Category: Africa

Source: APO

Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) (www.JA-Africa.org), Union Chrétienne de Jeunes Gens Togo (YMCA Togo) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have delivered entrepreneurship training to 738 high school students in Togo this year.

The JA Company Program in Togo encouraged participants to develop business ideas that address sustainability challenges in their communities. The program included several key entrepreneurship modules, including identifying problems and opportunities, creativity and idea generation, market research, business model design, business plan development, basic financial management, marketing and communications, pitching and project presentation, and sustainable business management.

Through this structured learning, students gained practical skills to identify community needs and create and manage their own businesses responsibly.

“In Africa, young people have the ideas and energy to drive meaningful change,” said Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing managing director for Africa. “Our partnership with JA Africa has already helped more than 5,000 young people across the continent unlock their potential. I am proud that the program in Togo produced 45 student-led small businesses, creating local economic opportunities in West Africa.”

The program culminated in the national youth entrepreneurship competition, held on March 14 in Lomé. Forty students from shortlisted teams, representing ten schools from Lomé and the Maritime region, presented their business projects to a panel of judges.

The grand prize was awarded to SmartAir from CS BAPTISTE, Kangnikopé, which proposed an Intelligent Fan, a ventilation system that automatically activates based on temperature.

“When young people are given the opportunity to build and run real companies, they begin to see themselves differently — as creators of value and drivers of change,” said Vincent Supparayen, director of strategy and development for non-anglophone Africa at Junior Achievement Africa. “Through the JA Company Program, we equip young people in Togo with the entrepreneurial skills and sustainability mindset they need to thrive in their communities.”

“At YMCA Togo, we believe that every young person has the potential to transform their community. The JA Company Program not only provides them with the tools to create and manage a business, but also gives them the opportunity to become sustainable change-makers in their environment,” said Mr. Dodji Kevin FIASHINOU, national president of YMCA-Togo. “We are proud to support these young people in their entrepreneurial journey and to see their ideas come to life in projects that strengthen the local economy.”

JA Africa and Boeing have been partners since 2021, delivering entrepreneurship and sustainability programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and now Togo. Alumni of the programs have consistently demonstrated success, with many launching their own businesses and creating jobs in their communities.

Such outcomes are vital for Africa, home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population. According to the International Labor Organization, young people in Sub-Saharan Africa are more likely than adults to face unemployment or underemployment. In Togo, limited formal job creation has also contributed to irregular migration as young people seek opportunities abroad, a trend highlighted by the World Bank. The program aims to tackle youth unemployment head-on.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

Media Contacts: 
Ellen Ukpi 
JA Africa Marketing and Communications 
info@ja-africa.org

Evgeniia Teterina
Boeing Communications 
evgeniia.teterina@boeing.com  

About Junior Achievement Africa: 
Junior Achievement Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs working on the economic empowerment of young Africans. We deliver hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial capability, STEM, and digital skills to over 1.6 million young people annually across 23 countries. We empower young people to tackle real-world problems, launch their businesses, and confidently step into the future of work. JA Africa is an ecosystem leader in youth entrepreneurship education across the continent, bringing together governments, corporations, educators, and communities to transform how young Africans are prepared for future success. By creating scalable, inclusive learning experiences and nurturing a generation of changemakers, we are helping to reshape Africa’s economic narrative. Learn more: www.JA-Africa.org.

About YMCA Togo: 
YMCA is an international Christian movement founded in 1844, present in Togo since 1903. Initially integrated into the youth activities of the Evangelical Church of Togo, it gradually became an autonomous organization and is now recognized as a development NGO in Togo. Its vision is to strengthen the capacity of young people. Its values are responsibility, commitment, and honesty. Its interventions focus on four areas: citizenship education, employment and entrepreneurship, youth health, and rights and justice. With more than a century of roots in Togo, YMCA Togo is now a key player in youth leadership and development. Learn more: www.YMCATogo.org 

About Boeing Africa:
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company has been driving Africa’s aviation growth for over seven decades, with Boeing’s market share in African commercial aviation reaching 70%. Boeing has offices in Ethiopia and South Africa and field service representatives working with airlines across the continent. Over the last decade, Boeing has invested $14.5 million in community partnerships with universities and non-profits in Africa. More than 58,500 people have participated in Boeing’s educational programs across the continent over the last five years alone. Learn more: https://www.Boeing.Africa.

