Category: Africa

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Duma sends condolences after fatal bus-truck collision claims 10 Lives

Source: South Africa News Agency

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has expressed his condolences to the families of ten passengers, who lost their lives in an accident involving a truck and a passenger bus on the R34 Matatani Road, between Vryheid and Ulundi.

The crash, which occurred shortly after midnight, was reportedly transporting supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) who were returning from Umlazi, south of Durban, following a political event.

Initial reports indicated that 12 people had died in the crash. However, following an official investigation, the provincial Transport Department confirmed that the death toll has been revised to 10, including seven men and three women.

Duma, who visited the scene on Tuesday, confirmed that the crash occurred when a truck struck the side of the bus after an initial head-on collision.

“Based on the report from the RTI [Road Traffic Inspectorate], after the head-on collision, the truck struck the side of the bus. Sadly, the sideswipe resulted in 10 passengers dying and they are being taken to Vryheid Mortuary,” Duma said.

In addition to the fatalities, ten passengers sustained serious injuries and were transported to various nearby hospitals. A further 22 passengers suffered minor injuries, while six escaped unharmed.

Both the truck and bus drivers survived the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Duma said 33 passengers were able to walk after the accident, with three sustaining moderate injuries and two reported to be in a critical condition.

The MEC confirmed that the Department of Transport will collaborate with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the South African Police Service in a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. – SAnews.gov.za

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Marriott International announces plans to add more than 50 properties and over 9,000 rooms to its Africa portfolio by the end of 2027

From the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the anticipated addition of over 50 properties and more than 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027.  The company’s growth strategy includes the expected entry into five markets – Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania. The planned expansion aims to further strengthen the company’s footprint across the continent where its current operating portfolio encompasses nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands.

“We are witnessing a transformation of Africa’s tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to drive robust expansion opportunities with owners and franchisees across Africa and remain committed to supporting the growth of its tourism sector.”

Marriott’s planned expansion aims to enhance the strategic development of the company’s luxury, premium and select-service portfolio across key and emerging destinations in Africa. The company’s growth across the continent is expected to be largely driven by its select-service brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, and a strong consumer demand for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences. Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria are the highest growth markets for the company in the continent, making up more than half of the projects slated to open in the next two years. Conversions and adaptive reuse opportunities are also anticipated to continue to drive meaningful growth for the company, representing more than 30 percent of the anticipated African additions by the end of 2027.  The company is also seeing an increased appetite for branded residential projects across the continent.

Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International added, “Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations. Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today’s rapidly evolving consumer.”

North and East Africa Fuel Expansion Plans for the Continent

Marriott is witnessing strong growth momentum in the North and East Africa regions, which together account for more than 60 percent of the company’s planned additions in Africa by the end of 2027.  Egypt and Morocco are expected to lead the expansion for Marriott in North Africa. Plans in Egypt include the anticipated debut of Aloft Hotels in the continent, with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay situated in the North Coast of the country expected in 2027.  More than 50 percent of the company’s expected additions in Egypt by the end of 2027 are conversion or adaptive reuse projects. Expansion highlights for Morocco include the anticipated market debut of AC Hotels by Marriott with a scheduled opening in Casablanca in 2027.

In East Africa, the company continues to see growth momentum with safari lodges and camps spurred by a growing appeal for adventure and outdoor travel. Following the successful opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, the company is slated to open six safari properties across the region by the end of 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya), and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania) – both of which are scheduled to open this year.

Marriott’s portfolio in Tanzania is anticipated to more than double by the end of 2027 while in Kenya the company plans to open five properties including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott with two expected openings in Nairobi in 2027. Growth plans in Uganda include the country’s first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments with scheduled openings in Kampala by the end of this year.

Demand for Premium and Select Accommodation Remains Strong in West Africa

By the end of 2027, the company expects to add six properties in Nigeria, its largest growth market in the West Africa region. Plans include the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott in the country with anticipated openings in Abuja within the next two years, and the continued expansion of Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Hotels.

Marriott is also slated to enter three new markets in West Africa in the next two years. Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort is anticipated to open this year, marking the company’s debut in Cape Verde. Marriott is also expected to enter Côte d’Ivoire in 2027, with an Autograph Collection Hotel located in Assinie-Mafia, and Mauritania with a Sheraton Hotel situated in Nouakchott, which is expected to open later this year.

Growth across Southern and Central Africa Remains Steady

The company’s largest market in Africa, South Africa, is expected to see an expansion of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand portfolio with the opening of Morea House in Cape Town this year, followed by the anticipated addition of a property within Kruger National Park in 2026.  Marriott also plans to enter The Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of this year with a Protea Hotel by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa. The company is also expected to make its debut in Madagascar with the opening of a Delta Hotels by Marriott this year and a Protea Hotel by Marriott anticipated in 2026 in Antananarivo. The company’s planned expansion also includes the anticipated debut of Le Méridien in Cameroon in 2027.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected property openings, additions and portfolio growth; entry into new markets and brand debuts in certain markets; our expectations regarding growth opportunities; demand trends and expectations, including demand for certain offering types; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media contacts:
Chandan Belani
Senior Director of Communications
MEA & Development PR, EMEA
Marriott International
Chanan.Belani@marriott.com

Birgit Deibele
Senior Director of Communications
Sub-Saharan Africa
Marriott International
Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

Connect with us on:
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About Marriott International:
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewsCenter.com. 

Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.Marriott.com/investor or Marriott’s news center website at www.MarriottNewsCenter.com, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

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The Copper Scramble: African Mining Week to Examine Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Deals


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The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference (http://apo-opa.co/3I0IzOl) – scheduled for October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town – will spotlight how Merger & Acquisition (M&A) deals are propelling the continent’s copper industry forward. A power chat will take place, titled The Copper Scramble: How Mergers are Reshaping the Global Supply Chain. The session is expected to unpack the impact M&A deals have had and will continue to play on Africa’s copper industry, highlighting recent deals and investment opportunities across the market.

