Category: Africa

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Eritrea: Eye Surgery for Over 250 Citizens in Golij Sub-zone

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of ongoing efforts to control blindness, cataract surgery was performed on over 250 citizens in the Golij sub-zone from 7 to 11 July. The surgeries were carried out by a medical team from Berhan Aini Hospital in Asmara.

Dr. Merhawi Kiflom, Medical Director of the Golij Community Hospital, stated that the objective of the program was to provide citizens with access to eye care services, including surgical treatment, within their local areas.

Mr. Alem Zekarias, Head of the National Blindness Control Program, noted that while cataract surgeries were previously conducted in collaboration with foreign experts, the current program was implemented entirely through local capacity.

Dr. Eyob Beyene, one of the participating physicians, explained that cataracts often occur with age and are treatable and curable through timely surgical intervention.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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La Banque africaine de développement et le Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique (SEFA) investissent 40 millions de dollars dans la plateforme de capital-investissement Zafiri pour accélérer l’accès aux énergies renouvelables en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un investissement de 40 millions de dollars dans le projet Zafiri, une plateforme de capital-investissement transformatrice et une initiative phare de la Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4m1ve7m). Cet investissement accélérera l’expansion de l’accès aux énergies renouvelables en Afrique.

Zafiri, développé conjointement par la Banque, le Groupe de la Banque mondiale et d’autres partenaires, vise à remédier à la pénurie critique de capitaux propres patients et à long terme, nécessaires pour dérisquer et développer à grande échelle des solutions d’énergies renouvelables décentralisées (ERD) pour les communautés mal desservies du continent.

L’énergie renouvelable décentralisée est le moyen le plus rapide, le plus rentable et le plus durable d’élargir l’accès à l’électricité dans les zones rurales d’Afrique. Contrairement aux réseaux centralisés, les solutions d’ERD, telles que les mini-réseaux et les systèmes solaires domestiques autonomes, peuvent être déployées rapidement et à moindre coût, même dans les zones reculées ou fragiles.

Dans le cadre de la Mission 300, qui vise à raccorder 300 millions de personnes supplémentaires à l’électricité d’ici 2030, l’ERD jouera un rôle central pour garantir qu’aucune communauté ne soit laissée pour compte. Ces systèmes décentralisés sont modulaires, évolutifs et parfaitement adaptés à la dispersion des populations et aux défis géographiques du continent. Plus de la moitié des nouveaux raccordements à l’électricité d’ici 2030 devraient provenir de l’ERD.

Zafiri est structuré comme un véhicule de capital permanent avec une capitalisation cible d’un milliard de dollars, levée par étapes. La phase 1 vise un total de 300 millions de dollars d’engagements, répartis en parts égales entre les actions de premier rang et les actions de deuxième rang, ces dernières servant de catalyseur clé pour attirer le secteur privé sur ce marché à haut risque et sous-capitalisé.

La contribution de 40 millions de dollars de la Banque africaine de développement se compose de 30 millions de dollars en actions de premier rang provenant de son bilan et de 10 millions de dollars en actions de second rang provenant du Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique (SEFA), un fonds spécial multidonateurs géré par la Banque.

« Zafiri est une plateforme catalytique qui fera partie intégrante de la stratégie de la Banque visant à accélérer l’accès universel à l’énergie moderne en Afrique. À seulement cinq ans de l’objectif de la Mission 300, qui vise à atteindre 300 millions de raccordements à l’électricité supplémentaires d’ici 2030, cette initiative offre une solution opportune et innovante pour mobiliser des capitaux privés à fort impact », a déclaré Kevin Kariuki, vice-président chargé de l’Électricité, de l’Énergie, du Climat et de la croissance verte à la Banque africaine de développement.

Wale Shonibare, directeur des Solutions financières, de la Politique et de la régulation de l’énergie, a décrit Zafiri comme le plus important engagement de capitaux patients en faveur du secteur africain des ERD à ce jour. Il a ajouté qu’il illustre la manière dont un financement mixte structuré peut débloquer des capitaux commerciaux tout en offrant un accès à l’énergie inclusif et résilient au climat sur l’ensemble du continent.

Le projet Zafiri comblera le manque de capitaux propres à long terme qui freine la croissance du secteur des ERD en Afrique, a déclaré Daniel Schroth, directeur des Énergies renouvelables et de l’efficacité énergétique, ajoutant qu’en ancrant la tranche des capitaux propres de second rang, le SEFA contribue à attirer des investissements privés à grande échelle.

Zafiri s’aligne sur la stratégie décennale de la Banque (2024-2033) visant à promouvoir l’investissement privé dans les infrastructures énergétiques, dans les « High 5 », notamment « Éclairer l’Afrique et l’alimenter en énergie », « Industrialiser l’Afrique » et « Améliorer la qualité de vie des populations en Afrique », et dans le New Deal pour l’énergie en Afrique. Il contribue également aux objectifs d’atténuation et d’adaptation dans le cadre de la politique et de la stratégie de la Banque en matière de changement climatique et de croissance verte, et soutient les objectifs du SEFA et de la Stratégie de développement du secteur privé (PSDS) visant à mobiliser des capitaux propres pour les investissements dans les énergies propres et l’efficacité énergétique. Zafiri s’inscrit également dans le Cadre d’investissement en fonds propres de la Banque et représente une approche pionnière du financement mixte pour la transition énergétique en Afrique, ainsi qu’une étape cruciale vers l’accès universel à l’énergie.

