Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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Africa – the world’s second-largest gold-producing region after China – is seeing a marked increase in gold mining investment in 2025. Driven by strong global demand, favorable prices and vast untapped reserves, international financiers are stepping up support for gold projects across the continent. In June, Canadian firm Asante Gold secured a $470 million financing package from Appian Capital and South Africa’s FirstRand Bank to expand the Chirano Mine and advance the Bibiani Project in Ghana – Africa’s leading gold producer and the sixth largest globally.

Against this backdrop of rising investor appetite, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, taking place in Cape Town from October 1–3, will feature a dedicated Gold Summit. The Summit will showcase priority gold projects, host high-level discussions and serve as a critical deal-making platform for financiers, mining companies and policymakers, aiming to bridge Africa’s gold opportunities with global capital.

Several major funding announcements in recent months highlight growing momentum: In June, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa extended a $35 million loan to Theta Gold Mines for its $77 million Transvaal Gold Mining Estate in Mpumalanga, South Africa. In May, Africa Finance Corporation provided a €100 million loan to Portuguese firm Mota–Engil Africa to support gold mining infrastructure in Ivory Coast and Mali. Around the same time, China’s Zijin Mining launched a gold streaming initiative to raise $200–400 million in FDI for African gold assets – starting with a $125 million investment in Montage Gold’s Koné Project in Ivory Coast.

Perseus Mining of Australia also made strides in 2025, approving a $124.6 million FID for the Yaouré Underground Mine in Ivory COast and committing $523 million to the Nyanzaga Gold Project in Tanzania. Meanwhile, UAE-based Ambrosia Investment Holding invested $375 million in Allied Gold’s expansion in Ethiopia and Mali, acquiring a 50% stake in the process.

​​These funding rounds reflect rising confidence in the future of African gold and the sector’s role in the global supply chain. They also underscore the importance of expanding local refining, beneficiation and export capabilities. As investment flows increase, so too does the urgency to build resilient infrastructure, strengthen regulatory frameworks and ensure that host communities benefit from long-term economic gains.

At AMW 2025, discussions will address gold-sector financing, investment incentives and strategies for enhancing local value addition. Held under the theme, “From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth,” the event brings together African stakeholders and global partners to shape the next chapter in the continent’s gold mining journey.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About AMW:
AMW 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.

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Republic of Tanzania, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), is set to launch the ‘Beat the Heat’ Initiative aimed at addressing extreme heat and environmental risks in workplaces and large-scale events.

Tanzania is among the first countries globally to roll out this initiative, implemented under a partnership between WHO and FIFA, supported by the World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund. Running from January 2025 to June 2026, the programme will provide practical tools and technical guidance to help strengthen national and local preparedness and response to climate-related health threats—particularly in workplaces, outdoor environments, and mass public events.

Tanzania’s activation of “Beat the Heat” initiative comes at a critical moment, as the country prepares to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, a major continental football tournament expected to draw large crowds in high-temperature outdoor settings.

“This initiative is a timely and strategic step forward in protecting the health of all those involved in outdoor work and events,” said Dr Galbert Fedjo, Offcier in Charge at WHO. “By integrating heat protection into CHAN 2025 and beyond, Tanzania is setting an example for how countries can respond to the realities of climate change and its impact on public health.”

Through this initiative, Tanzania will implement a series of targeted actions including; development of national heat-health action plans, deployment of early warning systems and emergency heat protocols; provision of shaded rest zones, hydration stations, and protective equipment for outdoor workers and event staff and training of health responders and event organizers in heat-related illness prevention and first aid.

The initiative is being rolled out under the leadership of the Ministries of Health in Mainland and Zanzibar in close collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Tanzania Meteorological Services, Emergency Department from the Muhimbili National Hospital and Lumumba Regional Hospital and other key actors responsible for organizing mass gatherings and events. WHO will provide technical guidance, tools, and coordination support to ensure implementation reaches the most at-risk populations.

