Category: Africa

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The Future of Rugby Will Be Built by the Many, Not the Few (By Herbert Mensah)

Source: APO

By Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) and Chairman of World Rugby’s Regions

Rugby cannot afford to speak only to those who already love it. We cannot expect the next generation to simply inherit our passion. We must earn it, inspire it and give fans reasons to come back.

As President of Rugby Africa and a Member of World Rugby’s Executive Board, I believe rugby is the best product in the world. But belief alone does not fill stadiums, attract broadcasters or build sustainable unions. Great products must be presented, promoted and made accessible.

During the opening weekend of the Nations Championship and the inaugural Nations Cup, I saw the future of our beautiful sport being tested in real time.

This new structure brings together the world’s 12 leading rugby countries in the Nations Championship and an additional 12 other Rugby World Cup-qualified nations in the Nations Cup, creating meaningful matches, greater opportunity and more stories for the world to discover.

For 24 hours, I was engrossed and riveted. Rugby delivered the kind of entertainment people dream about: physicality, skill, uncertainty, courage and national pride.

Japan beat Italy 27-10. Ireland edged Australia 33-31. New Zealand beat France 34-32. South Africa defeated England 45-21. Wales beat Fiji 39-24. Samoa beat Hong Kong China 66-19. Chile beat Romania 48-31. Tonga beat Zimbabwe 36-26. The USA beat Portugal 30-29. Canada and Spain drew 42-42.

The results mattered, but the meaning mattered more. The reality is simple: sport is big business. Rugby can no longer behave as if it operates outside the world of money, audiences, media rights, partnerships and consumer choice.

If our game is to thrive, it must inspire the lifelong supporter and captivate the person watching for the very first time. Opportunity cannot remain concentrated in the hands of a few; the future of our sport must be built by the many.

People have a right to choose how they spend their time and money. Rugby must therefore offer a product that appeals not only to the converted, but also to those discovering the game for the first time.

For too long, rugby has relied heavily on the Rugby World Cup as its biggest commercial engine every four years. But what happens in between? How do we create revenue, structure and meaning across the rest of the calendar?

A global sport cannot survive only through occasional moments. It must build consistency. It must create anticipation. It must give fans reasons to follow the journey, not only the destination.

In October 2023, World Rugby approved the new global calendar structure following a close and contested Council vote after years of debate and work.

At the time, many regions were asked not to support it. I was told Africa was not guaranteed more places and therefore should resist. But for me, that was not the point. The point was the future.

For us in Africa, talent is not the issue. What Africa needs is structure, investment and opportunity.

Zimbabwe’s performance against Tonga gave me hope. To compete as they did, especially after the challenges Zimbabwe faced, showed character and potential. However, potential must be supported by systems: better competitions, stronger pathways, improved logistics, better welfare and a commercial model that allows unions to grow.

That is why the Nations Cup matters to Africa. It gives emerging nations meaningful competition and a clearer connection to the global game. It reminds us that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Our responsibility is to close that gap.

If we want a stronger seat at the table by 2031, we must prepare now.

The Nations Cup arrives during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and rugby is paying attention.

Football is not perfect. There are many things to criticise: the excess, the politics and the money. But football understands the event economy. It knows how to turn matches into global moments, commercialising national pride, rivalry and community.

With 48 teams participating for the first time in the FIFA World Cup, the lesson is clear: be unapologetic about reach. Football wants more countries, more fans, more stories and more markets.

Rugby should not copy football blindly. We must remain rugby. But we must learn from football’s confidence. We must package our product better. We must make casual fans care.

Women’s rugby has already shown what is possible when rugby gets the structure and presentation right. I attended the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham Stadium and felt goosebumps. The historic match set a world record for attendance at a women’s rugby match, with 81,885 fans in the stadium. It showed that when we invest properly, promote properly and stage events properly, the audience will come.

