Category: Africa

Source: APO

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• New report showcases best practices for delivering resilience and innovative approaches to scale up adaptation results
• MDBs publish metrics and methodologies to unlock financing for nature and biodiversity

Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) reaffirm, on Monday at COP30, their commitment (https://apo-opa.co/49N1Fn1) to respond to their clients’ priorities to improve livelihoods and create jobs for the resilience of communities and businesses in the face of intensified climate shocks and ecosystem degradation.

Working together as a system, they call for a climate-smart development — resilient, economically sound, rooted in trust, and built to last, focusing on stable institutions, reliable infrastructure, employment opportunities, adaptation to the impacts of climate shocks, and the capacity to grow within each country’s context. Their efforts to better support clients include:

• Improving the risk profile of investments and expanding resources through innovating in private sector mobilization instruments
• Strengthening results measurement frameworks to capture and track impact better
• Harmonizing their work to simplify financing processes and deliver greater adaptation and mitigation impact
• Advancing the implementation of the Joint MDB Long-Term Strategy Program to support clients in climate planning and design and implementation of country-led, country-driven platforms.

Delivering at Scale

In 2024, MDBs provided $137 billion in climate finance for adaptation and mitigation and mobilized an additional $134 billion from private capital. Of these amounts, $85 billion and $33 billion, respectively, were directed to low- and middle-income economies, putting MDBs on pace to reach $120 billion from their own account and $65 billion in private capital mobilization by 2030.

Accelerating action for adaptation and resilience

Since 2019, MDBs have doubled support for adaptation and resilience, delivering over $26 billion to low- and middle-income economies in 2024. Based on this experience, not only financing programs and policies, but also by linking finance with policy dialogue, strategic planning, and institutional capacity-building, they have launched at COP30 a technical paper From Innovation to Impact: Building Resilience for People and Planet.

This new report showcases more than 100 best practices for delivering resilience, including several pioneering instruments that are expanding resources, mobilizing private capital, and strengthening systemic resilience.

Enhancing action on nature

The MDBs are supporting clients to scale up nature-positive investments by improving metrics, methodologies, and financial product design. In Belém, they will launch a new framework for nature financing that includes the Common Principles for Tracking Nature Finance and A Practitioner’s Guide to Results Metrics Selection, both designed to support the development of high-quality financial products and attract greater private capital for nature.

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

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

Source: APO

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This year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 (www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com), taking place December 8-10 in Dakar, Senegal, will feature a dedicated session on Green Hydrogen: Advancing Africa’s Advantage and the Rise of Regional Production Alliances. The panel will explore green hydrogen production in the MSGBC basin, emerging regional partnerships and the potential for large-scale industrialization and export.

The session will bring together leading figures in the sector, including Taghiya Abeidarrahmane, Director of Low Carbon Hydrogen, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Mauritania; Thierry Lepercq, Founder and CEO, Hydeal Ambition; Prof. Dr. Stefan Liebing, CEO, Conjuncta GmbH; and Mike Scholey, CEO, CWP Global.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Mauritania (https://apo-opa.co/4nRpM7m) is at the forefront of green hydrogen developments in the MSGBC region, with projects leveraging solar and wind resources for industrial-scale hydrogen production. In March 2025, renewable energy company CWP reached a milestone with geological, hydrogeological and seabed bathymetric studies completed for its 30 GW Aman Project – setting the foundation for a facility that aims to produce up to 1.7 million tons of green hydrogen and 10 million tons of green ammonia annually. In February 2025, Danish company GreenGo Energy (https://apo-opa.co/4i3AUNw) signed a framework agreement with the Mauritanian government to develop the 6 GW Megaton Moon Project, securing access to over 100 000 hectares near Nouakchott. The initial phase of the project aims for 500 MW electrolysis, 600 MW onshore wind and 600 MWp solar PV by 2029, producing approximately 339 000 tons of green ammonia annually.

