Category: Africa

Source: APO

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) has celebrated its golden jubilee marking five decades of highly impactful work in supporting sustainable development around the world.

The event, held on 15 October 2025, in Washington, D.C., was a chance to look back on the ACG’s achievements and lasting impact while also sharing its vision for the future—one focused on inclusive growth and global cooperation.

Organized under the theme “ACG at 50: United in Collaboration, Transforming Development for a Sustainable Future”, the celebration honored ACG’s legacy and opened the door to new opportunities for working together.

On behalf of ACG members, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, said: “This 50^th anniversary is more than a milestone; it is a turning point. As the global development architecture evolves, the world is calling on development institutions to be bigger, better, and bolder. The Arab Coordination Group is answering that call. We are forging a shared vision to guide our collective action for decades ahead”

The celebration also highlighted the importance of collaboration among member institutions and showed ACG’s role as a reliable partner in development. Key future priorities include climate resilience, digital transformation, inclusive growth, and investing in people.

Two roundtables were held in collaboration with the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) during the celebration. The first roundtable was held in cooperation with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), featuring the GPE–IsDB High-Level Roundtable on the Smart Financing for Education Initiative (SmartEd), marking the launch of Phase II of the initiative. The second roundtable organized in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which was a high-level event with Ministers of Finance from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), held under the theme: High-Level Roundtable: Strengthening Gulf–LAC Partnerships.

As it begins its next chapter, the ACG remains committed to working together to create a more sustainable and resilient world for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, the ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. The ACG works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact.

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is considered one of the most important and effective development partnerships at the international level. The group actively works to adopt the best global practices in sustainable development work. It also aims to align the efforts of these institutions to achieve convergence and harmonization in the policies governing their financing operations.

The Group comprises 10 national, Arab regional, and international institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development,  the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

Source: APO

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Touching down in Juba, the Under-Secretary-General for United Nations Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, is on a whirlwind visit to conflict-affected South Sudan to urge progress in the peace process and to strengthen understanding of the impact of the UN-wide financial crisis on peacekeeping missions.

Immediately on arrival, Mr. Lacroix headed into a series of meetings with the country’s political leaders, briefing them on the impact of the financial crisis, caused by delays and shortfalls in cash contributions to peacekeeping by Member States, on the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“South Sudan is a fragile country. It is a country that is impacted massively by the conflict in neighbouring Sudan, by climate change, and the drastic reduction of humanitarian assistance,” said Mr. Lacroix.

“The country is really at a crossroads. There is a need for international support, but we need to work together to make progress on the political front and to make the best possible case, so that Member States will be convinced that it is in the collective interests of the South Sudanese people, the region, and global security, to continue providing assistance.”

In response to the fiscal crisis, UNMISS is required to reduce its spending by 15% which means downsizing its presence and reducing activities across the country.

“UNMISS has a very important mandate and has been with us since we earned our peace under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and it has impacted many institutions, including the security sector and law sectors,” said the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Lomuro.

“We will wait for the plan that UNMISS will come up with and we will have a high-level team that will discuss and make an input into the plan so that the process is smooth with no negative impact.” 

“I’m very confident that despite all the challenges we are facing, we will be able to overcome them through the strong coordination and cooperation with the authorities of South Sudan,” responded Mr. Lacroix.

The cost-saving measures come at a time when the political, security and humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating. Political tensions and violence between forces aligned with the main parties to the peace deal are rising. Intercommunal conflict continues to have a catastrophic impact and almost eight million people are facing crisis-level food insecurity.

Despite the challenges, the United Nations is committed to staying and delivering for the people of South Sudan.

“We are committed to keeping working with those we serve to support and protect them,” said Mr. Lacroix.

“At the same time, there will be a negative impact because we are forced to implement the savings. We will try to minimize this impact, but we also need the advocacy of the civil society in South Sudan to support continued delivery of adequate resources to UNMISS and humanitarian partners.”

To find shared solutions to the challenges ahead and ensure a smooth downsizing process, the mission will continue engaging intensively with all partners, including the Government of South Sudan and affected communities, to de-escalate tensions, end political violence, and build a better future for the world’s newest nation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

Sanlam Investments (www.SanlamInvestments.com) has confirmed its third sponsorship of Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES), taking place in February 2026, reaffirming its commitment to financing Africa’s sustainable future through innovation in renewable energy, water security, waste reduction, ocean and climate finance. 

Since its inception in 2023, AGES has become a key platform for connecting global capital with African green projects. To date, the summit has showcased more than 90 investment-ready initiatives valued at over US$8.7 billion, spanning entrepreneurial start-ups to national-scale infrastructure projects. The event bridges the gap between investors and project owners, accelerating Africa’s transition to a just and inclusive green economy.  

