Category: Africa

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De-Risking a Frontier Basin: Why Liberia’s Offshore Opportunity is Defined by Certainty, Not Speculation

Source: APO


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For decades, “frontier basin” has been synonymous with uncertainty. Investors have typically associated frontier exploration with limited geological data, unclear regulatory frameworks, speculative acreage allocation and elevated commercial risk. That perception no long accurately reflects Liberia.

The country’s offshore sector is entering a fundamentally different phase. Risk has not disappeared – no frontier basin is without it – but it has become increasingly identifiable, measurable and manageable. Through institutional reform, structured licensing and one of the most comprehensive offshore data acquisition campaigns in Liberia’s history, the country is systematically reducing the uncertainties that have historically constrained investment.

Regulatory certainty forms the first pillar of this strategy.

The Amended Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 2019 clearly separates regulatory oversight from commercial participation. The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) independently administers licensing, compliance and petroleum agreements, while the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) manages the state’s commercial interests. Distinct institutional mandates create transparent decision-making and reduce governance risk for investors.

The market has responded. In September 2025, TotalEnergies signed PSCs for Blocks BL-6, LB-11, LB-17 and LB-29, generating a $16 million signature bonus and ending more than a decade of limited upstream activity. In January 2026, the company extended into the Harper Basin through a Joint Study and Application Agreement with BluEnergies covering Blocks LB-26, LB-30 and LB-31 across 8,924 km2.

Liberia’s second competitive advantage is geological visibility.

Frontier exploration has historically relied on limited subsurface information. Today, operators are evaluating Liberia using modern seismic imaging and geochemical analysis designed to identify the highest-confidence drilling opportunities before exploration wells are committed.

TGS has surpassed the halfway mark in reprocessing more than 6,100 km2 of legacy 3D seismic using advanced pre-stack depth migration workflows that preserve direct hydrocarbon indicators. Since June 2026, GeoPartners has simultaneously conducted a 4,045 km2 seabed survey aboard the R/V GYRE, integrating bathymetric mapping, water-column imaging and piston coring across water depths of 500‒3.500 meters. Combined datasets scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026 will significantly improve target definition and reduce subsurface uncertainty.

Liberia is also de-risking investment through disciplined licensing.

Rather than allocated acreage to the highest bidder, the LPRA’s targeted direct negotiation framework prioritizes companies with proven technical capability, financial capacity and long-term commitment. Applicants are expected to demonstrate access to more than $50 million in liquidity per block alongside ultra-deepwater operating experience before negotiations advance.

Equally important are Liberia’s “drill-or-drop” provisions. Exploration licenses require operators to execute agreed work programs or relinquish acreage, preventing speculative block holding and ensuring continuous investment across the basin.

Institutional reforms have continued alongside technical progress. During 2025 and 2026, the LPRA strengthened regulatory cooperation with the U.S., signed a strategic partnership with Ghana’s Petroleum Commission and worked with NOCAL to enhance judicial capacity for petroleum dispute resolution. Meanwhile, the government expects active mining and petroleum agreements to mobilize $4.8 billion in investment, including approximately $800 million dedicated to upstream exploration.

No frontier basin is without risk. Commodity prices fluctuate, exploration can disappoint and deepwater developments require significant capital. Investors understand those realities.

The difference is that Liberia is systematically addressing the risks it can control. Strong regulation, transparent licensing, active data acquisition and disciplined contract enforcement are transforming uncertainty into informed investment decisions. For companies seeking exposure to one of the last underexplored basins along the West Africa Transform Margin, Liberia’s greatest asset is not longer simply its geology. It is the confidence created by a regulatory framework deliberately built to support responsible, long-term investment.

The Launch of the Liberia 2026 Offshore Direct Negotiation Licensing Round – organized by Energy Capital and Power – will take place at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 on October 14 at The Orchid, CTICC 2. Visit, https://apo-opa.co/4y0VlRB for more information.

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

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Botswana, Lesotho Mark 60 Years Independence

Source: APO


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As Botswana celebrates her 60 years independence on Wednesday, Lesotho gears for her own golden Jubilee independance as well on Sunday.

The two sister countries are set to be marking decades of peace, stability and governance after gaining freedom from the British Colonial rule that is September 30, 1966 for Botswana and October 4, 1966 for the Mountain Kingdom respectively.

In an interview with the Agency on Wednesday, the Coordinator of Lesotho at 60 under the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mrs. ‘Mabasia Shano explained the committee is fully aware of the aforementioned scenarios between two sister countries sharing a lot in common including independence month and year.

Therefore, she wished Batswana a happy independence, urging Basotho to see this day as a warm up ahead of Basotho’s special day on Sunday that is October 04, whereby special activities of the day will include demonstration and performance of 60 years song.

She stated that messages of the song are to be centred around the 60 years journey, adding it is expected that different artists from traditional ones to hip-hop amongst others will come together and showcase their art in line with theme song.

Mrs. Shano also informed the nation collectively, individually and otherwise to also continue celebrations beyond October 04, stating there are other activities lined up and they include helping districts to make sustainable projects that will remain as legacies beyond 60 years.

“Let us go and enjoy the milestone, afterwards we will unveil each district proposals and plans for such projects so that we are aware how each district intendeds to hold this legacy going forward.”

In another story, she stipulated that their plan is also to initiate at some point a joint celebration as time goes by between Lesotho and Botswana, expressing hope the idea will be welcomed so that two nations, one way or the other engage on exchange.

Both countries are members of Southern African Development Community Countries (SADC), aspiring to foster peace and security of their nations as well as United Nations (UN) with the intention to also forge path for development in their respective countries in areas of economy and others.

Over and above that, Lesotho and Botswana are also working together with regard to Memorundum of Understanding (MoU) on water.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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Liberia Lays the Infrastructure Foundation for Offshore Petroleum Sector Ahead of 2026 Exploration Push

Source: APO


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Liberia is entering a new phase of offshore exploration as international companies advance seismic and geological programs while the government strengthens the infrastructure and institutions needed to support a growing petroleum sector. Activity is accelerating in the Harper Basin, while port modernization, petroleum storage and regulatory capacity are developing in parallel.