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

Contact médias :
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Courriel : media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution de financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 États membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

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Autonomiser les femmes grâce aux énergies propres : la Banque africaine de développement lance un diagnostic pays pour accélérer les transitions énergétiques inclusives

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans une avancée significative pour faire progresser les solutions climatiques inclusives, la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org), en partenariat avec les Fonds d’investissement climatiques (FIC) (https://apo-opa.co/44PhRQI), a lancé le diagnostic pays sur le — une initiative essentielle qui explore le lien entre l’équité de genre et l’accès à l’énergie dans six pays africains : le Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL), le Libéria (https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW), le Mali (https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5), le Lesotho  (https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb), Madagascar (https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q) et le Malawi  (https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX).

Commandés par la Banque dans le cadre du Programme de valorisation à grande échelle des énergies renouvelables des FIC, ces diagnostics fournissent des recommandations fondées sur des données probantes et spécifiques à chaque pays pour améliorer le leadership des femmes, leur inclusion financière et leur participation à l’économie des énergies propres en Afrique. Axés sur des solutions locales et concrètes, les rapports identifient les possibilités d’intégrer les considérations de genre dans la planification énergétique nationale, les stratégies d’investissement et les cadres politiques. Ils proposent également des modèles de financement inclusifs qui réduisent les risques pour les entreprises énergétiques dirigées par des femmes et soulignent la nécessité de renforcer les capacités des femmes à acquérir des compétences techniques, à développer leur esprit d’entreprise et à exercer un leadership dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables.

Les conclusions ont été officiellement dévoilées lors d’un événement de lancement en ligne le 30 juin 2025, organisé par le Département du changement climatique et de la croissance verte et la Division du genre et de l’autonomisation des femmes de la Banque. Cet événement a réuni des acteurs du gouvernement, de la société civile, du secteur privé et des institutions de développement, soulignant ainsi un engagement régional fort en faveur de transitions énergétiques résilientes et équitables entre les genres.

Lors de l’ouverture de l’événement, Al Hamndou Dorsouma, responsable du changement climatique et de la croissance verte, a réaffirmé l’engagement de la Banque en faveur d’une transition énergétique juste et inclusive. « L’égalité des genres est une source d’innovation sérieuse et de croissance durable », a-t-il déclaré, soulignant la nécessité de traduire les résultats du diagnostic en réformes concrètes, renforçant la coordination institutionnelle et les mécanismes d’affaires et de financement intégrant la dimension de genre. Il a noté que l’initiative répond directement à la demande croissante des pays pour une meilleure intégration de la dimension de genre dans les stratégies énergétiques, en s’appuyant sur les succès antérieurs enregistrés en Afrique de l’Est.

Nathalie Gahunga, cheffe de la Division du genre et de l’autonomisation des femmes, a clôturé l’événement en lançant un vibrant appel à l’action. Elle a notamment exhorté les gouvernements, les partenaires au développement, les ONG, les bailleurs de fonds et le secteur privé à transformer les données en investissements transformateurs, en programmes innovants et en réformes politiques inclusives. « Le vrai travail commence maintenant », a-t-elle souligné, appelant à une collaboration intersectorielle pour lever les obstacles structurels et permettre aux femmes de participer pleinement à l’économie verte de l’Afrique.

Fewstancia Munyaradzi, directrice exécutive du Rand Sandton Consulting Group (www.RandSandton.com), a présenté un plan d’action consolidé axé sur la réduction des déficits de financement, le renforcement des capacités institutionnelles et l’intégration d’approches sensibles au genre dans la politique énergétique et la conception des projets.

À la Banque africaine de développement, l’intégration de la dimension de genre est une priorité essentielle. Les considérations de genre sont intégrées dans 100 % des opérations climatiques de la Banque, de la conception à la mise en œuvre. Ces diagnostics reflètent cet engagement et fournissent des outils pratiques pour aider les pays à concrétiser l’égalité des genres dans la planification et la programmation énergétiques.

Alors que l’Afrique progresse sur la voie de la transformation énergétique, des diagnostics sont désormais disponibles pour guider les décisions politiques et d’investissement intégrant la dimension de genre sur l’ensemble du continent. Ils confirment que l’inclusion des femmes est non seulement un impératif de développement, mais aussi la pierre angulaire d’un progrès durable et résilient.

Ce nouvel effort s’appuie sur la collaboration antérieure de la Banque avec les Fonds d’investissement climatiques en 2020, qui a permis de produire des fiches pays sur le genre et l’accès à l’énergie durable pour le Kenya, le Rwanda, la Tanzanie et l’Ouganda (https://apo-opa.co/46MLNiY). Ces notes ont guidé les interventions énergétiques sensibles au genre et souligné l’importance des données ventilées par genre, de l’engagement au niveau national et des recommandations spécifiques au contexte.