Rising global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are driving an increase in heat-related illness and mortality, especially among outdoor workers and vulnerable populations. WHO estimates that by 2050, heatwaves could cause over 1.6 million deaths annually, while air pollution continues to claim more than 4 million lives each year.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a daily reality,” said Dr. Honest Anicetus – Head of the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Unit in the Ministry of Health. “The Beat the Heat initiative will help countries like Tanzania turn preparedness into action, with the tools to protect lives in the face of rising environmental risks.”

As an early adopter of this initiative, Tanzania is demonstrating its commitment to building climate-resilient health systems, improving occupational safety, and ensuring that major events like CHAN 2025 are safe for all involved.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading institutions and private sector partners to unlock over N500 billion in investments for renewable energy projects in Nigeria’s underserved rural communities. Announced during an event titled “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Energy Access and Socio-Economic Development,” these agreements aim to expand clean energy access and drive economic progress nationwide.

Key Highlights of the MOUs

REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu described the MOUs as actionable frameworks built on proven success. He cited past achievements such as:

• Deployment of four smart police stations with the Police Trust Fund [1].
• Creation of a renewable energy testing center with Huawei [2].
• Securing N100 billion in private sector debt funding through First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for renewable energy companies [3].

Aliyu added that partnerships with 13 state governments have already delivered 200 mini-grids across Nigeria [4]. The newly signed MOUs aim to attract N500 billion in commercial funding over three phases to scale these efforts further.

Strategic Partnerships

• Nigeria Correctional Service: This MOU will deploy mini-grids and clean energy systems in custodial centers, starting at the Abuja headquarters [5]. Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche said, “This initiative goes beyond electricity, it’s about rehabilitation and empowerment.”
• Galaxy Backbone: This collaboration will align internet and electricity infrastructure rollouts in educational institutions for greater efficiency [6].
• NIRSAL Plc: Focused on agriculture, this partnership will power agribusiness clusters with clean energy and provide credit risk guarantees for rural vendors [8]. NIRSAL Plc Managing Director Sa’ad Hamidu noted, “With over 60 percent of Nigerians in agriculture, this is a game-changer for growth.”

Impact and Vision

Executive Director of Technical Services Umar Umar highlighted REA’s achievements: over 160 megawatts of solar capacity deployed, electrifying 1,650 communities, powering 1,000 healthcare centers, and benefiting six million Nigerians [7]. “Rural electrification is a catalyst for education, health, security, and economic productivity,” Umar stated.

REA aims to leverage these partnerships to transform energy access and socio-economic outcomes in Nigeria’s rural regions.

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– on behalf of Kowatek Solar LTD.

Media Contact:
nep@rea.gov.ng
+23480020202020

About the Rural Electrification Agency (REA):
The REA is a Nigerian government agency dedicated to providing reliable, affordable electricity to rural and underserved areas through renewable energy solutions like solar mini-grids and standalone systems [9].

Disclaimer:
This news release is issued by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and is intended for informational purposes only.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, delivered a statement at the high-level conference being chaired by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing the practical questions of Palestinian statehood as part of a wider Two-State Solution.

Ambassador Madeleine stressed the urgency of the moment in the face of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the diminishing prospect of lasting peace in the region. He deplored the suffering being witnessed in Gaza and called on the United Nations to ensure that international laws and obligations are met and upheld. He further reiterated Seychelles firm position supporting the Two-State Solution.

“At a time when countless lives have been lost, and an entire population continues to live under the weight of conflict, the urgency of global action cannot be overstated. The Two-State Solution—with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security—remains the internationally recognised framework for resolution. It is rooted in key United Nations resolutions, including 242, 338, 1397, and 2334, and supported by decades of international consensus. Yet, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The violence against civilians, the devastation in Gaza, and the absence of any viable political horizon have made the path to peace appear increasingly elusive,” stated Ambassador Madeleine.

The Republic of Seychelles officially recognised the State of Palestine in 1988 and established diplomatic relations with the State of Israel in 1992. Since the attack by Hamas on 7th October 2023, Seychelles has repeatedly deplored the indiscriminate killings of civilians as well as the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, called for a permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, and renewed efforts towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution is meeting from 28-30 July 2025, in New York.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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Parliament has received a fresh and expanded version of the forensic science legislation now titled the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Bill, 2025.