Driven by the global energy transition and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, African countries are leveraging the surge in copper demand to boost investments across the value chain. Strengthened policies, underexplored mining acreage and emerging investment opportunities have enticed a string of M&A activity, particularly across major copper producers in Africa. The AMW 2025 session on copper will explore how recent mergers are driving production across select markets.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Striving to produce three million tons of copper per annum by 2031, Zambia – the continent’s second-largest copper producer – has witnessed several impactful M&A deals recently. These include the $1.1 billion acquisition of the Mopani Mine in 2024 made by UAE-based International Resource Holdings (http://apo-opa.co/4jZBWJN), set to increase copper production to 300,000 tons within three years, and China’s JCHX Mining Management (http://apo-opa.co/3Ttgthj) acquisition of the Lubambe Mine, which will see $300 million injected to increase production. U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals has also committed over $2 billion following its acquisition of the Dumbwa and Konkola West projects, further accelerating Zambia’s copper output ambitions. Other international players, including Mercuria and Patriot Lithium, have also entered the Zambian market via M&A deals, aiming to tap into the mineral-rich Central African Copperbelt.

 In Botswana, recent M&A deals aim to unlock the potential of the Kalahari Copper Belt, which stretches into Namibia. Mining firm BHP secured stakes in Cobre Limited in March 2025, gaining access to Tier 1 copper assets in Botswana. The company plans to invest $25 million in exploration, including seismic surveys and deep diamond drilling, to assess resource potential. Additionally, China’s MMG Limited (http://apo-opa.co/4jYVNIZ) has announced a $700 million investment to double output at the Khoemacau Mine after acquiring it from Canada’s Cuprous Capital in 2024.

As Africa continues to attract global investment and deepen strategic partnerships, AMW 2025 will serve as a vital platform to connect international investors with high-value M&A opportunities, reinforcing Africa’s position as a critical player in the global copper supply chain.

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

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Hilton to Triple its Presence in Africa to More Than 160 Hotels

  • Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels in the coming years in markets including Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Angola and Madagascar
  • Most recent hotel openings include Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston and DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport
  • Hilton to make its Ghana debut later this year with the opening of Hilton Accra Cantonments
  • Hilton is currently hiring for 600 new hospitality jobs in Africa and expects to create 18,000 new positions as it expands its portfolio.

Coinciding with Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced plans to almost triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels trading in the coming years. Across its portfolio of market-leading brands, Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels on the continent, supporting Africa’s burgeoning hospitality sector and creating approximately 18,000 jobs for local people.

Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to announce several new hotel agreements which significantly expand our footprint in Africa, a continent brimming with potential and opportunity. Our development strategy underscores our commitment to supporting Africa’s hospitality sector as we partner with owners to grow our footprint, deliver exceptional stays for our customers and create jobs for local people. Africa offers incredible opportunity, from thriving business hubs to vibrant cultures, wildlife, and natural landscapes. We are excited to unveil a host of new destinations building on Hilton’s legacy of hospitality across Africa for over 65 years.”  

Hilton Debuts in Angola

Hilton has made its Angolan debut with the signing of three properties – two in the capital city of Luanda under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and affordable and upscale Hilton Garden Inn brand, as well as one in Cabinda with a property under its award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand.

Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho

Hilton has signed Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho in partnership with Servicab S.A. The hotel is expected to open in 2027 and will feature 220 guest rooms and suites. Stretched along an 11,250-square-metre beachfront with unobstructed views of the ocean, the property will feature multiple dining options and over 1,000 square metres of event space.

Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport

Hilton has signed Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport in partnership with Crestigo. Set to open in 2028, Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport will feature 200 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and terrace, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, a pool, and a rooftop bar. The hotel’s proximity to Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport and corporate business hubs makes it an ideal choice for business travellers.

DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences

Hilton has also signed an agreement with Prodoil S.A. to debut its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Angola. The property is expected to open in 2026 and will provide 290 contemporary apartments, including studio rooms, two and three-bedroom suites, as well as 10 three-bedroom oceanfront villas. It will also feature a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a natural lake.

Additional Hilton Market Debuts

Hilton Cotonou

In Benin, Hilton has signed an agreement to open Hilton Cotonou in partnership with the Republic of Benin, through the Société de Développement Hôtelier du Bénin (SDHB). This landmark project marks Hilton’s official entry into the Beninese market.

Scheduled to open in 2028, Hilton Cotonou will be strategically located on the Boulevard de la Marina, next to the Congress Palace, key government offices, and several international embassies. The hotel will feature 233 contemporary guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a signature destination bar and terrace, a pool bar, a spa, an outdoor pool, and flexible meeting spaces designed for both business and social events.

The project is expected to generate several hundred direct and indirect jobs across hospitality and related sectors. It will also enhance Benin’s capacity to host international conferences and events, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become an African hub for business and high-end tourism.

Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo 

Hilton has signed agreements to open two properties in Madagascar, marking Hilton’s re-entry into the country. Located in the heart of Madagascar’s capital and expected to open in 2028, Hilton Antananarivo will feature 170 guest rooms, multiple dining options, a ballroom, six meeting rooms, a fitness centre, spa and outdoor pool. Further South, Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo will be part of a mixed-use development with retail and office spaces, making it ideal for business and leisure travellers. Set to open in 2027, the 120-guest room hotel will offer a restaurant, bar, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool.

Hilton’s Nigeria Expansion

The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

Located in Jabi, one of the capital’s most popular districts, The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, will feature 93 stylishly appointed guest rooms, upscale dining venues, an outdoor pool, and a wellness centre. Developed in partnership with The Wave Hotel Limited (OpCo), the hotel is set to open in 2026 and benefits from being a short 10-minute drive from Abuja’s Commercial Business District. Each hotel in Curio Collection is hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations, evoking a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and beverage, and curated experiences. 