Source: APO

.

Rotavirus surveillance continues to demonstrate the positive impact of vaccination in Ghana. The World Health Organization (WHO) convened a rotavirus surveillance review meeting in Koforidua that brought together surveillance focal points from collaborating health facilities, the sentinel site at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the Regional Reference Laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe diarrhoeal disease among children under age five years globally, and while the introduction of vaccines in 2006 has significantly reduced hospitalisations and deaths, sustained surveillance is essential to maintain impact and guide policy. In Ghana, the vaccine, introduced in 2012, has averted over 1.8 million cases and reduced rotavirus-related hospitalisations by 42%. These gains are supported by sentinel surveillance systems anchored at two sites, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), established in collaboration with WHO in 2008. The site, together with five affiliate hospitals, enrolls children under age five years with acute gastroenteritis for laboratory testing and strain characterisation. 

Performance at KATH has improved consistently, with enrolment rates increasing from 84% in 2024 to 86% in 2025, with over 96% of stool samples collected within 24 hours in both years. The review meeting in Koforidua provided a platform to examine three-year performance trends, validate data, share lessons learned, and jointly develop context-specific strategies to overcome bottlenecks such as intermittent ELISA test kit shortages, data entry inconsistencies, and shipment delays.

Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Michael Rockson Adjei, New Vaccine Initiative Officer at WHO Ghana, underscored the importance of surveillance in sustaining vaccine impact.

“Introducing a vaccine is only the beginning. What sustains impact is strong, reliable surveillance. The data generated from this sentinel site does not only inform Ghana’s immunisation programme, but contributes to global evidence on vaccine performance, strain circulation, and future vaccine design. Strengthening this system is an investment in child survival”, he said. 

He commended the site for its improved enrolment rates and timely sample collection but emphasized the need for data accuracy and uninterrupted laboratory testing to maintain credibility and scientific value.

Ghana operates several rotavirus sentinel surveillance sites across the country to monitor disease trends and assess the continued impact of the rotavirus vaccine. With support from the World Health Organization, these sites play a critical role in generating data that informs national and global immunization policies. The review meeting in Koforidua focused on the surveillance network anchored at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, and similar performance review meetings will be held with other sentinel sites to strengthen surveillance systems nationwide.

The meeting provided a platform to review three-year performance trends, validate data, share lessons learned, and jointly develop context-specific strategies to overcome bottlenecks such as intermittent shortages of ELISA test kits, data entry inconsistencies, and shipment delays.

Representing KATH rotavirus sentinel site, Professor Emmanuel Addo-Yobo, the site coordinator, highlighted the importance of laboratory quality and strain characterisation.

“Beyond detecting rotavirus, we are interested in understanding which strains are circulating and whether they are changing over time. This information is critical for global vaccine policy and for anticipating potential shifts in disease patterns. Timely sample shipment and consistent availability of test kits are therefore not operational details — they are scientific necessities”, he noted.

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and group work sessions focused on integrating sentinel surveillance into routine hospital systems and strengthening immunization data documentation for enrolled children. Health facilities shared practical lessons on improving case identification, documentation, and collaboration between clinical and laboratory teams.

Jacqueline Tawia, a Nurse at Asokwa Children’s Hospital reflected on the value of the review meeting.

“Sometimes we focus so much on daily service delivery that we do not step back to see the bigger picture. This meeting has helped us understand how our documentation and timely sample collection contribute to national and global health decisions. We are leaving here with clearer strategies and renewed commitment”, she said. 

The review also strengthened coordination between WHO, KATH, NMIMR, and GHS to address operational challenges, including integration of rotavirus surveillance into routine systems, stockouts of ELISA kits and regulatory delays affecting shipment of laboratory supplies.

As Ghana continues to build resilient health systems, the rotavirus sentinel surveillance platform demonstrates how collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous quality improvement can protect children from preventable diseases.