TotalEnergies and BluEnergies are already advancing a technical work program across Blocks LB-26, LB-30 and LB-31 in the Harper Basin. Announced in July 6, the program includes seismic reprocessing, seabed surveys and geochemical work aimed at identifying drillable prospects and potential drilling locations.

Port Infrastructure Enters a New Modernization Cycle

Liberia’s port system is being upgraded as offshore activity gains momentum. The National Port Authority (NPA), which oversees the Freeport of Monrovia and Port of Buchanan, is implementing its RESET Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, focused on port modernization, operational efficiency, safety and international maritime cooperation.

Buchanan already provides an established industrial logistics platform, with a commercial quay, open storage areas, warehouse facilities and heavy-lift capabilities. The NPA is now pursuing broader modernization and planning initiatives designed to improve the country’s maritime infrastructure and operating standards.

In July, the NPA also concluded a cooperation agreement with France’s HAROPA PORT, covering operational efficiency, technical cooperation and maritime modernization. The partnership forms part of the authority’s wider effort to bring Liberia’s ports closer to international standards.

Storage Expansion Builds Downstream Capacity

Liberia is also expanding petroleum storage capacity. In 2024, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) completed a new gasoline storage tank, increasing national petroleum storage capacity by approximately 17,000 m3.

The next expansion phase is set to be substantially larger. In June, President Joseph Boakai reviewed the LPRC’s proposal for a new 50,000-ton tank farm at the company’s Product Storage Terminal. The project is intended to strengthen fuel security, expand strategic storage and improve Liberia’s petroleum distribution capacity.

The investment comes as exploration activity moves forward offshore, giving Liberia additional storage and logistics capacity as petroleum sector activity expands.

Strengthening Liberia’s Petroleum Institutions

Regulatory capacity is developing alongside the physical infrastructure, with the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority – led by Director General Marilyn T. Logan -and Ghana’s Petroleum Commission having signed an MoU in June covering regulatory cooperation, knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement and institutional capacity building. The agreement provides for cooperation in areas including petroleum-sector governance and technical expertise.

Liberia’s production-sharing framework also embeds local content and workforce development requirements into upstream contracts, creating mechanisms for Liberian workers and companies to participate as exploration and production activity expands.

With TotalEnergies and BluEnergies advancing offshore technical work in 2026, Liberia is simultaneously expanding port infrastructure, petroleum storage and regulatory capacity. The developments are giving the country’s emerging offshore sector a broader operational foundation as exploration moves toward potential drilling activity.

The Launch of the Liberia 2026 Offshore Direct Negotiation Licensing Round – organized by Energy Capital and Power – will take place at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 on October 14 at The Orchid, CTICC 2. Visit, https://apo-opa.co/4rHXpMI for more information.

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

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Face à l’Afrique : Louise Mushikiwabo, secrétaire générale de Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), en interview exclusive sur AFRICA24, Afrique Media et Canal 2 International

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans le cadre de son émission Face à l’Afrique, le Groupe AFRICA24 (https://Africa24TV.com) propose, aux côtés de ses partenaires Afrique Media et Canal 2 International, une interview exclusive de Louise Mushikiwabo, Secrétaire générale de l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) depuis 2018. Cet entretien intervient à quelques semaines du 20e Sommet de la Francophonie, qui se tiendra du 14 au 16 novembre 2026 au Cambodge et sera marqué par une première historique : l’élection au suffrage direct du prochain Secrétaire général, parmi quatre candidatures en lice.

Retrouvez l’intégralité de Face à l’Afrique ce dimanche 4 octobre à 19h40 GMT, en diffusion simultanée sur les trois médias partenaires.

FACE À L’AFRIQUE : UN FORMAT NOVATEUR

Face à l’Afrique est le magazine télévisuel continental réservé aux Chefs d’État, chefs de Gouvernement et grands dirigeants, dans un format inédit qui rassemble des médias leaders du continent. Dans cette édition, Rodrigue Tongué (Canal 2 International), Gwladys Lebouda (AFRICA24) et Eric Golf Kouatchou (Afrique Media) décryptent les huit années de Louise Mushikiwabo à l’OIF et analysent les grands enjeux francophones.

Une diffusion continentale et mondiale avec AFRICA24

Le Groupe AFRICA24, premier groupe média TV et digital du continent, accessible dans 120 millions de foyers, offre Face à l’Afrique à la plus large audience.

  • Première diffusion : dimanche 4 octobre – 19h40 GMT, en simultané sur les trois chaînes partenaires : AFRICA24, Afrique Media et Canal 2 International
  • Disponible en direct et en replay sur myafrica24, la première application de streaming HD de l’Afrique.
  • Disponible en direct et en replay sur https://Africa24TV.com

Avec le Groupe AFRICA24, Ensemble, transformons l’Afrique !

Distribué par APO Group pour AFRICA24 Group.

Contact :
Direction de la Communication – Groupe Africa24
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email : onana@africa24tv.com
Tél. : +237 6 91 30 03 40 (WhatsApp Only)
@africa24tv

À propos du Groupe AFRICA24 :
Initié en 2009, le Groupe AFRICA24 est le premier éditeur TV & média digital du continent avec 4 chaînes full HD en diffusion dans les plus grands bouquets. Leader en audience chez les décideurs et cadres dirigeants du continent, le Groupe AFRICA24 édite :

  • AFRICA24 TV (Français) pionnier de l’information continentale en Français
  • AFRICA24 English la référence de l’information des six régions d’Afrique
  • AFRICA24 Sport leader de l’information sportive et des compétitions
  • AFRICA24 Infinity unique chaîne continentale dédiée aux industries créatives qui valorisent le génie créatif de la jeunesse africaine
  • MyAfrica24 la première plateforme de streaming HD mondiale sur l’Afrique disponible sur tous les écrans (Télévision, tablette, smartphone, ordinateurs)
  • https://Africa24TV.com : le site web du replay et des contenus du continent

Avec le Groupe AFRICA24 plus de 120 millions de foyers ont accès à l’Afrique à travers les plus grands opérateurs : Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell… 8 millions d’abonnés sur les différentes plateformes digitales et réseaux sociaux.

https://Africa24TV.com

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Afreximbank félicite le Gouvernement et le peuple de la République du Kenya ainsi que le Groupe Dangote pour le lancement du projet de raffinerie de Lamu

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) félicite le gouvernement et le peuple de la République du Kenya, sous la conduite de S.E. le Président Dr William Samoei Ruto, à l’occasion de la pose de la première pierre de la raffinerie pétrolière de Dangote à Lamu, un projet phare et historique. Cet investissement historique pourrait considérablement accroître les capacités de raffinage de l’Afrique, renforcer la sécurité énergétique régionale et accélérer la transition du continent d’un modèle fondé sur l’exportation de matières premières vers le commerce de produits à valeur ajoutée.

