Category: Africa

Source: APO

The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must speed up the preparation and implementation of a regional cobotting scheme for the implementation of the Praia-Dakar maritime link project and other links in West Africa. This is one of the recommendations of the workshop on the evaluation and validation of the various financial options for the implementation of the Praia-Dakar maritime link, which ended on Wednesday 2nd of July 2025 in Dakar, Senegal.

The ECOWAS Commission is requested to put in place the operational, infrastructural and technical preconditions to create the necessary environment for the launch and sustainability of the Praia-Dakar maritime services and other regional maritime links. It is also asked to ensure that the study on the Praia-Dakar maritime link is completed on schedule, and to follow up with the consultants, with a view to following up the resolutions resulting from this meeting.

The Commission is also required to initiate discussions and processes for the creation of a regional register of ships flying the West African flag, with harmonised operational guidelines and procedures for the smooth functioning of maritime operators. Ensuring the participation of regional investors and citizens in the provision of maritime services, through an appropriate procurement mechanism with provisions for regional preference, is another resolution addressed to the Commission.

The participants also urged ECOWAS to draw up management procedures for the Praia-Dakar maritime link, considering the creation of the Corridor Management Authority provided for in the project Treaty. As far as ECOWAS member states are concerned, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau are urged to complete as quickly as possible the ratification of the Corridor Treaty, which constitutes the main legal basis for the creation, financing and operation of maritime services.

The Member States of the regional organisation will have to support the creation of a working group of maritime experts and collaborate actively with the ECOWAS Commission in order to ensure that the group functions properly. They will also be asked to provide information on examples of maritime transport services in the region, to assist the consultants in their review of the final report to be submitted.

The participants have instructed the consultants to consider the comments and observations of the Member States, ECOWAS and development partners and to submit their final reports on time. They should also ensure that cost estimates are optimised to present a favourable economic and financial rate of return. This will include a review of vessel costs, residual value, existing potential and available financial inputs in the region.

The consultants will also have to revise the economic analysis to take account of specific local market conditions to improve the viability of the projects, and provide clear details of port infrastructure requirements for Member States. In order to save time, participants urged consultants to propose an innovative tendering process that differs from the usual traditional one.

The implementation of these various recommendations should facilitate and guide the rapid finalisation of the study and the launch of the implementation of the Praia-Dakar maritime link project. At the end of the proceedings, the Corridor Member States and participants validated the Phase 3 reports on the financial and implementation strategy for the creation of the Praia-Dakar maritime transport link.

Speaking at the close of the meeting, Mamoudou Alassane Camara, Chairman of the Committee of Experts from the Member States of the Praia-Dakar maritime link, welcomed the quality of the recommendations made by the participants. The Director General of the Senegalese Maritime Affairs Agency, Becaye Diop, called for the rapid completion of the Praia-Dakar maritime link.

This maritime link is a component of the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan multimodal transport corridor project. Considered strategic, it should be the subject of a specific management model proposal. The implementation of this maritime link will mark an important stage in regional integration in the ECOWAS region.

As far as the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan multimodal transport corridor project is concerned, it represents an essential element in the wider strategy of ECOWAS to facilitate the free movement of people and goods within the Community area, strengthen trade cooperation, promote economic development and stimulate regional trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

Positioning natural gas at the center of its growth strategy, independent oil and gas company Perenco is driving one of Central Africa’s most ambitious energy developments through the Cap Lopez LNG terminal in Gabon – a flagship project set to come online in 2026. Situated at the existing Cap Lopez oil terminal, the $2 billion initiative will introduce a floating LNG (FLNG) vessel designed to monetize the country’s offshore gas reserves and reduce gas flaring. Following completion, the project is expected to serve as a catalyst for energy diversification and broader economic growth in the country.

