Category: Africa

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Inxiweni Primary principal and staff member shot dead inside school admin block

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

The Gauteng Department of Education has expressed shock and heartbreak following the fatal shooting of a principal and an administrative staff member at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.

The incident occurred at around 5pm inside the school’s administration block, where the principal, a 58-year-old woman, the administrator, a 55-year-old woman, and other colleagues were reportedly preparing for a meeting scheduled for later in the week.

According to initial reports, colleagues working in a nearby office heard sudden gunshots erupt from within the admin block. Fearing for their safety, they hid until it seemed safe to exit. When they emerged, they found the principal and the administrator lying in the passage. 

Emergency services were immediately called and responded swiftly, but both victims were declared dead at the scene.

Police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting, though the motive remains unclear.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school on Tuesday evening to assess the situation firsthand. They met with the bereaved families to offer condolences and support, describing the incident as a devastating blow to the school community.

Psychosocial support teams from the Ekurhuleni North District are expected to be deployed to the school on Wednesday to provide trauma counselling to learners and staff. The department’s employee wellness unit will also provide additional support.

Chiloane condemned the attack, calling it a violation of a space meant to nurture young minds. 

“We are horrified by this senseless and brutal act committed within a school, a place meant to be a sanctuary for teaching and learning. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to the families of the principal and the staff member whose lives were tragically cut short. We urge law enforcement authorities to move with speed to bring the perpetrator to justice,” he said.

The department said it will continue working closely with the police as investigations proceed. – SAnews.gov.za

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La Banque africaine de développement salue les grands chantiers lancés par l’Algérie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

« La Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) est extrêmement honorée d’avoir été pressentie comme partenaire international de choix dans le cadre du réengagement de l’Algérie avec le financement extérieur », a déclaré le président de l’institution panafricaine, Sidi Ould Tah, à l’occasion d’une visite officielle les 16 et 17 novembre en Algérie. Exprimant sa gratitude au président de la République algérienne, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, il a souligné que cette décision marquait une étape stratégique dans la relation entre l’Algérie et le Groupe de la Banque.

Le recours graduel de l’Algérie au financement extérieur de projets d’intérêt national, inscrit dans la loi de Finances 2025, ouvre la voie à la mobilisation de ressources en faveur du premier grand projet prioritaire : la ligne ferroviaire Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa (495 kilomètres), dont le coût est estimé à 2,8 milliards de dollars américains. Il s’agit de la première étape d’un corridor structurant du Nord au Sahara profond, la Transsaharienne ferroviaire, un axe Alger-Tamanrasset d’environ 2 000 kilomètres, appelé à se prolonger vers le Niger. Ce corridor doit désenclaver le Sud, ouvrir une nouvelle voie logistique pour les pays du Sahel et permettre la mise en valeur des ressources minières situées au cœur du Sahara.

Cette opération s’inscrit dans un programme national d’expansion ferroviaire qui vise à doubler le réseau actuel pour le porter à 10 000 kilomètres en 2030, avant d’atteindre 15 000 kilomètres à plus long terme. L’objectif des autorités algériennes est clair : bâtir une logistique moderne pour réduire les coûts, relier les régions enclavées, renforcer l’ancrage régional du pays et augmenter la transformation locale des minerais critiques et industriels dont regorge la région.

Le ministre des Hydrocarbures et des mines, Mohamed Arkab, a rappelé, à cet égard, la ligne directrice du gouvernement : « Nous ne pouvons plus accepter d’exporter nos matières premières à l’état brut ! » L’Algérie vise à porter la transformation locale des hydrocarbures de 30 % à 60 % d’ici à 2035, soutenue par un programme d’investissement de 60 milliards de dollars de 2025 à 2029 couvrant exploration, raffinage, pétrochimie, hydrogène et industries de dérivés gaziers. M. Arkab a souligné la nécessité d’étendre cette montée en gamme aux engrais, huiles et pneumatiques ainsi qu’aux filières de transformation minière et aux matériaux critiques.

Dans le domaine minier, le ministre a mis en avant un potentiel considérable : fer, zinc, or, terres rares, minerais destinés à l’électrification et aux technologies émergentes. De nombreux gisements sahariens, distants de près de 2 000 kilomètres des ports, sont pénalisés par un transport routier coûteux et lent. Le développement de la Transsaharienne, avec des trains de marchandises roulant à 220 km/h, permettra de rendre viable l’exploitation et la transformation locale de ces ressources, tout en ouvrant des débouchés logistiques pour les pays voisins dépourvus d’accès maritime.

M. Ould Tah a souligné la cohérence de cette ambition avec la vision des Quatre points cardinaux qu’il porte à la tête du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement : localisation de la valeur ajoutée, industrialisation, souveraineté minière et montée en puissance des capacités africaines. Il a cité l’étude Bloomberg NEF (https://apo-opa.co/4nZlgnv) commanditée par le Groupe de la Banque, la Banque arabe pour le développement économique en Afrique (BADEA) et d’autres partenaires. Selon cette étude, l’Afrique dispose d’un avantage compétitif clair dans la production de précurseurs de cathodes pour batteries, avec des coûts nettement inférieurs à ceux de la Pologne, de la Chine ou des États-Unis. Pour M. Ould Tah, « les pays africains gagneraient à adopter une approche coordonnée, sous l’égide de la Commission de l’Union africaine, pour protéger et valoriser leurs minéraux critiques de manière durable ».