D’un coût estimé à quelque 16 milliards de dollars US, la raffinerie devrait afficher une capacité de traitement de 700 000 barils de pétrole brut par jour et générer environ 60 000 emplois. Son modèle de participation régionale envisagé ainsi que sa portée commerciale régionale soulignent son potentiel en tant qu’actif industriel stratégique pour la région. La raffinerie devrait s’approvisionner en pétrole brut auprès de producteurs africains, notamment l’Ouganda, pour alimenter en produits pétroliers raffinés le Kenya et, plus largement, les marchés de la région.

La mise en place d’une telle capacité de raffinage à grande échelle pourrait avoir des retombées économiques considérables. Un projet de cette envergure permettra au Kenya et, plus largement, à l’Afrique de conserver davantage de valeur ajoutée sur leurs marchés et de renforcer les chaînes industrielles locales. Il contribuera également à créer des emplois et des activités connexes, à réduire la dépendance aux produits pétroliers raffinés importés et à ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives d’exportation à l’échelle régionale.

Le projet intervient également à un moment déterminant pour la sécurité énergétique de l’Afrique. Les perturbations du trafic maritime autour du détroit d’Ormuz, conjuguées à l’instabilité persistante en mer Rouge et autour du détroit de Bab el-Mandeb, ont une nouvelle fois révélé la vulnérabilité des économies africaines tributaires de chaînes d’approvisionnement lointaines pour leurs produits stratégiques. Dans ce contexte, le développement des capacités de raffinage en Afrique constitue un levier stratégique pour soutenir l’industrialisation du continent, approfondir le commerce intra-africain et consolider la résilience de ses économies.

Selon Dr George Elombi, Président d’Afreximbank et Président du Conseil d’administration de la Banque, «la portée de cet investissement va bien au-delà de la construction d’une raffinerie. Elle témoigne de la capacité de l’Afrique à concevoir, financer et réaliser de grands projets industriels répondant directement aux besoins de ses économies. En transformant davantage sur le continent les ressources que nous produisons, nous créons davantage de valeur à partir de nos ressources naturelles, générons des emplois et renforçons les liens commerciaux entre les économies africaines » ;

Poursuivant son propos, il a souligné : « Les récentes perturbations des réseaux mondiaux d’approvisionnement énergétique et des routes maritimes nous ont rappelé le coût de la dépendance. L’Afrique dispose des capitaux, des entreprises et des marchés nécessaires pour s’affranchir progressivement de cette dépendance. Des investissements de cette nature nous permettent de renforcer nos capacités productives, de raccourcir les chaînes d’approvisionnement, de préserver nos réserves en devises, de consolider la sécurité énergétique régionale et d’accroître la résilience de nos économies ».

La pose de la première pierre de la raffinerie de Lamu intervient dans un contexte plus large d’expansion des infrastructures industrielles et commerciales du Kenya, un chantier stratégique dans lequel Afreximbank s’est imposée comme un partenaire de long terme du gouvernement kényan. En 2023, Afreximbank a lancé un Programme-pays de 3 milliards de dollars US en faveur du Kenya afin de soutenir des projets prioritaires dans les secteurs public et privé. Le programme s’articule autour de plusieurs axes prioritaires, y compris le développement industriel et la production destinée à l’exportation, l’adaptation au changement climatique et l’irrigation, ainsi que les infrastructures commerciales. Il prévoit également un soutien aux petites et moyennes entreprises et des initiatives visant à renforcer leur intégration aux marchés régionaux et continentaux. Il comprend notamment une facilité de 800 millions de dollars US dédiée à l’adaptation du Kenya au changement climatique, destinée à soutenir le développement de l’irrigation et, plus largement, à accroître la productivité agricole.

Par ailleurs, en collaboration avec le gouvernement kényan et ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, Afreximbank accompagne le développement du parc industriel intégré de Dongo Kundu, à Mombasa, ainsi que de la zone économique spéciale de Naivasha II. Près d’un milliard de dollars US est consacré au développement de ces deux parcs industriels intégrés, qui devraient contribuer à renforcer la production destinée à l’exportation, à attirer les investissements nationaux et internationaux et à conforter la position du Kenya comme plateforme industrielle et logistique pour l’Afrique de l’Est et l’Afrique centrale. Selon les projections du gouvernement kényan, ces deux projets devraient permettre la création d’environ 140 000 emplois à leur plein déploiement.

La Banque a également renforcé son soutien au développement de la zone économique spéciale de Vipingo, dans le comté de Kilifi. En 2025, Afreximbank et KCB Group ont annoncé la mise en place d’un mécanisme de financement de 800 millions de dollars US, dont 500 millions apportés par Afreximbank et 300 millions par KCB, destiné à soutenir les entreprises qui s’implantent dans cette zone. Afreximbank avait déjà décaissé 40 millions de dollars US pour soutenir le développement de cette zone économique spéciale. Ce financement cible les entreprises opérant dans les secteurs manufacturier et agro-industriel, la logistique ainsi que dans d’autres activités à forte valeur ajoutée.

Afreximbank adresse également ses félicitations à M. Aliko Dangote, Président-Directeur général de Dangote Industries Limited, ainsi qu’au Groupe Dangote, pour leur engagement constant en faveur de projets d’envergure au service du développement industriel de l’Afrique.

