Category: Africa

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Schreiber welcomes approval of Revised White Paper on Citizenship

Source: Government of South Africa

Schreiber welcomes approval of Revised White Paper on Citizenship

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. 

Cabinet’s approval followed an extensive programme of public consultation undertaken by the Department of Home Affairs, which covered all nine provinces, and generated thousands of inputs from stakeholders and members of the public.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Revised White Paper outlines the policy priorities for the most fundamental reform to South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection frameworks. 

“It is designed to clamp down on fraud and abuse, enhance national security, improve service delivery through digital transformation and promote economic development,” the department said.

Following last week’s Cabinet approval of the Revised White Paper, the department will initiate the process of drafting and tabling in Parliament the requisite legislative amendments to implement the Revised White Paper.

Key reforms approved by Cabinet in the Revised White Paper include:

• Refugee management reforms

The implementation of the “First Safe Country Principle”, which states that asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status or lawful protection in another country, or who pass through safe third countries to reach South Africa, are ineligible for asylum in South Africa. 

This is designed to combat the phenomenon of applicants “picking and choosing” South Africa as their preferred destination to claim asylum, while passing through other safe countries on the way. In order to mitigate the risk of refoulement, this reform will require the Minister of Home Affairs to, on an annual basis, designate safe third countries that have ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and to withdraw such designation, as and when the need arises. 

It also mandates government to enter into bilateral agreements with safe third countries in order for the burden of migration in sub-Saharan Africa to be shared on a more equitable basis. By adopting this focus on regional migration flows, South Africa will be positioned to support the implementation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ route-based approach that seeks to move away from focusing on individual countries towards entire routes of migration.

• Citizenship reforms

These reforms introduce objective criteria for naturalisation and an annual window period for the submission of applications to prevent backlogs, a Citizenship Advisory Panel (CAP) to objectively consider and advise on applications, and a point-based system for economic pathways to citizenship.

This is a new, merit-based approach to the granting of citizenship, as opposed to basing qualification solely on the number of years a foreigner has resided in the country. 

This new system will operate in parallel to the existing principle that a child with at least one parent who is a South African citizen at the time of birth automatically becomes a citizen, while a child born to non-South African parents have to apply for naturalisation.

• Immigration reforms

Reforms to the immigration system are designed to ensure alignment of the visa system with the recommendations of Operation Vulindlela and the Department’s digital transformation agenda. 

This includes the introduction of new visa categories for remote work, start-ups, skilled workers (which combines the existing critical skills and general work visas into one category), sports and culture, and the replacement of corporate visas with sectoral work visas for specific industries. 

It also introduces a new, merit-based points-based system for certain visas and permanent residency, and supports the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to digitalise and secure the visa application process, and to record biometrics for every foreigner in South Africa.

• Civil registration reforms

Civil registration reforms are anchored in the transformation of South Africa’s National Population Register (NPR) into a modern, digitally-enabled Intelligent Population Register (IPR) as the foundation for a Digital ID system. 

Unlike the existing NPR, which simply records basic information, including names, births, and deaths, an IPR uses advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, biometrics, interoperability and real-time data integration, to improve governance, integrated service delivery, and national planning.

This will be augmented by the introduction, through digital channels, of mandatory birth and death registration for citizens and foreigners who reside in the country.

An important milestone 

“The approval of the Revised White Paper by Cabinet marks another important milestone on our journey to fundamentally reform South Africa’s civics and immigration systems. 

“The policy direction outlined in the Revised White Paper charts a new course for our country to build modern, efficient and secure systems that serve South Africa’s interests.

“I express my sincere appreciation to every stakeholder who participated in the broad ranging consultation process.

“We will now work with the same focus and determination to convert the Revised White Paper into legislative amendments that consolidate and comprehensively reform our country’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection systems, ensuring that they are fit-for purpose for generations to come,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Western Cape commends compliance during busy Easter period

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape commends compliance during busy Easter period

As the high-traffic Easter period continues, the Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed appreciation to transport operators and motorists for contributing to road safety and ensuring compliance across the province.

The Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) reports that both walk-in and mobile services have been operating smoothly, with transport operators collecting their operating licences on schedule.

To support increased demand and promote compliance, operating hours were extended at key service centres in Athlone and George over Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

In addition, the department’s “Operator Helpdesk on Wheels” initiative has been deployed to different rural areas to help operators to collect their operating licences closer to home. This has helped to reduce travel costs for operators, especially amid rising fuel prices.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku commended long-distance operators for making use of the department’s services during this busy period.

“Their efforts to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed are important for the safety of the many passengers they carry and reflect a shared commitment to compliance and road safety,” Sileku said in a statement on Tuesday.

Between Sunday and Monday, a total of 642 applications were processed, ensuring operators were able to access legal and safe operating options. This has helped prevent situations where operators might otherwise have been forced to operate illegally or use unroadworthy vehicles.

The processed applications include:

•    Seasonal temporary permits (310): Issued to meet increased demand during peak travel periods, such as Easter.
•    Special event permits (238): Granted for organised group travel, including church events and sports trips, based on verified documentation.
•    Temporary replacement applications (60): Allowing operators to continue working while primary vehicles are under repair following breakdowns or accidents.
•    Duplicate document requests (34): Assisting operators who have misplaced original licences to remain compliant.

Sileku emphasised the importance of valid operating licences in ensuring road safety.

“By extending our operating hours and remaining available during this busy period, we are making it easier for operators to prioritise passenger safety. We thank all operators who are ensuring they operate legally on our roads this Easter and beyond, while also supporting our province’s job creation and safety priorities,” Sileku said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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SA ranks top in equity market assessment by Bank of America

Source: Government of South Africa

SA ranks top in equity market assessment by Bank of America

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has welcomed the recent ranking by Bank of America, placing South Africa at the top of its regional equity market assessment. 

According to government, this recognition represents a strong vote of confidence in South Africa as an attractive and competitive investment destination.

“This endorsement by a leading global financial institution reflects the underlying resilience and sophistication of South Africa’s financial system. Despite a challenging global environment, our financial markets continue to demonstrate stability, depth, and strong regulatory oversight, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a trusted hub for investment on the African continent,” the GCIS said on Wednesday.

This ranking serves as further evidence that the government’s economic reforms are yielding positive results. 

Ongoing efforts to stabilise energy supply, improve logistics and strengthen fiscal management are contributing to renewed investor confidence and improved market performance.

“We are also encouraged by the recent investment commitments totalling R889,8 billion announced through the 6th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), which signal growing domestic and international confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. These commitments underscore the tangible progress being made to unlock growth and create an enabling environment for investment,” the GCIS said.

Government has called on investors, both local and international, to take note of these positive developments and to partner with South Africa in driving inclusive economic growth. 

“There are significant opportunities across key sectors of our economy, and we remain committed to ensuring policy certainty, structural reform, and a conducive business environment.

“South Africa is open for business, and this latest recognition affirms that the country remains a compelling destination for investment,” the GCIS said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Seychelles Strengthens Human Rights Reporting through National Workshop

Source: APO – Report:

The Working Session of the Seychelles Human Rights Treaty Reporting Committee (SHRTRC) on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Treaty Body Reporting officially opened on Tuesday 7 April 2026 at the Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa.

The three-day workshop is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora in collaboration with the Human Rights Unit of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nations Office in Geneva, represented by Ambassador Cillia Mangroo.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Mangroo expressed appreciation to all contributors to Seychelles’ National Report, noting that their collaboration ensured a comprehensive document that reflects national realities and responds to recommendations from the previous UPR cycle. She reaffirmed that human rights are both international obligations and constitutional commitments, requiring collective responsibility across all institutions.

While acknowledging progress made by Ministries in fulfilling reporting obligations, she highlighted ongoing capacity constraints and emphasised the importance of strengthening technical capacity, coordination, and timely reporting. She noted that the establishment of the SHRRC marks a significant step forward, particularly in coordinating the National Report, but stressed that continued efforts are needed to enhance institutional effectiveness and adherence to reporting timelines.