Hilton Lagos Ikeja

Hilton has signed Hilton Lagos Ikeja in partnership with Cornfield Group. Located in Ikeja’s government and residential hub, the hotel is strategically situated near corporate and governmental offices and in proximity to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Slated to open in 2029, the hotel will feature 200 modern guest rooms and suites – and offers elevated dining options such as an all-day dining restaurant, a signature restaurant, a lobby bar, a pool bar & grill, and a destination bar. The hotel will also include a spacious ballroom, four meeting rooms, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Hilton Garden Inn in Kano

Marking Kano’s first internationally branded hotel, Hilton Garden Inn in Kano is being developed in partnership with Akhim Plus Limited. The hotel will offer 100 guest rooms, flexible meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Expected to open in 2029, the hotel’s location near key sites including the Government House, Emir’s Palace, National Museum, Kano Race Course, Kano Golf Club, and Meena Event Centre makes it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

West Africa and East Africa

Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport

Hilton has signed Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport with Amani International Hospitality Limited – bringing Hampton by Hilton’s award-winning hospitality to Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport. Opening in 2026, Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport will include 170 guest rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and meeting spaces. The hotel will also offer a dynamic open-concept social space and a round-the-clock snacks shop. It will be a part of Airport Area Accra, a mixed-use development featuring malls and corporate offices.

In Ethiopia, Hilton recently announced agreements with Brighton Hotels and Business Plc. to open two properties – DoubleTree by Hilton Adama and DoubleTree by Hilton Dire Dawa (http://apo-opa.co/4lbtHv2) – marking the first internationally branded hotels in the cities. Opening in 2028, these hotels further reaffirm Hilton’s commitment to expanding its presence in Ethiopia, with plans to reach eight trading properties across the country in the coming years.

Hilton has also announced its Tanzanian re-entry with the signing of Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj (http://apo-opa.co/3ST8aeB), in partnership with CPS Live Limited. Expected to open in 2027, the lifestyle hotel will feature 162 inviting and sophisticated guest rooms and suites, elevated dining spaces, and a wide array of facilities. Located in the heart of Fumba Town and part of a mixed-use development, ‘BURJ Zanzibar,’ the property will offer unique experiences tailored to guests seeking authentic local experiences.

North Africa

Hilton continues to grow across North Africa, with plans to triple its portfolio in Egypt (http://apo-opa.co/4l58VNw) to more than 40 trading hotels across the country in the coming years. In Morocco, Hilton is set to more than double its portfolio (http://apo-opa.co/3G2a75u), with plans to bolster its luxury presence and introduce new brands. Hilton also recently signed a new DoubleTree by Hilton property in Fes, an ancient city whose medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf

In partnership with Le Clos de l’Atlas, Hilton is set to open DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf in 2028. The 109-guest room property will be located next to a golf course and will offer easy access to Fes’s many cultural attractions. The hotel will also be in close proximity to Fes’s industrial quarter and an upcoming convention centre, making it ideal for business travellers as well.

Recent & Upcoming Openings

In South Africa, Hilton recently opened Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof (http://apo-opa.co/4l4zrXe) in partnership with Growthpoint Properties, marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in South Africa. Located in the vibrant Longkloof precinct, the hotel features 154 spacious and modern guest rooms. Each hotel room reflects the country’s cultural richness through bold local art and design and colourful prints throughout its interiors. Ideally situated in Cape Town’s City Bowl, the property offers easy access to Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the V&A Waterfront. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ongetem, led by renowned chef Bertus Basson, celebrating South African culinary heritage with bold, contemporary flair.

Hilton also recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport (http://apo-opa.co/44lFtgD) in Ethiopia. Located just minutes from Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the property offers a complimentary airport shuttle, a rooftop restaurant, and proximity to the various events at Millenium Hall. Last year, Hilton opened the first Hampton by Hilton in Africa in South Africa with Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston (http://apo-opa.co/4lfuafR), bringing the brand’s friendly and authentic service to Johannesburg’s financial and shopping district.

Later this year, Hilton expects to open its first hotel in Ghana with Hilton Accra Cantonments in partnership with High Street Development Company. Located in Cantonments, an upscale suburb which is home to multiple embassies and high commissions, the hotel will feature 145 guest rooms and a range of dining options including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and pool bar. The hotel will offer a gym, spa, and outdoor swimming pool, as well as more than 900 square metres of event space including a ballroom, seven meeting rooms and an executive boardroom.

Hilton currently operates 63 hotels in Africa, with more than 100 under development. All hotels will be part of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning loyalty programme with over 218 million members globally. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.

Contact:
Maya Chacko
Hilton
maya.chacko@hilton.com

Connect with Hilton on: 
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4lhOgGl
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LinkedIn: http://apo-opa.co/4lbh2Ij
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About Hilton:
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio (http://apo-opa.co/3G4U0nJ) of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms, in 139 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 218 million Hilton Honors (http://apo-opa.co/3Ti1Q0t) members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app (http://apo-opa.co/4lf8yjz), guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit http://stories.Hilton.com for more information.

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Marriott International annonce des plans pour ajouter plus de 50 propriétés et plus De 9 000 chambres à son portefeuille Afrique d’ici la fin de 2027

Depuis le Future Hospitality Summit Africa au Cap, en Afrique du Sud, Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq : MAR) annonce aujourd’hui son intention d’étendre ses activités en Afrique avec l’ajout prévu de plus de 50 propriétés et plus de 9 000 chambres d’ici la fin de 2027. La stratégie de croissance de l’entreprise comprend une entrée prévue sur cinq marchés, à savoir le Cap-Vert, la Côte d’Ivoire, la République démocratique du Congo, Madagascar et la Mauritanie. L’expansion vise à renforcer la présence de l’entreprise sur le continent, où son portefeuille opérationnel actuel comprend près de 150 propriétés et 26 000 chambres dans 20 pays et 22 marques.