Marking Gabon’s first large-scale gas development following a final investment decision in 2024, the project signals a major step forward for regional energy security and industrialization. Currently under construction in Dubai, the FLNG unit will boast a production capacity of 700,000 tons of LNG and 25,000 tons of LPG annually, supported by storage infrastructure capable of holding 137,000 cubic meters. In support of this venture, engineering and construction company Technomak recently signed an agreement with Dixstone – a Perenco affiliate – for the integration of the offshore FLNG barge. Perenco is a Gold Partner at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies in Cape Town.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

The project forms part of a broader energy strategy being implemented by Perenco in Africa. In the Republic of Congo, the company continues to expand its upstream footprint with the commissioning of the Kombi 2 platform on the Kombi-Likalala-Libondo II permit. Currently under construction by Dixstone at the Nieuwdorp shipyard in the Netherlands, the platform is scheduled to depart in October and enter into operation offshore Pointe-Noire by early next year. With an estimated investment exceeding $200 million – and forming part of broader developments nearing $900 million – the project includes new drilling phases, infrastructure upgrades and the optimization of existing wells. The Kombi 2 platform will feature an integrated wellbay module to accommodate new wells, aiming to unlock an additional 10 million barrels of oil equivalent, with targeted output gains of 4 million cubic feet per day. Power generation for the platform will be supported by dual gas turbined linked to a 33-kV electrical hub, reinforcing Perenco’s commitment to operational efficiency and sustainable resource development in Congo.

On the exploration front, Perenco continues to cement its role as a premier independent in Africa’s energy landscape through a robust portfolio of upstream and gas infrastructure developments across the continent. In early 2024 an appraisal well in Gabon spudded near the Hylia South West discovery revealed substantial oil-bearing columns in the Ntchengue Ocean reservoir and reinforcing the potential of the lower Madiela carbonate formation. In Cameroon, the company launched its inaugural gas-to-industry project in July 2024, supplying 3.5-6.5 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Sanaga South field to the Keda tile factory via a 6-km pipeline – a milestone following its 9.9% equity acquisition in offshore operatory Golar LNG a month earlier.

These initiatives underscore Perenco’s integrated energy strategy, with the company’s participation as a Gold Partner at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 set to showcase their strategic role in shaping Africa’s energy future through large-scale gas monetization, infrastructure expansion and frontier exploration. Taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, 2025, the event promises to shine a light on these transformative projects and drive high-level dialogue on investment, innovation and sustainable development in Africa’s oil and gas sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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Halai Technical School today graduated 25 students who completed two years of theoretical and practical training in computer technology and network installation.

Mr. Raguel Tekle, Director of the school, stated that the institution—equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure—is contributing to the development of competent youth. He added that the school has also begun offering training in metal and woodwork, and will soon launch programs in cooling and heating systems.

Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the Government of Eritrea’s substantial investment in the education sector. He urged the youth to fully utilize these opportunities to improve their livelihoods and support national development.

A representative of the graduates expressed their commitment to contributing meaningfully in their future workplaces, applying the knowledge and skills acquired during their training.

Since its establishment, Halai Technical School has graduated 652 students.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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As part of its continued support to Sierra Leone’s health sector, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated essential medical supplies, mpox test kits, and laboratory equipment, including five medical-grade refrigerators valued at over USD 126,000 to the Ministry of Health.

The handover ceremony took place at the Hastings Treatment Centre, with WHO Country Representative Dr George Ameh officially handing over the supplies to Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Mustapha Kabba.

The donation comes at a critical time as the country continues to respond to the ongoing mpox outbreak, with over 4,000 confirmed cases to date. The supplies will strengthen diagnostic and case management capacity at key treatment and testing sites: Lakka Hospital, Benguema Reference Laboratory, and Hastings Treatment Centre.

“Our support today reflects WHO’s commitment to ensuring that frontline health workers have the tools they need to manage cases effectively and reduce transmission,” said Dr George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone. “These supplies will help improve the quality of care and expand diagnostic capabilities at a time when rapid response remains crucial.”

Receiving the supplies, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Mustapha Kabba expressed deep appreciation for WHO’s ongoing support and used the occasion to commend frontline healthcare workers at Hastings.

“We are sincerely grateful to WHO for their continued and timely support throughout this mpox response,” said Dr Kabba. “I want to encourage the hardworking team at Hastings Treatment Centre to continue the work. Your dedication is making a real difference, and we thank you for your tireless efforts in protecting the health of our communities.”