Ambassador Mangroo also recognised the vital role of civil society in promoting an inclusive, transparent, and responsive human rights framework, underscoring the importance of partnerships in supporting Small Island Developing States like Seychelles.

Human Rights Advisor at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Mr Phumlani Dlamini, commended Seychelles for successfully submitting its National Report for the fourth UPR cycle, describing it as a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to upholding human rights. He highlighted that Seychelles’ participation in international reporting processes strengthens its global voice while ensuring compliance with its obligations, noting that the country is party to all nine core international human rights treaties.

Mr Dlamini acknowledged that reporting remains a challenge for all countries and requires strong national mechanisms. He welcomed the establishment of the SHRTRC as a key step toward improving reporting and implementation, reaffirming the Commonwealth Secretariat’s commitment to supporting member states, particularly small states, in building capacity and engaging effectively with UN human rights mechanisms.

The workshop will focus on sharing best practices for national implementation, reporting, and follow-up, strengthening the mandate of the SHRTRC, and addressing Seychelles’ reporting obligations. Discussions will also aim to identify overdue reports and reduce the reporting backlog, including through drafting responses to the Human Rights Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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ABB’s Application Configurator brings speed and precision to grid-feeding protection system design

Source: APO – Report:

As distributed energy resources (DERs) scale rapidly across Africa and globally, the pressure to design safe, compliant and grid-stable protection systems has never been greater. ABB, a global leader in electrification solutions for the energy transition, is meeting this challenge head-on with its Application Configurator.

The Application Configurator is a free tool that enables engineers to generate a complete, validated bill of materials for grid-feeding protection systems in minutes rather than hours.

In an exclusive interview with ESI Africa (published by VUKA Group), 3 experts unpack how DER is reshaping the electricity network and how a smart solution makes the connection quick and manageable.

DERs are reshaping the grid — and testing its limits

Rising DER penetration is fundamentally reshaping grid dynamics and challenging existing infrastructure. Grid-feeding protection (which prevents faults and islanding) is increasingly difficult to implement given the diversity of grid codes, architectures and regional standards. Designing flexible, adaptive solutions is now essential to maintaining grid stability while keeping projects on schedule.

Africa’s energy transition: opportunity and complexity

South Africa exemplifies both the scale of opportunity and the complexity of the challenge. The country is integrating a rapidly growing installed base of distributed energy resources into an already strained electricity grid. Grid connection capacity has long been a bottleneck, but a major national upgrade programme — encompassing new long-distance transmission lines and expanded large-scale transformer capacity — is now underway. This decade-long effort aims to ease severe congestion, address structural capacity constraints, and lower barriers to connecting new renewable projects.

Although national loadshedding has been suspended since late March 2024, load reduction remains common in areas where local networks risk overloading. In this environment, grid-feeding protection systems play a critical role: they help stabilise installations during periods of high stress and protect vulnerable infrastructure from failure.

Why automatic disconnection is non-negotiable

When DERs remain connected during a grid fault, they can amplify the problem rather than help contain it. If a localised grid issue occurs while DERs continue feeding power into an unstable system, what begins as a minor disturbance can escalate into a major disruption. Grid-feeding protection systems detect voltage and frequency deviations instantly, isolating DERs before cascade failures can develop — protecting both grid stability and worker safety.

Application Configurator: from hours to minutes

Selecting the right products for a grid-feeding system has traditionally been a time-consuming and error-prone process, requiring engineers to cross-reference extensive datasheets, technical catalogues and multiple product families. ABB’s Application Configurator fundamentally changes this workflow.

Through a guided four-step process, the tool automatically proposes the optimal electrical architecture based on project-specific parameters — including grid code standards, generation power, backup and interface devices, inverter details, short-circuit levels, and connection configuration. It draws on ABB’s full product portfolio and built-in engineering expertise to recommend protection devices, interface relays, disconnecting devices, surge protection, accessories, and communication or monitoring options.