I commend World Rugby’s Chief Executive Officer, Alan Gilpin, and his team for delivering a memorable show on the first weekend of the Nations Cup. Now we must turn entertainment into enterprise. We must sell the stories better. We must build the rivalries. We must promote the players. Rugby has the product. The question is whether we have the courage to commercialise it properly and reinvest the returns.

The future of rugby will not be decided only by those already inside the stadium. It will be decided by those who have never bought a ticket, never watched a match and have not yet discovered the game. Our responsibility is to give people every reason to choose rugby.

To Download Official Opinion Piece: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/4wDikBS)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media Contact:  
Nicole Vervelde  
Communications Manager   
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com  

About Rugby Africa:  
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby. 

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Renaissance réalise une découverte pétrolière offshore dans la concession OML 74, renforçant ainsi la stratégie de croissance de la production du Nigeria

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La société énergétique intégrée nigériane Renaissance Africa Energy (Renaissance) a annoncé une nouvelle découverte de pétrole dans le puits d’exploration JK-004, situé dans la concession pétrolière (OML) 74, au large des côtes du Nigeria. Cette découverte marque une nouvelle étape importante pour la participation des entreprises locales au secteur en amont du pays et soutient la stratégie du Nigeria visant à accroître ses réserves de pétrole brut, à augmenter sa production et à renforcer sa sécurité énergétique à long terme.

La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) – en tant que porte-parole du secteur énergétique africain – félicite Renaissance pour cette découverte, qui démontre les capacités techniques croissantes des entreprises nigérianes à mener des campagnes d’exploration offshore complexes, traditionnellement dominées par des opérateurs internationaux.

Alors que les pays africains cherchent à exploiter de nouvelles ressources en hydrocarbures et à attirer des investissements en amont, le succès du puits JK-004 met en évidence le rôle crucial que les entreprises locales peuvent jouer pour soutenir la croissance du secteur en amont et accélérer le développement des projets.

Le puits JK-004 a rencontré des intervalles contenant du pétrole léger dans sept réservoirs s’étendant sur environ 1 000 pieds, confirmant ainsi le potentiel de la concession et renforçant les perspectives d’exploration au sein de l’OML 74.

Cette découverte intervient à un moment charnière pour le secteur amont nigérian. Le pays poursuit une stratégie ambitieuse visant à porter sa production de pétrole brut à 1,8 million de barils par jour (b/j) à court terme, à deux millions de b/j d’ici 2027 et à quatre millions de b/j d’ici 2030, tout en élargissant simultanément sa base de réserves afin de soutenir la production à long terme. Le Nigeria détient actuellement 37,01 milliards de barils de réserves prouvées de pétrole brut et de condensats, avec une durée de vie des réserves d’environ 59 ans, ce qui rend l’exploration continue et les nouvelles découvertes – telles que JK-004 – essentielles au maintien de la production future.

« Je tiens à féliciter Tony Attah et toute l’équipe de Renaissance Energy pour cette réalisation remarquable. La découverte du gisement JK-004 démontre que l’exploration reste le moteur de notre secteur et renforce l’importance de poursuivre les investissements pour exploiter le potentiel en hydrocarbures du Nigeria », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

Cette découverte reflète également la transformation plus large qui s’opère dans l’ensemble du secteur en amont nigérian à la suite des réformes réglementaires visant à améliorer le climat d’investissement et à encourager une plus grande participation des entreprises locales. Le pays a attiré 17 milliards de dollars d’investissements directs étrangers depuis la promulgation de la loi sur l’industrie pétrolière en 2021. À elle seule, la campagne d’octroi de licences lancée en 2025 – qui propose 50 nouveaux blocs pétroliers et gaziers pour l’exploration et la production – devrait attirer 10 milliards de dollars d’investissements au cours de la prochaine décennie.

La découverte du bloc JK-004 envoie un signal fort aux investisseurs : le secteur amont nigérian continue d’offrir un potentiel d’exploration considérable.