The Hastings Treatment Centre, one of the designated facilities for mpox case management, is expected to receive a share of the supplies and equipment, which will be used to bolster patient care and improve cold chain storage for samples and medicines.

“With these additional resources, we can ensure better storage of lab reagents, enhance patient care, and maintain the quality of our services,” said Dr Darlinda Jiba, the facility In-charge at Hastings Treatment Centre. “WHO’s continued support is a true morale booster for our clinical teams.”

The support is part of WHO’s continued commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system and response capacity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

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H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, convened a landmark working lunch with Permanent Representatives of the AU Regional Economic Community (RECs) & Regional Mechanisms. He reaffirmed their central role in delivering on continental priorities for integration, peace, security, & resilience, in line with AU protocols.

He underscored the importance of institutionalised coordination, & joint planning to help achieve AU Agenda 2063.

The Representatives commended the Chairperson for this historic engagement – the first of its kind by an AUC Chair, & welcomed his consultative, inclusive leadership & commitment to reinforce subsidiarity & complementarity across the African governance architecture.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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The European Union (EU), UNICEF and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, launched a €2.7 million multi-donor initiative in northern Ghana to significantly strengthen the resilience and improve the lives of forcibly displaced persons and their host communities.

The two-year, “Supporting the Resilience of Forcibly Displaced People and Host Communities in Northern Ghana” project, known as the UNITE Project, is implemented by UNICEF Ghana and UNHCR, and co-funded by the EU.

Implemented in the Tarikom and Zini communities of Ghana’s Upper East and Upper West regions respectively, the project will enhance the inclusion and access to basic services for forcibly displaced populations and host communities (particularly women and children) while also strengthening national systems for inclusive development.

This collaborative effort, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, National Identification Authority, and local government and traditional authorities, seeks to improve access to essential services, foster social cohesion for forcibly displaced persons and other vulnerable groups, and promote long-term sustainable development with the objective of aligning with national strategies and complementing existing efforts like the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion (SOCO) programme, as well as other EU and UN projects.

“Prolonged conflict in the Gulf of Guinea has forced thousands to flee their homes with over 17,000 asylum seekers estimated to be living in the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. Through the UNITE project and other initiatives, the EU is supporting forcibly displaced people and the communities generously hosting them. The EU will continue to play its role on the global stage and in Ghana to uphold refugees’ rights, in line with EU and international law.” said Irchad Razaaly, EU Ambassador to Ghana.

“This initiative, profoundly supported by the European Union, is about restoring dignity, strengthening community resilience and building a future where every child and family has equitable access to the services and opportunities they deserve in a dynamic and changing environment” stated Osama Makkawi Khoghali, UNICEF Ghana Representative.

“UNHCR is committed to ensuring that forcibly displaced persons and their host communities in Northern Ghana have the protection and support to not only survive but thrive. This comprehensive program, with the generous backing of the European Union, allows us to work collaboratively to build sustainable solutions that empower these communities and foster peaceful coexistence,” added Needa Jehu-Mazou, Head of UNHCR Office in Ghana.

The project is also being replicated in Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, highlighting a concerted regional approach with a total financing amount of €12million (€10million from the EU and €2 million from four UN agencies: World Food Programme (WFP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF and UNHCR)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Ghana.

Source: APO

Zimbabwe is making significant progress in shifting from reactive to proactive disaster risk management, with support from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), FAO, IFRC and WFP. This week, over 50 stakeholders from government, UN agencies, NGOs, and communities gathered in Bulawayo to reflect on the achievements, challenges and lessons learned from the two-year ECHO-funded anticipatory action project. 

Implemented between 2023 and 2025, the project aimed to enhance institutional systems and community capacities to prepare for and respond to climate-induced hazards, particularly in the wake of the 2023–2024 El Niño-induced drought, the worst in over four decades. 

The project established harmonized multi-stakeholder frameworks, developed and tested impact-based forecasting triggers, and scaled up disaster risk financing analysis. These efforts contributed to more coordinated and timely early warning and anticipatory responses, helping protect lives, livelihoods, and food and nutrition security. 