« Nous assistons à une transformation du secteur touristique en Afrique, sous l’impulsion de programmes gouvernementaux visionnaires, d’un développement substantiel des infrastructures, d’une connectivité régionale et internationale renforcée et d’expériences de voyage diversifiées, qui jettent les bases d’un secteur hôtelier florissant », déclare Jerome Briet, directeur du développement pour l’Europe, le Moyen-Orient et l’Afrique chez Marriott International. « Avec notre portefeuille de marques renommées, notre plateforme de distribution de classe mondiale et notre programme de voyage primé, Marriott Bonvoy, nous continuons de générer de solides opportunités d’expansion avec les propriétaires et les franchisés à travers l’Afrique et restons déterminés à soutenir la croissance de son secteur touristique. »

L’expansion prévue de Marriott vise à renforcer le développement stratégique du portefeuille de services de luxe, premium et select-service de l’entreprise dans des destinations clés et émergentes en Afrique. La croissance de l’entreprise sur l’ensemble du continent devrait être largement tirée par ses marques select-service, notamment Protea Hotels by Marriott et Four Points by Sheraton, et par une forte demande des consommateurs pour des expériences hôtelières différenciées et de haute qualité. La Tanzanie, l’Égypte, le Maroc, le Kenya et le Nigeria sont les marchés à plus forte croissance de l’entreprise sur le continent, représentant plus de la moitié des projets dont l’ouverture est prévue pour les deux prochaines années. Les conversions et les possibilités de réutilisation adaptative devraient également continuer à générer une croissance significative pour l’entreprise, représentant plus de 30 pour cent des ajouts prévus en Afrique d’ici la fin de 2027. La société constate également une demande accrue pour les projets résidentiels de marque à travers le continent.

Karim Cheltout, vice-président principal – Développement, Moyen-Orient et Afrique, Marriott International, ajoute : « L’Afrique abrite des marchés émergents qui offrent d’importantes possibilités de croissance dans les villes carrefous, les centres commerciaux, les circuits de safari et les destinations de villégiature. Grâce à notre gamme diversifiée de marques extraordinaires, nous sommes en mesure de travailler avec les promoteurs pour offrir des hébergements de haute qualité ainsi que des expériences de voyage distinctes et innovantes qui répondent aux attentes en évolution rapide du consommateur d’aujourd’hui ».

L’Afrique du Nord et de l’Est dynamisent les plans d’expansion sur le continent

Marriott connaît une forte dynamique de croissance dans les régions d’Afrique du Nord et de l’Est, qui représentent ensemble plus de 60% des ajouts prévus de l’entreprise en Afrique d’ici la fin de 2027. L’Egypte et le Maroc devraient mener l’expansion de Marriott en Afrique du Nord. Les projets en Égypte comprennent les débuts prévus d’Aloft Hotels sur le continent, avec l’ouverture d’Aloft Ghazala Bay sur la côte nord du pays en 2027. Plus de 50 pour cent des ajouts attendus de l’entreprise en Égypte d’ici la fin de 2027 sont des projets de conversion ou de réutilisation adaptative. Les faits saillants de l’expansion pour le Maroc comprennent les débuts attendus sur le marché d’AC Hotels by Marriott avec une ouverture prévue à Casablanca en 2027.

En Afrique de l’Est, la société continue de voir une dynamique de croissance avec des lodges et des camps de safari dynamisés par un appel croissant à l’aventure et aux voyages en plein air. Après l’ouverture réussie du JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge en 2023, la société devrait ouvrir six propriétés de safari dans la région d’ici la fin de 2027, dont The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya) et Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzanie), qui devraient ouvrir cette année.

Le portefeuille de Marriott en Tanzanie devrait plus que doubler d’ici la fin de 2027, tandis qu’au Kenya, la société prévoit d’ouvrir cinq établissements, dont le premier Courtyard by Marriott, avec deux ouvertures prévues à Nairobi en 2027. Les plans de croissance en Ouganda comprennent les premiers Marriott Hotel et Marriott Executive Apartments du pays, dont l’ouverture est prévue à Kampala d’ici la fin de l’année.

La demande pour un hébergement premium et select-service reste solide en Afrique de l’Ouest

D’ici la fin de 2027, la société prévoit d’ajouter six propriétés au Nigeria, son plus grand marché en croissance dans la région de l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Les plans comprennent l’introduction de Courtyard by Marriott dans le pays avec des ouvertures prévues à Abuja au cours des deux prochaines années, et l’expansion continue de Protea Hotels by Marriott et Marriott Hotels.

Marriott devrait également pénétrer trois nouveaux marchés en Afrique de l’Ouest au cours des deux prochaines années. Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort devrait ouvrir ses portes cette année, marquant les débuts de la société au Cap-Vert. Marriott devrait également entrer en Côte d’Ivoire en 2027, avec un hôtel Autograph Collection situé à Assinie-Mafia, et en Mauritanie avec un hôtel Sheraton situé à Nouakchott, qui devrait ouvrir ses portes plus tard cette année.

La croissance en Afrique australe et centrale reste stable

En tant que plus grand marché de la société en Afrique, l’Afrique du Sud devrait voir une expansion du portefeuille de marques Autograph Collection Hotels avec l’ouverture de Morea House au Cap cette année, suivie de l’ajout prévu d’une propriété dans le Kruger National Park en 2026. Marriott prévoit également d’entrer en République démocratique du Congo d’ici la fin de cette année avec un Protea Hotel by Marriott et Four Points by Sheraton à Kinshasa. La société devrait aussi faire ses débuts à Madagascar avec l’ouverture d’un Delta Hotels by Marriott cette année et d’un Protea Hotel by Marriott prévu en 2026 à Antananarivo. L’expansion de la société comprend également les débuts prévus du Méridien au Cameroun en 2027.

Distribué par APO Group pour The Bench.