By strengthening laboratories, improving data systems, and fostering partnerships across institutions, Ghana is not only safeguarding the impact of the rotavirus vaccine but also reinforcing the foundation for broader vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, ensuring that every child has a better chance to survive and thrive.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

Source: APO

.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, together with the Undersecretary, Directors General, Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Health Committees from the National Legislative Assembly and Council of States, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in South Sudan, Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, wrapped up a two-day high-level field visit to Rumbek Centre in Lakes State and Gogrial West County in Warrap State from 11- 13 March 2026. The trip focused on evaluating health gaps and challenges while reinforcing commitments from government and partners to enhance services at every level. In both states, the Minister and her team made courtesy visits to governors and local leaders. They exchanged insights on critical health priorities, strategies to tackle them, and the need for unified action.

Hon. Sarah Rial expressed deep gratitude to state authorities, partners, and health workers for safeguarding community health. “As the Minister of Health, I remain committed to supporting you so that you can deliver even more,” she said. “I am proud to witness firsthand this level of dedication from our state authorities and the front-line health workers, and I thank you and I am proud of you. Keep up the good work.”

WHO’s assessment and pledge

Dr. Karamagi highlighted systemic hurdles alongside bright spots of progress. “We witnessed a number of challenges across the health system from limited resources to difficult access in remote areas. But we also see remarkable innovation, resilience, and hope,” he stated. “When communities are involved in decision-making, solutions become, and progress is made possible. WHO remains a steadfast partner in South Sudan’s journey toward a healthier population.”

Donations under the maternal and newborn health initiative

The Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, launched the Special Initiative on Maternal and Newborn Health at the South Sudan Health Summit in December 2025 to deliver essential obstetric and newborn care in hard-to-reach areas to address gaps in services, staffing, and supplies. Supporting the Minister’s Special Initiative on Maternal and Newborn Health, Hon. Rial with WHO backing donated a major shipment of essential medicines and delivery equipment to four health facilities in Lakes and Warrap States.  These include Malek PHCC in Rumbek Centre County, Anuol PHCC in Lakes State and Gogrial PHCC and Warrap PHCC in Tonj North County in Warrap State. The consignment includes oxytocin for postpartum hemorrhage prevention, misoprostol for uterine contractions, magnesium sulfate for eclampsia management, antibiotics (ampicillin and gentamicin), and neonatal resuscitation kits.

Medical supplies

The supplies include equipment for minor surgical care for 1,000 people; anti-malarial medicines to treat about 1,000 cases; medicines for pneumonia, diarrhea, worm infestation, and other common illnesses for approximately 1,000 people; medicines to prevent bleeding during deliveries among 250 mothers; HIV test kits for 200 antenatal mothers; three Manual Vacuum Aspiration sets for managing miscarriage complications; family planning supplies for voluntary users; and medicines for treating hypertension, mental illnesses, diabetes, and other chronic conditions for 10,000 people over a three-month period

Quality of care package 

These include infection prevention and control supplies sufficient for three Months, guidelines and manuals for immunization, and symptom flow charts to aid patient assessment, with additional guidelines currently in the pipeline. In addition, a Starlink internet connection will be installed within the next month to support supervision and oversight.

Launch of LLIN distribution 

In Rumbek, the Hon. Minister Cleto kicked off the nationwide Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) distribution campaign. This launch is part of the national initiative that will distribute 9.5 million mosquito nets to families across South Sudan to help combat the spread of malaria. Lakes state has received 888,600 of these nets, enough to cover all households. The nets are funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GF), supplied by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and will be distributed in Lakes State by the Women Agency for Resilience and Transformation (WART) in collaboration with the Lakes State Ministry of Health.Facility Visits

The delegation also toured Salva Kiir Mayardit Women Hospital in Rumbek in Lakes State and Kuajok Hospital in Kuajok town and Akon PHCC, Gogrial West, Warrap State to gauge needs firsthand.

This mission builds on an October 2025 visit, advancing state-level health system improvements, better service delivery, and readiness for public health threats.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

Source: APO

.

The Seychelles Defence Forces has resumed permanent presence on Assumption Island with the deployment of a detachment of soldiers to man the Seychelles Coast Guard Station there.

The station provides the SDF with a forward operating platform to support its operations in the South West of Seychelles EEZ, as well as to be able to react to incidents in the vicinity of Assumption Island. This is in line with the SDF’s constitutional mandate.

Assumption facilities also contain surveillance equipment which forms part of the SDF Coastal Surveillance Radar System network.