Pour consulter les études diagnostiques pays sur le genre et les énergies renouvelables, cliquez sur ce lien (https://apo-opa.co/3GXAwSi) :

Ghana
(https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL)

Liberia
(https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW)

Mali
(https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5)

Lesotho 
(https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb)

Madagascar
(https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q)

Malawi
(https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX)

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

Contact média :
Sonia Borrini
Département du changement climatique et de la croissance verte
s.borrini@afdb.org

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB) e Fundo de Energia Sustentável para África (SEFA) investem 40 milhões de dólares na plataforma de capital Zafiri para acelerar o acesso à energia renovável em toda a África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um investimento de capital de 40 milhões de dólares no Projeto Zafiri, uma plataforma de capital transformadora e parte da iniciativa emblemática da Missão 300. Esse investimento deverá acelerar a expansão do acesso à energia renovável em toda a África.

A Zafiri – desenvolvida em conjunto pelo Banco, pela IFC e por outros investidores âncora – visa abordar a escassez crítica de capital de risco paciente e de longo prazo necessário para reduzir os riscos e ampliar as soluções de energia renovável descentralizada (DRE) para comunidades carentes em todo o continente.

A DRE é a forma mais rápida, económica e sustentável de expandir o acesso à eletricidade nas zonas rurais de África. Ao contrário das redes centralizadas, as soluções de DRE – tais como mini redes e sistemas solares domésticos autónomos – podem ser implementadas de forma rápida e acessível, mesmo em zonas remotas ou frágeis. No âmbito da Missão 300, que visa conectar 300 milhões de pessoas até 2030, a DRE terá um papel central para garantir que nenhuma comunidade seja deixada para trás. Esses sistemas descentralizados são modulares, escaláveis e adequados às populações dispersas e aos desafios geográficos do continente. Mais da metade de todas as novas conexões de eletricidade até 2030 deverão vir da DRE.

A Zafiri está estruturada como um Veículo de Capital Permanente (PCV) com uma capitalização alvo de mil milhões de dólares, levantada através de uma abordagem faseada. A Fase 1 tem como meta 300 milhões de dólares em compromissos totais, divididos igualmente entre ações juniores e sénior, com as ações juniores a servirem como um catalisador fundamental neste mercado de alto risco e subcapitalizado.

Espera-se que o Zafiri desempenhe um papel transformador na mobilização de capital paciente para projetos de DRE – incluindo empresas de SHS, GMG e CC, bem como C&I, IPPs de pequena escala e BESS – apoiando modelos de negócio inovadores, melhorando a acessibilidade e acelerando o crescimento do mercado em toda a África. A contribuição de 40 milhões de dólares do Banco consiste em 30 milhões de dólares em capital sénior do seu balanço e 10 milhões de dólares em capital júnior do Fundo de Energia Sustentável para África (SEFA), um fundo especial multidoadores gerido pelo Banco.

Para gerir o veículo, a Inspired Evolution, uma gestora de investimentos líder com um forte historial no setor da DRE em África, foi selecionada de forma competitiva como gestora de investimentos do Zarifi.

Kevin Kariuki, Vice-Presidente para a Energia, Clima e Crescimento Verde do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, afirmou: “Zafiri é uma plataforma catalisadora e uma componente essencial da estratégia do Banco para acelerar o acesso universal à energia moderna em África. A apenas cinco anos de alcançar a meta da Missão 300 de 300 milhões de ligações até 2030, esta iniciativa oferece uma solução oportuna e inovadora para ampliar o capital privado para causar impacto”.

Wale Shonibare, Diretor de Soluções Financeiras, Políticas e Regulamentações para a Energia do Banco, acrescentou: “O Projeto Zafiri é o maior compromisso de capital paciente com o setor de energia renovável direta da energia solar na África até ao momento. Exemplifica como o financiamento combinado estruturado pode desbloquear capital comercial e, ao mesmo tempo, proporcionar acesso à energia inclusivo e resiliente às mudanças climáticas em todo o continente”.

Daniel Schroth, Diretor do Departamento de Energias Renováveis e Eficiência Energética do Banco, acrescentou: “O apoio do SEFA ao Projeto Zafiri reforça o nosso compromisso em desbloquear capital comercial para a agenda de acesso à energia em África. Ao ancorar a tranche de capital júnior, estamos a ajudar a atrair investimento privado em grande escala, impulsionar a inovação no setor da energia solar distribuída e gerar impactos tangíveis para milhões de famílias carentes em todo o continente”.

O Zafiri está em consonância com a Estratégia Decenal (2024-2033) do Banco para promover o investimento privado em infraestruturas energéticas, os High 5s, em particular as prioridade sobre Iluminar e Eletrificar África, Industrializar África, Melhorar a Qualidade de Vida das Pessoas em África e o novo Acordo de Energia para África. Contribui também para os objetivos de mitigação e adaptação no âmbito da Política e Estratégia do Banco para as Alterações Climáticas e o Crescimento Verde e apoia os objetivos do SEFA e da Estratégia de Desenvolvimento do Setor Privado (PSDS) para mobilizar capital para investimentos em energia limpa e eficiência energética. O Zafiri está também em consonância com o Quadro de Investimento em Capital do Banco e representa uma abordagem pioneira ao financiamento misto na transição energética de África e um passo crucial para alcançar o acesso universal à energia.