Le président Ould Tah a assuré les autorités algériennes de l’entière disposition de la Banque à concentrer ses efforts en Algérie sur l’appui à la transformation énergétique, minière et industrielle, et le développement d’infrastructures capables de soutenir l’intégration régionale et la compétitivité économique.

Le ministre de l’Intérieur, des collectivités locales et des transports, Saïd Sayoud, et le ministre des Travaux publics et des infrastructures de base, Abdelkader Djellaoui, ont présenté l’expérience acquise par l’Algérie dans le pilotage de grands travaux d’infrastructure. L’Algérie s’est dotée d’une capacité d’exécution rare sur le continent, avec 950 kilomètres de voies ferrées construits en 24 mois sur fonds propres et avec une expertise 100 % nationale. Les projets couvrent aussi bien les grands corridors Nord–Sud que les lignes minières stratégiques à l’Ouest (Béchar–Tindouf–Gara Djebilet) et à l’Est (El Hadba–Annaba), destinées à soutenir les projets miniers et industriels.

La sécurité hydrique a constitué un autre axe central du déplacement du président Ould Tah en Algérie. En se rendant sur le site de la méga-station de dessalement d’eau de mer « Fouka 2 » dans la banlieue ouest d’Alger, mise en service en 2025 avec une capacité de 300 000 m3/j après moins de deux ans de travaux, le président du Groupe de la Banque a pu mesurer l’ampleur de ce programme. Le pays exploite aujourd’hui 19 stations de dessalement et a lancé la construction de cinq nouvelles stations de 300 000 m³/jour chacune, destinées à entrer en service d’ici à 2026–2027. Ce nouvel ensemble portera la capacité de dessalement à 60 % des besoins nationaux à l’horizon 2030 pour répondre à une sécheresse persistante dans la région méditerranéenne depuis six ans.

En matière de sécurité énergétique, le gouvernement algérien s’est déclaré disposé à partager son expertise dans le gaz pétrole liquéfié avec les pays africains. Mohamed Arkab a indiqué que le GPL domestique alimentait environ 75 % des ménages, et entièrement certaines villes du Sud comme Tindouf, grâce à une infrastructure conçue et réalisée localement, facilement transposable à d’autres pays africains. Cette expertise pourrait, selon lui, constituer un modèle africain pour accélérer la transition énergétique propre et réduire la déforestation. Sidi Ould Tah a salué la pertinence de cette expérience, le Groupe de la Banque soutenant plusieurs initiatives de cuisson propre.

La visite du Salon international de l’électricité et de l’énergie, KAHRABA 2025, a permis au président Ould Tah de constater que l’Algérie produisait aujourd’hui près de 90 % de ses équipements électriques, couvrant toute la chaîne, de la conception à la turbine en passant par les générateurs.

« L’ambition du gouvernement algérien, la qualité de ses projets et la capacité d’exécution nationale en font un partenaire central pour l’Afrique », a conclu Sidi Ould Tah, affirmant que le Groupe de la Banque mobiliserait la puissance de ses partenariats et de ses instruments financiers pour accompagner cette dynamique de transformation.

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

Lien Supplémentaire :
https://apo-opa.co/47ZqARW

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

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

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Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement mobilise les marchés boursiers du continent pour réinventer l’avenir financier de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a entamé, mardi à Abidjan, une série de réunions de haut niveau avec les institutions africaines de financement du développement et les partenaires financiers du secteur privé afin de forger un plan historique pour une nouvelle architecture financière africaine, conçue pour combler le déficit de financement nécessaire pour répondre aux besoins de développement du continent.

Télécharger le document : https://apo-opa.co/4r8E8Do

À l’invitation du président de l’institution panafricaine, plus d’une cinquantaine de représentants de banques régionales et continentales et d’institutions de financement du développement sont réunis au siège du Groupe de la Banque, les 18 et 19 novembre, pour des discussions que M. Ould Tah a qualifiées de vitales pour le destin du continent.

« En tant qu’architectes des marchés de capitaux africains, vous êtes les gardiens des institutions financières et les catalyseurs de l’avenir de notre continent », a déclaré le président Ould Tah au début de la première session journalière à laquelle participaient les responsables des bourses de valeurs mobilières, des fonds de capital-investissement et des fonds de capital-risque africains.

Cette réunion, la première du genre entre le Groupe de la Banque et les marchés boursiers d’Afrique, vise à examiner leur rôle dans le financement à long terme, en mettant un accent particulier sur la réforme de la mobilisation des capitaux en Afrique. Félix Edoh Kossi Amenounve, directeur général de la Bourse régionale des valeurs mobilières de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BRVM), a salué la tenue d’une telle réunion, soulignant la nécessité d’une transformation profonde.