The configurator automatically verifies selectivity, protection coordination, short-circuit withstand ratings, interface protection requirements, and component compatibility — significantly reducing the risk of mis-sizing or design errors. Users retain full flexibility to adjust quantities, swap components, or add accessories at any stage, with recommendations updating instantly. The output is a complete, validated bill of materials tailored to the specific project.

Free access for all engineers

Application Configurator is available at no cost to any engineer or project team, whether existing ABB customers or those new to ABB solutions. Users simply create an account, input their project details, and begin configuring immediately. No prior ABB relationship is required.

Upcoming webinar: design grid-feeding protection systems

ABB is hosting a webinar on 15 April 2026 demonstrating how Application Configurator simplifies and accelerates the design of compliant grid-feeding protection systems. The session will cover how the tool ensures safety, grid stability, availability, and power continuity across a range of project types.

Date: 15 April 2026

Times: 9:00 AM CET or 16:00 CET

Registration: (http://apo-opa.co/4ee7ITM)

About the experts:
Flurina Heuberger is Solution Product Manager at ABB Electrification, focusing on business strategy and innovation in the Solar, BESS, and Hydrogen sectors.
Maciej Maselek is Functional Analyst for the Application Configurator at ABB Electrification, where he ensures a seamless user experience and efficient application configuration.
Elvis Khumalo is Product Marketing Specialist for Low Voltage Products at ABB Electrification in South Africa, specialising in motor control, protection products, and solutions across industry segments.

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy, and retail sectors through events, content, and strategic networking. Venture partners to The Global Trust Project and leaders of NPO Go Green Africa. www.WeAreVUKA.com 

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is Africa’s trusted power, energy, water, and utility multimedia platform, delivering technical developments and industry analysis in print and digital formats since 1996. The platform connects readers and solution providers across Africa’s energy and utility transformation. www.ESI-Africa.com 

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Afreximbank s’associe à l’African Energy Week 2026 pour favoriser la conclusion d’accords énergétiques sous l’impulsion de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Banque africaine d’import-export (Afreximbank) a été confirmée comme partenaire de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, qui se tiendra du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap. Sa participation souligne le rôle de l’événement en tant que plateforme d’investissement de premier plan, plaçant la banque au cœur des transactions dans les secteurs du pétrole, du gaz, de l’électricité et des infrastructures énergétiques.

En amont de l’AEW, Afreximbank a étendu sa présence mondiale en portant à 5 milliards de dollars son plafond de financement pour la Communauté des Caraïbes (CARICOM). Cette augmentation s’ajoute aux plus de 750 millions de dollars déjà déployés et à un portefeuille de projets dépassant les 2 milliards de dollars, ciblant les infrastructures, le tourisme, la transformation agricole et les services financiers, tout en renforçant les corridors commerciaux et d’investissement entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes.

La banque a franchi une étape importante récemment avec l’adhésion de l’Afrique du Sud en tant que 54e État membre, achevant ainsi sa couverture continentale complète. Cette adhésion débloque un programme national de 8 milliards de dollars axé sur l’énergie, l’industrie manufacturière et le commerce, ainsi qu’un Fonds de transformation de 3 milliards de dollars destiné à soutenir les entreprises détenues par des Noirs et les PME tout en favorisant le développement industriel et les chaînes de valeur régionales. Ces dernières années, la banque a également renforcé sa base de capital, notamment grâce à une augmentation de 25 milliards de dollars de son capital autorisé, ce qui a accru sa capacité à financer des projets énergétiques et d’infrastructure à grande échelle à travers l’Afrique.

Le rôle croissant d’Afreximbank s’étend directement au financement de projets par le biais de l’Africa Energy Bank, une initiative conjointe menée par Afreximbank et l’Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole. Conçue pour combler le déficit de financement laissé par le retrait des prêteurs internationaux des secteurs amont du pétrole et du gaz, la banque vise à mobiliser des capitaux africains pour des projets énergétiques africains, avec des objectifs de financement initiaux de plusieurs milliards et des opérations devant débuter en 2026. Conjuguée au bilan renforcé d’Afreximbank, cette initiative marque une évolution plus large vers des structures de capital dirigées par l’Afrique, capables de financer des développements à grande échelle dans les secteurs amont, intermédiaire et des infrastructures – positionnant ainsi le continent non seulement comme bénéficiaire de capitaux, mais aussi comme source de capitaux.