Afreximbank et le Groupe Dangote entretiennent un partenariat stratégique de longue date, fondé sur une vision commune en faveur de l’industrialisation de l’Afrique, de la création de valeur ajoutée et du renforcement durable des capacités productives du continent. Depuis 2015, Afreximbank a mobilisé près de 15 milliards de dollars US en faveur du Groupe Dangote. Ce soutien a notamment permis de financer des projets d’envergure, dont la raffinerie pétrolière et le complexe pétrochimique de Dangote au Nigeria. En 2025, Afreximbank a signé une facilité de financement de 1,35 milliard de dollars US, dans le cadre d’un financement syndiqué d’environ 4 milliards de dollars US destiné à Dangote Industries Limited. En 2026, la Banque a ensuite souscrit à hauteur de 2,5 milliards de dollars US à un prêt à terme syndiqué senior de 4 milliards de dollars US destiné à la raffinerie, réalisant ainsi la plus importante participation au sein du consortium bancaire. Depuis le démarrage des activités de raffinage, Afreximbank a également apporté un financement de 1 milliard de dollars US au titre du fonds de roulement et a accompagné l’initiative « Naira-for-Crude » [pétrole contre nairas] en qualité de conseiller financier.

Ces interventions s’inscrivent dans le cadre des efforts plus larges déployés par Afreximbank pour contribuer à l’émergence d’un marché africain pour les produits pétroliers raffinés sur le continent. En 2025, la Banque a mis en place un Programme de financement renouvelable de 3 milliards de dollars US destiné aux importations intra-africaines de pétrole. Celui-ci vise à faciliter entre 10 et 14 milliards de dollars US d’échanges de produits pétroliers sur le continent et à permettre aux acheteurs africains de s’approvisionner davantage auprès des raffineries implantées en Afrique.

Dr George Elombi relève que « des entreprises africaines telles que Dangote Industries illustrent ce qu’il est possible d’accomplir lorsque l’ambition africaine s’appuie sur des investissements à la hauteur des enjeux. Elles transforment nos ressources naturelles en capacités productives : raffineries, usines, chaînes d’approvisionnement, emplois et produits destinés à être commercialisés sur les marchés africains. Afreximbank se félicite d’avoir accompagné l’expansion industrielle du Groupe Dangote, notamment en soutenant son important investissement dans le raffinage au Nigeria. La décision du Groupe d’étendre son empreinte industrielle à l’Afrique de l’Est revêt une importance particulière. La transformation du continent reposera de plus en plus sur la capacité des entreprises africaines à investir au-delà de leurs frontières, des institutions financières africaines à les accompagner et des gouvernements à créer les conditions propices à la réussite de ces investissements. »

Afreximbank considère que le développement d’entreprises africaines compétitives à l’échelle mondiale et de chaînes de valeur régionales sera déterminant pour concrétiser les ambitions de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf). Des investissements tels que la raffinerie de Lamu, combinés au développement des parcs industriels et des zones économiques spéciales au Kenya, peuvent contribuer à accélérer la transformation économique du continent. Ils peuvent ainsi favoriser le passage d’un modèle fondé sur l’exportation de matières premières non transformées et l’importation de produits manufacturés à une économie africaine qui produit, transforme et échange de plus en plus pour elle-même.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable de la communication et des événements (relations avec les médias)
E-mail : 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) et S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte. 

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

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Afreximbank felicita o Governo e o povo da República do Quénia, bem como o Grupo Dangote, pelo projecto histórico da Refinaria de Lamu

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) felicita o Governo e o povo da República do Quénia, liderados por Sua Excelência Presidente Dr. William Samoei Ruto, pelo início das obras da refinaria de petróleo Dangote em Lamu. Este investimento histórico tem o potencial de expandir significativamente a capacidade de refinação de África, reforçar a segurança energética regional e acelerar a transição do continente da exportação de matérias-primas para o comércio de produtos de valor acrescentado.

A refinaria, com um custo aproximado de 16 mil milhões de USD, está projectada para ter capacidade de processar 700.000 barris de petróleo bruto por dia e deverá criar cerca de 60.000 postos de trabalho. A sua propriedade regional prevista e o seu alcance de mercado sublinham o seu potencial como um activo industrial da África Oriental. Prevê-se que a refinaria processe petróleo bruto proveniente de produtores africanos, incluindo o Uganda, fornecendo produtos petrolíferos refinados ao Quénia e ao mercado regional em geral.

A importância económica do estabelecimento de uma capacidade de refinação em grande escala é substancial. Um projecto desta dimensão representa uma oportunidade para reter mais valor nas economias do Quénia e de África, aprofundar as cadeias de abastecimento industriais locais, gerar emprego e serviços associados, reduzir a dependência de produtos refinados importados e criar uma nova plataforma para as exportações regionais.

O projecto surge igualmente num momento crucial para a segurança energética de África. As recentes perturbações que afectaram o Estreito de Ormuz e a instabilidade contínua em torno do Mar Vermelho e de Bab el-Mandeb demonstraram, mais uma vez, a vulnerabilidade criada quando as economias africanas dependem fortemente de cadeias de abastecimento distantes para matérias-primas estratégicas. Neste contexto, a expansão da capacidade de refinação africana é fundamental para promover a industrialização, o comércio intra-africano e a resiliência económica.

O Dr. George Elombi, Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Afreximbank, afirmou: “A importância deste investimento vai muito além da construção de uma refinaria. Demonstra a capacidade de África de conceber, financiar e construir grandes activos industriais que respondem directamente às necessidades das nossas economias. Ao refinar uma maior parte do que produzimos no continente, retemos mais valor dos nossos recursos naturais, criamos postos de trabalho e reforçamos as ligações comerciais entre as economias africanas.”

E continuou, “As recentes perturbações nas rotas globais de energia e de transporte marítimo lembraram-nos do custo da dependência. África dispõe do capital, das empresas e dos mercados necessários para reduzir essa exposição. Investimentos como este dão-nos a capacidade produtiva necessária para encurtar as cadeias de abastecimento, poupar divisas, reforçar a segurança energética regional e tornar as nossas economias mais resilientes.”