« Des écarts existent entre les besoins de financement et les ressources disponibles, mais nous devons réfléchir aux réformes nécessaires pour parvenir à la capitalisation des fonds de pension africains. En effet, ces derniers ont été créés à l’origine pour financer les gouvernements », a fait remarquer M. Amenounve.

Les principales institutions financières du continent représentées aux réunions d’aujourd’hui comprennent le Projet de liaison des bourses africaines (AELP), les marchés boursiers du Rwanda, du Mozambique, du Cabo Verde, de Nairobi et de Tunis, la Bourse régionale des valeurs mobilières de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BRVM), le directeur régional de la Bourse de l’Afrique centrale, les marchés boursiers de Casablanca et du Ghana.

« Les marchés de capitaux constituent le socle sur lequel repose une croissance économique durable et à long terme », a souligné M. Ould Tah. Avant d’ajouter : « En mobilisant des capitaux patients, vous fournissez à nos États et à nos entreprises des sources de financement diversifiées, tout en offrant aux investisseurs, en particulier aux investisseurs institutionnels, un éventail plus large d’opportunités. »

Le fondement des Quatre points cardinaux de M. Ould Tah depuis son arrivée à la tête de l’institution en septembre est un accès accru à des financements à long terme prévisibles et abordables.

L’un des objectifs clés de ces consultations est de faciliter les flux financiers pour le capital-investissement et le capital-risque en renforçant les fonds d’investissement africains existants et en élargissant leur capacité à financer les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME), les entreprises de taille intermédiaire et les champions industriels émergents.

Les PME, qui représentent près de 90 % des entreprises et plus de 60 % des emplois en Afrique, continuent d’avoir un accès limité au capital-risque.

La promotion de la finance durable, la numérisation des marchés, l’attraction de capitaux d’investissement sur les marchés africains et les programmes adaptés aux PME ont figuré parmi les questions abordées lors de la réunion.

Le développement de l’éducation financière chez les jeunes a également été souligné comme un axe prioritaire de l’approche à développer par les marchés boursiers du continent, de même que l’accroissement de l’utilisation des outils de numérisation et de la fintech pour stimuler les opportunités.

Donald Waweru Wangunyu, directeur non exécutif de la Bourse de Nairobi, a insisté sur la nécessité d’une coordination régionale afin de parvenir à « une mise à l’échelle, une coordination des politiques et une mise en œuvre des réformes ; nous avons de bons projets, mais les obstacles demeurent. »

Sonia Ben Frej, présidente du Conseil d’administration de la Bourse de Tunis, a pointé les problèmes de convergence réglementaire et la nécessité de mettre à jour des réglementations obsolètes.

L’objectif de ces deux jours de réunion, à travers l’engagement des gestionnaires de fonds, des investisseurs institutionnels, des institutions de financement du développement et des régulateurs, est d’ouvrir la voie à la mobilisation de financements supplémentaires pour l’Afrique par les institutions financières, sans dépendre de l’aide publique au développement, comme c’est le cas aujourd’hui.

M. Ould Tah a déclaré que la Banque adopterait une approche globale du développement des marchés de capitaux, en se concentrant sur trois piliers clés : le soutien aux autorités de régulation des marchés de capitaux, bourses et autres intermédiaires par le biais d’une assistance technique, de projets d’appui institutionnel et d’opérations basées sur les politiques ; la diversification de la mobilisation de l’épargne et des acteurs du marché afin de promouvoir la liquidité des produits et l’approfondissement des marchés pour les sociétés de rehaussement de crédit, les investisseurs institutionnels et les autres institutions financières ; la recherche, la formation et le dialogue politique pour renforcer les capacités des acteurs des marchés de capitaux en Afrique.

Le développement des marchés des capitaux dans toute l’Afrique est une priorité essentielle et s’inscrit dans le cadre des priorités stratégiques des Quatre points cardinaux du Groupe de la Banque. Les institutions de financement du développement ont notamment un rôle de catalyseur à jouer. « Nous allons le bâtir ensemble ; cela nécessite un effort collectif de la part de chacun d’entre nous », a soutenu M. Ould Tah.

Les réunions se poursuivent mercredi pour une seconde journée avec les dirigeants des institutions de financement du développement africaines.

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

Contact médias :
Amba Mpoke-Bigg 
Mansour Diouf  
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures 
courriel : media@afdb.org

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

Pour plus d’informations : www.AfDB.org

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African Development Bank welcomes major Algerian development initiatives as two forge an even stronger partnership

Source: APO

The African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) has officially been earmarked as Algeria’s international partner in the country’s renewed efforts to engage with external financing, marking a key milestone in the ongoing partnership between Algeria and the Bank Group.

During his official visit to Algeria on 16-17 November, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank, expressed his deep gratitude to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for this significant decision. Ould Tah emphasised that the move represented a strategic step forward in Algeria’s development and its relationship with the Bank Group.

As part of the 2025 Finance Law, Algeria has initiated its approach to external financing, focusing on large-scale projects of national importance. A central priority is the development of the Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway line (495 km), with an estimated cost of  $2.8 billion.

This rail line marks the first phase of a major Trans-Saharan Railway corridor, which will eventually stretch from the north of the country to Tamanrasset and beyond, connecting to Niger. This new logistics route will not only open up the southern regions of Algeria but will also provide a vital transport link for landlocked countries in the Sahel, facilitating access to essential resources and markets.