« Le partenariat entre Afreximbank et AEW 2026 reflète un changement majeur dans la manière dont l’Afrique finance son avenir énergétique », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « Nous passons d’une dépendance vis-à-vis des capitaux extérieurs à un modèle où les institutions africaines structurent, financent et pilotent des projets de A à Z. Alors que les investissements s’accélèrent dans les secteurs du pétrole, du gaz et des énergies renouvelables, des acteurs comme Afreximbank ne se contentent pas de soutenir des transactions, mais contribuent à définir le marché. »

Lors de l’African Energy Week 2026, Afreximbank devrait jouer un rôle central dans l’avancement des discussions sur le financement, le soutien à la création de projets et le renforcement des partenariats entre les gouvernements, les promoteurs et les investisseurs. Sa participation met en évidence une évolution plus large vers un capital africain dans le développement énergétique, renforçant la position de l’événement en tant que catalyseur de projets bancables, d’intégration régionale et de sécurité énergétique à long terme.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Deputy President Mashatile to officiate Title Deed Handover Ceremony in Thabazimbi, Limpopo

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 10 April 2026, officiate the Title Deed Handover Ceremony to mark the official restoration of land to the Sebilong Communal Property Association (CPA) in Thabazimbi, Waterberg District, Limpopo Province.

The Deputy President serves as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture, which was established to oversee and accelerate the implementation of Government’s land reform programme and related interventions.

This landmark ceremony represents a significant milestone in advancing land reform efforts aimed at redressing the injustices of historical land dispossession and restoring land rights to rightful beneficiaries. 

Through the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, under the leadership of Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, more than 340 000 hectares of land have been restored to the Sebilong community. This community comprises 89 originally dispossessed households, amounting to a total of 1 071 verified beneficiaries.

To date, the Department has settled over 83 721 land claims nationally, resulting in the transfer of approximately 3 916 733 hectares of land. 

This progress underscores Government’s continued commitment to resolving land claims and facilitating equitable land ownership among affected communities.

As South Africa commemorates Chris Hani on 10 April, as one of the country’s foremost struggle heroes, the Title Deed Handover Ceremony further demonstrates Government’s commitment to advancing human dignity, freedom, and inclusive economic participation grounded in spatial justice.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by members of the IMC on Land Reform and Agriculture; the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba; Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council (PEC); leadership of the Waterberg District Municipality and Thabazimbi Local Municipality; as well as representatives of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights.

The ceremony will take place as follows:

Date: Friday, 10 April 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: Portion 27 of the Farm Zwartkop 369 KQ, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province

Media Programme

• 08h30 – Photo opportunity: Arrival of the Deputy President and delegation at Portion 21 of Farm Zwartkop 369 KQ (Boardroom) 
• 10h00 – Media in attendance: Guided walkabout at Zwartkop Farm 
• 11h00 – Main programme (media in attendance) 
• 12h00 – Keynote address by Deputy President Mashatile 
• 13h00 – Media doorstop 

Media Accreditation

Members of the media are requested to complete the attached accreditation form (SSA SCREENING TEMPLATE – MEDIA.xlsx) and submit it to Sam Bopape on Matome@presidency.gov.za or Ishmael Selemale on Ishmael@gcis.gov.za 

Media enquiries: 

The Presidency – Mr Keith Khoza, Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840
Department of Land Reform and Rural Development – Ms Linda Page, Chief Director: Strategic Communication, on Linda.Page@dlrrd.gov.za / 071 334 3479
Eviction Toll-Free Number: 0800 007 095

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Can Equatorial Guinea Reposition as West Africa’s Gas Hub?