« De nombreuses sociétés indépendantes occidentales privilégient de plus en plus l’optimisation de la production au détriment de l’exploration de nouvelles frontières. Le succès de Renaissance montre qu’un investissement soutenu dans l’exploration peut encore déboucher sur des découvertes transformatrices, capables de soutenir la croissance de la production à long terme, de renforcer la confiance des investisseurs et d’améliorer la sécurité énergétique du Nigeria », ajoute M. Ayuk.

Pour l’Afrique dans son ensemble, le succès du puits JK-004 souligne l’importance d’une exploration soutenue pour exploiter les réserves prouvées de pétrole brut du continent, estimées à 125,3 milliards de barils.

« La révolution nigériane du “Drill Baby Drill” est de plus en plus portée par des entreprises locales qui comprennent la valeur de l’exploration à long terme. La réussite de Renaissance démontre l’innovation, l’expertise technique et l’engagement nécessaires pour libérer le potentiel énergétique de l’Afrique. Ce sont ces types d’investissements qui créent des emplois, renforcent les capacités locales et positionnent le Nigeria comme une destination compétitive à l’échelle mondiale dans le secteur en amont », conclut-il.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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A Renaissance faz uma descoberta de petróleo offshore na Concessão de Exploração Petrolífera (OML) 74, reforçando a estratégia de crescimento da produção da Nigéria

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A empresa nigeriana de energia integrada Renaissance Africa Energy (Renaissance) anunciou uma nova descoberta de petróleo no poço de exploração JK-004, na Concessão de Exploração Petrolífera (OML) 74, ao largo da costa da Nigéria. A descoberta marca mais um marco para a participação local no setor a montante do país e apoia a estratégia da Nigéria de expandir as reservas de petróleo bruto, aumentar a produção e reforçar a segurança energética a longo prazo.

A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) — enquanto voz do setor energético africano — felicita a Renaissance pela descoberta, que demonstra a crescente capacidade técnica das empresas nigerianas para liderar complexas campanhas de exploração offshore tradicionalmente dominadas por operadores internacionais.

À medida que os países africanos procuram explorar novos recursos de hidrocarbonetos e atrair investimento no setor a montante, o sucesso do JK-004 destaca o papel fundamental que as empresas locais podem desempenhar na sustentação do crescimento do setor a montante e na aceleração do desenvolvimento de projetos.

O poço JK-004 encontrou intervalos contendo petróleo leve em sete reservatórios que se estendem por aproximadamente 1 000 pés, confirmando a prospectividade da área e reforçando o potencial de exploração na OML 74.

A descoberta surge num momento crucial para o setor a montante da Nigéria. O país está a seguir uma estratégia ambiciosa para aumentar a produção de petróleo bruto para 1,8 milhões de barris por dia (bpd) a curto prazo, dois milhões de bpd até 2027 e quatro milhões de bpd até 2030, ao mesmo tempo que expande a sua base de reservas para sustentar a produção a longo prazo. A Nigéria detém atualmente 37,01 mil milhões de barris de reservas comprovadas de petróleo bruto e condensado, com uma duração das reservas de aproximadamente 59 anos, tornando a exploração contínua e novas descobertas — como a JK-004 — essenciais para manter a produção futura.

«Felicito Tony Attah e toda a equipa da Renaissance Energy por esta conquista notável. A descoberta do JK-004 demonstra que a exploração continua a ser a força vital da nossa indústria e reforça a importância do investimento contínuo no desenvolvimento do potencial de hidrocarbonetos da Nigéria», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC.

A descoberta reflete também a transformação mais ampla que está a ocorrer em todo o setor a montante da Nigéria, na sequência de reformas regulatórias destinadas a melhorar o clima de investimento e a incentivar uma maior participação de empresas locais. O país atraiu 17 mil milhões de dólares em investimento direto estrangeiro desde a promulgação da Lei da Indústria Petrolífera em 2021. Só a Ronda de Licenciamento do país, lançada em 2025 — que oferece 50 novos blocos de petróleo e gás para exploração e produção —, deverá atrair 10 mil milhões de dólares em investimentos ao longo da próxima década.