Remarque relative aux déclarations prospectives :
Le présent communiqué de presse contient des déclarations prospectives au sens des lois fédérales sur les valeurs mobilières des États-Unis, y compris des déclarations relatives aux ouvertures de propriétés, aux ajouts et à la croissance du portefeuille prévus ; l’entrée sur de nouveaux marchés et les débuts de marques sur certains marchés ; nos attentes en matière d’opportunités de croissance ; les tendances et les attentes de la demande, y compris la demande pour certains types d’offres ; et des déclarations similaires concernant des événements et des attentes futurs anticipés qui ne sont pas des faits historiques. Le lecteur est averti que ces déclarations ne sont pas des garanties de performance future et sont soumises à de nombreux risques et incertitudes que nous pourrions ne pas être en mesure de prédire ou d’évaluer avec précision, y compris les facteurs de risque que nous identifions dans nos rapports déposés auprès de la Securities and Exchange Commission des États-Unis, y compris notre plus récent rapport annuel sur le formulaire 10-K ou rapport trimestriel sur le formulaire 10-Q. L’un de ces facteurs pourrait faire que les résultats réels diffèrent sensiblement des attentes que nous exprimons ou suggérons dans ce communiqué de presse. Ces déclarations prospectives ne sont valables qu’à la date du présent communiqué de presse et nous n’assumons aucune obligation de mettre à jour ou de réviser publiquement ces déclarations, que ce soit à la suite de nouvelles informations, d’événements futurs ou autrement.

Contact avec les médias :
Chandan Belani
directeur principal des communications
MEA & Development PR, EMEA
Marriott International
Chanan.Belani@marriott.com

Birgit Deibele
directrice principale des communications
Afrique subsaharienne
Marriott International
Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

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À propos de Marriott International :
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq : MAR) est basé à Bethesda, dans le Maryland, aux États-Unis, et comprend un portefeuille de près de 9 500 propriétés et plus de 30 marques de premier plan dans 144 pays et territoires. Marriott exploite, franchise et concède des licences d’hôtel, de résidence, de multipropriété et d’autres propriétés d’hébergement dans le monde entier. La société propose Marriott Bonvoy®, sa plateforme de voyage primée. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez visiter www.MarriottNewsCenter.com.

Marriott invite les investisseurs, médias et autres personnes intéressées par l’entreprise à consulter et à s’abonner aux informations publiées par Marriott sur son site web de relations avec les investisseurs www.Marriott.com/investor ou sur le news center de Marriott à l’adresse www.MarriottNewsCenter.com. Le contenu de ces sites web n’est pas incorporé par référence dans ce communiqué de presse ou tout rapport ou document déposé par Marriott auprès de la Securities and Exchange Commission des États-Unis, et toute référence aux sites web est exclusivement destinée à être une référence textuelle à titre indicatif.

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President Ramaphosa concludes working visit to Canada

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this afternoon, 17 June 2025, concluded his working visit to Canada where he participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session, on the margins of the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. 

The Group of Seven consists of the largest advanced economies namely: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The European Union also participates in G7 Summits, although not a member.  

“South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner. We seek greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development”, said President CyrilRamaphosa.

Canada assumed the Presidency of the G7 on 01 January 2025 and its Presidency seeks to address global challenges and opportunities, including international peace and security, global economic stability and growth, and the digital transition.

The Outreach Session aimed “to explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and infrastructure and investment”.

The Outreach theme resonated with South Africa’s national interests and priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.  

The Outreach Sessions of the G7 in which President Ramaphosa participated in have been a feature of the Group over the years, with the aim to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues. 

“The G7 should support the efforts of the Global South to create a fair, just and inclusive global order that will foster sustainable development for all. 

The G7 must also support the reform of international institutions such as the UN Security Council and the global financial architecture,” added President Ramaphosa.

On the margins of the G7 summit, President Ramaphosa held bilateral meetings with other Heads of State and Government, from Canada, France, Germany and the Republic of Korea.The meetings centered on fostering greater cooperation on issues of mutual interests. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the strengthening of cooperation between South Africa and Canada as it relates to the G20 and the G7. 

“Canada’s Africa strategy is comprehensive and there is potential for cooperation in areas where there is alignment with the African Agenda”, said President Ramaphosa 

Several engagements have taken place between South Africa and Canada at various levels, including at Sherpa and Ministerial levels.

President Ramaphosa’s participation at the G7 Leaders Summit presented an opportunity for South Africa to pursue strategic alignment within the framework of G7-G20 cooperation, where necessary.  

The President was accompanied by Minister Ronald Lamola,the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President media@presideny.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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President Ramaphosa Appoints Minister Angie Motshekga as Acting President

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms. Angie Motshekga, to serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa from 17 to 19 June 2025.

The appointment in accordance with section 90 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, follows the President’s visit to Canada to attend the G7 Leadership Summit, as well as Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s concurrent working visit to Moscow in the Russian Federation.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President media@presideny.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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L’Afrique du Sud intensifie ses efforts pour développer le commerce intra-africain dans le cadre de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf)

L’Afrique du Sud a réaffirmé son engagement à tirer parti de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) en vue de libérer de nouvelles opportunités de croissance pour les entreprises locales et de renforcer l’intégration régionale. Présidant le lancement de la tournée de présentation de l’IATF2025 à Johannesburg (en Afrique du Sud), M. Humphrey Nwugo, Directeur régional (Afrique australe) d’Afreximbank (https://www.Afreximbank.com/), a souligné l’urgence de déployer des actions concrètes. « Le moment est venu de veiller à ce que les secteurs public et privé de l’Afrique du Sud soient non seulement présents, mais aussi stratégiquement positionnés pour saisir les immenses opportunités qui seront offertes par l’IATF2025 ».

M. Nwugo a souligné le rôle central joué par l’Afrique du Sud dans le processus d’intégration du continent, citant ses solides fondements économiques, son dynamisme entrepreneurial et ses capacités institutionnelles, qui la placent en bonne position pour s’intégrer dans les chaînes de valeur africaines.

« Nous sommes ici pour inviter l’Afrique du Sud à prendre les devants. Nous voulons voir le secteur privé du pays s’afficher pleinement à Alger », a-t-il ajouté. La Foire commerciale intra-africaine (IATF2025), qui se tiendra à Alger du 4 au 10 septembre 2025, s’annonce comme un événement commercial historique et une porte d’entrée vers des perspectives commerciales et d’investissement sans précédent à travers l’Afrique.