Source: APO – Report:

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Equatorial Guinea is moving from strategy to execution in its bid to become a regional gas hub. A series of agreements signed in early 2026 – covering cross-border supply, upstream participation and infrastructure utilization – are positioning the country to monetize gas through existing assets and regional aggregation.

This agenda will take center stage at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris, where Equatorial Guinea will feature in a dedicated Country Spotlight session led by Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons. With participation from key industry players, including Panoro Energy and Perceptum, EG Ronda bid round organizer, the forum will provide a platform to outline the country’s gas sector repositioning and where investors can engage.

Momentum behind this model has accelerated in recent months. In February 2026, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon signed a unitization agreement to jointly develop the cross-border Yoyo-Yolanda gas fields, estimated to hold around 2.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. Production from the project is slated to feed directly into Equatorial Guinea’s Punta Europa complex, reinforcing the country’s hub strategy without requiring standalone export infrastructure. 

Simultaneously, the government strengthened domestic supply through a Heads of Agreement with Chevron to expand the Aseng gas project, increasing GEPetrol’s stake from 5% to over 30%. This not only stabilizes production but also secures additional feedstock for downstream processing, linking upstream development directly to the hub model.

Rather than focusing on new LNG developments, Equatorial Guinea is aggregating domestic and regional gas volumes to maximize existing infrastructure. At the core of this approach is the Punta Europa complex on Bioko Island, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most advanced gas processing hubs, with LNG, methanol and LPG facilities already in place. The current challenge is securing reliable feedstock as output from legacy fields such as Alba declines.

The Gas Mega Hub initiative offers a faster, more cost-effective route to monetization. By processing third-party volumes from Cameroon, and potentially Nigeria, the country can leverage existing facilities while avoiding the risks and capital intensity of greenfield LNG projects. This approach opens a spectrum of investment opportunities across gas aggregation, transport, processing and downstream integration, often structured through commercially aligned frameworks that reduce execution risk.

Policy and regulatory support are central to this transition. The Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons has prioritized regulatory alignment and cross-border cooperation, recognizing that successful hub development depends as much on enabling frameworks as on physical infrastructure. The recent agreements reflect growing clarity and investor confidence.

For the global investment community, IAE 2026 offers a strategic opportunity to engage directly with government and operators shaping the hub model. The participation of both policymakers and companies active in the sector reinforces the credibility and immediate relevance of Equatorial Guinea’s strategy.

Equatorial Guinea is no longer waiting for new discoveries to drive growth. By leveraging existing infrastructure, securing regional supply and building flexible commercial models, the country is positioning itself as a critical node for gas monetization in West Africa. Success here could extend the life of its assets while establishing a platform for regional energy trade.

IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/41nyEZQ) 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.

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Afreximbank Partners with African Energy Week 2026 to Drive Africa-Led Energy Deals

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been confirmed as a Partner of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place October 12–16 in Cape Town. Its participation underscores the event’s role as a premier investment platform, positioning the bank at the center of deal-making across oil, gas, power and energy infrastructure.

Ahead of AEW, Afreximbank has expanded its global footprint by raising its financing cap for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to $5 billion. The increase builds on more than $750 million already deployed and a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, targeting infrastructure, tourism, agro-processing and financial services while strengthening Africa–Caribbean trade and investment corridors.

The bank reached a recent milestone with South Africa joining as its 54th member state, completing full continental coverage. This accession unlocks an $8 billion country program focused on energy, manufacturing and trade, alongside a $3 billion Transformation Fund aimed at supporting black-owned businesses and SMEs while advancing industrial development and regional value chains. In recent years, the bank has also bolstered its capital base, including a $25 billion increase in authorized capital, enhancing its capacity to finance large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across Africa.

Afreximbank’s expanding role extends directly into project financing through the Africa Energy Bank, a joint initiative spearheaded by Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization. Designed to address a financing gap left by international lenders’ retreat from upstream oil and gas, the bank aims to mobilize African capital for African energy projects, with initial funding targets in the billions and operations set to begin in 2026. Together with Afreximbank’s strengthened balance sheet, this initiative signals a broader shift toward African-led capital structures capable of underwriting large-scale upstream, midstream and infrastructure developments – positioning the continent not just as a capital recipient, but as a capital originator.