A descoberta do JK-004 envia um forte sinal aos investidores de que o setor a montante da Nigéria continua a oferecer um potencial de exploração significativo.

«Muitas empresas independentes ocidentais têm vindo a dar cada vez mais prioridade à otimização da produção em detrimento da exploração de fronteiras. O sucesso da Renaissance demonstra que o investimento sustentado na exploração ainda pode conduzir a descobertas transformadoras, capazes de sustentar o crescimento da produção a longo prazo, reforçando a confiança dos investidores e melhorando a segurança energética da Nigéria», acrescenta Ayuk.

Para África em geral, o sucesso do JK-004 destaca a importância da exploração sustentada para desbloquear as reservas comprovadas de petróleo bruto do continente, estimadas em 125,3 mil milhões de barris.

«A revolução nigeriana do “Drill Baby Drill” está a ser cada vez mais impulsionada por empresas locais que compreendem o valor da exploração a longo prazo. A conquista da Renaissance demonstra a inovação, a competência técnica e o empenho necessários para desbloquear o potencial energético de África. São estes os tipos de investimentos que criam emprego, reforçam a capacidade local e posicionam a Nigéria como um destino de upstream competitivo a nível global», conclui.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Renaissance Makes Offshore Oil Discovery at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 74, Strengthening Nigeria’s Production Growth Strategy

Source: APO


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Nigerian integrated energy company Renaissance Africa Energy (Renaissance) has announced a new oil discovery at the JK-004 exploration well in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 74, offshore Nigeria. The discovery marks another milestone for indigenous participation in the country’s upstream sector and supports Nigeria’s strategy to expand crude oil reserves, increase production and strengthen long-term energy security.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – commends Renaissance for the discovery, which demonstrates the increasing technical capability of Nigerian companies to lead complex offshore exploration campaigns traditionally dominated by international operators.

As African countries seek to unlock new hydrocarbon resources and attract upstream investment, the success of JK-004 highlights the critical role indigenous companies can play in sustaining upstream sector growth and fast-tracking projects development.

The JK-004 well encountered light oil-bearing intervals across seven reservoirs spanning approximately 1,000 feet, confirming the prospectivity of the acreage and strengthening the exploration potential within OML 74.

The discovery comes at a pivotal time for Nigeria’s upstream sector. The country is pursuing an ambitious strategy to increase crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in the near term, two million bpd by 2027 and four million bpd by 2030, while simultaneously expanding its reserve base to sustain production over the long term. Nigeria currently holds 37.01 billion barrels of proven crude oil and condensate reserves, with a reserve life of approximately 59 years, making continued exploration and new discoveries – such as JK-004 – essential to maintaining future output.

“I commend Tony Attah and the entire Renaissance Energy team for this remarkable achievement. The JK-004 discovery demonstrates that exploration remains the lifeblood of our industry and reinforces the importance of continued investment in unlocking Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

The discovery also reflects the broader transformation taking place across Nigeria’s upstream sector following regulatory reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and encouraging greater participation by indigenous companies. The country attracted $17 billion in foreign direct investments since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021. The country’s Licensing Round launched in 2025 – which is offering 50 new oil and gas blocks for exploration and production – alone is expected to attract $10 billion in investments over the next decade.

The JK-004 discovery sends a strong signal to investors that Nigeria’s upstream sector continues to offer significant exploration potential.

“Many Western independents have increasingly prioritized production optimization over frontier exploration. Renaissance’s success shows that sustained investment in exploration can still deliver transformational discoveries capable of supporting long-term production growth, strengthening investor confidence and enhancing Nigeria’s energy security,” adds Ayuk.