Apart from Assumption, SDF also has military presence on Aldabra Atoll.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

The Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum in Paris gains strategic weight with the scheduled participation of Dr. Philip Mshelbila, the newly appointed Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). His insight comes at a pivotal juncture for African gas and LNG markets, where energy security concerns, investment flows and global demand dynamics are reshaping the continent’s role in the global energy landscape.

Dr. Mshelbila assumed office at the GECF on January 1, 2026, bringing over three decades of gas, LNG and energy value‑chain experience – including senior leadership roles at Nigeria LNG and Atlantic LNG – to the helm of the intergovernmental body that represents major gas producers worldwide.

In its Global Gas Outlook and related analyses, the GECF has projected that Africa could attract up to $115 billion in gas midstream investment between 2031 and 2040, driven largely by LNG and liquefaction spending. The continent is expected to account for nearly a quarter of global liquefaction investments by 2050, with major projects in Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal-Mauritania and Gabon leading the charge. This frames Africa not only as a resource base for traditional markets, but as a strategic export hub in global gas supply chains.

Those projections align with the region’s real‑time evolution. New LNG developments such as Greater Tortue Ahmeyim on the Senegal–Mauritania maritime border have reached commercial milestones, while Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG and Nigeria’s Train 7 expansion at NLNG support infrastructure highlight growing activity. At the same time, assets in the Rovuma Basin, emerging fields in Tanzania and planned expansions in Egypt’s Zohr and offshore Mediterranean plays signal a broadening base of competitive gas resources across West, East and North Africa.

Beyond export potential, the continent’s domestic gas consumption continues to rise, driven by industrial demand, power generation needs and expanding LNG import infrastructure in markets such as South Africa and Ghana. According to recent market data, Africa’s gas consumption climbed to 183 billion cubic meters in 2025, reflecting year‑on‑year growth and underscoring gas’s growing role in the energy mix.

Mshelbila has also been vocal about the broader socioeconomic dimensions of gas development. He highlighted that more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity and an even larger number lack clean cooking solutions, noting that overall energy consumption on the continent must at least triple by 2050 to eliminate energy poverty. For investors, this underscores a dual opportunity: capitalizing on export‑oriented LNG projects while supporting solutions that address chronic domestic shortfalls.

The GECF’s engagement with global forums – from the G20 Energy Transition Working Group to continental leadership dialogues – reinforces its advocacy for gas as both a transitional and long‑term energy source that can support industrialization, electrification and lower‑emission outcomes relative to other fossil fuels.

At IAE 2026, Mshelbila’s participation will give investors a clearer view of how producer coordination, policy alignment and investment frameworks are evolving across Africa’s gas sector. As governments and international partners navigate security risks, financing constraints and regulatory complexities, these dynamics are increasingly shaping how projects move from discovery to development.

With the GECF playing a central role in global gas dialogue, Mshelbila’s perspective will also place African developments within the broader push to diversify global supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and rising demand in Europe and Asia – insights that are directly relevant for investors evaluating new opportunities across the gas value chain.

IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4bqyp4L) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Nominations for the African Energy Awards are officially open, with entries open until May 30. Taking place during the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies Conference and Exhibition – scheduled for October 12-16, 2026, in Cape Town – the awards celebrate the companies, projects and individuals driving innovation, investment and impact across Africa’s energy landscape.

Held as one of the flagship moments of AEW: Invest in African Energies, the awards recognize excellence across the continent’s oil, gas and broader energy value chain. The opening of nominations marks the start of the search for this year’s most outstanding industry leaders and achievements.

Visit www.AECWeek.com to submit your nomination!

“As our industry evolves, it is critical that we recognize the people and organizations making a tangible difference across the continent. We encourage stakeholders from across the sector to submit their nominations and help spotlight the excellence driving African energy forward,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award (non-voting category)

The Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award – the highest distinction in the industry – celebrates individuals who have made remarkable and lasting contributions to the oil, gas and energy sectors in Africa. The award celebrates the visionary leadership, innovation and profound impact of individuals, recognizing their tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to growth.

Lifetime Achievement Award (non-voting category)

Recognizing an individual whose career has left a lasting mark on Africa’s energy industry, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes decades of leadership, dedication and influence in advancing the development of the continent’s energy sector. The recipient has not only played a pivotal role in their respective field, but impacted policy, driven investment and strengthened industry collaboration – leaving a legacy that continues to guide the African energy industry’s growth.