“Afreximbank’s partnership with AEW 2026 reflects a key shift in how Africa is financing its energy future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “We’re moving beyond reliance on external capital to a model where African institutions are structuring, financing and driving projects from the ground up. As investment accelerates across oil, gas and renewables, players like Afreximbank are not only supporting deals, but helping define the market.”

At African Energy Week 2026, Afreximbank is expected to play a central role in advancing financing discussions, supporting project origination and strengthening partnerships between governments, developers and investors. Its participation highlights a broader shift toward African-led capital in energy development, reinforcing the event’s position as a catalyst for bankable projects, regional integration and long-term energy security.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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O Afreximbank estabelece parceria com a African Energy Week 2026 para impulsionar acordos energéticos liderados por África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) foi confirmado como parceiro da African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo. A sua participação reforça o papel do evento como plataforma de investimento de excelência, posicionando o banco no centro das negociações nos setores do petróleo, gás, energia e infraestruturas energéticas.

Antes da AEW, o Afreximbank expandiu a sua presença global ao aumentar o limite de financiamento para a Comunidade das Caraíbas (CARICOM) para 5 mil milhões de dólares. Este aumento vem somar-se aos mais de 750 milhões de dólares já mobilizados e a um portfólio de projetos que ultrapassa os 2 mil milhões de dólares, visando as infraestruturas, o turismo, a transformação agrícola e os serviços financeiros, ao mesmo tempo que reforça os corredores de comércio e investimento entre África e as Caraíbas.

O banco atingiu recentemente um marco com a adesão da África do Sul como seu 54.º Estado-membro, completando a cobertura continental total. Esta adesão desbloqueia um programa nacional de 8 mil milhões de dólares focado na energia, na indústria transformadora e no comércio, a par de um Fundo de Transformação de 3 mil milhões de dólares destinado a apoiar empresas detidas por negros e PME, promovendo simultaneamente o desenvolvimento industrial e as cadeias de valor regionais. Nos últimos anos, o banco reforçou também a sua base de capital, incluindo um aumento de 25 mil milhões de dólares no capital autorizado, aumentando a sua capacidade de financiar projetos de energia e infraestruturas de grande escala em toda a África.

O papel em expansão do Afreximbank estende-se diretamente ao financiamento de projetos através do Banco Africano de Energia, uma iniciativa conjunta liderada pelo Afreximbank e pela Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo. Concebido para colmatar uma lacuna de financiamento deixada pela retirada dos credores internacionais do setor upstream de petróleo e gás, o banco visa mobilizar capital africano para projetos energéticos africanos, com metas de financiamento iniciais na ordem dos milhares de milhões e operações previstas para começar em 2026. Juntamente com o balanço reforçado do Afreximbank, esta iniciativa sinaliza uma mudança mais ampla no sentido de estruturas de capital lideradas por África, capazes de financiar desenvolvimentos em grande escala nos setores a montante, a jusante e de infraestruturas – posicionando o continente não apenas como um destinatário de capital, mas como um originador de capital.

«A parceria do Afreximbank com a AEW 2026 reflete uma mudança fundamental na forma como África está a financiar o seu futuro energético», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «Estamos a passar da dependência do capital externo para um modelo em que as instituições africanas estão a estruturar, financiar e impulsionar projetos desde o início. À medida que o investimento acelera nos setores do petróleo, gás e energias renováveis, intervenientes como o Afreximbank não estão apenas a apoiar negócios, mas a ajudar a definir o mercado.»

Na African Energy Week 2026, espera-se que o Afreximbank desempenhe um papel central no avanço das discussões sobre financiamento, apoiando a originação de projetos e reforçando as parcerias entre governos, promotores e investidores. A sua participação destaca uma mudança mais ampla no sentido de um capital liderado por África no desenvolvimento energético, reforçando a posição do evento como catalisador de projetos financiáveis, integração regional e segurança energética a longo prazo.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.