A cerimónia de lançamento das obras da Refinaria de Lamu decorre no âmbito de uma expansão mais ampla das infra-estruturas industriais e comerciais do Quénia, uma agenda na qual o Afreximbank se tornou um importante parceiro de longo prazo do Governo do Quénia. Em 2023, o Afreximbank lançou um Programa Nacional para o Quénia no valor de 3 mil milhões de USD para apoiar projectos prioritários dos sectores público e privado. O programa abrange o desenvolvimento industrial e a produção para exportação, adaptação às alterações climáticas e irrigação, infra-estruturas comerciais, apoio a pequenas e médias empresas e iniciativas destinadas a ligar as empresas quenianas de forma mais eficaz aos mercados regionais e continentais. Inclui um Fundo de Adaptação às Alterações Climáticas do Quénia, no valor de 800 milhões de USD, que apoia o desenvolvimento da irrigação e uma maior produtividade agrícola.

Além disso, em colaboração com o Governo do Quénia e as Plataformas Industriais Integradas ARISE, o Afreximbank está a apoiar o desenvolvimento do Parque Industrial Integrado de Dongo Kundu, em Mombaça, e da Zona Económica Especial II de Naivasha. Foram reservados aproximadamente mil milhões de USD para o desenvolvimento dos dois parques industriais integrados, que se espera que reforcem a indústria transformadora orientada para a exportação, atraiam investimento nacional e internacional e reforcem a posição do Quénia como porta de entrada industrial e logística para a África Oriental e Central. As projecções do Governo associam estes dois projectos à criação de aproximadamente 140.000 postos de trabalho, uma vez concluídos.

O Banco alargou igualmente o seu apoio à Zona Económica Especial de Vipingo, no Condado de Kilifi. Em 2025, o Afreximbank e o Grupo KCB anunciaram um quadro de financiamento no valor de 800 milhões de USD, composto por 500 milhões de USD do Afreximbank e 300 milhões de USD do KCB, para apoiar as empresas que se instalem na zona. O Afreximbank já tinha desembolsado 40 milhões de USD para o desenvolvimento da ZEE. O financiamento destina-se a empresas dos sectores da indústria transformadora, do processamento agrícola, da logística e de outros sectores de valor acrescentado.

O Afreximbank felicita igualmente o Sr. Aliko Dangote, Presidente e Director Executivo da Dangote Industries Limited, e o Grupo Dangote, por continuarem a assumir compromissos em grande escala com o desenvolvimento industrial de África.

O Afreximbank e o Grupo Dangote construíram uma parceria de longa data centrada na industrialização, criação de valor acrescentado e expansão da capacidade produtiva de África. Desde 2015, o Afreximbank investiu aproximadamente 15 mil milhões de USD no Grupo Dangote. Esse apoio incluiu um financiamento significativo para a Refinaria de Petróleo e Complexo Petroquímico Dangote, na Nigéria. Em 2025, o Afreximbank assinou uma linha de crédito de 1,35 mil milhões de USD como parte de um financiamento sindicado de aproximadamente 4 mil milhões de USD para a Dangote Industries Limited. Em 2026, o Banco subscreveu posteriormente 2,5 mil milhões de USD de um empréstimo a prazo sindicado sénior de 4 mil milhões de USD para a refinaria, representando a maior participação no consórcio. Desde o início das operações de refinação, o Afreximbank concedeu igualmente uma linha de crédito de capital de exploração no valor de mil milhões de USD e foi consultor financeiro na iniciativa Naira por Petróleo Bruto [Naira-for-Crude].

Estas intervenções complementam o esforço mais amplo do Afreximbank de construir um mercado africano para o petróleo refinado em África. Em 2025, o Banco criou um Programa de Financiamento Renovável para a Importação de Petróleo Intra-africano no valor de 3 mil milhões de USD, concebido para facilitar entre aproximadamente 10 mil milhões e 14 mil milhões de USD em importações intra-africanas de petróleo e permitir que os compradores africanos adquiram mais produtos refinados de refinarias que operam no continente.

O Dr. Elombi afirmou que, “as empresas africanas como a Dangote Industries demonstram o que é possível quando a ambição africana é acompanhada por investimento em grande escala. Elas transformam os nossos recursos naturais em capacidade produtiva – refinarias, fábricas, cadeias de abastecimento, postos de trabalho e produtos que podem ser comercializados nos mercados africanos. O Afreximbank orgulha-se de apoiar a expansão industrial do Grupo Dangote, incluindo o seu importante investimento em refinação na Nigéria. A sua decisão de alargar essa presença industrial à África Oriental é importante porque a transformação de África dependerá cada vez mais de empresas africanas que invistam além das nossas fronteiras, de instituições financeiras africanas que as apoiem e de governos que criem as condições para que esses investimentos sejam bem-sucedidos.”

O Afreximbank acredita que o desenvolvimento de empresas africanas competitivas a nível global e de cadeias de valor regionais será essencial para concretizar a promessa da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana. Investimentos como a Refinaria de Lamu, a par dos parques industriais emergentes e das zonas económicas especiais do Quénia, podem ajudar a fazer com que o continente deixe de depender da exportação de matérias-primas não transformadas e da importação de produtos manufacturados, rumo a uma economia africana que, cada vez mais, produz, transforma e comercializa para si própria.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com a Imprensa)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

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Sobre o Afreximbank:
​O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2025, o total de activos e passivos contingentes do Afreximbank atingiu mais de 48,5 mil milhões de USD, e os seus fundos próprios totalizaram 8,4 mil milhões de USD. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), pela GCR (A), pela Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e pela Moody’s (Baa2)  e pela S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com

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Diretor-Executivo (CEO) da Merck Foundation, Dra. Rasha Kelej, compartilha insights de liderança sobre como transformar direitos universais em ações significativas por meio da compreensão local

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Como parte de sua plataforma virtual de Mentoria e Liderança, “Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact”, a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com/), publicou um novo artigo sobre liderança intitulado “Leadership Beyond the Obvious: Universal Rights Need Local Understanding”. No artigo, a Dra. Kelej reflete sobre por que os princípios universais devem ser traduzidos em ações que respondam às realidades locais, prioridades, contextos culturais e necessidades das comunidades atendidas.