Energy Person of the Year (non-voting category)

The Energy Person of the Year award celebrates an individual who has made significant and impactful contributions to the energy sector. It recognizes exceptional leadership, visionary thinking and a commitment to driving progress and innovation within the industry. The recipient’s efforts have substantially advanced the energy landscape, benefiting both their organization and the broader community.

Exploration & Production Leader of the Year

Recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation in upstream exploration and production, this award honors individuals driving new production and discoveries in Africa’s energy sector. Nominees demonstrate exceptional vision and operational excellence in unlocking the continent’s hydrocarbon potential and new production

Gas Monetization Award

This award recognizes companies and projects revolutionizing gas monetization in Africa to bridge the energy poverty gap. It honors innovative strategies and successful commercialization efforts that demonstrate outstanding leadership in maximizing the value of gas resources.

Deal of the Year

The Deal of the Year award recognizes the most transformative and impactful deal in the energy sector ­– honoring excellence in negotiation, strategic alignment, innovation and collaboration ­– and celebrates deals that drive advancements in energy and economic growth.

International Service Provider of the Year

The International Service Provider of the Year award celebrates an exceptional service provider that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and innovation in supporting Africa’s energy industry. The award honors service providers who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, offering tailored solutions that drive efficiency, productivity and sustainability in the energy sector.

African Service Provider of the Year

The African Service Provider of the Year recognizes an indigenous firm that has demonstrated excellence in supporting the continent’s energy industry through high-quality services, technical expertise and operational reliability. From enabling project development to strengthening supply chains to enhancing efficiency and driving projects forward, the recipient of the African Service Provider of the Year has demonstrated African expertise in an ever-changing industry. 

African Local Content Champion

This award celebrates an organization that has demonstrated exceptional dedication and success in promoting and implementing local content initiatives in Africa’s energy sector. The award recognizes champions who have gone above and beyond to ensure that the benefits of the energy industry are shared equitably, fostering inclusive growth and prosperity across the continent

International Local Content Champion

This International Local Content Champion award honors international companies and partners that have made a significant impact in advancing local content objectives across Africa. The nominated firms have fostered meaningful partnerships, invested in capacity-building programs and empowered local talent and suppliers to support long-term economic growth in the communities where they operate.

Reformer & Change Maker of the Year Award

This award honors a government or public sector entity that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to reforming the energy sector in Africa. It recognizes the efforts of governments and public sector institutions that have driven change, fostering an enabling environment for energy growth, economic development, and social progress.

CSR Project of the Year

The CSR Project of the Year award recognizes a standout corporate social responsibility initiative within Africa’s energy sector that has delivered measurable social, economic or environmental impact. It honors projects that go beyond compliance to actively uplift communities, support sustainable development and demonstrate a long-term commitment to responsible energy practices.

Media Personality or Agency of the Year

This award acknowledges outstanding achievements in journalism, communication and media coverage within the energy sector. It celebrates individuals or media organizations demonstrating exceptional storytelling, in-depth analysis, and effective communication of energy-related topics to a wide audience.

Technology Innovator of the Year  

The Technology Innovator of the Year celebrates an organization that has introduced groundbreaking technologies which continue to transform the African energy landscape. Through the deployment of solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability and operational performance across the industry, the recipient has reshaped the sector, supporting the development of a more resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem in Africa.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

Wingu Africa (www.Wingu.Africa), East Africa’s leading carrier-neutral data centre operator, has appointed Prasad Acharya as Director of Sales for Tanzania. In this role, he will lead the company’s sales organisation in the country and drive commercial growth across the Tanzanian market.

Prasad brings more than two decades of experience in the telecommunications and enterprise connectivity sectors, with a strong track record of building and leading high-performing sales teams across complex B2B environments. He has previously held senior commercial leadership roles with leading ISPs and technology companies in Tanzania, where he led enterprise sales and strategic customer engagements.

In his new role, Prasad will focus on strengthening Wingu’s local commercial capability, driving growth across enterprise, carrier and strategic accounts, and expanding adoption of the company’s data centre and digital infrastructure services.

“Tanzania is a key strategic market for Wingu Africa, and we are delighted to welcome Prasad to the team,” said Ralph Vraagom, VP Sales at Wingu Africa. “His extensive experience and strong understanding of the Tanzanian market will play an important role as we continue to expand our presence and support customers with reliable digital infrastructure.”