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

Contacto para os media:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Contacto técnico:
Anuoluwa Olajide
a.olajide@afdb.org

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

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Capacitar as mulheres através da energia limpa: Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento lança diagnósticos por país para acelerar transições energéticas inclusivas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Num passo significativo para o avanço de soluções climáticas inclusivas, o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), em parceria com os Fundos de Investimento Climático(CIF) (https://apo-opa.co/44PhRQI), lançou os Diagnósticos Nacionais sobre Género e Energias Renováveis (https://apo-opa.co/3GXAwSi)– uma iniciativa fundamental que explora o nexo entre a igualdade de género e o acesso à energia em seis países africanos: Gana (https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL), Libéria (https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW), Mali (https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5), Lesoto (https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb), Madagáscar (https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q) e Malawi (https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX).

Encomendado pelo Banco no âmbito do Programa de Reforço das Energias Renováveis dos CIF, o diagnóstico fornece recomendações baseadas em evidência e específicas de cada país para reforçar a liderança, a inclusão financeira e a participação das mulheres na economia de energia limpa de África. Centrando-se em soluções localizadas e implementáveis, os relatórios identificam oportunidades para incorporar considerações de género no planeamento energético nacional, estratégias de investimento e enquadramentos de políticas. Também propõem modelos de financiamento inclusivos que reduzem o risco de empresas de energia lideradas por mulheres e destacam a necessidade de esforços de capacitação para reforçar as competências técnicas, a prontidão empresarial e a liderança entre as mulheres no setor das energias renováveis.

As conclusões foram oficialmente reveladas num evento de lançamento virtual, a 30 de junho de 2025, organizado pelo Departamento de Alterações Climáticas e Crescimento Verde e pela Divisão de Género e Empoderamento das Mulheres do Banco. O evento reuniu partes interessadas do governo, da sociedade civil, do setor privado e das instituições de desenvolvimento, sublinhando um forte compromisso regional relativo a transições energéticas equitativas e resilientes em termos de género.

Na abertura do evento, Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Diretor da Divisão de Alterações Climáticas e Crescimento Verde, reafirmou o compromisso do Banco com uma transição energética justa e inclusiva. “A igualdade de género é uma fonte de inovação séria e de crescimento sustentável”, afirmou, sublinhando a necessidade de traduzir os resultados do diagnóstico em reformas concretas, reforçando a coordenação institucional e os mecanismos empresariais e de financiamento sensíveis ao género. Observou que a iniciativa responde diretamente à crescente procura a nível nacional de uma maior integração do género nas estratégias energéticas, com base em sucessos anteriores na África Oriental.

Nathalie Gahunga, Diretora da Divisão de Género e Empoderamento das Mulheres, encerrou o evento com um forte apelo à ação. Exortou os governos, os parceiros de desenvolvimento, as ONG, os financiadores e o setor privado a transformarem os dados em investimentos transformadores, programas inovadores e reformas políticas inclusivas. “O verdadeiro trabalho começa agora”, declarou, apelando à colaboração intersetorial para remover as barreiras estruturais e desbloquear a plena participação das mulheres na economia verde de África.

Fewstancia Munyaradzi, Diretora Executiva do Rand Sandton Consulting Group (www.RandSandton.com), apresentou um plano de ação consolidado centrado na eliminação das lacunas de financiamento, no reforço da capacidade institucional e na integração de abordagens sensíveis ao género na política energética e na conceção de projetos.

No Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, a integração de género é uma prioridade central. As considerações de género são integradas em 100% das operações climáticas do Banco – desde a conceção até à implementação. Estes diagnósticos refletem esse compromisso, fornecendo ferramentas práticas para ajudar os países a operacionalizar a igualdade de género no planeamento e programação da energia.

À medida que África avança no seu caminho para a transformação energética, os diagnósticos estão agora disponíveis para orientar as decisões políticas e de investimento sensíveis ao género em todo o continente. Afirmam que a inclusão do género não é apenas um imperativo de desenvolvimento, mas uma pedra angular do progresso sustentável e resiliente.

Este novo esforço baseia-se na colaboração anterior do Banco com os Fundos de Investimento Climático em 2020, que produziu resumos nacionais sobre Género e Acesso à Energia Sustentável para o Quénia, Ruanda, Tanzânia e Uganda (https://apo-opa.co/46MLNiY). Esses resumos orientaram intervenções energéticas sensíveis ao género e destacaram a importância de dados desagregados por sexo, envolvimento a nível nacional e recomendações específicas ao contexto.

Para rever os Estudos de Diagnóstico Nacionais sobre Género e Energias Renováveis, clique aqui (https://apo-opa.co/3GXAwSi):

Gana (https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL)

Libéria (https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW)

Mali (https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5)

Lesoto (https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb)

Madagáscar (https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q)

Maláui (https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX)

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

Contacto para os media:
Sonia Borrini
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
s.borrini@afdb.org

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

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The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) provide $40 million investment in equity platform Zafiri to accelerate renewable energy access across Africa

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $40 million equity investment in Project Zafiri, a transformative equity platform and flagship initiative under Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4m1ve7m). This investment will accelerate the expansion of renewable energy access across Africa.