Judith Ncube, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo, said the drought tested every system but also revealed the strength of partnerships. 

“The 2023–2024 El Niño drought brought untold hardship to our communities. Yet in the face of empty rivers, cracked fields and hunger, we saw something extraordinary; communities, government and aid agencies standing together. This workshop is not just about what went wrong, but how ordinary people’s resilience helped shape extraordinary responses.” 

The project’s key achievements include the establishment of the Anticipatory Action Community of Practice (CoP), a collaborative platform that has brought together government departments, humanitarian organizations and technical agencies to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination. Through this platform, Zimbabwe has institutionalized anticipatory action subcommittees at national, provincial and district levels, linking local decision-making to national systems. 

Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Zimbabwe, underscored the shift in how Zimbabwe prepares for shocks. 

“Anticipatory action is not just a technical process; it is a lifeline. It is about the mother in Chiredzi who received early warnings and planted drought-tolerant crops just in time. It is about a child in Tsholotsho who did not go hungry because food assistance came before the crisis hit. This is the future of disaster response.” 

At the peak of the drought crisis, the Government of Zimbabwe launched a US$3.3 billion appeal—US$2 billion for emergency response and US$1.3 billion for resilience-building. Supported by early warnings issued in mid-2023, the government swiftly rolled out a national Blitz Food Distribution Programme targeting the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, child-headed households and the chronically ill. 

Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe emphasized the importance of UN support, stating that 33 percent of the funds raised came from UN agencies. This helped the government to institute a people-first approach in responding to the crisis. 

“Behind the numbers are real people. The elderly, children in child-headed households, persons with disabilities—these were not forgotten. Through the Blitz Food Distribution Programme, Zimbabwe ensured food reached the most vulnerable. This is what human-centred disaster response looks like: swift, inclusive and built on compassion.” 

Key outputs of the ECHO-funded project – such as the national Anticipatory Action Roadmap, flood simulation exercises (SIMEX), and impact forecasting models – are now serving as templates for broader disaster risk management in the region. Testimonies from farmers, community videos and field visits to Matobo and Beitbridge showcased the results at the local level. 

The project also reinforced the importance of pre-arranged financing to enable faster response. “Pre-arranged financing is a game changer. It means help is not delayed by paperwork when disaster looms,” said Edward Kallon. “Zimbabwe’s anticipatory action frameworks, built around pre-agreed triggers and activities are delivering faster, smarter support.” 

Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, affirmed that Anticipatory Action is not merely a humanitarian tool, but a transformative model of governance. He highlighted how the recent ECHO-supported initiative in Zimbabwe laid critical foundations, such as hazard mapping, institutional roadmaps, and community-ready structures that enabled timely and life-saving interventions during the 2023–2024 El Niño drought.  

Patrice Talla further emphasized that Zimbabwe’s approach is no longer a pilot, but a prototype for national systems, and called for its institutionalization through policy integration, pre-positioned finance, local capacity building, and cross-border coordination. “Forecasts, should no longer be warnings; they should be the first lines of defense,” he asserted.  

As the learning event concluded, partners called for sustained investment in anticipatory action and a continued shift toward resilience-building. Participants emphasized that as climate risks intensify, early action must be integrated into national systems and financing structures to safeguard development gains. 

“Let us act not only in response but in anticipation,” said Minister Daniel Garwe. “Because the future belongs to those who prepare for it.” 

The ECHO-funded initiative has demonstrated that with the right partnerships, financing and community engagement, Zimbabwe can move from crisis response to long-term resilience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

With a planned $60 billion investment pipeline for the oil and gas industry, Angola is experiencing a surge in upstream activity, from frontier exploration to seismic acquisition to drilling and incremental production. Angola’s major upstream operators have joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda – to discuss Angola’s project pipeline. This year’s conference celebrates 50 years of independence in Angola, with speakers set to share insight into how the past five decades of oil and gas development have laid the foundation for future growth.  