For Africa more broadly, the success of JK-004 highlights the importance of sustained exploration in unlocking the continent’s estimated 125.3 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves.

“The Nigerian ‘Drill Baby Drill’ revolution is increasingly being driven by indigenous companies that understand the value of long-term exploration. Renaissance’s achievement demonstrates the innovation, technical expertise and commitment required to unlock Africa’s energy potential. These are the kinds of investments that create jobs, strengthen local capacity and position Nigeria as a globally competitive upstream destination,” he concludes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento mobiliza 205 milhões de euros para ampliar a linha de alta velocidade e reforçar a mobilidade e a competitividade logística e Marrocos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou, a 8 de julho de 2026, em Abidjan, um financiamento de 205 milhões de euros a Marrocos para a implementação do Projeto de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento das Infraestruturas Ferroviárias (PADIF).

Esta operação visa reforçar a capacidade e o desempenho operacional do corredor ferroviário Kenitra–Marraquexe, que concentra uma parte significativa dos fluxos de passageiros e mercadorias do país. Contribuirá para este objetivo através da extensão da linha de alta velocidade (LGV) e do reforço da infraestrutura ferroviária existente neste eixo estratégico.

Ao melhorar a fluidez dos deslocamentos entre os grandes pólos económicos e urbanos do Reino, o projeto promoverá uma mobilidade mais sustentável e uma melhor conectividade territorial.

Para além do seu impacto positivo na mobilidade, o projeto apoiará a transição para modos de transporte mais sustentáveis e mais respeitadores do ambiente e gerará benefícios económicos significativos graças à redução dos tempos de viagem e dos custos logísticos.

“Ao combinar o prolongamento da linha de alta velocidade com a modernização das infraestruturas existentes, esta operação acompanhará o aumento do tráfego de passageiros e de mercadorias, facilitará as trocas comerciais e reduzirá os tempos de viagem”, declarou Achraf Tarsim, responsável pelo escritório nacional do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento em Marrocos. “A longo prazo, reforçará a competitividade logística de Marrocos e consolidará o seu papel de centro estratégico entre a Europa e África”, acrescentou.

O projeto prevê a aquisição de equipamentos destinados a modernizar as infraestruturas ferroviárias no corredor Kenitra–Marraquexe e em torno do nó ferroviário de Casablanca. Inclui, nomeadamente, o fornecimento de carris novos e de aparelhos de via para as linhas convencionais e a linha de alta velocidade, permitindo aumentar a capacidade do corredor e melhorar de forma sustentável o seu desempenho operacional.

O PADIF integra igualmente uma componente de apoio à gestão do projeto, abrangendo a direção de obra e a execução do projeto, bem como o acompanhamento e avaliação dos resultados e do seu impacto, para garantir uma implementação eficaz.

Ao contribuir para o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas resilientes e sustentáveis, esta operação está em plena consonância com os Quatro Pontos Cardeais do Grupo Banco (https://apo-opa.co/4f7UDu6), bem como com o Documento de Estratégia Nacional 2024-2029 da instituição para Marrocos. Insere-se nas prioridades do Novo Modelo de Desenvolvimento e do plano ‘Rail 2040’, que visa modernizar a rede ferroviária nacional.

Desde 1978, o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento mobilizou cerca de 15 mil milhões de euros para financiar mais de 150 projetos e programas em Marrocos.As suas intervenções (https://apo-opa.co/4wd803P) abrangem setores estratégicos como os transportes, a proteção social, a água e o saneamento, a energia, a agricultura, a governação e o setor financeiro.

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

Contacto para os media:
Fahd Belbachir
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

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

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Morocco: African Development Bank Mobilises €205 Million to Extend High-Speed Rail Line and Strengthen the Kingdom’s Mobility and Logistics Competitiveness

Source: APO – Report:

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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) approved €205 million in financing for Morocco to support the implementation of the Rail Infrastructure Development Support Project (PADIF) on 8 July.

