on May 28 in Brazzaville, the Bank Group presented two concrete applications of this approach to key stakeholders: the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program (IATP) and the African Medical Equipment and Medicines Facility (AMEF), both designed to mobilise greater capital, reduce risks, and address major continental challenges.

The meeting, held under the theme “Platform Solutions for Africa’s Transformation: De-risking Aviation and Health Systems through Innovative Financing,” enabled participants to appreciate the Bank Group’s approach, which reflects the evolving role of multilateral development banks: moving from project-by-project financing to creating platforms capable of bringing together partners, attracting capital, and delivering solutions at the scale, to the continent’s challenges.

The Bank presented the IATP and AMEF not only as two complementary initiatives but, more importantly, as two applications of the same financial architecture: one aimed at strengthening air connectivity, logistics chains, and regional integration; the other focused on securing access to essential medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment.

“We need high-quality medicines that meet international standards. Africa also needs airlines capable of connecting the entire continent, strengthening regional integration, and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” said Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Bank Group, as he opened the discussions.

In the aviation sector, the IATP seeks to support fleet modernisation, infrastructure upgrades, logistics improvements, and the integration of Africa’s air transport market. The Bank Group aims to mobilise US$7 billion over the next five years to help unlock the potential of African aviation, in partnership with African governments, the African Union, development partners, the private sector, banks and investors, aircraft manufacturers, leasing companies, airlines, and others.

In the health sector, the AMEF aims to support more stable and better-coordinated procurement mechanisms to improve sustainable access to quality health products.

According to Ousmane Fall, Director of the Private Sector Department at the African Development Bank, Africa manufactures only 1% of the medicines it needs and approximately 0.5% of its vaccines. Only 40% of essential medicines are available on time to populations, while access delays can range from three to nine months.

In the aviation sector, Mike Salawou, Director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, noted that only 19% of flights in Africa are operated by African regional or national airlines, and the economic losses linked to deficiencies in air transport are estimated at between US$50 billion and US$100 billion annually.

The platform proposed by the Bank Group is based on collaboration among governments, development finance institutions, philanthropic partners, suppliers, and investors to mobilise appropriate financing, strengthen transparency, and improve the financial sustainability of procurement systems.

High-Level Support to Move from Design to Implementation

Participants’ interventions converged around a clear message: both platforms must now move toward implementation, supported by strong national ownership, aligned partners, and regular monitoring of results.

Several speakers emphasised that the success of both platforms would depend on maintaining a broad coalition of governments, multilateral development banks, institutional investors, philanthropic foundations, and private sector actors around shared and measurable objectives.

“Risk mitigation is the greatest challenge,” stressed Abdourahmane Sarr, Senegal’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation. “This is where the African Development Bank Group can play a catalytic role by leveraging its AAA credit rating.”

Dr. Natu El Maamry Mwamba, Alternate Governor for Tanzania and Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, praised the financing model proposed for both initiatives, recalling that a Bank guarantee had enabled her country to mobilise, within a few months, half of the US$1.2 billion required for its standard-gauge railway project.

“Cameroon supports these two initiatives, which will address critical needs for our populations and strengthen the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Alamine Ousmane Mey, Cameroon’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development.

Japan Pledges US$10 Million for the IATP

Participants emphasised the importance of close coordination among stakeholders to ensure tangible, measurable, and visible results for African populations.

Welcoming the Bank Group’s approach, Japan announced a US$10 million contribution to the Risk-Sharing Facility of the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program (IATP) to help reduce financing risks associated with fleet acquisition by African airlines. This announcement represents an important signal of confidence from partners in the ambition to modernise African air transport, strengthen regional connectivity, and support the continent’s economic integration. According to Mr. Salawou, the contribution is expected to support the platform’s initial implementation phase and enhance its ability to mobilise additional financing.

“This is about building a continental connectivity platform capable of linking markets, strengthening regional value chains, and supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA. In a context marked by growing health, climate, and geopolitical risks, connectivity is also becoming a resilience issue. Airplanes transport passengers, as well as medicines, vaccines, strategic equipment, and create economic opportunities. By mobilising more capital, reducing risks, and strengthening partnerships, the IATP helps transform aviation into a driver of integration, competitiveness, and prosperity for Africa,” he added.

Ismael Nabé, Guinea’s Minister and Governor of the Bank, highlighted the importance of pooling efforts to avoid fragmentation that limits the emergence of major African airlines. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, called for further development of leasing solutions in the aviation sector and announced the signing of the first National Compact under the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program, with the Bank.

Beyond aviation and health, discussions highlighted the potential of platform solutions as a new instrument for the continent’s transformation.

“People need rapid access to medicines, vaccines, essential goods, and economic opportunities. This requires efficient logistics chains, effective connectivity infrastructure, and financing mechanisms capable of operating at the scale of the continent’s challenges. Platform solutions represent an important evolution in the way we approach development: they make it possible to transform African priorities into bankable, deployable, and measurable programs while strengthening regional integration, resilience, and Africa’s ability to shape its own future,” emphasised Dr Ould Tah.

This approach is fully aligned with the vision of strengthening the institution’s role as a platform for mobilising capital for Africa, and contributing to the emergence of a New African Financial Architecture for Development, capable of supporting more integrated, resilient, and inclusive growth, he said.

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

Media Contact:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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