The project is part of Algeria’s broader national railway expansion plan, which aims to double the country’s railway network to 10,000 km by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching 15,000 km. This expansion aligns with Algeria’s broader goal of modernising its infrastructure to reduce transportation costs, integrate isolated regions, and increase the domestic processing of valuable natural resources, including critical and industrial minerals.

Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, underscored the government’s commitment to adding value to the country’s raw materials. “We can no longer accept exporting our raw materials in their unprocessed state,” said Arkab.

Algeria has set ambitious targets to increase the local transformation of hydrocarbons from 30 percent to 60 percent by 2035, supported by a $60 billion investment plan running from 2025 to 2029. The country also aims to expand its capacity in petrochemicals, hydrogen, and other gas derivative industries, with a focus on upgrading fertilizer, oil, tire, and mineral processing.

In the mining sector, Algeria is positioning itself as a leader in the extraction and processing of critical minerals such as iron, zinc, gold, and rare earths. Many of these resources are located in the Saharan region, often huge distances from existing infrastructure. The Trans-Saharan Railway will provide the necessary logistical support to unlock the potential of these remote deposits, enabling local processing and improving access to markets in Algeria and neighbouring countries.

Ould Tah expressed strong support for Algeria’s ambitions, highlighting the alignment of the country’s industrial transformation with the African Development Bank’s strategic vision. “The localisation of value, industrialisation, and mineral sovereignty are key pillars of Africa’s future,” Ould Tah said, referencing a recent study by BloombergNEF, which indicated that Africa has a clear competitive advantage in producing battery precursors. He called for a coordinated approach across African nations to protect and sustainably enhance the continent’s critical mineral resources.

The visit also focused on Algeria’s efforts to strengthen energy and water security. The Bank President visited the “Fouka 2” seawater desalination plant, which is part of Algeria’s broader efforts to address water scarcity exacerbated by prolonged drought in the Mediterranean region.

The country currently operates 19 desalination plants. Five more units are set to come online by 2027, increasing desalination capacity to meet an impressive 60 percent of national water needs by 2030.

Algeria’s years-long expertise in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution was also highlighted as a model for the continent. The country provides 75 percent of its households with LPG, including cities in the southern desert region, through locally designed and built infrastructure. This experience is seen as a valuable contribution to the African Union’s clean energy transition efforts, with the African Development Bank supporting similar clean cooking initiatives across the continent.

Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, and Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, highlighted Algeria’s exceptional capacity to manage large infrastructure projects. The country recently completed 950 km of railway in just 24 months using entirely domestic resources and expertise. This execution capacity is critical for supporting the ongoing development of key North-South corridors and strategic mining lines.

President Ould Tah praised Algeria’s ambitious vision and ability to execute high-quality projects, declaring: “The ambition of the Algerian government, the quality of its projects, and its national execution capacity make it a central partner for Africa’s transformation.”

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

Additional Link:
https://apo-opa.co/47ZqARW

Contact:
Chawki Chahed
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

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

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African Development Bank Group rallies Stock Exchanges to reinvent Africa’s financial future

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) on Tuesday commenced a round of high-level meetings with African development finance institutions and private sector financial partners to forge a bold, historic blueprint for a New African Financial Architecture, designed to bridge the financing gap for the continent’s development needs.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4r8E8Do

At the invitation of Bank Group president Dr Sidi Ould Tah, more than 50 representatives of regional and continental banks and development finance institutions are convening at African Development Bank Group headquarters in Abidjan over the next two days for talks Dr Ould Tah described as vital to the continent’s destiny.

“As the architects of Africa’s capital markets, you are custodians of financial institutions and catalysts of our continent’s future,” Dr Ould Tah said at the start of the first session with heads of African securities exchanges, private equity funds and venture capital funds.

The meeting, a first of its kind between the Bank and African stock exchanges, aims to explore their role in long-term financing, with a focus on reforming how Africa’s capital is mobilized. Dr Felix Edoh Kossi Amenounve, CEO of the West African Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), welcomed the meeting, highlighting the need for fundamental change.

“There are gaps between financing needs and available resources, but we need to think about the reforms needed to achieve the capitalisation of African pension funds. Because these funds were originally created to finance governments,” Amenounve said.

The continent’s leading financial institutions represented at today’s meetings include the African Exchange Linkage Project (AELP), Rwanda Stock Exchange, Mozambique Stock exchange, Cabo Verde Stock Exchange, Nairobi Stock Exchange, Tunis Stock Exchange, West African Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), the Central African Stock Exchange, Casablanca Stock Exchange and the Ghana Stock Exchange.

“The capital markets are the bedrock upon which long-term, sustainable economic growth is built,” Dr Ould Tah said, adding “by mobilizing patient capital, you provide our sovereigns and businesses with diversified funding sources, while offering investors, particularly institutional investors, a broader array of opportunities.”

Underpinning Dr Ould Tah’s Four Cardinal Points (https://apo-opa.co/43FpwRX) since taking over the helm of the institution in September is increasing access to predictable and affordable long-term financing.