Meanwhile, a 10 GW project developed by renewable energy companies Conjuncta, Masdar and Infinity (https://apo-opa.co/47SpwPF) is in the feasibility phase, targeting an annual output of 8 million tons of green hydrogen. Phase 1 – a 400 MW installation – is scheduled for 2028. The panel is set to unpack how projects of this size are being structured, financed and aligned with national strategies for export‑scale hydrogen hubs, while also examining the emerging regional alliances shaping distribution networks.

Under Mauritania’s Green Hydrogen Code and accompanying roadmap, the country is establishing institutional, fiscal and customs frameworks to support large‑scale hydrogen investment. Models include shipping hydrogen as ammonia, developing green iron using domestic mining coalitions and exploring subsea pipelines for export to Europe. As such, panelists during the Green Hydrogen: Advancing Africa’s Advantage and the Rise of Regional Production Alliances session are expected to examine how regulatory and export infrastructure mechanisms align with production projects in the region. 

“The session will showcase how Africa’s green hydrogen projects are moving from vision to reality,” notes Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power, adding, “By connecting international investors, regional developers and policymakers, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 highlights pathways for scaling green hydrogen production and strengthening regional collaboration.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

The Africa Tech Festival Awards 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), held on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 in Cape Town, brought together technology leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the continent to celebrate excellence in African innovation and digital transformation. 

Recognising the people and organisations driving meaningful impact across the tech ecosystem, the awards ceremony honoured those who are shaping Africa’s digital future. Finalists and winners were selected through a rigorous three-stage process, including a public vote and final adjudication by an expert panel of judges representing leading voices in business, technology, and finance. 

2025 award winners 

• Connectivity for All: Orange 
• AI Leader of the Year: Jean-Francois Arnod, CMO, Orange 
• Telco of the Year: Vodacom 
• Innovation for Impact: Mastercard Community Pass 
• CXO of the Year: Dejan Kastelic, CTO, Vodacom 
• Changing Lives: SES and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) 
• Female Innovator of the Year: Ms Ennaifer Asma, Senior VP CSR, Orange Middle East & Africa 
• Fintech Innovation of the Year: Vodacom 
• Startup of the Year: Booi Industries (Pty) Ltd 
• Cybersecurity Leader of the Year: Tim Theuri, CISO, M-Pesa Africa 

Pictures for the winners can be found here: https://apo-opa.co/48aH8Yh

The judging panel consisted of Vukosi Sambo, Group CIO, PHA STM Healthcare & Marara Group; John Bosco Arends, Group Head: Information and Network Technology Operations, City of Johannesburg; Sithembile Songo, Group Head: Information Security, Eskom Holdings; Nina Triantis, Global Head Telecoms, Media and Technology, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank; Bas Wijne, CEO, APO Group; Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (Shoprite Nigeria); and Robert Aouad, CEO, ISOCEL Telecom. 

The Africa Tech Festival 2025 takes place from 11 to 13 November at the Cape Town International Conference Centre. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

Source: APO

From November 13 to 14, 2025, the AFRICA24 Group (https://Africa24TV.com) will offer exceptional coverage of the second edition of the Francophone African Music Industry Exhibition, held under the theme: Promoting and financing Francophone African music: from potential to proof.

This edition of SIMA2025 is an event open to music lovers and the general public, celebrating music as a living and shared heritage. An event that brings together artists, producers, and professionals to structure and develop the pan-African music ecosystem.

SIMA2025 : A major two-day event: 

• 13 November: Launch ceremony and panel discussions
• 14 November: Networking, keynotes and closing ceremony

About the Francophone African Music Industry Exhibition :

Created and initiated by experts in the music industry, the “Salon des Industries Musicales d’Afrique Francophone” (SIMA) promotes the African music industry, trains players in this ecosystem and provides a business platform for African players and those from other continents. SIMA, a true ‘mirror’ of the African music industry, offers players in the ecosystem meetings with potential clients or partners, the promotion of their offers and services, but above all the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the business logic of the African and international markets.

The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households

Watch ‘Francophone African Music Industry Exhibition 2025’ live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at :

• AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle
• On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.
• On https://Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes.

Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact:
Communication Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tél.: +237 694 90 99 88

Follow us on:
@ africa24tv
https://Africa24TV.com

ABOUT THE AFRICA24 GROUP:
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.…

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :

• AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia
• AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English.
• AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.
• AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform in Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) … More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.

Source: APO

•  Over 65 countries exhibit, with 70% of solutions being international, connecting Egypt’s construction stakeholders to global suppliers and technology providers
• Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase low-carbon solutions, modular builds, energy-efficient systems and prefabrication methods that reduce waste and improve resource use

Across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, urbanization is reshaping economies at unprecedented speed. With more than half the world’s population now living in cities, a figure expected to reach nearly 68% by 2050, according to the United Nations (https://apo-opa.co/4oHeBj9), developing regions such as Egypt are accelerating urban transformation through ambitious construction goals, including the development of fourth-generation cities (https://apo-opa.co/4oHeDHN), sustainable infrastructure and inclusive housing to accommodate rapid urbanization and economic growth. As project volumes grow, industry leaders are turning to Big 5 Global (www.Big5Global.com) to explore technologies and solutions that strengthen construction supply chains, improve technological efficiency and advance sustainability.

Bringing together participants from over 165 countries, with 70% solutions from international companies, Big 5 Global connects Egypt’s construction and urban development ecosystem to a global network of suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers.

“Egypt continues to expand its construction, infrastructure and urban development ambitions and Big 5 Global provides a great opportunity for local and international stakeholders to connect, explore solutions and enhance project delivery,” said Ahmed Abdel Fattah, Executive Director, Export Council for Building Materials, Refractory & Metallurgy Industries. “Our continued participation highlights the growing role of Egyptian companies in delivering tailored, sustainable and technologically advanced construction solutions that meet the country’s modernization goals.”

Strengthening global supply chains for project efficiency

Big 5 Global brings together 2,800 exhibitors and over 60,000 products, services, systems and solutions from around the world, supporting efficient, reliable project delivery.

International pavilions from Germany and Italy return with expertise in advanced materials, including high-performance concrete, cement, marble and stone systems, while India expands its footprint with advanced MEP and smart construction solutions for large-scale projects across the Middle East and Africa. Returning pavilions, Austria and Pakistan, showcase export-ready innovations in modular builds, interiors and MEP systems designed to reduce costs and streamline delivery. Additionally, exhibitors from Armenia, Croatia, Hungary, Jersey, New Zealand, Norway and Serbia further broaden sourcing options for buyers seeking diversified and reliable supply routes. 

As supply networks evolve to meet regional demand, technology is driving the next phase of efficiency in project delivery and procurement.

Technology transforming procurement and project delivery

Digitalization is transforming how projects are procured, managed and executed. At Digital Construction World, global exhibitors including Autodesk, Nemetschek Group, Odoo, Premier Construction Software, Procore Technologies, RIB Software and Trimble showcase technologies that enhance visibility and efficiency across the supply chain. Odoo integrates procurement, HR and operations into a single suite, reducing redundancies; Premier Construction Software simplifies cost tracking and project management; Trimble leverages automation to cut site rework by up to 25%, directly improving delivery times and project profitability; and Meter Technology demonstrates its fully integrated digital solution that transforms surveying and engineering, eliminating decades-old inefficiencies.

Eng. Ahmed Al-Ansary, Chairman, Founder & CEO of Meter Technology, commented: “Meter transforms surveying and engineering from traditional to tech-driven. As the world’s first fully integrated digital platform, we’ve eliminated decades-old inefficiencies. Our AI-powered system completes complex projects within 48 hours with exceptional precision across nine countries. Big 5 Global offers the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore sector development worldwide under ‘From the UAE to the World’, where geospatial and engineering digital innovation forms the foundation of real estate sustainability.”

Sustainable manufacturing and smarter material supply

International exhibitors are also rethinking how materials are produced, transported and reused to reduce environmental impact while improving long-term value.