With over three decades of operational history in Angola, energy major ExxonMobil is driving an ambitious exploration and production agenda, focusing on maximizing output at active assets while pursuing frontier opportunities. Recently, the company signed an agreement alongside TotalEnergies for the study and evaluation of the Free Areas of Blocks 17/06 and 32/21. The company is also eyeing a $15 billion investment in the Namibe basin, pending the results of ongoing exploration activities. These efforts are expected to unlock new resources in Angola. Katrina Fisher, Managing Director of ExxonMobil Angola, will share further insights into ExxonMobil’s investment plans at AOG 2025.  

With a long history in Angola, energy majors bp and Eni have played an instrumental part in unlocking resources and generating economic opportunities for the country. The merger of the companies’ Angolan operations in 2022 saw the rise of Azule Energy – Angola’s largest independent equity producer of oil and gas – and the subsequent integration of bp and Eni’s project portfolio and expertise. On the back of this, Azule Energy has spearheaded various large-scale operations in Angola, with new targets to increase production to 250,000 bpd. Major upcoming developments include the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development (2025) and Angola’s first non-associated gas project (2026). During AOG 2025, Guido Brusco, COO: Global Natural Resources at Eni, and Gordon Birrell, Executive Vice President of Production & Operations at bp, will provide insight into Angola’s exploration and production landscape, from oil exploration to natural gas to global partnerships and future investment prospects.  

Nigerian independent exploration and production company First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) has a strong portfolio of producing assets in Nigeria and is currently pursuing regional growth opportunities. With operations spanning both shallow waters and onshore blocks in the Niger Delta, FIRST E&P has established experience in exploration and production activities. While not directly active in Angola as of yet, FIRST E&P stands to play a notable role in unlocking greater value from Angola’s oil and gas resources. During AOG 2025, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, CEO & Managing Director of FIRST E&P, is expected to share insight into how the company’s experience in Nigeria can support future oil and gas projects in Angola.  

Angolan oil and gas company Alfort Petroleum is pursuing onshore exploration in Angola, following its qualification as an operator under the country’s 2020 bid round. During the round, Alfort Petroleum won operatorship of Block KON 8, attaining a 50% stake in the asset. To date, the company has completed the seismic acquisition phase for the block and is currently in the final stages of interpreting the data. Alfort Petroleum aims to start drilling activities in Q4, 2025 or Q1, 2026. At AOG 2025, Gianni Gaspar-Martins, General Manager of Alfort Petroleum, is expected to provide an update on Block KON 8.  

Meanwhile, Angolan private energy company Etu Energias seeks to increase oil and gas production to 80,000 bpd by 2030 through the optimization of producing assets and the accelerated development of newly-acquired blocks. The company expanded its portfolio of operated and non-operated blocks from 6 to 15 in 2024, while its reserves grew 2.6 times to reach 106 million barrels. In 2025, the company continues to drive a 3D seismic campaign at Block FS/FTST, will spud the Chimacuanga exploration well and will complete feasibility studies at the newly-acquired Blocks CON 1 and CON 4. Etu Energias CEO Edson dos Santos is speaking at AOG 2025, where he is expected to share insight into the company’s exploration and production strategy.  

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

Source: APO

Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, CON, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has taken a bow from serving at the helm of the institution for the last decade; a period that has been touted as transformational and exceptional.

While giving his closing speech during the AAM2025, Professor Oramah took the audience down memory lane, from June 2015 when shareholders gave him a leadership mandate in Lusaka, Zambia, saying that; “In my acceptance speech, I made a solemn promise to the shareholders, to deliver a solid bank that will be a leader among its peers in all measures of financial performance to quickly grow the capital of the Bank in absolute terms, to improve capitalisation through innovative capital management initiatives to ensure first-class risk management, and achieve adequate returns to shareholders.”