A key objective of the consultations is to enable financial flows for private equity and venture capital by reinforcing existing African investment funds and expanding their capacity to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-market companies, and emerging industrial champions.

SMEs which represent nearly 90% of businesses and over 60% of jobs on the continent continue to face limited access to risk capital.

The promotion of sustainable finance, the digitalisation of markets, attracting investment capital to Africa’s markets, and programmes tailored to SMEs were among the issues discussed during the meeting.

The development of financial education among young people was also highlighted as a key focus for the approach to be developed by the continent’s stock exchanges, as well as increasing the use of digitalisation tools and fintech to boost opportunities.

Donald Waweru Wangunyu, Non-Executive Director, Nairobi Stock Exchange, stressed the need for regional coordination in order to achieve “scaling up, policy coordination and implementation of reforms; we have good projects, but the obstacles are still there, ” he said.

Ms Sonia Ben Frej, Chairwoman of the Board, Tunis Stock Exchange, emphasised the problems of regulatory convergence and the need to update obsolete regulations.

Through engagement with fund managers, institutional investors, DFIs, and regulators, the goal of the two-day meetings will be to forge a path for financial institutions to mobilise additional financing for Africa, to enable countries to avoid the existing dependance on overseas development assistance.

Dr Ould Tah said the Bank Group would take a comprehensive approach to capital market development, focusing on three key pillars:

– Supporting capital market regulatory authorities, stock exchanges, and other intermediaries through technical assistance, institutional support projects, and policy-based operations.

– Diversifying savings mobilization and market participants to promote product liquidity and deeper markets for credit enhancement companies, institutional investors, and other financial institutions.

 – Research, training, and policy dialogue to enhance the capacity of Africa’s capital market stakeholders.

Capital markets development across Africa is a key priority and woven into the fabric of the strategic priorities of the Four Cardinal Points. Development finance institutions especially have a catalytic role to play.

‘We will build it together, it requires a collective effort from each of us,” Dr Ould Tah explained.

The consultations will continue on Wednesday for a second day, with heads of African Development Financial Institutions.

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

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg 
Mansour Diouf 
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

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

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento saúda os grandes projetos lançados pela Argélia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

“O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org/pt) está extremamente honrado por ter sido escolhido como parceiro internacional de eleição no âmbito do reengajamento da Argélia com o financiamento externo”, declarou o presidente da instituição pan-africana, Sidi Ould Tah, por ocasião de uma visita oficial a 16 e 17 de novembro à Argélia. Expressando a sua gratidão ao presidente da República Argelina, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, salientou que esta decisão marcava uma etapa estratégica na relação entre a Argélia e o Grupo Banco.

O recurso da Argélia ao financiamento externo de projetos de interesse nacional, inscrito na lei das Finanças de 2025, abre caminho para a mobilização de recursos a favor do primeiro grande projeto prioritário: a linha ferroviária Laghouat-Ghardaïa-El Menaia, de 495 quilómetros, com um custo estimado de 2,8 mil milhões de dólares. Trata-se da primeira etapa de um corredor estruturante do norte ao Saara profundo, a ferrovia trans-saariana, um eixo Argel-Tamanrasset de cerca de 2 mil quilómetros, que deverá estender-se até o Níger. Este corredor deve desbloquear o sul, abrir uma nova via logística para os países do Sahel e permitir a valorização dos recursos minerais localizados no coração do Saara.

Esta operação insere-se num programa nacional de expansão ferroviária que visa duplicar a rede atual para 10 mil quilómetros em 2030, antes de atingir 15 mil quilómetros a longo prazo. O objetivo das autoridades argelinas é claro: construir uma logística moderna para reduzir custos, ligar regiões isoladas, reforçar a integração regional do país e aumentar a transformação local dos minerais críticos e industriais que abundam na região.

O ministro dos Hidrocarbonetos e Minas, Mohamed Arkab, recordou, a este respeito, a orientação do governo: “Não podemos mais aceitar exportar as nossas matérias-primas em estado bruto”. A Argélia pretende aumentar a transformação local de hidrocarbonetos de 30% para 60% até 2035, apoiada por um programa de investimento de 60 mil milhões de dólares entre 2025 e 2029, abrangendo exploração, refinação, petroquímica, hidrogénio e indústrias de derivados de gás. Arkab salientou a necessidade de alargar esta gama a fertilizantes, óleos e pneus, bem como às indústrias de transformação mineira e materiais críticos.

No setor mineiro, o ministro destacou um potencial considerável: ferro, zinco, ouro, terras raras, minerais destinados à eletrificação e às tecnologias emergentes. Muitos depósitos saarianos, distantes cerca de 2 mil quilómetros dos portos, são penalizados por um transporte rodoviário caro e lento. O desenvolvimento da trans-saariana, com comboios de mercadorias a circular a 220 km por hora, permitirá viabilizar a exploração e transformação local destes recursos, abrindo simultaneamente oportunidades logísticas para os países vizinhos sem acesso marítimo.