China’s new Eco-Friendly Zone is built entirely from recyclable materials and features solutions for low-carbon construction, showcasing how sustainability can be integrated throughout the supply chain.

Among key participants, Grundfos Gulf Distribution leads with energy-efficient pumping systems that reduce water and energy use in commercial and industrial facilities. Deewan Equipment Trading LLC introduces modular and precast manufacturing plants that cut onsite waste and shorten construction schedules through prefabrication. Hitech Concrete Products showcases precast hollow-core and insulated wall systems designed for thermal efficiency and reduced raw material consumption, advancing sustainable construction practices across the region.

GF, a leading provider of MEP solutions and sustainable building technologies, returns to Big 5 Global to showcase its advanced systems that support efficient construction workflows and environmentally responsible project delivery. “The region is pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious development programs, where sustainable water management is key to realizing this vision. GF is uniquely positioned to support this progress through its comprehensive solutions portfolio, our local presence including manufacturing, offsite-manufacturing and customer experience facilities, long-standing regional partnerships and dedicated teams who understand the market’s unique challenges,” said Michael Rauterkus, Executive Committee member of GF and President of GF Building Flow Solutions.

These contributions highlight how collaboration with global manufacturers helps the UAE advance smart cities and net-zero goals.

“Big 5 Global continues to connect international manufacturers and regional stakeholders, helping strengthen construction supply chains and advance sustainable growth across the built environment,” said Josine Heijmans, Vice President, dmg events. “As the UAE accelerates towards its smart city and net-zero goals, these international partnerships bring practical, scalable solutions that support project efficiency, quality and delivery.”

Big 5 Global is supported by leading sponsors and partners, including Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Dubai Civil Defense, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Municipality, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Ras Al Khaima Municipality, Riyadh Region Municipality, Meter Technology, Schüco, Alumil, Italian Trade Agency, Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), GF, Dubai Investments Park, Würth Professional Solutions, MIE Groups, Daikin, Hisense, TCL, Gulf-O-Flex, DAC Group, DeWalt, Nassar Stone and Nemetschek Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Big 5 Global.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Deepra Ahluwalia
Action PR
deepra.a@actionprgroup.com
 971 56 477 0995

Nour Ibrahim
Action PR
nour.i@actionprgroup.com
971 54 425 0187

Khushie Mallya
PR Executive
Construction, dmg events
khushiemallya@dmgevents.com

Ranju Warrier
Head of PR & Communications
Construction, dmg events
ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com

About Big 5 Global:
With a 45-year legacy, Big 5 Global is the largest and most influential building and construction event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the annual meeting hub for the global construction industry.  Taking place from 24 – 27 November 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Big 5 Global attracts more than 85,000 global attendees from over 165 countries and 2,800 exhibitors to UAE covering the full construction and urban development cycle across dedicated sectors and nine specialized events enabling industry professionals to source worldwide building solutions for every stage of construction: Heavy, Totally Concrete, Marble & Stone World, Urban Design & Landscape, Windows, Doors & Facades, HVACR World, LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld and Future FM. 

For more information and to register, visit: www.Big5Global.com

Source: APO

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Africa marked Africa Day at COP30 under the theme “At the Forefront of Climate Action: Sustainable Financing for Inclusive and Resilient Green Growth,” reaffirming the continent’s united call for a new era of climate finance that delivers for people, planet, and prosperity. 

The event, held in Belém, brought together ministers, development partners, and representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and Afreximbank, alongside civil society and youth representatives. 

Ten years after the signing of the Paris Agreement, the global community faces a critical reckoning: climate pledges have yet to match reality. Global warming targets remain off-track, financing falls short, and the gap between promise and delivery continues to widen. For Africa — home to 20 percent of the world’s carbon sinks, responsible for less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet receiving under 10 percent of adaptation finance and only three percent of total climate funding—the consequences are existential. 

Building on the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) and the Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, Africa Day at COP30 amplified the continent’s message: climate finance must work for Africa. 

H.E. Moses Vilakati, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at Africa Day, gave a message reaffirming Africa’s united negotiating stance and leadership on climate justice.  