Professor Oramah highlighted the achievements of the Bank during his tenure, some under very extreme situations, citing the financial rise thus “we have collectively, over the past decade, built a solid financial institution that is good for Global Africa. Total assets and guarantees grew more than eight-fold between September 2015 and April 2025, to reach 43.5 billion US dollars. Total Revenues also rose seven-fold, reaching 3.24 billion US dollars, from 408 million US dollars in 2025. Net income amounted to about 1 billion US dollars last year, about 700% increase, from its level of 125 million US dollars in 2015. Internal capital generation and very strong support of shareholders through significant additional equity investments, saw shareholders’ funds rise from about 1 billion US dollars in September 2015 to 7.5 billion US dollars in April 2025, with callable capital reaching 4.5 billion US dollars from 450 million US dollars in September 2015. Liquidity remained strong, with sources of funding much more diversified in 2024 than in 2015, due to activities of the Africa Resource Mobilisation Unit, which saw the share of African sources of funding rise from 11.7 percent in 2015 to 36.6 percent in May 2025.”

Going forward, Prof Oramah said that the Bank would like to give priority to the financing and promoting of high-value exports that have the capability of stabilising export revenues and creating jobs thereby raising and stabilising trade and economy in Africa.

H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who spoke at the official opening ceremony, appreciated the contribution of Afreximbank to the growth and stability of the economy of Nigeria and by extension Africa at large, saying “Nigeria’s collaboration with Afreximbank is expanding in both scope and breadth through various avenues including but not limited to the oil industry, and food production through fertilizer manufacturer through financing and Nigeria appreciates Afreximbank as a strategic partner in co creation which positively impacts  the lives of Africans and helps transform the Continent.”

In recognition of the outstanding work done my Professor Oramah over the last 10 years and in the last 3 decades at Afreximbank, President Tinubu on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, awarded Prof. Oramah one of Nigeria’s highest state commendations: The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Source: APO

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• Al-Mashat discusses outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and ways to enhance joint cooperation with UN officials.
• Al-Mashat emphasizes the need for intensified UN efforts to promote debt sustainability and overcome economic challenges in developing and emerging countries.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, held intensive bilateral meetings with development partners and government officials during the United Nations Financing for Development conference in Spain. The meetings focused on discussing ways to strengthen joint economic relations and reviewing the outputs and outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation met with Ambassador Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). 

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the significance of maintaining an open and cooperative dialogue on Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA), particularly as developing countries strive to achieve the dual goals of financing development and maintaining financial sustainability. 

She highlighted Egypt’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and expressed appreciation for UNECA’s role in promoting regional approaches to debt dialogue and capacity building.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that UNECA plays a pivotal role in fostering regional debt dialogue and providing technical support to member states. By providing knowledge and resources, the commission helps countries improve their financial strategies and develop debt management systems, thereby enhancing their ability to address economic challenges.

The two sides discussed ways to develop joint relations. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated Egypt’s keenness to benefit from the technical expertise and knowledge resources provided by UNECA to refine policies and support inclusive growth. She also highlighted Egypt’s commitment to leverage UNECA’s support in the field of macro-planning to achieve sustainable development and promote inclusive growth.

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

In another context, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat met with Ms. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), to discuss a number of cooperation files.

During the meeting, the two parties reviewed potential areas of cooperation and support between the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). 

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat confirmed the depth of relations between the two sides and the diversity of cooperation files to include a number of vital issues.

H.E. Minister Rania Al-Mashat pointed to the tools developed by ESCWA in the areas of financing, costing, budgeting, and improving debt management. She stressed Egypt’s interest in and the importance of these tools, especially in light of the recent launch of Egypt’s Integrated National Financing Framework (E-INFF).

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out the role of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and its responsibility for managing public investments. She outlined that the AI-powered budgeting tool developed by ESCWA could contribute to guiding optimal public spending decisions to achieve sustainable development goals and accelerate their implementation, in line with Egypt’s commitments, national priorities, and Egypt Vision 2030.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat underscored the importance of cooperation with ESCWA to bridge data gaps, as development gaps are linked to financing gaps, making it essential to monitor these gaps accurately. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also noted the Ministry’s role in chairing the Ministerial Committee for Entrepreneurship, which includes various relevant entities. 

She indicated potential avenues for cooperation in this area, especially given ESCWA’s endeavors to support small and medium-sized enterprises and boost their capabilities in e-commerce.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of ESCWA supporting the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) by providing innovative ideas and mechanisms to enhance preparations for the upcoming population census.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.