Ould Tah salientou a coerência desta ambição com a visão dos Quatro Pontos Cardeais que defende à frente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento: valor acrescentado, industrialização, soberania mineira e aumento das capacidades africanas. Ele citou o estudo da Bloomberg NEF (https://apo-opa.co/4nZlgnv) encomendado pelo Grupo Banco, pelo Banco Árabe para o Desenvolvimento Económico em África (BADEA) e por outros parceiros. De acordo com esse estudo, África tem uma clara vantagem competitiva na produção de precursores de cátodos para baterias, com custos significativamente inferiores aos da Polónia, China ou Estados Unidos. Para Ould Tah, “os países africanos teriam a ganhar com a adoção de uma abordagem coordenada, sob a égide da Comissão da União Africana, para proteger e valorizar os seus minerais críticos de forma sustentável”.

O presidente Ould Tah garantiu às autoridades argelinas que o Banco está totalmente disposto a concentrar os seus esforços na Argélia no apoio à transformação energética, mineira e industrial, e no desenvolvimento de infraestruturas capazes de apoiar a integração regional e a competitividade económica.

O ministro do Interior, das Coletividades Locais e dos Transportes, Saïd Sayoud, e o ministro das Obras Públicas e Infraestruturas Básicas, Abdelkader Djellaoui, apresentaram a experiência adquirida pela Argélia na gestão de grandes obras de infraestrutura. A Argélia dotou-se de uma capacidade de execução rara no continente, com 950 quilómetros de vias férreas construídas em 24 meses com fundos próprios e com uma produção 100% nacional. Os projetos abrangem tanto os grandes corredores Norte-Sul como as linhas mineiras estratégicas a Oeste (Béchar-Tindouf-Gara Djebilet) e a Este (El Hadba-Annaba), destinadas a apoiar projetos mineiros e industriais.

A segurança hídrica constituiu outro eixo central da viagem do presidente Ould Tah à Argélia. Ao visitar o local da megaestação de dessalinização de água do mar ‘Fouka 2’, nos subúrbios a oeste de Argel, que entrará em funcionamento em 2025 com uma capacidade de 300 mil m3/dia após menos de dois anos de obras, o presidente do Grupo Banco pôde avaliar a dimensão deste programa. O país opera atualmente 19 estações de dessalinização e iniciou a construção de cinco novas estações com capacidade de 300 mil m³/dia cada, que deverão entrar em funcionamento entre 2026 e 2027. Este novo conjunto elevará a capacidade de dessalinização para 60% das necessidades nacionais até 2030, a fim de responder à seca persistente na região mediterrânica há seis anos.

Em matéria de segurança energética, o governo argelino declarou-se disposto a partilhar a sua experiência em gás liquefeito de petróleo com os países africanos. Mohamed Arkab indicou que o GLP doméstico abastece cerca de 75% dos lares e, na totalidade, algumas cidades do sul, como Tindouf, graças a uma infraestrutura concebida e realizada localmente, facilmente transponível para outros países africanos. Na sua opinião, essa experiência poderia constituir um modelo africano para acelerar a transição energética limpa e reduzir a desflorestação. Sidi Ould Tah saudou a pertinência dessa experiência, uma vez que o Grupo Banco apoia várias iniciativas de cozinha limpa.

A visita ao Salão Internacional da Eletricidade e da Energia, KAHRABA 2025, permitiu ao presidente Ould Tah constatar que a Argélia produz hoje cerca de 90% dos seus equipamentos elétricos, cobrindo toda a cadeia, desde a conceção até à turbina, passando pelos geradores.

“A ambição do governo argelino, a qualidade dos seus projetos e a capacidade de execução nacional tornam-no um parceiro central para África”, concluiu Sidi Ould Tah, afirmando que o Grupo Banco pode mobilizar o poder das suas parcerias e instrumentos financeiros para acompanhar esta dinâmica de transformação.

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

Link Adicional:
https://apo-opa.co/47ZqARW

Contacto para os media:
Chawki Chahed
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

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

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Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento mobiliza as bolsas de valores para reinventar o futuro financeiro de África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) iniciou na terça-feira uma ronda de reuniões de alto nível com instituições financeiras africanas de desenvolvimento e parceiros financeiros do setor privado para forjar um plano ousado e histórico para uma Nova Arquitetura Financeira Africana, concebida para colmatar o défice de financiamento das necessidades de desenvolvimento do continente.

Baixar Documento: https://apo-opa.co/4r8E8Do

A convite do presidente do Grupo Banco, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, mais de 50 representantes de bancos regionais e continentais e instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento estão reunidos na sede do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento em Abidjan, durante os próximos dois dias, para conversações que o Dr. Ould Tah descreveu como vitais para o destino do continente.

“Como arquitetos dos mercados de capitais africanos, vocês são os guardiões das instituições financeiras e os catalisadores do futuro do nosso continente”, afirmou o Dr. Ould Tah no início da primeira sessão, com os responsáveis das bolsas de valores africanas, fundos de capital privado e fundos de capital de risco.

A reunião, a primeira deste tipo entre o Banco e as bolsas de valores africanas, tem como objetivo explorar o seu papel no financiamento a longo prazo, com foco na reformulação da maneira como o capital africano é mobilizado. O Dr. Felix Edoh Kossi Amenounve, CEO da Bolsa de Valores Regional da África Ocidental (BRVM), deu as boas-vindas à reunião, destacando a necessidade de uma mudança fundamental.