“Africa stands at the frontline of climate change, and on the frontier of opportunity,” said Carl Roothman, CEO of Sanlam Investments. “From renewable energy to the blue economy and circular industries, the continent is leading a new era of sustainable growth; one defined by innovation, inclusion, and long-term value creation.  

“We recognise that meaningful change requires collective action through strategic partnerships, which is why we are supporting Africa’s Green Economy Summit for the third year. Every investment, every solution we implement, creates lasting returns for ecosystems, communities and investors. Now is our moment to invest in the future we need.” 

Roothman added that Sanlam’s investment philosophy of ‘holistic return’ reflects the company’s goal to pair measurable financial returns with regenerative impact for people and the planet. “We have consistent evidence that investing for impact yields outperforming returns – financial, social and environmental. Doing good is good investing.” 

Emmanuelle Nicholls, Project Lead for the event said: “Thanks to the vision and leadership of partners like Sanlam Investments, Africa’s Green Economy Summit has become an unmatched platform for changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs shaping a sustainable future for Africa. 

She added that the 2026 Summit will once again explore the full scope of the green and blue economy – from energy, transport, water and agriculture to waste management, green buildings and clean technology. 

“This year’s programme will feature dedicated pitch stages, investor roundtables, deal rooms and curated matchmaking with DFIs, venture capital funds, banks and asset managers. Nature and biodiversity finance will also take centre stage, highlighting the emerging markets for biodiversity credits and nature-based finance.” 

Nicholls emphasised that each edition of the summit strengthens its impact: “Every year, we reinforce the urgency of addressing Africa’s climate finance gap and taking actionable steps toward sustainable development.” 

AGES takes please at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 24-27 February. Register via the AGES website (https://apo-opa.co/4nNVNOF).  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About Sanlam Investments: 
Sanlam Investments is one of South Africa’s largest black-owned asset management firms, managing assets of over R1.5 billion. The company’s purpose extends beyond wealth creation — it is dedicated to investing in the long-term sustainability of people, planet and profit to drive measurable impact. 

About Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES): 
Africa’s Green Economy Summit is part of the green economy portfolio of VUKA Group, which has over 20 years of experience serving Africa’s business community. The summit connects global investors with African green projects to drive inclusive, sustainable growth across the continent. 

VUKA Group: 
Africa’s Green Economy Summit is part of the green economy portfolio of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/), which has more than 20 years’ experience in serving the business community across Africa.  

Source: APO – Report:

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The Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held its 7th Annual General Assembly (AGA) at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, on 14th October 2025 under the theme, “A United ECOWAS Against Corruption: Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Asset Recovery and Exchange of Information.”

The Assembly marked a significant step forward in the fight against transnational corruption in West Africa, culminating in the adoption of the ECOWAS Guidelines on Asset Tracing, Recovery and Management, and Borderless Investigations, which strengthen the region’s legal tools against illicit financial flows.

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored that the transnational nature of corruption demands immediate and uncompromising solidarity. “The consequences of corruption are serious. Every Naira, Cedi, Dalasi, or CFA lost to corruption is a school not built, a hospital not equipped, a road never constructed or paved,” she stated, while noting that corruption erodes public trust and undermines state legitimacy.  She reaffirmed the Commission’s renewed commitment to supporting the effective implementation of the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight against Corruption, stressing that harmonized legal and regulatory frameworks across Member States are essential for building a unified front.

The Assembly, which is also a moment for renewal, coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS, featured a review of the current Executive Committee’s three-year tenure. Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and President of NACIWA, detailed significant achievements, including the operationalization of the Network’s permanent Secretariat in Abuja, securing Observer Status in the GlobE Network, and formalizing the EFCC Academy as a regional Centre of Excellence.

“At this critical juncture, when our subregion faces questions about unity and democratic resilience, NACIWA’s role assumes unprecedented importance,” Mr. Olukoyede remarked. “We must be perceived, and must act, as a stabilizing moral force, one that champions transparency, accountability, and the foundational values that define the ECOWAS vision.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Aba Kimelabalou, Secretary General of NACIWA, expressed profound gratitude to Member States, the host agency EFCC, the President of Nigeria, and development partners for their support. He particularly commended the ECOWAS Commission, under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, for its consistent institutional backing, which he described as vital for building stronger institutions and achieving a corruption-free and prosperous West Africa.

The Assembly concluded with closed-door deliberations among Heads of Member Institutions and is expected to issue a comprehensive communiqué outlining new resolutions and the outcome of the Executive Committee elections.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), the continent’s most influential technology event, has announced new additions to its 2025 speaker line-up. This expanded line-up reinforces the Festival’s reputation as the premier platform for conversations that are shaping Africa’s digital transformation, bringing together leaders from government, business, innovation, and sport.

Delivering the ministerial welcome and opening address is Hon. Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, whose participation underscores the host country’s commitment to inclusive connectivity, digital literacy, and policy alignment to accelerate its digital economy.