Para ler o artigo completo e acessar a plataforma, visite:

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

Falando sobre o artigo, a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) afirma: “Os direitos humanos não se tornam menos universais quando adaptamos nossa abordagem às realidades e prioridades locais. Eles se tornam mais alcançáveis.”

“Um programa desenvolvido para uma sociedade não pode simplesmente ser copiado para outra e esperar que tenha o mesmo impacto. Embora os princípios possam ser universais, as prioridades, os métodos e a comunicação devem responder às evidências locais, aos riscos imediatos, à capacidade disponível e ao contexto cultural”, acrescenta.

No artigo, a Dra. Kelej destaca vários exemplos de seu trabalho na Merck Foundation, incluindo o estigma relacionado à infertilidade, os cuidados oncológicos, a saúde mental, a educação das meninas e a inclusão de pessoas com deficiência. Ela enfatiza que enfrentar esses desafios exige mais do que oferecer uma intervenção individual. Desenvolver conhecimentos especializados locais na área da saúde, envolver as comunidades, abordar atitudes sociais e trabalhar com parceiros que compreendam o contexto local são elementos essenciais para criar uma mudança duradoura.

A Dra. Kelej explica que essa abordagem está refletida no trabalho da Merck Foundation em 42 especialidades críticas e pouco atendidas na África, onde a Fundação investe na capacitação de profissionais de saúde e trabalha com governos, prestadores de serviços de saúde, Primeiras-Damas e Presidentes, educadores, meios de comunicação, artistas e comunidades. Ela enfatiza que cada parceiro tem um papel diferente na transformação de princípios universais, como dignidade, segurança, oportunidade e acesso aos cuidados de saúde, em mudanças significativas na vida cotidiana das pessoas.

Ela também destaca a importância de desenvolver as pessoas e a capacidade local para levar adiante a mudança. Capacitar um especialista local pode exigir mais tempo e esforço do que oferecer uma solução imediata, mas esse especialista poderá cuidar de pacientes, treinar outros profissionais e ajudar a desenvolver serviços que continuem a crescer de forma independente. Para a Dra. Kelej, é assim que um investimento inicial pode gerar um impacto duradouro e multiplicador.

O artigo está disponível por meio da plataforma de Mentoria e Liderança da Dra. Rasha Kelej, “Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact”, no Substack, lançada para criar um recurso acessível destinado a inspirar, orientar e apoiar futuros líderes, especialmente mulheres e jovens futuros líderes na África, Ásia e nos países do Sul Global. A plataforma é acessível a todos, garantindo que aspirantes a líderes de diferentes origens possam ter acesso a mentoria valiosa, insights de liderança e orientação prática.

Link para a plataforma de Mentoria e Liderança da Dra. Rasha Kelej:

https://apo-opa.co/3U29Gz1

Os artigos podem ser acessados no site da Dra. Rasha Kelej:

https://Rasha-Kelej.com/

Os links para os artigos também podem ser acessados no site da Merck Foundation:

https://Merck-Foundation.com/

Os links também podem ser acessados por meio dos canais de mídia social da Dra. Rasha Kelej e da Merck Foundation.

Por meio de sua plataforma de Mentoria e Liderança, a Dra. Rasha Kelej está comprometida em compartilhar seus 32 anos de conhecimento e experiência para apoiar e orientar pessoas que desejam desenvolver seu potencial oculto, alcançar seus objetivos profissionais e pessoais e tornar-se os líderes de amanhã.

Para saber mais sobre a trajetória da Dra. Rasha Kelej, visite seus canais de mídia social: Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4hqt1Da), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3VqCEZN), X (https://apo-opa.co/4y2t3Gd), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4ysAozZ).

E os canais de mídia social da Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4ysAqb5), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3U6aJ0V), X (https://apo-opa.co/4rLa5Cv) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4AK6Nn6).

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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La Président-directeur général (PDG) de la Merck Foundation, la Dre Rasha Kelej, partage ses réflexions sur le leadership et la transformation des droits universels en actions concrètes grâce à une compréhension locale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans le cadre de sa plateforme virtuelle de mentorat et de leadership, « Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact », la Sénatrice Dre Rasha Kelej, PDG de la Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com/), a publié un nouvel article sur le leadership intitulé « Leadership Beyond the Obvious: Universal Rights Need Local Understanding ». Dans cet article, la Dre Kelej explique pourquoi les principes universels doivent être traduits en actions qui répondent aux réalités locales, aux priorités, aux contextes culturels et aux besoins des communautés concernées.

Pour lire l’article complet et accéder à la plateforme, rendez-vous sur :

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

À propos de l’article, la Sénatrice Dre Rasha Kelej (Ret.) déclare : « Les droits humains ne deviennent pas moins universels lorsque nous adaptons notre approche aux réalités et aux priorités locales. Ils deviennent plus réalisables. »

« Un programme conçu pour une société ne peut pas simplement être copié dans une autre société en espérant obtenir le même impact. Si les principes peuvent être universels, les priorités, les méthodes et la communication doivent répondre aux données locales, aux risques immédiats, aux capacités disponibles et au contexte culturel », ajoute-t-elle.

Dans cet article, la Dre Kelej met en lumière plusieurs exemples tirés de son travail à la Merck Foundation, notamment la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, les soins contre le cancer, la santé mentale, l’éducation des filles et l’inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap. Elle souligne que relever ces défis nécessite plus que la mise en place d’une intervention individuelle. Développer l’expertise locale en matière de santé, mobiliser les communautés, lutter contre les attitudes sociales et travailler avec des partenaires qui comprennent le contexte local sont autant d’éléments essentiels pour créer un changement durable.

La Dre Kelej explique que cette approche se reflète dans le travail de la Merck Foundation dans 42 spécialités médicales critiques et insuffisamment desservies en Afrique, où la Fondation investit dans la formation des professionnels de santé et collabore avec les gouvernements, les prestataires de soins de santé, les Premières Dames et les Présidents, les éducateurs, les médias, les artistes et les communautés. Elle souligne que chaque partenaire joue un rôle différent pour traduire des principes universels tels que la dignité, la sécurité, les opportunités et l’accès aux soins en changements significatifs dans la vie quotidienne des populations.