E. Wamkele Mene, Secrétaire général de la ZLECAf, a souligné l’importance cruciale de l’IATF 2025, qui se déroule dans un contexte d’instabilité mondiale, de changement climatique et de dynamique commerciale changeante.

« En dépit de ces difficultés, l’Afrique a la capacité de relever les défis, d’accélérer le développement industriel et de concrétiser la vision d’un continent pleinement intégré », a-t-il déclaré.

Il a souligné l’urgence de construire des chaînes de valeur régionales dans des secteurs tels que l’automobile et l’agro-industrie, qui offrent un vaste potentiel de croissance inclusive. Le renforcement de ces écosystèmes interconnectés favorisera le transfert de technologie, diversifiera le commerce intra-africain et créera de nouvelles opportunités pour les petites et moyennes entreprises à travers le continent.

S’exprimant lors de l’événement, Sihle Zikalala, Ministre délégué, en charge des travaux publics et des infrastructures, a souligné la position solide de l’Afrique du Sud pour stimuler l’industrialisation, l’innovation et le développement de la chaîne de valeur régionale.

« L’Afrique du Sud considère la ZLECAf comme une occasion historique d’approfondir les liens économiques avec nos voisins, d’élargir l’accès au marché pour nos biens et services et de promouvoir une croissance inclusive et créatrice d’emplois », a poursuivi le Ministre Zikalala.

«« L’IATF2025 doit être considérée davantage comme un outil stratégique de mise en œuvre, où la politique rencontre la pratique, plutôt que comme un simple marché ». L’Afrique du Sud a un rôle essentiel à jouer dans la réalisation de cette vision, soutenue par l’esprit d’entreprise, la force institutionnelle et un écosystème SMME dynamique. Grâce à des partenariats et à une collaboration entre les secteurs public et privé, nous pouvons développer des infrastructures de classe mondiale à travers l’Afrique, tout en réduisant notre dépendance vis-à-vis des devises étrangères en effectuant nos échanges dans nos propres monnaies », a-t- il ajouté.

S.E. Mme Baleka Mbete, fondatrice de NaLHISA et ancienne vice-présidente de la République d’Afrique du Sud, était également présente.

La tournée de présentation a réuni plus de 350 chefs d’entreprise, décideurs politiques, créatifs et investisseurs, ainsi que des hauts représentants de la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), de la Commission de l’Union africaine (CUA) et du Secrétariat de la ZLECAf. Avec comme thème « Tirer parti des chaînes de valeur régionales et continentales : Accélérer l’industrialisation de l’Afrique et la compétitivité mondiale dans le cadre de la ZLECAf », l’événement a mis en lumière des stratégies visant à construire des chaînes d’approvisionnement résilientes et à stimuler le commerce intra-africain.

L’accélération du commerce intra-africain est essentielle pour libérer des opportunités industrielles adaptées aux atouts du continent. Elle réduit la dépendance à l’égard des marchés extérieurs, renforce la résilience économique et permet la création de valeur en Afrique. Lorsque les pays africains intensifient leurs échanges commerciaux entre eux, ils conservent davantage de richesses, créent des emplois de meilleure qualité et favorisent une croissance inclusive grâce aux chaînes de valeur régionales.

Avec la création par la ZLECAf d’un marché unique de 1,4 milliard de personnes, l’Afrique acquiert l’envergure et l’efficacité nécessaires pour être compétitive à l’échelle mondiale. Un marché intérieur plus fort améliore également le pouvoir de négociation du continent dans les négociations internationales, renforce son intégration dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales et ouvre la voie à une transformation économique à long terme.

La solide base industrielle, le secteur financier avancé et les infrastructures de classe mondiale de l’Afrique du Sud en font un pilier régional pour la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. Selon le South African Revenue Service (SARS) et UN COMTRADE, l’Afrique du Sud a enregistré des exportations de marchandises de 110,5 milliards de dollars US et des importations de 113,2 milliards US de dollars en 2023, ce qui s’est traduit par un déficit commercial modeste de 2,7 milliards de dollars US. Le commerce représentait 65,7 % du PIB (Banque mondiale, 2023), ce qui démontre la profonde intégration de l’Afrique du Sud dans les marchés mondiaux.

Il convient de noter que le commerce intra-africain est resté un atout national. Comme l’indique le rapport 2024 sur le commerce africain d’Afreximbank, l’Afrique du Sud a exporté pour 29,6 milliards de dollars US et importé pour 9,6 milliards de dollars US auprès de ses partenaires africains, les exportations intra-africaines représentant 26,8 % du total des exportations. Des secteurs clés tels que l’automobile, l’agro-industrie et les services financiers en tirent déjà profit et devraient continuer à se développer grâce à l’intégration régionale et à l’expansion de la chaîne de valeur.

Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, Directeur de la Facilitation des échanges et de la Promotion des investissements à Afreximbank, a souligné les efforts en cours pour permettre un commerce intra-africain fluide : « Afreximbank est profondément engagée dans la libération du potentiel industriel et commercial de l’Afrique en construisant des écosystèmes favorables, du financement aux infrastructures et aux normes. Grâce à des plateformes telles que l’Africa Trade Gateway et le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS), nous supprimons les obstacles de longue date au commerce intra-africain, permettant aux entreprises d’effectuer des transactions dans les monnaies locales et d’accéder à des informations en temps réel sur les marchés ».

Dr Zanamwe a également souligné le rôle croissant de l’Afrique du Sud et de l’Algérie dans les chaînes de valeur régionales, en particulier dans les secteurs manufacturier et automobile. Il a encouragé les entreprises sud-africaines à participer activement à l’IATF2025, soulignant que plus de 13 milliards de dollars US de contrats EPC (ingénierie, approvisionnement et construction) avaient été facilités par Afreximbank. Il a également mis en exergue les instruments de financement tels que le Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), l’Initiative pour l’investissement direct en Afrique et le programme Export Agriculture for Food Security (Exportations agricoles pour la sécurité alimentaire), doté d’un budget de 2 milliards de dollars US.