Zafiri – jointly developed by the Bank, World Bank Group and other partners – aims to address the critical shortage of patient, longer-term equity capital needed to de-risk and scale Decentralized Renewable Energy solutions (DRE) for underserved communities across the continent.

Decentralized Renewable Energy is the fastest, most cost-effective, and sustainable way to expand electricity access in rural Africa. Unlike centralized grids, DRE solutions—such as mini-grids and stand-alone solar home systems—can be deployed quickly and affordably, even in remote or fragile areas.

Under Mission 300, which aims to connect an additional 300 million people to electricity by 2030, DRE will play a central role in ensuring no community is left behind. These decentralized systems are modular, scalable, and well-suited to the continent’s dispersed populations and geographic challenges. More than half of all new electricity connections by 2030 are expected to come from DRE.

Zafiri is structured as a Permanent Capital Vehicle with a targeted capitalization of $1 billion, raised through a phased approach. Phase 1 targets $300 million in total commitments, equally split between junior and senior equity, with junior equity serving as a key catalyst to crowd-in private sector in this higher-risk, undercapitalized market.

The African Development Bank’s $40 million contribution consists of $30 million in senior equity from its balance sheet and $10 million in junior equity from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a multi-donor special fund managed by the Bank.

 “Zafiri is a catalytic platform that will be an integral component of the Bank’s strategy to accelerate universal access to modern energy in Africa. With just five years remaining to reach Mission 300’s goal of additional 300 million connections by 2030, this initiative provides a timely and innovative solution to scale private capital for impact,” noted Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth at the African Development Bank.

Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations, described Zafiri as the largest patient capital commitment to the African DRE sector to date. He said it exemplifies how structured blended financing can unlock commercial capital while delivering inclusive, climate-resilient energy access across the continent.

Project Zafiri will address the lack of longer-term equity that is constraining the growth of the DRE sector in Africa, Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said, adding that by anchoring the junior equity tranche, SEFA is helping to crowd in private investment at scale.

Zafiri aligns with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) to promote private investment in energy infrastructure, the High 5s, particularly Light Up and Power Africa, Industrialize Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa, and the New Deal on Energy for Africa. It also contributes to both mitigation and adaptation goals under the Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth Policy and Strategy and supports the objectives of SEFA and the Private Sector Development Strategy (PSDS) to mobilize equity for clean energy and energy efficiency investments. Zafiri also aligns with the Bank’s Equity Investment Framework and represents a pioneering approach to blended finance in Africa’s energy transition and a critical step toward achieving universal energy access.

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

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org

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

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Empowering Women through Clean Energy: African Development Bank Launches Country Diagnostics to Accelerate Inclusive Energy Transitions

Source: APO – Report:

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In a significant step toward advancing inclusive climate solutions, the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) (https://apo-opa.co/44PhRQI), has launched the Gender and Renewable Energy Country Diagnostics (https://apo-opa.co/3GXAwSi)—a pivotal initiative exploring the nexus between gender equity and energy access in six African countries: Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL), Liberia (https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW), Mali (https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5), Lesotho (https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb), Madagascar (https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q), and Malawi (https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX).

Commissioned by the Bank under CIF’s Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program, the diagnostics provide evidence-based, country-specific recommendations to enhance women’s leadership, financial inclusion, and participation in Africa’s clean energy economy. Focusing on localized, actionable solutions, the reports identify opportunities to embed gender considerations into national energy planning, investment strategies, and policy frameworks. They also propose inclusive financing models that de-risk women-led energy enterprises and highlight the need for capacity-building efforts to strengthen technical skills, entrepreneurial readiness, and leadership among women in the renewable energy sector.

The findings were officially unveiled at a virtual launch event on 30 June 2025, hosted by the Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth Department and Gender and Women Empowerment Division. The event brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and development institutions, underscoring a strong regional commitment to gender-equitable and resilient energy transitions.

Opening the event, Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Manager of the Climate Change and Green Growth, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition. “Gender equality is a source of serious innovation and sustainable growth,” he stated, emphasizing the need to translate diagnostic findings into concrete reforms, strengthening institutional coordination, and gender-responsive business and financing mechanisms. He noted that the initiative directly responds to growing country-level demand for stronger gender integration in energy strategies, building on earlier successes in East Africa.

Nathalie Gahunga, Manager of the Gender and Women Empowerment Division, closed the event with a compelling call to action. She urged governments, development partners, NGOs, financiers, and the private sector to turn the data into transformative investments, innovative programs, and inclusive policy reforms. “The real work begins now,” she declared, calling for cross-sector collaboration to remove structural barriers and unlock women’s full participation in Africa’s green economy.

Fewstancia Munyaradzi, Executive Director of Rand Sandton Consulting Group (www.RandSandton.com), presented a consolidated action plan focused on closing financing gaps, building institutional capacity, and integrating gender-responsive approaches into energy policy and project design.

At the African Development Bank, gender integration is a core priority. Gender considerations are mainstreamed in 100 percent of the Bank’s climate operations—from design through implementation. These diagnostics reflect that commitment, providing practical tools to help countries operationalize gender equality in energy planning and programming.

As Africa advances on its path to energy transformation, diagnostics are now available to guide gender-responsive policy and investment decisions across the continent. They affirm that gender inclusion is not only a development imperative but a cornerstone of sustainable, resilient progress.