“Africa speaks with one voice bold, united, and leading on climate justice. From Africa to Belém, Africa stands united in purpose and action reaffirming its leadership on climate justice, grounded in equity and the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities,” he declared, adding:   

“We are not passive recipients of the global transition but active architects of fair, inclusive, and African led climate solutions that shall shape a fair and green global future.” 

Discussions focused on mobilising sustainable, equitable, and innovative finance to accelerate Africa’s green industrialization. Leaders highlighted that the continent’s future lies in leveraging its abundant natural resources for value addition and local manufacturing — from processing critical minerals to scaling renewable energy solutions. 

“Africa already stands at the forefront of global climate action, shaping solutions that are both locally grounded and globally relevant,” said Dr Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth of the African Development Bank Group.  

He added: “Currently, we are driven by a new vision articulated by our President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, to sharpen the Bank’s focus around four strategic priorities – referred to as the Four Cardinal Points to unlock Africa’s Capital Power; enhance the continent’s financial sovereignty; turn demographics into a dividend; and build resilient infrastructure, while adding real value.  

Addressing climate change is central to this bold and ambitious agenda. We are therefore taking decisive steps to close Africa’s sustainable financing gap, strengthen Africa’s adaptive capacity, and to generally accelerate climate action through innovation, partnerships, and financial leadership.” 

Africa is among the world’s leading producers of key minerals such as cobalt, manganese, and other critical raw materials, yet it captures only a small share of their final value. By investing in local beneficiation, battery manufacturing, and regional value chains, the continent aims to shift from exporting raw materials to becoming a global hub for innovation and green industrial production. 

Africa also holds immense untapped carbon market potential, yet captures less than 1 percent of global revenue. With reforms and African-led governance, the market could generate up to $100 billion annually and create five million green jobs by 2030. 

Participants emphasised the urgency of reforming the global financial system to shift from debt-based models to direct, grant-based, and Africa-owned solutions. Despite promises at COP29, only a fraction of global climate funds reaches African communities. Africa Day reiterated the continent’s call for a new collective quantified goal on climate finance that meets the scale and urgency of its needs. 

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the ECA, Cosmas Milton Ochieng, Director of the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division, said: “Reshaping the global financial architecture is not just a matter of fairness but a prerequisite for survival.”  

He added: “Africa needs a predictable, transparent, and equitable climate finance system that channels resources directly to where they are needed most: in the hands of African countries and communities driving transformative climate action.” 

The call for sustainable domestic financing was equally strong. Africa holds over $350 billion in sovereign and pension funds that could be redirected toward green infrastructure, resilience, and innovation. Mobilising these domestic resources alongside external partnerships will be key to achieving the continent’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Africa Day at COP30 was not merely a commemoration — it was a declaration of intent.  

Leaders called for fair carbon pricing, direct access to climate finance, and a just transition that ensures no African is left behind. African countries are calling for full implementation of the commitments made in Baku, particularly the mobilisation of $300 billion in climate finance for Africa.  

COP29 in Baku fell short of delivering the resources needed to address the continent’s climate crisis. Despite calls for a global annual goal of $1.3 trillion by 2030, including $300 billion earmarked for Africa, systemic challenges remained unresolved. African leaders had urged for debt-free grants and direct access to funds through African institutions such as the AfDB.  

However, the final agreement favoured loan-based financing and reliance on external intermediaries, leaving nearly 60 percent of climate funds as debt obligations for African economies. 

As the world looks to Belém for delivery, Africa’s message is clear: the continent is not seeking charity but partnership—a new global climate compact that recognis>es Africa’s leadership, rewards its environmental stewardship, and invests in its people. 

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

Media contact: 
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About Africa Day at COP30:
Africa Day at COP30 serves as the continent’s flagship event at the UN Climate Change Conference, offering a platform to highlight Africa’s leadership in climate action and advocate for equitable access to climate finance. The event embodies the shared vision of Africa’s institutions to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all Africans.