« L’IATF2025 n’est pas seulement une foire, c’est une passerelle commerciale. Avec plus de 2 000 exposants, 35 000 visiteurs et plus de 140 pays participants, nous prévoyons plus de 44 milliards de dollars d’accords commerciaux et d’investissements. C’est l’occasion pour l’Afrique du Sud de prendre les devants », a-t-il affirmé.

En conclusion, S.E. Ali Achoui, Ambassadeur d’Algérie en Afrique du Sud, a adressé une invitation chaleureuse aux entreprises sud-africaines :

 « Bienvenue en Algérie, un pays qui occupe la troisième place en Afrique en termes de PIB, qui n’a aucune dette extérieure et qui se classe au premier rang en Afrique et dans le monde arabe dans la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable des Nations unies. Nous sommes fiers d’accueillir l’IATF2025 et nous nous engageons à simplifier les procédures de visa en réduisant les exigences en matière de documentation afin de faciliter l’accès à tous les participants africains ».

Depuis 2018, l’IATF a conclu plus de 100 milliards de dollars US d’accords commerciaux, accueilli plus de 70 000 visiteurs et plus de 4 500 exposants. Elle est ainsi devenue la plateforme commerciale et d’investissement la plus influente d’Afrique.

L’événement comprendra :

  • Une exposition professionnelle
  • La vitrine Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) sur la mode, la musique, le cinéma, le sport, la gastronomie, les arts, l’artisanat et la littérature
  • Un forum sur le commerce et l’investissement de quatre jours
  • Le salon africain de l’automobile
  • Journées spéciales pays et célébration de la Journée de l’Afrique globale
  • Mise en relation B2B et B2G
  • Le programme Youth Start-Up
  • Le pôle Afrique de la recherche et de l’innovation
  • L’AfSNET pour promouvoir le commerce infranational et les échanges culturels
  • L’IATF virtuelle (IATF Virtual)

Pour vous inscrire et en savoir plus, veuillez visiter : https://ACTIF2025.AfreximbankEvents.com

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact presse : 
media@intrafricatradefair.com

À propos de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine (IATF) :
Organisée par la Banque africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), en collaboration avec la Commission de l’Union africaine (CUA) et le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf, la Foire commerciale intra-africaine (IATF) est conçue pour stimuler le commerce et l’investissement intra-africains. Elle fournit une plate-forme unique aux entreprises leur permettant de se connecter, d’échanger des informations sur le commerce et le marché, et d’explorer les possibilités de développement à travers l’Afrique. L’IATF est ouverte aux entreprises africaines et mondiales engagées dans le soutien à l’industrialisation et à la transformation du continent.

À propos de Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) :
JTC, sponsor officiel de la tournée de présentation commerciale de l’IATF2025 en Afrique du Sud, se consacre à la promotion de Johannesburg comme destination d’affaires et de loisirs et soutient souvent divers événements dans la ville. 

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and partners enter new alliance leveraging Islamic and Arab finance for economic transformation

Today, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), UNIDO, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and the Union of Arab Banks (UAB), formalized new strategic partnerships under the Islamic and Arab Finance for Economic Transformation in Africa, the Arab Region and Beyond (IFETAA) Programme.

Access to finance remains one of the most significant barriers to SME growth and economic transformation, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Only one in five African firms has access to credit, and those that do often face prohibitively high interest rates averaging 25 percent, compared to just 5 percent in Europe. Islamic finance, with over US$4 trillion in assets, offers a largely untapped opportunity to address this gap by directing capital stored in monetary markets into the real economy.

IFETAA represents a new alliance that will drive capital and capacity towards MSME development, resilience and growth across low- and lower middle-income countries. The signing ceremonies of the 3 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place ahead of a high-level roundtable at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, held on the margins of the OPEC Fund Development Forum, and marked the formalization of the programme.

“As traditional development funding continues to decline, Islamic and Arab financial institutions are emerging as key partners in driving industrialization and sustainable development”, said UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller. “Through this programme, we are building a powerful new alliance to support small and medium-sized businesses, increase productivity and resilience, and accelerate economic transformation in developing countries”.

“The IFETAA Programme will unlock urgently needed capital for Africa’s economic transformation and AFC is proud to bring its unique expertise in both conventional and Islamic finance to mobilise funding at scale,” said Banji Fehintola, Board Member and Head of Financial Services at AFC. “As an issuer, guarantor, and investor, we are committed to delivering innovative, Shariah-compliant solutions that drive inclusive and resilient economic growth, whilst contributing to strengthening the south-south cooperation required to advance our shared development goals”.

H.E. Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of AAOIFI and the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation announced that “AAOIFI is proud to contribute to this transformative partnership, which aligns Islamic finance with global development priorities and encourages Islamic financial institutions to voluntarily dedicate at least 20% of their financing – over US$1 trillion – to MSME development. We will work on developing a Shariah-compliant finance programme enriched with technical assistance, regulatory support, and capacity building. IFETAA will also leverage UNIDO’s globally recognized Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion model (EDIP)”.

By integrating Islamic finance with proven entrepreneurship and business counseling interventions, IFETAA will empower MSMEs to become bankable, resilient, and key drivers of inclusive economic growth.

Dr. Wissam Fattouh, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Banks, stated: “IFETAA is more than a programme – it is a call to action. The Union of Arab Banks is proud to unite Islamic and Arab financial power to serve sustainable development and economic sovereignty. We are mobilizing capital not just to fund growth, but to shape the future of our region. This is about empowering MSMEs, restoring trust in financial systems, and building resilient, inclusive economies”.