Elle souligne également l’importance de développer les compétences des personnes et les capacités locales afin de permettre la poursuite du changement. Former un spécialiste local peut nécessiter davantage de temps et d’efforts que de fournir une solution immédiate, mais ce spécialiste pourra prendre en charge des patients, former d’autres professionnels et contribuer à développer des services qui continueront à progresser de manière autonome. Pour la Dre Kelej, c’est ainsi qu’un investissement initial peut générer un impact durable et multiplicateur.

L’article est disponible sur la plateforme de mentorat et de leadership de la Dre Rasha Kelej, « Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact », sur Substack, qui a été lancée afin de créer une ressource accessible destinée à inspirer, orienter et accompagner les futurs leaders, en particulier les femmes et les jeunes futurs leaders en Afrique, en Asie et dans les pays du Sud global. La plateforme est accessible à tous, afin de permettre aux aspirants leaders issus de milieux divers d’accéder à un mentorat précieux, à des perspectives sur le leadership et à des conseils pratiques.

Lien vers la plateforme de mentorat et de leadership de la Dre Rasha Kelej :

https://apo-opa.co/4iZOd3T

Les articles sont disponibles sur le site web de la Dre Rasha Kelej :

https://Rasha-Kelej.com/

Les liens vers les articles sont également disponibles sur le site web de la Merck Foundation :

https://Merck-Foundation.com/

Les liens sont également accessibles via les réseaux sociaux de la Dre Rasha Kelej et de la Merck Foundation.

À travers sa plateforme de mentorat et de leadership, la Dre Rasha Kelej s’engage à partager ses 32 années de connaissances et d’expérience afin d’aider et d’accompagner les personnes qui aspirent à développer leur potentiel caché, à atteindre leurs objectifs professionnels et personnels et à devenir les leaders de demain.

Pour en savoir plus sur le parcours de la Dre Rasha Kelej, consultez ses réseaux sociaux : Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4hqt1Da), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3VqCEZN), X (https://apo-opa.co/4y2t3Gd), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4ysAozZ).

Et les réseaux sociaux de la Merck Foundation : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4ysAqb5), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3U6aJ0V), X (https://apo-opa.co/4rLa5Cv) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4AK6Nn6).

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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Afreximbank Congratulates the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya and Dangote Group on Landmark Lamu Refinery Project

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) congratulates the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya, led by H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto, on the groundbreaking of the Dangote oil refinery in Lamu. The landmark investment has the potential to significantly expand Africa’s refining capacity, strengthen regional energy security and accelerate the continent’s transition from exporting raw materials to trading value-added products.

The approximately US$16 billion refinery is planned to have capacity to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is expected to create approximately 60,000 jobs. Its intended regional ownership and market reach underscore its potential as an East African industrial asset. The refinery is expected to process crude sourced from African producers, including Uganda, while supplying refined petroleum products to Kenya and the wider regional market.

The economic significance of establishing large-scale refining capacity is substantial. A project of this scale presents an opportunity to retain more value within Kenyan and African economies, deepen local industrial supply chains, generate employment and associated services, reduce exposure to imported refined products and create a new platform for regional exports.

The project also comes at a consequential moment for Africa’s energy security. Recent disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz and continuing instability around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb have again demonstrated the vulnerability created when African economies depend heavily on distant supply chains for strategic commodities. Against this backdrop, expanding African refining capacity is critical to advancing industrialisation, Intra-African trade and economic resilience.

Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said, “The significance of this investment extends well beyond the construction of a refinery. It demonstrates Africa’s capacity to conceive, finance and build major industrial assets that respond directly to the needs of our economies. By refining more of what we produce on the continent, we retain greater value from our natural resources, create jobs and strengthen the trade links between African economies.”

He continued, “Recent disruptions to global energy and shipping routes have reminded us of the cost of dependence. Africa has the capital, the enterprises and the markets to reduce that exposure. Investments such as this give us the productive capacity to shorten supply chains, conserve foreign exchange, strengthen regional energy security and build greater resilience into our economies.”

The Lamu refinery groundbreaking takes place amid a wider expansion of Kenya’s industrial and trade infrastructure, an agenda in which Afreximbank has become an important long-term partner to the Government of Kenya. In 2023, Afreximbank launched a US$3 billion Country Programme for Kenya to support priority public and private-sector projects. The programme encompasses industrial development and export manufacturing, climate adaptation and irrigation, trade infrastructure, support for small and medium-sized enterprises and initiatives designed to connect Kenyan businesses more effectively to regional and continental markets. It includes an US$800 million Kenya Climate Change Adaptation Facility supporting irrigation development and broader agricultural productivity.

In addition, working with the Government of Kenya and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), Afreximbank is supporting the development of the Dongo Kundu Integrated Industrial Park in Mombasa and the Naivasha Special Economic Zone II. Approximately US$1 billion has been earmarked for development of the two integrated industrial parks, which are expected to strengthen export manufacturing, attract domestic and international investment and enhance Kenya’s position as an industrial and logistics gateway into East and Central Africa. Government projections have associated the two developments with approximately 140,000 jobs once fully developed.

The Bank has also expanded its support for the Vipingo Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County. In 2025, Afreximbank and KCB Group announced an US$800 million financing framework, comprising US$500 million from Afreximbank and US$300 million from KCB, to support enterprises establishing operations in the zone. Afreximbank had already disbursed US$40 million towards development of the SEZ. The financing targets enterprises in manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics and other value-addition sectors.

Afreximbank also congratulates Mr Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, and the Dangote Group, for continuing to make large-scale commitments to Africa’s industrial development.

Afreximbank and Dangote Group have built a longstanding partnership focused on industrialisation, value addition and expanding Africa’s productive capacity. Since 2015, Afreximbank has invested approximately US$15 billion in the Dangote Group. That support has included major financing for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex in Nigeria. In 2025, Afreximbank signed a US$1.35 billion financing facility as part of an approximately US$4 billion syndicated financing for Dangote Industries Limited. In 2026, the Bank subsequently underwrote US$2.5 billion of a US$4 billion senior syndicated term loan for the refinery, representing the largest participation in the syndicate. Since refining operations began, Afreximbank has also provided a US$1 billion working-capital facility and served as financial adviser on the Naira-for-Crude initiative.