“Existem lacunas entre as necessidades de financiamento e os recursos disponíveis, mas precisamos de pensar nas reformas necessárias para alcançar a capitalização dos fundos de pensões africanos, porque estes fundos foram originalmente criados para financiar os governos”, afirmou Amenounve.

As principais instituições financeiras do continente representadas nas reuniões de hoje incluem o African Exchange Linkage Project (AELP), a Bolsa de Valores do Ruanda, a Bolsa de Valores de Moçambique, a Bolsa de Valores de Cabo Verde, a Bolsa de Valores de Nairobi, a Bolsa de Valores de Tunes, a Bolsa de Valores Regional da África Ocidental (BRVM), o Diretor Regional da Bolsa de Valores da África Central, a Bolsa de Valores de Casablanca e a Bolsa de Valores do Gana.

“Os mercados de capitais são a base sobre a qual se constrói um crescimento económico sustentável a longo prazo”, afirmou o Dr. Ould Tah, acrescentando que “ao mobilizar capital paciente, proporciona às nossas soberanias e empresas fontes de financiamento diversificadas, ao mesmo tempo que oferece aos investidores, particularmente aos investidores institucionais, um leque mais alargado de oportunidades”.

Uma das bases dos Quatro Pontos Cardeais do Dr. Ould Tah desde que assumiu a liderança da instituição em setembro é o aumento do acesso a financiamento a longo prazo previsível e acessível.

Um dos principais objetivos das consultas é permitir fluxos financeiros para capital privado e capital de risco, reforçando os fundos de investimento africanos existentes e expandindo a sua capacidade de financiar pequenas e médias empresas (PME), empresas de médio porte e campeões industriais emergentes.

As PME, que representam quase 90% das empresas e mais de 60% dos empregos no continente, continuam a enfrentar um acesso limitado ao capital de risco.

A promoção do financiamento sustentável, a digitalização dos mercados, a atração de capital de investimento para os mercados africanos e programas adaptados às PME foram alguns dos temas discutidos durante a reunião.

O desenvolvimento da educação financeira entre os jovens também foi destacado como um foco fundamental para a abordagem a ser desenvolvida pelas bolsas de valores do continente, bem como o aumento do uso de ferramentas de digitalização e tecnologia financeira para impulsionar oportunidades.

Donald Waweru Wangunyu, Diretor Não Executivo da Bolsa de Valores de Nairobi, salientou a necessidade de coordenação regional para alcançar “a ampliação, a coordenação de políticas e a implementação de reformas; temos bons projetos, mas os obstáculos ainda existem”, afirmou.

A Sra. Sonia Ben Frej, Presidente do Conselho de Administração da Bolsa de Valores de Tunes, enfatizou os problemas da convergência regulatória e a necessidade de atualizar regulamentos obsoletos.

Através do envolvimento com gestores de fundos, investidores institucionais, instituições de financiamento do desenvolvimento e reguladores, o objetivo das reuniões de dois dias será traçar um caminho para que as instituições financeiras mobilizem financiamento adicional para África, sem recorrer à dependência existente da ajuda ao desenvolvimento proveniente do exterior.

O Dr. Ould Tah afirmou que o Grupo Banco adotaria uma abordagem abrangente para o desenvolvimento do mercado de capitais, com foco em três pilares principais:

– Apoiar as autoridades reguladoras do mercado de capitais, bolsas de valores e outros intermediários através de assistência técnica, projetos de apoio institucional e operações baseadas em políticas.

– Diversificar a mobilização de poupanças e os participantes do mercado para promover a liquidez dos produtos e aprofundamento dos mercados para empresas de melhoria de crédito, investidores institucionais e outras instituições financeiras.

– Investigação, formação e diá. político para reforçar a capacidade das partes interessadas do mercado de capitais africano.

O desenvolvimento dos mercados de capitais em toda a África é uma prioridade fundamental e está integrado nas prioridades estratégicas dos Quatro Pontos Cardeais. As instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento têm, em especial, um papel catalisador a desempenhar.

“Vamos construí-lo juntos; isso requer um esforço coletivo de cada um de nós”, explicou o Dr. Ould Tah.

As reuniões continuarão na quarta-feira, pelo segundo dia, com os responsáveis das instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento africanas.

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

Contacto para os media:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Mansour Diouf
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

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

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President Ramaphosa pledges deeper engagement with media sector as he receives M20 Johannesburg Declaration

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to open direct discussions with the media sector to address concerns around journalist safety, media sustainability and the impact of new technologies, as he formally received the Media20 (M20) Johannesburg Declaration on Tuesday.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Wanderers Country Club, President Ramaphosa said he strongly supported the issues raised by the media representatives, including the urgent need to protect journalists in conflict zones. 

“I support all these things that you’re focusing on, the safety of journalists is absolutely important. It’s been a horror for us to watch how journalists are targeted in war zones, particularly in Gaza. It has troubled us,” the President said. 