Commenting on his appointment, Prasad Acharya said: “I am excited to join Wingu Africa at a time when demand for digital infrastructure is growing rapidly across the region. I look forward to working with the team to strengthen client relationships and support organisations in Tanzania with resilient, world-class data centre services.”

Prasad’s appointment reinforces Wingu Africa’s commitment to strengthening its in-country leadership and deepening engagement with enterprises, carriers and technology partners across Tanzania. It also comes as Wingu continues to expand its data centre capacity in the country to support growing demand for secure, carrier-neutral digital infrastructure.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wingu Africa.

About Wingu Africa:
Wingu Africa is East Africa’s first specialist carrier-neutral, Tier III certified, data centre operator and cloud solutions provider with strategic locations in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Since 2012, the company has connected African businesses to global digital networks through secure, scalable, and high-performance colocation solutions. Built on technical expertise and regional insight, Wingu Africa ensures carrier neutrality, empowering clients with flexible connectivity options. Committed to excellence in infrastructure, security, and service delivery, Wingu Africa delivers world-class solutions tailored to East Africa’s unique digital landscape. Learn more at www.Wingu.Africa

Source: APO

AfrexInsure, the wholly-owned Specialty Insurance Subsidiary of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), has announced the appointment of Lesley Ndlovu as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 2026, replacing Jonas Mushosho.

The appointment comes at a critical inflection point for AfrexInsure as it advances its mission to provide tailored specialty insurance solutions for trade and trade-related investments. As the organization builds momentum in its development, strong executive leadership is essential to guide governance, regulatory compliance, innovation, risk management, and market positioning.

Lesley Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean national, brings to AfrexInsure a distinguished career spanning some of the world’s leading insurance institutions, including AXA Specialty, African Risk Capacity (ARC), and AXIS Capital. His appointment introduces a unique blend of technical expertise, global market insight, and operational leadership precisely forged to support AfrexInsure’s transformation.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ndlovu has led multidisciplinary teams in high-stakes environments where robust governance and disciplined underwriting are fundamental to sustainable performance. At AXA Specialty, he developed market-responsive products addressing complex specialty risk segments, experience that will prove invaluable as AfrexInsure designs differentiated solutions for Africa’s evolving trade landscape.

This strategic leadership appointment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution from its start-up phase into a dynamic scale-up stage, positioning it to deliver enhanced trade and investment risk mitigation solutions across Africa. 

Trade flows across Africa continue to face constraints from limited risk capacity, high insurance costs, and reliance on offshore markets for underwriting and reinsurance. By appointing a CEO with deep expertise across global specialty insurance markets, Afreximbank enhances its ability to support trade transactions with robust, locally anchored insurance programs.

This appointment reinforces AfrexInsure’s strategic role as a critical pillar within the broader Afreximbank Group ecosystem, complementing the array of Afreximbank’s product offerings.

Commenting on his appointment, Lesley Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer, AfrexInsure said: “I am deeply honoured to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at AfrexInsure at this transformative juncture in the company’s journey. AfrexInsure represents far more than an insurance subsidiary; it embodies a strategic imperative to address one of Africa’s most persistent trade barriers: the scarcity of sophisticated, well-capitalized risk mitigation solutions anchored on the continent.

“I extend my gratitude to Afreximbank’s leadership and the AfrexInsure Board of Directors for their confidence in this appointment. Together, we will ensure that AfrexInsure becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s trade ecosystem, supporting the continent’s economic transformation one risk solution at a time,” he added.

Speaking on Ndlovu’s appointment, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, stated:

“With a solid track record in speciality insurance and commitment to Africa’s economic transformation, we are confident that Lesley will advance the mandate of AfrexInsure – managing risks associated with trade through local capacity with an aim to retain premiums within the continent.”

Amid global uncertainty and as the continent moves towards processing/value addition and industrialisation, speciality insurance will play a critical role in de-risking strategic investments and attracting capital to sectors critical for Africa’s socio-economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

Follow us on:
X: https://apo-opa.co/4bi2R0M
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/47Bgg33
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4dpXFe1
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/47PeefM

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) at “Stable”, Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), and Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com