The Bill tabled for First Reading on Tuesday, 29 July 2025 by the State Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi replaces the earlier Forensic Evidence Bill, 2024 which was formally withdrawn in February after consultations revealed the need for significant changes that would alter its original intent.

The new bill introduces a far-reaching legal framework aimed at regulating forensic and scientific analytical services in Uganda.

It proposes the formal establishment of the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) as the national referral centre for forensic and scientific investigations and designates it as the country’s National Poison Information Centre.

The Bill also introduces an independent regulatory arm within the Ministry of Internal Affairs known as the Department of Inspection and Legal Services to oversee forensic services nationwide.

“This revised legislation aligns key areas of forensic science regulation, expands institutional responsibilities and ensures proper oversight,” Muhoozi told the House earlier this year while explaining the withdrawal of the previous version.

The original Bill introduced in November 2024 focused primarily on regulating DNA profiling and the handling of body samples for use in criminal investigations.

It also proposed the establishment of a National DNA Database to be managed by the Directorate of the Government Analytical Laboratory.

However, the revised Bill goes beyond this limited scope to create a comprehensive system for regulating scientific evidence, laboratory practices, and data protection.

Under the new proposal, the Government Analytical Laboratory is not only mandated to carry out forensic analysis in traditional areas such as DNA, toxicology and questioned documents, but is also expected to operate in emerging fields including cybercrime, environmental samples, and food and drug safety.

The Bill allows for the establishment of regional analytical laboratories to decentralise services and improve access across the country.

The Bill sets out procedures for the collection, use and secure storage of body samples such as blood, saliva and hair, which must be obtained with informed consent or through a court order.

It establishes a forensic and scientific database that encompasses a broader range of information than the DNA only system proposed in 2024.

The database will be governed by strict access controls and any unauthorised use or disclosure will attract serious penalties.

The Department of Inspection and Legal Services will serve as the new regulatory body with powers to licence, inspect and sanction forensic laboratories. 

Inspectors will be able to enter premises, issue correction directives and even order temporary closure of non-compliant facilities.

Laboratories must register and obtain annual licenses, and those operating without one face fines of up to 500 currency points or imprisonment of up to three years.

The Government Analytical Laboratory will also take on a new role as the National Poison Information Centre tasked with coordinating poisoning incidents, conducting related analyses and maintaining a national database of poisoning cases. The Bill also introduces penalties for offences ranging from falsifying analysis results to obstructing inspectors or disclosing confidential forensic data without authorisation.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a church in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which resulted in the deaths of a number of innocent people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed the UAE’s firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

The Ministry also expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the DRC over this heinous and cowardly attack.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

On the second day of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025), a symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held in Grenada to honour Professor Benedict Oramah, outgoing President of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), for his enduring contributions to Africa-Caribbean relations.

The Flamboyant tree, native to Madagascar but widely rooted across the Caribbean, was chosen for its beauty and symbolic resonance. Known for its brilliant red blooms, it is seen as a representation of vitality, peace, and the promise of growth, which echoes the very principles that have defined Oramah’s leadership.

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell led the tribute, praising Oramah’s transformational impact across the region.

“This symbolic but substantive planting of a Flamboyant tree, a tree which originates from Madagascar but has found its way to the Caribbean and adorns the landscape wherever you go, and when it blooms its beautiful red flowers inspire beauty, tranquility, and peace in all of us, is reflective of the significant role that you have played in ensuring that Global Africa can rise, can blossom, can bloom and can stand as a testament and a legacy for future generations,” Prime Minister Mitchell said.

In response, President Oramah expressed his deep gratitude to Grenada and the wider Caribbean community:

“As an agricultural economist, I know the value of a plant. In the food life cycle, it is the plant that stands as an anchor. As I join the Honourable Prime Minister in planting this tree, I am reminded that I have found a very deep anchor in Grenada and the CARICOM.”

Reflecting on the symbolism, he continued:

“A person who plants a tree must tend the tree, a person who plants a tree must come and harvest the tree, a person who plants the tree must always make sure that the tree lasts and lasts… That is why I regard this as that anchor that will bring me here and keep me here.”