This new effort builds on the Bank’s earlier collaboration with the Climate Investment Funds in 2020, which produced Gender and Sustainable Energy Access country briefs for Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda (https://apo-opa.co/46MLNiY). Those briefs guided gender-sensitive energy interventions and highlighted the importance of sex-disaggregated data, national-level engagement, and context-specific recommendations.

To review the Country Diagnostic Studies on Gender and Renewable Energy, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3GXAwSi):

Ghana
(https://apo-opa.co/450VUOL)

Liberia
(https://apo-opa.co/44DKrFW)

Mali
(https://apo-opa.co/44ZZLM5)

Lesotho
(https://apo-opa.co/3GTIKeb)

Madagascar
(https://apo-opa.co/46jgk7Q)

Malawi
(https://apo-opa.co/46dH5KX)

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

Media Contact:
Sonia Borrini
Climate Change & Green Growth Department
s.borrini@afdb.org

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

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Professeur Benedict Oramah honoré pour ses longues années de service alors que Export Trading Group (ETG), TRACE, KCB et CBZ s’illustrent de belle manière aux 32e Assemblées annuelles d’Afreximbank

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Moment forts :

  • La troisième édition des Pan-African Business and Development Awards a reconnu et célébré les entreprises leaders sur le continent et dans la diaspora, en accord avec la volonté d’Afreximbank de promouvoir une Afrique mondiale
  • Pour avoir réussi un mandat remarquable, le Professeur Benedict Oramah, Président sortant d’Afreximbank, a reçu le prix d’ancienneté de la banque [Long Service Award], aux côtés d’autres employés.
  • Export Trading Group (ETG) a remporté le Global Africa Business leader Award 2025 pour avoir favorisé la croissance économique à travers le continent et amélioré la sécurité alimentaire
  • KCB Group Plc, Kenya et CBZ Bank, Zimbabwe ont remporté le prix Afreximbank Financial institutions Award 2025 pour les institutions bancaires disposant respectivement de plus de 500 millions de dollars US et de moins de 500 millions de dollars US de capital pour avoir joué un rôle central dans la réduction du déficit de financement du commerce en Afrique.
  • TRACE, une plate-forme multimédia dédiée au divertissement et à l’émancipation des personnes d’ascendance africaine a remporté le prix Diaspora Business of the Year pour son impact sur le renforcement des liens avec le continent et la diaspora.

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) a organisé la troisième édition des Pan-African Business and Development Awards en association avec le Business Council for Africa (BCA) le mercredi 25 juin 2025 lors d’un dîner de gala haut en couleur auquel ont assisté plus de 400 dignitaires, dont des chefs d’entreprise et des dirigeants politiques du Nigeria, de toute l’Afrique et de la diaspora.

Les Pan-African Business and Development Awards, organisés chaque année lors des Assemblées annuelles d’Afreximbank, ont pour objectif de célébrer et de récompenser les entreprises et les institutions financières transformatrices du continent africain et de la diaspora, conformément à la vision de la banque pour une Afrique mondiale.

Export Trading Group (ETG), présente dans près de 20 pays du continent, a remporté le Global Africa Business leader Award 2025 pour avoir favorisé la croissance économique à travers le continent et amélioré la sécurité alimentaire en connectant les petits agriculteurs aux marchés régionaux et mondiaux, en améliorant les moyens de subsistance et en stimulant le commerce intra-africain, reflétant  le mandat d’Afreximbank consistant à promouvoir le commerce et la croissance économique à travers le continent. Les investissements de l’entreprise dans les infrastructures de stockage, de logistique et de transformation ont contribué à réduire les pertes après récolte et à accroître la valeur ajoutée.

TRACE, la plate-forme multimédia dédiée au divertissement et à l’émancipation des personnes d’ascendance africaine a remporté le prix Diaspora Business of the Year pour son impact sur le renforcement des liens avec le continent et la diasporaux àtravers le divertissement. Sa mission est de promouvoir l’identité africaine à travers la musique, l’éducation et la narration. La plateforme TRACE rejoint et soutient plus de 5 000 artistes et 1 000 marques chaque année. Elle emploie des centaines de personnes à travers l’Afrique, générant des centaines de millions de dollars US en valeur.

Deux géants bancaires ont été récompensés par l’Afreximbank Financial institutions Award–2025. KCB Group Plc, la plus grande banque du Kenya en termes d’actifs, a remporté le prix décerné aux institutions bancaires disposant d’un capital supérieur à 500 millions de dollars US, tandis que CBZ Bank, également la plus grande banque du Zimbabwe, a remporté le prix Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award-2025 décerné aux institutions bancaires disposant d’un capital inférieur à 500 millions de dollars US.

KCB, qui a remporté le prix dans la même catégorie en 2024, a été récompensée pour avoir facilité le financement du commerce local et transfrontalier grâce à divers produits et pour avoir atténué les risques inhérents au commerce pour le compte de ses clients. L’une des premières banques d’Afrique de l’Est à avoir favorisé l’inclusion financière et la croissance économique, KCB s’est positionnée comme un catalyseur permettant aux entreprises et aux consommateurs d’effectuer des transactions efficaces au-delà des frontières africaines.