The President also welcomed the Declaration’s emphasis on women in media, gender-based violence, children’s rights, artificial intelligence and market practices affecting media viability. 

“We know that your sector is really facing challenges of sustainability, of survival, and that is the type of discussion that we would like to talk to you about,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa committed to creating more opportunities for constructive dialogue. 

“I am willing and my office will make it possible that we sit down and have a proper discussion. And of course, you can shoot as many questions as you want on any issue, but we should also have a real constructive engagement on how we continue to create a conducive environment for you as the media continue operating,” he said.

He further praised the country’s constitutional protections for media freedom. 

“You did not talk about our wonderful constitution, but you touched on it saying that we’ve got media freedom in South Africa, and we are, like number one,” he said.

The M20 Johannesburg Declaration is a document produced through extensive consultations led by Media Monitoring Africa and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF).

The M20 Summit, held ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, brought together editorial leaders from more than 30 countries. The Declaration has been endorsed by over 70 local and international organisations, reflecting a strong global consensus on strengthening media freedom, protecting journalistic integrity, and combating disinformation.

This Declaration represents the consolidated views, commitments, and recommendations regarding the critical role of the media in strengthening democracy, accountability, and the socio-economic development of the nation, reflecting the high-level global and national consensus reached here in South Africa.

The document reflects the media sector’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism and addresses key challenges, including disinformation, media sustainability, and the protection of journalistic integrity in the digital age. – SAnews.gov.za

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Anti-HIV injection lenacapavir added to Essential Medicines List

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Health’s National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) has approved the addition of the recently registered injectable lenacapavir to the Essential Medicines List (EML). 

The department said the decision aligns with the department’s mandate to ensure access to safe, effective, high-quality, and affordable medicines for all citizens in the public sector.

The department highlighted that including treatments like lenacapavir on the EML is vital for encouraging the production of generic medicines, which can enhance their availability and affordability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa.

The NEMLC is a non-statutory committee appointed by the Minister of Health, established under the National Drug Policy to develop and review an EML for public sector use, accompanied by standard treatment guidelines for three levels of care – primary, secondary, and tertiary.

The department believes that lenacapavir can effectively address critical gaps in current HIV prevention methods.

Last month, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) announced the registration of lenacapavir, making South Africa the first country on the continent to approve the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV injection.

This is after Gilead, a biopharmaceutical company based in the United States, applied to SAHPRA, the local drug regulatory authority. 

South Africa plans to launch lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention method, as early as March 2026.

According to the department, the EML plays a crucial role as a global public health policy tool and a guide for countries to achieve universal health coverage. 

“It ensures that people have access to carefully selected and cost-effective medicines that satisfy their priority health care needs, are of quality and are affordable.” 

The department is of the view that access to affordable essential medicines is a vital component of an efficient health care system.

“In our resource-constrained environment with the high burden of disease, the value of the Standard Treatment Guidelines and EML in ensuring affordable and equitable access to medicines should not be underestimated.” – SAnews.gov.za 

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Volunteer Opportunity: Executive Assistant for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of the voluntary communications programme managed pro bono by APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) to support the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, we are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the leadership team within the volunteer programme.

Location: Remote (Europe or Africa)
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid) 
Commitment: 10 – 15 hours per week, for at least 6 months 

About the Role

This volunteer position is ideal for a professional with a minimum of 4 years of administrative experience and a proven record of managing calendar schedules, correspondence, and coordination tasks at a high standard of professionalism and discretion.

Working closely with the Chairman’s Office and Senior Leadership, the Executive Assistant will play a key role in ensuring efficient operations and communication across teams and departments.

The Volunteer Programme works within the European and African time zones. Due to this commitment, we are only accepting applicants from within the European or African time zones.

As the Executive Assistant, you will:

  • Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the leadership team.

  • Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and assist with project follow-ups.

  • Set up and join weekly team meetings, taking detailed minutes and tracking action items.

  • Draft and review correspondence, reports, and presentations.

  • Maintain organized digital filing systems and ensure document confidentiality.

  • Serve as a key communication link between leadership, staff, and external partners.

  • Support the preparation and documentation of meetings, including action items and next steps.

More information about the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme: 

https://apo-opa.co/4oneqZr

Requirements

  • Minimum 4 years of experience in an executive assistant, administrative, or coordination role.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is a plus).

  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.

  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).

  • Availability for at least 10 to 15 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months (fully remote).

What We Offer

  • The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.

  • High-level executive experience in an international, faith-driven environment.

  • The chance to expand your professional network across Africa and globally.

  • A multicultural and collaborative setting that values service, purpose, and professional excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Church’s noble mission, while also enhancing your professional experience, strengthening your CV, and broadening your international network.

I M P O R T A N T: Only applicants who complete the form below will be considered. 

APPLY here: https://apo-opa.co/4oOrO9X

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres. 

According to the 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report compiled by the United Nations, the global number of volunteers stands at 862.4 million. Embracing volunteerism provides individuals with unparalleled firsthand professional experience, allowing them to enrich their CVs with valuable expertise gained through meaningful contributions.

– on behalf of APO Group Jobs.

APO Group Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com 

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.