The operation aims to strengthen the capacity and operational performance of the Kenitra–Marrakech railway corridor, which carries a significant share of the country’s passenger and freight traffic. It will do so by extending the high-speed rail line (HSR) and upgrading the existing railway infrastructure along this strategic corridor.

By improving travel flow between the Kingdom’s major economic and urban hubs, the project will promote more sustainable mobility and enhance territorial connectivity.

Beyond its positive impact on mobility, the project will support the transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport modes and deliver significant economic benefits by reducing travel times and logistics costs.

“By combining the extension of the high-speed rail line with the modernisation of existing infrastructure, this operation will help accommodate growing passenger and freight traffic, facilitate trade flows, and reduce travel times,” said Achraf Tarsim, Head of the African Development Bank Group’s Country Office in Morocco. “In the long term, it will strengthen Morocco’s logistics competitiveness and reinforce its role as a strategic hub linking Europe and Africa.”

The project includes the acquisition of equipment to modernise railway infrastructure along the Kenitra–Marrakech corridor and around the Casablanca rail hub. This includes the supply of new rails and track components for conventional rail lines and the high-speed network, to increase corridor capacity and sustainably improve operational performance.

PADIF also incorporates a project management support component covering project ownership, engineering supervision, and the monitoring and evaluation of results and impacts, ensuring effective implementation.

By contributing to the development of resilient, sustainable, and high-value-added infrastructure, the operation is fully aligned with the African Development Bank Group’s Four Cardinal Points (https://apo-opa.co/4vWv2Mb) and the institution’s 2024–2029 Country Strategy Paper for Morocco. It also supports Morocco’s New Development Model and the Rail 2040 Plan, which aims to modernise the national railway network.

Since 1978, the African Development Bank Group has mobilised nearly €15 billion to finance more than 150 projects and programmes in Morocco. Its interventions (https://apo-opa.co/4wd803P) span strategic sectors, including transport, social protection, water and sanitation, energy, agriculture, governance, and the financial sector.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Fahd Belbachir
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank Group | media@afdb.org

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

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Maroc : la Banque africaine de développement mobilise 205 millions d’euros pour étendre la ligne à grande vitesse et renforcer la mobilité et la compétitivité logistique du Royaume

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a accordé, le 8 juillet 2026 à Abidjan, un financement de 205 millions d’euros au Maroc pour la mise en œuvre du Projet d’appui au développement des infrastructures ferroviaires (PADIF).

Cette opération vise à renforcer la capacité et la performance opérationnelle du corridor ferroviaire Kénitra–Marrakech, qui concentre une part importante des flux de voyageurs et de marchandises du pays. Elle contribuera à cet objectif à travers l’extension de la ligne à grande vitesse (LGV) et le renforcement de l’infrastructure ferroviaire existante sur cet axe stratégique.

En améliorant la fluidité des déplacements entre les grands pôles économiques et urbains du Royaume, le projet favorisera une mobilité plus durable et une meilleure connectivité territoriale.

Au-delà de son impact positif sur la mobilité, le projet soutiendra la transition vers des modes de transport plus durables et plus respectueux de l’environnement et générera des retombées économiques significatives grâce à la réduction des temps de trajet et des coûts logistiques.

« En combinant l’extension de la ligne à grande vitesse et la modernisation des infrastructures existantes, cette opération accompagnera la hausse des trafics voyageurs et marchandises, fluidifiera les échanges et réduira les temps de parcours, a déclaré Achraf Tarsim, responsable du bureau pays du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement au Maroc. À terme, elle renforcera la compétitivité logistique du Maroc et consolidera son rôle de hub stratégique entre l’Europe et l’Afrique. »

Le projet prévoit l’acquisition d’équipements destinés à moderniser les infrastructures ferroviaires sur le corridor Kénitra–Marrakech et autour du hub ferroviaire de Casablanca. Il comprend notamment la fourniture de rails neufs et d’appareils de voie pour les lignes conventionnelles et la LGV, permettant d’augmenter la capacité du corridor et d’améliorer durablement ses performances opérationnelles.