CBZ Bank du Zimbabwe a joué un rôle central dans la réduction du déficit de financement du commerce en Afrique en tirant parti de partenariats stratégiques, en introduisant des produits innovants et en mettant en œuvre une vision panafricaine globale. Lors des 31es Assemblées annuelles d’Afreximbank qui se sont tenues à Nassau, aux Bahamas, l’année dernière,  CBZ Bank et Afreximbank ont signé deux  accords (https://apo-opa.co/44ZDCxm) d’un montant de 80 millions de dollars US, comprenant une ligne de crédit de 60 millions de dollars US et une facilité de 20 millions de dollars US dans le cadre du Programme de facilitation du commerce d’Afreximbank (AFTRAF), signe de leur collaboration continue visant à promouvoir le développement économique.

S’exprimant au nom du Professeur Benedict Oramah, Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque, Denys Denya, premier Vice-président exécutif de la Banque,  a déclaré : « Cette cérémonie de remise des prix est notre façon de remercier tous ceux qui, quelle que soit l’importance ou la portée de leur rôle, ont contribué à faire avancer le développement en Afrique. Je voudrais profiter de cette occasion pour vous féliciter. Avec ces prix, nous réaffirmons notre engagement envers l’objectif commun de transformer l’économie africaine et de restaurer la dignité des Africains, quelle que soit leur situation géographique ».

Arnold Ekpe, ancien Directeur général du groupe Ecobank Transnational Incorporated et Président de la BCA, a souligné dans son discours l’importance de reconnaître et de célébrer les institutions qui contribuent au développement de l’Afrique, ce qui, selon lui, « est devenu l’essence même d’Afreximbank ».

L’un des moments forts de la cérémonie de remise des prix a été la distinction de quatre membres du personnel d’Afreximbank pour leurs 25 à 30 ans de service dévoué. Parmi ce groupe prestigieux figurait le Professeur Benedict Oramah, qui a été honoré pour ses plus de trois décennies passées au sein de la banque, dont dix ans à la tête de celle-ci en tant que Président d’Afreximbank et du conseil d’administration de la Banque.

En remettant le prix d’ancienneté au Professeur Oramah, Wale Edun, Ministre nigérian des Finances et Ministre coordinateur de l’Économie, a déclaré : « Ce soir, nous célébrons non seulement une carrière remarquable, mais aussi un parcours transformateur qui s’étend sur trois décennies. Sous votre direction, la banque n’a pas seulement pris de l’ampleur, elle a pris un envol fulgurant, en défendant des stratégies qui ont profondément remodelé le commerce et le développement à travers l’Afrique. Le Nigeria est extrêmement fier de vos réalisations, de votre leadership et de votre engagement sans faille en faveur de la prospérité économique de notre continent. Vous êtes un véritable fils du pays, un exemple brillant de ce que le dévouement et la vision peuvent accomplir ».

Les Pan-African Business and Development Awards sont organisés par Afreximbank en collaboration avec la BCA. La série de prix a été lancée en 2023 pour récompenser les organisations et les dirigeants qui incarnent l’esprit panafricain en montrant la voie à suivre dans la création d’entreprises transfrontalières substantielles et transformatrices.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

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Professor Benedict Oramah recognised for long service as Export Trading Group (ETG), TRACE, KCB and CBZ toast award success at 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings

Source: APO – Report:

Key Highlights

  • The third edition of the Pan-African Business and Development Awards has recognised and celebrated leading businesses on the continent and in the diaspora in alignment with Afreximbank’s push for a promotion of a Global Africa
  • Marking his distinguished tenor, Professor Benedict Oramah, outgoing Afreximbank President, was honoured with the Bank’s Long Service Award alongside other employees
  • Export Trading Group (ETG) won the Global Africa Business Leader Award 2025 for fostering economic growth across the continent and enhancing food security
  • KCB Group Plc, Kenya and CBZ Bank, Zimbabwe emerged winners of the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award 2025 for banking institutions with more than $500m and less than $500m capital respectively for having played a pivotal role in bridging the trade finance gap in Africa.
  • TRACE, a multimedia platform dedicated to the entertainment and empowerment of people of African descent won the Diaspora Business of the Year Award for their impact in strengthening continental and diaspora ties.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) hosted the third edition of the Pan-African Business and Development Awards in association with the Business Council for Africa (BCA) on Wednesday June 25, 2025, at a colourful Gala Dinner attended by more than 400 dignitaries including business and political leaders from Nigeria, across Africa and the diaspora.

The Pan-African Business and Development Awards, held annually during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings, are designed to celebrate and recognise transformative businesses and financial institutions within the African continent and in the diaspora in keeping with the Bank’s vision for a Global Africa.

Export Trading Group (ETG), operational in nearly 20 countries on the continent, won the Global Africa Business Leader Award, 2025 for fostering economic growth across the continent and enhancing food security by connecting smallholder farmers with regional and global markets, improving livelihoods and boosting intra-African trade, reflecting Afreximbank’s mandate of fostering trade and economic growth across the continent. The company’s investments in storage, logistics, and processing infrastructure have helped reduce post-harvest losses and increased value addition.