Also joining is Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, celebrated former Springbok rugby player and founder of The Beast Foundation, which empowers young Africans to unlock their potential both on and off the field. From the enterprise technology space, Adil El Youssefi, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Data Centres, will share his vision for expanding Africa’s AI capabilities through sustainable, secure, and scalable data infrastructure.

They will be joined by other notable and high-profile voices, including Mlindi Mashologu, Deputy Director-General: Digital Society and Economy at South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, who will contribute to discussions on what African AI governance should look like in practice; Obed Frimpong, Chief Information Security Officer at First National Bank Ghana Ltd, bringing insights into how cloud computing is driving digital innovation in African enterprises; and Charles Murito, Regional Director, Government Affairs & Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, sharing strategic perspectives on developing a workforce ready for the demands of a digital future.

Together, these speakers represent the diverse forces driving Africa’s technology evolution, from policymakers and corporate visionaries to innovators and social changemakers.

“Africa Tech Festival continues to be the continent’s leading platform for creating national digital strategies, driving economic growth, advancing infrastructure, and fostering meaningful public-private collaboration,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “The addition of these speakers underscores the Festival’s cross-sector appeal. It’s where vision meets action, and where public and private leaders, entrepreneurs, and even athletes come together to challenge convention and inspire transformation. This year’s programme will take those conversations even further.”

The 28^th edition of Africa Tech Festival 2025 takes place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The Festival will feature four flagship programmes: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town. These programmes will address the continent’s most critical digital priorities under the themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation.

Register for Africa Tech Festival 2025 here (https://apo-opa.co/3J7pF9E).

– on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events:

• AfricaCom – The continent’s largest telecoms and connectivity event
• AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
• AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa’s startup ecosystem
• The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life

With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent’s most influential gathering for those shaping Africa’s connected future.

Source: APO – Report:

• 41 schools across Nairobi, Machakos and Kitui are now part of the initiative
• 439 educators are also benefiting from digital education tools
• The initiative targets 11,000 children and 470 teachers by end of 2025

In a continued effort to reduce the digital education gap, American Tower Kenya  (www.AmericanTower.com) and ProFuturo – the educational innovation program with technology, launched by the Telefónica Foundation and the “la Caixa” Foundation – have expanded their collaboration, now reaching 41 schools across Nairobi, Machakos, and Kitui. The initiative has benefited over 9,700 students and 439 teachers, with the goal of reaching 11,000 children and 470 teachers by year-end.

Since its inception in 2024, the project has achieved significant territorial deployment through strategic local partnerships: 30 schools in Nairobi and Machakos in collaboration with Don Bosco Development Outreach Network (DBDON) and 11 schools in Kitui together with the Diocese of Kitui. These alliances have enabled a swift, sustainable, and community-aligned implementation tailored to the needs of each educational community.

The implementation strategy centers on strengthening teaching capacities and leveraging ProFuturo’s educational resources. Teachers have undergone training on platform usage, curriculum alignment, and methodologies for integrating these tools in their day-to-day practice. Schools have also received ongoing support from dedicated coaches, who motivated and ensured consistent use of the ProFuturo tools, embedding them into daily classroom dynamics.

During a recent project review meeting between ATC Kenya and ProFuturo representatives, George Odenyo, CEO of ATC Kenya, recognized the impact of the initiative: “This project is a testament to ATC Kenya’s goal of improving quality of life through connectivity. It enhances digital access and fosters partnerships in the communities we serve. By equipping our Digital Communities with the right technology, we’re driving digital equity, literacy, and career development – efforts aimed at uplifting lives and transforming futures.”

Magdalena Brier, General Manager of ProFuturo Foundation, added: “The progress in Nairobi, Machakos, and Kitui demonstrates that no one transforms education alone. The combined forces of American Tower and ProFuturo, with support from Telefónica Foundation and la Caixa Foundation, turn educational innovation into a powerful tool for closing digital and social gaps, something that will directly impact 11,000 children and 470 teachers in 2025.”

– on behalf of American Tower Corporation.

Media Contacts:
ATC Kenya
Jonathan Thienemann
media.relations@americantower.com

Aderonke Adebanjo
aderonke.adebanjo@americantower.com

ProFuturo:
Ainhoa Siguero
ainhoa.siguerofadrique@telefonica.com
+34 661 74 36 38

Blanca Mendiguchía
bmendiguchia@atrevia.com
+34 667 63 29 24

About ProFuturo:
ProFuturo is an educational technology innovation program launched by the Telefónica Foundation and the “la Caixa” Foundation to reduce the educational gap in the world by providing quality education to children in vulnerable environments in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Its intervention model is based on impact evidence provided by continuous monitoring processes, studies and evaluations.