IFETAA is a direct outcome of the commitments made at UNIDO’s A World Without Hunger conference in Addis Ababa in 2024. There, AAOIFI pledged to mobilize 20 percent of Islamic Financial Institutions’ loans and advancements towards MSME development, while UAB reaffirmed its commitment to channel US$1 trillion from its member banks towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AFC, a close partner to UNIDO, expressed its support through its financial mechanisms and expertise. IFETAA will facilitate access to finance by developing a pipeline of bankable MSME projects, establish financial and non-financial de-risking mechanisms, and support host governments in strengthening regulatory frameworks to expand Islamic and conventional bank lending.

UNIDO has committed US$500,000 to support the preparation of the IFETAA programme and its initial implementation, which is co-led by the UNIDO Task Force on Islamic and Arab Financing and UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain.

Each of the partner institutions brings unique strengths to the programme. AAOIFI, headquartered in Bahrain, is the world’s leading standard-setting body for Islamic finance and plays a critical role in ensuring Shariah compliance and supporting regulators and financial institutions globally. Beirut-based UAB represents over 300 Arab banks and financial institutions while serving as a regional platform for aligning Arab banking practices with global trends, including Islamic finance, ESG, and digital transformation. AFC is a pan-African multilateral financial institution specializing in infrastructure development. It has been expanding its use of Islamic finance instruments, recently closing a US$400 million Shariah-compliant Commodity Murabaha facility. AFC made history in 2017 by issuing a US$230 million Sukuk, the first-ever by an African supranational institution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

For more information, please contact:
a.ahmed@unido.org
h.hussein@unido.org

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In Uganda: procuring responsibly | Forest Stewardship Council

Forests account for 11.5% of Uganda’s land and are vital to the nation’s ecosystem. They provide timber, food, fuel, and medicines for many Ugandans. However, this green heart of Africa is facing a serious challenge.

In 2023 alone, Uganda lost 37.6 thousand hectares of its natural forests, according to Global Forest Watch. If this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to the disappearance of these essential natural forests in the coming decades, along with a wealth of irreplaceable biodiversity.

The impact of deforestation is deeply felt by local communities that rely on forests for their daily needs. For instance, Bangazi Edward, a resident of Buwala village in Jinja District, Eastern Uganda, highlights the growing pressure on the land: “We are having a problem with firewood because we have few trees, and the population is really big.” This situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Bold government policy

Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon. Uganda has recognized this danger and is taking action by enacting public policies and processes that promote sustainable public procurement. This strategic approach not only aims to preserve the environment but also enables the nation to meet its environmental and climate commitments.

Uganda aspires to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12, particularly Target 12.7, which encourages sustainable public procurement practices in alignment with national policies and priorities. Lawrence Semakula, Accountant General in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development said, “we have developed a national action plan for sustainable procurement, which we are integrating into the government procurement cycle.” This plan is meant to strengthen the inclusion of sustainability as a core part of public procurement and reduce environmental impacts of public development projects.

Responsible sourcing: a reality

As the nation rises to meet these challenges, it seeks to ensure that procurement is responsible and paves the way for a sustainable future.

One positive example of responsible procurement of wood for development in Uganda is Adrift Eco Lodge, an eco-conscious African lodge located near the Kalagala Falls on the Nile River in Eastern Uganda. Constructed using 70% FSC-certified timber sourced from the Busoga Forest Company (BFC), this eco-lodge demonstrates the possibilities of sustainable building practices. Leanne Haigh, Chief Executive Officer of Adrift, stated, “For us, it was a no-brainer about how we were going to build this property; procuring FSC sustainable wood was just part of that process.”

Scaling up sustainable sourcing in Uganda

Annah Agasha, Deputy Director of FSC Africa, believes the sustainable sourcing example in Uganda can be scaled. “Adrift’s use of certified timber from Green Resources to build their ecolodge is a significant milestone,” she says. “It demonstrates how businesses can contribute to sustainability while enhancing their own credentials. We aim to support them in showcasing this responsibility to their customers.”

The Busoga Forestry Company Ltd. (BFC), a subsidiary of Green Resources AS, is dedicated to sustainable forest management and increasing the availability of responsibly sourced certified products in Uganda.

In 2019 and 2020, BFC obtained the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certificate and Forest Management Certificates, respectively. The FSC-FM certificate ensures responsible forest management, while the FSC-COC certificate guarantees the traceability of responsibly sourced wood and products from the forest to the consumer.

Benefits of responsible sourcing

BFC’s impact goes beyond just responsible sourcing. With approximately 900 employees, primarily from local communities, the company supports over 16,000 individuals, fostering economic stability.

Through social funding, BFC invests in essential infrastructure, including schools, clinics, and clean water solutions, significantly improving local living standards. Recognizing the importance of education, BFC offers bursary programs and training opportunities that empower individuals and promote community development. Furthermore, BFC champions gender equality, with 32% of its workforce being women in various roles from middle management to equipment operators.

David Kiyingi Nyimbwa, Commissioner of the Procurement Policy and Management Department at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, believes that FSC certification can promote legal forestry and strengthen the registration of sustainable forestry companies. “With FSC, we believe we can work together to promote legal forests and help in the registration of potential and actual [sustainability wood product] providers,” says David Kiyingi Nyimbwa.

The advantages of responsible forestry extend beyond environmental benefits and lead to positive changes in the lives of local people. Uganda’s economic development is greatly reliant on forests, and there is promise. By carefully considering each procurement decision, making responsible choices, and sourcing wisely for development projects, Uganda can secure a sustainable future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.

Media contacts:
Frida Salim
Market Development and Communication Specialist-East Africa

FSC Africa Regional Office
Nairobi, Kenya
East Africa
f.salim@fsc.org

Israel Bionyi
Senior Regional Communications Manager
FSC Africa
i.bionyi@fsc.org

FSC Africa
www.Africa.FSC.org
T: +49 (0) 228 367 66 0 
F: +49 (0) 228 367 66 65 

About FSC:
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a nonprofit organization governed by environmental, social, and economic perspectives equally – covers more than 150 million hectares of certified forests and is the global benchmark for sustainable forestry. NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike trust FSC to protect and enhance healthy and resilient forests, for all, forever.

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