This year, TRACE, the multimedia platform dedicated to the entertainment and empowerment of people of African descent, won the Diaspora Business of the Year award for its impact in strengthening continental and diaspora ties through the vehicle of entertainment. Its mission is to uplift African identity through music, education, and storytelling. TRACE’s platforms reach and support over 5,000 artists and 1,000 brands annually. It employs hundreds across Africa, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in value.

Two banking giants were recognised in the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award–2025. KCB Group Plc, Kenya’s largest bank by assets emerged winner of the award for banking institutions with more than $500m capital while CBZ Bank, also Zimbabwe’s largest Bank emerged winner of the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award-2025 for banking institutions with less than $500m capital.

KCB, which won in the same category in 2024, was recognised for facilitating local and cross-border trade finance through various products as well as mitigating risks inherent in trade on behalf of its customers. One of the first East African banks to enhance financial inclusion and economic growth, it has positioned itself as an enabler for businesses and consumers to transact efficiently across African borders.

CBZ Bank from Zimbabwe has played a pivotal role in bridging the trade finance gap in Africa by leveraging strategic partnerships, introducing innovative products, and executing a comprehensive pan-African vision. During the 31st Afreximbank Annual meetings held in Nassau, The Bahamas last year, CBZ Bank and Afreximbank inked two deals (https://apo-opa.co/44ZDCxm) totalling $80 million consisting of US$60 million line of credit and $20 million Afreximbank Trade Facilitation Programme (AFTRAF) facility signalling their continued collaboration aimed at promoting economic development.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, the Bank’s Senior Executive Vice President, Denys Denya, said: “This Awards event is our way of saying thank you to everyone who, regardless of size or significance of your role, has contributed to furthering the course of development in Africa. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you. With these awards, we reaffirm our commitment to the shared goal of transforming the African economy and restoring the dignity of Africans, regardless of their geographic location.”

Arnold Ekpe, former group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and chair of the BCA, in his remarks, commented on the importance of recognising and celebrating institutions that contribute to Africa’s development, which he said, “has become the defining essence of Afreximbank.”

A major highlight of the awards ceremony was the recognition of four long serving Afreximbank staff members for their dedicated service of between 25 and 30 years. This esteemed group included Professor Benedict Oramah who was honoured for over three decades at the Bank with ten years spent at the helm as President and Chairman of Board of Directors.

Presenting the long service award to Prof. Oramah, Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy said: “Tonight, we acknowledge not just a remarkable career, but a transformative journey spanning three decades. Under your leadership, the bank hasn’t just scaled; it has soared, championing strategies that have fundamentally reshaped trade and development across Africa. Nigeria is incredibly proud of your achievements, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to the economic prosperity of our continent. You are a true son of the soil; a shining example of what dedication and vision can accomplish.”

The Pan-African Business and Development Awards are hosted by Afreximbank in association with the BCA. The awards series was launched in 2023 to recognise those organisations and leaders that epitomise the pan-African spirit by leading the way in building substantive and transformative cross-border businesses.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Follow on Social Media: 
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nVC0NN
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44SE54f 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/459VM0t 
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44WtHZo

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 (Baa2), 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

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African Special Mining Report Launches Ahead of the African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com/), in partnership with global accounting, audit and advisory network Moore Global, is proud to launch the African Special Mining Report 2025, a definitive analysis of Africa’s mining landscape released in support of African Mining Week (AMW).

As the world accelerates toward a low-carbon, high-tech future, Africa is emerging as a critical player in global mineral supply chains. This timely publication captures the continent’s rising profile as a destination for strategic mineral investment – from copper and cobalt to lithium, gold, graphite and iron ore – while providing deep, actionable insight into the trends, policy shifts and financing structures shaping the future of mining across Africa.

Produced as an official knowledge product of AMW 2025, the report connects directly to the platform’s mission of driving capital, partnerships and industrial development across Africa’s mining value chain. With extensive contributions from Moore Global’s energy, mining and renewables experts, the report draws on decades of experience advising clients in Africa and globally, offering forward-looking perspectives on ESG compliance, climate finance, regulatory reform and capital mobilization for mining ventures.

The report explores Africa’s renewed strategic importance in global mineral supply chains, spotlighting developments such as the copper resurgence in Zambia and the DRC, the return of private equity to the continent’s mining sector and the persistent logistics challenges impacting offtake reliability. It also examines how ESG metrics are increasingly being monetized, how climate finance is reshaping the feasibility of mining projects and how the integration of renewables is redefining operational best practices. Alongside these forward-looking insights, the report provides a clear-eyed view of the regulatory landscape, analyzing sovereign policy shifts, beneficiation mandates and the evolving capital environment for both junior and major mining companies.

“This report is about more than trends – it’s about where the African mining sector is headed, who is driving the shift and how the global investment landscape is responding. It also underscores AMW’s unique role in anchoring high-level dialogue and dealmaking around these developments. We’re proud to partner with Moore Global to deliver a resource that informs, challenges and empowers decision-makers across the mining ecosystem,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, AMW Conference Director.

The African Special Mining Report 2025 is now available digitally (https://apo-opa.co/44BbrWu). 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

For media inquiries, interview requests or report access, please contact:
communications@energycapitalpower.com