ProFuturo is based on innovative teaching methodologies with which it seeks to help teachers and students develop skills to face the challenges of the 21st century. The program works with other institutions and companies and aims to create a large international network of teachers who teach, learn, and share knowledge to achieve, together, better education in the world.

About ATC Kenya:
ATC Kenya is a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, one of the world’s largest real estate investment trusts (REITs), and a leading independent owner, operator, and developer of communications real estate.
ATC Kenya owns and operates nearly 4,500 telecommunications sites, helping mobile network operators and other telecommunications service providers confidently deliver connectivity to consumers throughout the country.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Representation in Benin, with financial support from the Commission, organised a capacity-building workshop on the 8th and 9th of October 2025 at the Nobila Airport Hotel in Cotonou a capacity-building workshop for 25 young people from the ECOWAS Clubs of the University of Abomey-Calavi, the University of Parakou, and youth associations involved in promoting regional integration.

Over two days, these young people from diverse backgrounds exchanged, learned and shared their experiences on the major challenges of regional integration and sub-regional development through presentations, panels and interactive sessions.

The opening ceremony, chaired by H.E. Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, took place in the presence of Dr Francis CHUKS NJOAGUANI, Director of the ECOWAS Centre for Youth Development and Sports (CDJS), and Mr BIO BANGANA BAWA Raïmou, representative of the ECOWAS National Office. The speakers praised the mobilisation and dynamism of Benin’s youth, inviting them to remain an essential link in community building.

The discussions focused on several key themes such as the history and Vision 2050 of ECOWAS, strategic communication and social mobilisation, peace, governance and regional integration. Participants also discussed youth programmes implemented by the CDJS, regional policy initiatives in agriculture (ECOWAP), health projects of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), and the free movement of people and goods.

An interactive panel on institutional cooperation and regional diplomacy brought young people closer to the concrete realities of community action, with the participation of the Resident Representative, the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Office.

This workshop helped to strengthen understanding of regional policies and promote the construction of an ECOWAS of the peoples, based on peace, solidarity and citizen participation.

By initiating this activity, the ECOWAS Representation in Benin reaffirms its commitment to making ECOWAS Clubs true agents of transformation, promoting the values of peace, unity and regional integration. The young participants now leave better equipped and more committed to contributing to a united, resilient and prosperous West Africa.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Sidi Ould Tah met with the finance ministers of The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan this week, reaffirming the Bank’s partnership with the constituency and pledging to deepen cooperation on economic transformation and resilience.

The talks, held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, USA, centred on economic challenges, debt vulnerabilities and the region’s development priorities, as well as the African Development Fund’s upcoming 17th replenishment (ADF-17).

The ministers, who are also Governors on the Bank’s Board, congratulated Dr Ould Tah on his recent election as Bank president and praised his previous record of leadership, including achievements as head of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).

Ghana’s minister Cassiel Ato Forson lauded Dr Ould Tah as “the right leader to take the African Development Bank Group to the next level” and endorsed Bank Group efforts to link agricultural transformation with Africa’s new financial architecture and green industrialisation agenda.

The five countries also reaffirmed their commitment to the African Development Fund (ADF) and pledged early support for the ADF-17 replenishment, which will take place in London in mid-December.

In a strong signal of confidence in the Bank’s governance and strategic direction the Ghanaian minister said that his country will  accelerate its subscription payment and co-host an ADF-17 pledging session with the United Kingdom. Gambia’s minister Seedy Keita announced his country’s intention to contribute to ADF-17, while Liberia’s minister Augustine Ngafuan and Sierra Leone’s Sheku Bangura committed to allocate funds for the replenishment in their respective domestic budgets.

The five governors also expressed strong support for the Bank’s strategic priorities in industrialisation, energy access, and private-sector growth. Sierra Leone stressed the transformative potential of Mission 300 – a joint initiative with the World Bank to extend energy access to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030 – to accelerate regional value chains and job creation.

Sudanese Minister Gibril Ibrahim expressed appreciation for the Bank’s continued support during this transitional period and requested enhanced assistance for post-conflict recovery in energy, agriculture, and education.

Addressing Debt Sustainability and Building Resilience

Additionally, the ministers voiced concern over rising debt vulnerabilities across Africa, urging the Bank to step up its support for debt restructuring, sustainability and domestic resource initiatives. They also underscored the vital need to tackle cross-cutting priorities under ADF-17 — including fragility, resilience, and youth employment.

President Ould Tah reaffirmed that addressing these challenges is central to his vision for a New African Financial Architecture—one that enhances Africa’s voice in global finance and channels more concessional and blended financing to countries in or emerging from crisis.

He thanked the ministers for their confidence in him and reiterated that the Bank would continue to work closely with each country to advance shared priorities, noting that their commitments to ADF-17 underscored growing confidence in the Bank’s vision and governance.

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

Media contact: 
Communication and External Relations
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