Le PADIF intègre également une composante d’appui à la gestion du projet couvrant la maîtrise d’ouvrage, la maîtrise d’œuvre ainsi que le suivi-évaluation des résultats et de leur impact, afin d’assurer une mise en œuvre efficace.

En contribuant au développement d’infrastructures résilientes et durables, cette opération s’aligne pleinement sur les Quatre Points cardinaux du Groupe de la Banque (https://apo-opa.co/3QI26YY) ainsi que sur le Document de stratégie-pays 2024-2029 de l’institution pour le Maroc. Elle s’inscrit dans les priorités du Nouveau modèle de développement et du plan « Rail 2040 », qui vise à moderniser le réseau ferroviaire national.

Depuis 1978, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a mobilisé près de 15 milliards d’euros pour financer plus de 150 projets et programmes au Maroc. Ses interventions (https://apo-opa.co/3QYSJnN) couvrent des secteurs stratégiques tels que les transports, la protection sociale, l’eau et l’assainissement, l’énergie, l’agriculture, la gouvernance et le secteur financier.

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

Contact médias :
Fahd Belbachir
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

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Institute for the Management of State Assets and Holdings (IGAPE) Launches Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Angola’s Largest Telecommunications Company

Source: APO – Report:

The Institute for the Management of State Assets and Holdings (IGAPE) (https://IGAPE.MinFin.Gov.ao), acting as the selling shareholder, launched the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of a 15% stake in UNITEL, marking one of the largest capital market transactions ever undertaken in Angola.

The transaction comprises the sale of 7,500,000 ordinary registered book-entry shares, representing 15% of UNITEL’s share capital, each with a nominal value of AOA 5,000.00. Upon completion of the offering, all 50,000,000 shares, representing the company’s entire issued share capital, are expected to be admitted to trading on the Angola Debt and Securities Exchange (BODIVA).

The final offer price will be determined within a price range of AOA 36,036.00 to AOA 40,040.00 per share. The price will be set following the bookbuilding process, based on investor demand during the subscription period.

The IPO comprises two tranches. The Employee Offering reserves 1,000,000 shares, representing 2% of UNITEL’s share capital, for preferential subscription by eligible employees. The General Public Offering comprises 6,500,000 shares, representing 13% of the company’s share capital, together with any shares remaining unsubscribed under the Employee Offering.

The subscription period opens at 2:00 p.m. on 6 July and closes at 3:00 p.m. on 24 July 2026, allowing retail, corporate and institutional investors to participate in what is expected to be a landmark transaction for Angola’s capital market.

Investors may submit subscription orders through the participating financial intermediaries: BFA Capital Markets, Áurea SDVM, Distribuidora Valor SDVM, Eaglestone SDVM, Standard Invest SDVM and Hemera Capital Partners Securities. Orders may also be placed through Banco Caixa Geral Angola and Banco de Fomento Angola via their branch networks, digital platforms, websites, telephone banking services and email.

With more than 21 million customers and operations across all 18 provinces of Angola, UNITEL has been the country’s leading telecommunications operator for the past 25 years. The IPO provides Angolan citizens and investors with the opportunity to become shareholders in one of the country’s most established companies and to participate in its future growth while supporting the continued development of Angola’s capital market.

– on behalf of Institute for the Management of State Assets and Holdings (IGAPE).

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North West invites entries for youth and women entrepreneur awards

Source: Government of South Africa

North West invites entries for youth and women entrepreneur awards

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has called on eligible farmers and agricultural enterprises to enter the 2026 Youth and Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

The annual awards form part of the department’s ongoing commitment to recognising the contribution of women and young people in agriculture, while promoting and advancing their participation in the agricultural sector as a way to strengthen food security, job creation, and driving economic growth.