These interventions complement Afreximbank’s wider effort to build an African market for African-refined petroleum. In 2025, the Bank established a US$3 billion Revolving Intra-African Oil Import Financing Programme, designed to facilitate approximately US$10 billion to US$14 billion in intra-African petroleum imports and enable African buyers to source more refined products from refineries operating on the continent.

Dr. Elombi said, “African enterprises such as Dangote Industries demonstrate what is possible when African ambition is matched by investment at scale. They turn our natural resources into productive capacity – refineries, factories, supply chains, jobs and products that can be traded across African markets. Afreximbank has been proud to support the Dangote Group’s industrial expansion, including its major refining investment in Nigeria. Its decision to extend that industrial footprint into East Africa is important because Africa’s transformation will increasingly depend on African enterprises investing across our borders, African financial institutions supporting them and governments creating the conditions in which those investments can succeed.”

Afreximbank believes that the development of globally competitive African enterprises and regional value chains will be essential to achieving the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Investments such as the Lamu refinery, alongside Kenya’s emerging industrial parks and special economic zones, can help shift the continent from dependence on the export of unprocessed commodities and the import of manufactured products towards an African economy that increasingly produces, processes and trades for itself.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A strong supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), Moody’s (Baa2) and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Ecowas Court and women’s rights in west Africa: what’s working – and what isn’t

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Maame Efua Addadzi-Koom, Senior Lecturer, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

The Ecowas Court is a west African regional body located in Abuja, Nigeria, serving the now 12-nation Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). The court, originally set up to handle economic matters related to the Ecowas Treaty, was given a human rights mandate in 2005. Since then, of the hundreds of cases the court has heard, nearly 90% have been human rights-related. In a recent book, international law and human rights scholar Maame Efua Addadzi-Koom argues that the shift in the court’s mandate has made it an accessible forum for advancing women’s rights. Some of its landmark decisions have challenged discrimination and violence against women.

Why is the court so important for women’s rights in west Africa?

The court has become the preferred destination for west Africans litigating human rights issues against their governments. As I set out in my book, this has begun to happen since it was given its human rights mandate in 2005.

A key attraction of the Ecowas Court is its accessibility: plaintiffs do not have to go through all the judicial avenues available in their country before they can bring their action to the court. This is the case with other regional tribunals on the continent.

This accessibility has been enhanced by electronic filing and case management systems.

What key decisions has it made about the rights of women?

It’s made key decisions in areas like marriage, widowhood, domestic violence, employment, school, culture and conflict situations. An example is the 2019 decision of Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) and Child Welfare Society, Sierra Leone (CWS-SL) v. The Republic of Sierra Leone (the “Waves” case).

This was a public interest litigation case against Sierra Leone, where a non-governmental organisation filed the action on behalf of an estimated 3,000 pregnant schoolgirls. Sierra Leone had banned pregnant schoolgirls from attending mainstream schools and offered them substandard education in “alternative” schools.

Waves argued that the arrangement denied the girls equal access to education on the basis of their pregnancy status. The court ordered Sierra Leone to revoke the ban and close down the alternative schools.

How enforceable are its decisions?

The court is working to improve the enforcement of its decisions. It has an enforcement plan – member states are to set up a national authority to receive and enforce the court’s decisions. Not all member states have done so. Eight out of the 12 Ecowas member states have not complied with the arrangement.

Even among those that have set up a national authority, records show that some are among the countries with the highest number of unenforced judgments. Nigeria, home of the Ecowas Court, is one example.

That said, there are instances of decisions being enforced in part. For example, the Waves case. I attribute Sierra Leone’s partial compliance to the public-interest nature of the case, which led to systemic remedies (fixing the broken system in the country) rather than monetary remedies (compensation for individual victims), and the publicity such litigation generates.

What weaknesses still need to be addressed?

A gap I note in the book is the uncertainty surrounding the monetary compensation the court awards in women’s rights cases. It is one thing for women to receive a favourable judicial declaration that their rights have been violated, and another to be unsure of the “price tag” the court will place on those rights.

The “price tag” is equally important, and the lack of uniformity diminishes predictability, a determining factor in effective compensation.

I also observe that there is minimal mention of the Maputo Protocol by the Ecowas Court in most of its women’s rights decisions, the 2025 case of Forum Against Harmful Practices and Others v. Republic of Sierra Leone being an exception. The Maputo Protocol is the African Bill of Rights for Women, adopted in 2003. It is the first regional human rights treaty specifically designed for women.

In most of the decisions analysed in the book, the court mentions the Maputo Protocol only briefly and does not rely on it heavily. This is troubling because, among international human rights instruments for women, the Maputo Protocol is best suited to African women and girls because of its comprehensive scope and distinctive nature.

If it’s not used, its impact is diminished.

How can the court transform women’s rights in the region?

The Ecowas Court is already doing a great job advancing women’s rights in the region, but its work would be even more transformative if it developed a uniform monetary compensation framework and became more intentional about increasing its reliance on the Maputo Protocol.

Public interest litigation is another route to getting the Ecowas Court to deliver systemic, transformative decisions. But the initiative will come from the lawyers submitting cases, not from the court itself.

What does the future hold for women’s rights in the region?

Ecowas has established itself as a fair and receptive regional court where women can trust they will receive justice, even if their own states do not provide it.

The range of women’s rights issues that the court addresses continues to grow. I eagerly anticipate the court’s future handling of a technology-facilitated gender-based violence case when it is eventually presented with one. This is an emerging form of gender-based violence that is partly or fully committed, assisted, aggravated or amplified using technological platforms and other digital media or tools.

Women are particularly affected by this type of violence. As of 2026, it’s estimated that 75% of women globally have experienced it. Therefore, a decision by the Ecowas Court on this matter would help shape the rights of women to be free from violence online.

– Ecowas Court and women’s rights in west Africa: what’s working – and what isn’t
– https://theconversation.com/ecowas-court-and-womens-rights-in-west-africa-whats-working-and-what-isnt-291919