“Africa is the cradle of civilisation. Africa has given the world life, and to use this tree planting to honour me means that you value the work we are doing to give life to people. I would like to reassure you that I will do whatever I can, until I’m not able to do anything, to keep us marching on– something I believe we are all committed to.”

The tree planting took place as ACTIF2025 enters its second day, bringing together high-level government officials, business leaders, and civil society from Africa and the Caribbean to deepen economic and cultural integration under the theme: “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (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

Source: APO

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Western Union (www.WesternUnion.com), Zoona Transactions Zambia Limited and Chipper Cash today announced the launch of international money transfer services in the Chipper Cash app. The co-branded service enables customers in Zambia to send and receive money globally, based on their convenience and needs.

Zoona is a leading fintech and enterprise payments platform in Zambia. Acquired by Chipper Cash in 2022, the two brands now support 5 million customers across Africa. Today’s announcement combines Western Union’s global strength and 175 years of expertise in international money movement with Chipper Cash’s and Zoona’s deep local payments knowledge and innovative mobile technology platform. Chipper Cash app users can now support their loved ones by sending and receiving money seamlessly across Western Union’s network of over 200 countries and territories. They also have the flexibility to send funds to mobile wallets worldwide, as well as for cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of locations abroad. Payout to bank accounts shall be launched shortly.

“Zambia’s digitally savvy population of over 20 million is driving a remarkable shift toward mobile-first financial solutions,” said Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Western Union’s Regional Vice President of Africa. “Integrating our international money transfer services in the Chipper Cash app means customers can transfer funds across our global network – reliably and with ease. I am delighted then that, together, we are expanding the possibilities for Zambians to connect, transact and thrive in the global economy.”

The Chipper Cash app is available for download on both Android and iOS smartphones. To initiate a Western Union transaction, customers can use funds stored in their Chipper Cash wallet. The wallet can be conveniently topped up at multiple cash and digital payment touchpoints, including retailers, mobile network operators, banks and ATMs.

“At Zoona, we’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of Zambia’s financial landscape—from the early days of cash-based transactions and agent networks to a thriving ecosystem of mobile and digital payments,” said Brett Magrath, CEO at Zoona and CPO at Chipper Cash. “This partnership marks the next chapter in that journey. With smartphone adoption on the rise, there’s an increasing appetite for digital financial services that move beyond USSD to deliver richer, app-based experiences. This partnership extends the reach of Zambia’s vibrant fintech ecosystem—connecting more users to global financial services through a seamless digital experience.”

The collaboration builds on Western Union’s well-established physical presence in Zambia that caters to diverse and fast-evolving customer needs. The move also supports Western Union’s, Zoona’s and Chipper Cash’s shared mission to make financial services accessible to all consumers in Zambia – regardless of their banking status.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Union Holdings, Inc..

Media Contacts:
Western Union:
Nicholas Mandalas,
Nicholas.Mandalas@wu.com

Chipper Cash:
Goldie Iyamu:
Goldie@chippercash.com

About Western Union:
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is committed to helping people around the world who aspire to build financial futures for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Our leading cross-border, cross-currency money movement, payments and digital financial services empower consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments—across more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies—to connect with billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and a global footprint of hundreds of thousands of retail locations. Our goal is to offer accessible financial services that help people and communities prosper. For more information, visit www.WesternUnion.com

About Chipper Cash:
Chipper Cash is a financial technology company serving more than five million customers across the African continent. In 2018, Chipper Cash revolutionized moving money in Africa by providing a frictionless way to send and receive money cross-border. Since then, Chipper has increased its product suite by offering personal investments and digital business transactions and expanded its reach into the US. Led by co-founders Ham Serunjogi and Maijid Moujaled, Chipper Cash is focused on its mission to provide the most trusted and accessible financial services for people living in Africa and beyond.

About Zoona:
Zoona is a fintech platform building intelligent financial infrastructure for local and global businesses. With operations rooted in Zambia, Zoona offers a suite of services including mobile money, enterprise disbursements, digital collections, and cross-border remittances. Regulated by the Bank of Zambia, Zoona leverages over a decade of experience—one of Zambia’s earliest mobile money pioneers—to deliver secure, accessible, and scalable financial solutions.