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, said the awards serve as an important platform to acknowledge excellence in agriculture, while encouraging young farmers and women entrepreneurs to remain committed to the sector despite the challenges they may face.

“The competition is open to youth- and women-owned agricultural enterprises operating in the North West province and meeting the required eligibility criteria. Participation in the youth category is limited to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. Enterprises must be at least 80% owned, managed, and operated by youth or women,” Sambatha said.

The submissions for applications close on Friday, 28 August 2026, and winners will be announced during an awards ceremony to be held in Heritage Month (September).

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

•    Best Youth/Woman Subsistence Farmer
•    Best Youth/Woman Smallholder Farmer
•    Best Youth/Woman Commercial Farmer
•    Best Youth/Woman Exporter
•    Best Youth/Woman Person with Disability
•    Best Youth/Woman Agro-Processor
•    Best Youth/Woman Worker
•    Overall Youth/Woman Winner

“Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their district coordinators to obtain application forms. Further enquiries may be directed to the Provincial Project Coordinator, Poiho Ramotlatsi, on 071 367 5236,” the department said.

Applicants may also visit their nearest district or local agriculture office for assistance with application forms.

The department said all applications will undergo a verification process in line with the competition rules, with shortlisted projects to be assessed through site visits before the final nominees are confirmed. – SAnews.gov.za

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International Firearm Destruction Day: SAPS destroys over 11 000 firearms

Source: Government of South Africa

International Firearm Destruction Day: SAPS destroys over 11 000 firearms

Police Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo on Thursday led the destruction of 11 859 firearms and firearm parts as the South African Police Service (SAPS) marked International Firearm Destruction Day, a United Nations campaign observed annually on 9 July.

The destruction process included 9 596 handguns, 1 102 rifles, 798 shotguns, 33 combination firearms and 330 firearm parts, bringing the total number of firearms destroyed by SAPS over the past seven years to 317 811.

The Deputy Minister Boshielo was joined by the Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Maropeng Mamotheti, the Sedibeng District Commissioner, Major General Nkhensani Mukhwevho, the Acting Component Head for Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods, Brigadier Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane and the Section Head for Firearm Compliance and Enforcement, Brigadier (Dr) Simon Bopape.

The majority of the destroyed firearms were confiscated during various policing operations, including Operation Shanela. 

Of those destroyed, 157 firearms were linked to finalised cases involving crimes committed against women and children, while three firearms were linked to cash-in-transit robberies. Other firearms were voluntarily surrendered or handed in during firearm amnesty periods.

The provincial breakdown of firearms destroyed is as follows:
– Gauteng: 3 863
– KwaZulu-Natal: 2 047
– Western Cape: 2 037
– Eastern Cape: 1 500
– Free State: 800
– Mpumalanga: 500
– Northern Cape: 419
– Limpopo: 371
– North West: 322

In addition to these firearms, SAPS also destroyed 4 089 blank guns, airguns and homemade firearms as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate both conventional and improvised weapons from circulation. 

Although often regarded as less lethal, these weapons can be modified to fire live ammunition and are frequently used in the commission of crime.

Boshielo said the destruction of firearms forfeited to the State ensures they can never re-enter circulation and reflects government’s unwavering commitment to reducing violent crime.

“It is pleasing to note that we are also destroying firearms today that were used in incidents of gender-based violence. Firearms are destroying our families and our communities. Today’s destruction demonstrates government’s commitment to detecting and permanently removing illegal firearms and ammunition from our country,” she said. 

The SAPS continues to seize no fewer than 100 illegal firearms every week through tracing operations, stop-and-searches and targeted crime-combating initiatives.  During last week’s nationwide Shanela II operations alone, police confiscated 121 unlicensed firearms and 2 584 rounds of ammunition.

All firearms destroyed were audited and subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether they had been used in the commission of other crimes, including firearms surrendered during amnesty periods. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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