Category: English

Source: APO

.

UN human rights experts* today expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, warning that the deadly virus predominantly impacts Indigenous Peoples.

“Declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation, the Ebola outbreak is most prominent within or near Indigenous Peoples’ territories,” the experts said.

Highlighting the Pygmy Indigenous Peoples, the experts note that they often face structural exclusion. “These communities, whose way of life is mobile, depend closely on their territories and natural resources for their subsistence, identity and well-being. Moreover, their limited access to health services makes them particularly exposed to this epidemic.”

The experts welcomed ongoing initiatives by concerned States to contain the outbreak. They called on other States, the international community and United Nations agencies engaged in this effort to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory access to healthcare, as well as to strengthen targeted support for Indigenous Peoples affected or at risk from this epidemic.

“Responses to Ebola must be guided by international standards relating to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including their rights to health, equal protection and cultural identity. The particular vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples to this epidemic must be recognised and integrated into response strategies,” the experts said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO

On June 3, from 3:50 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, Principal Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Republic of Seychelles, who is currently visiting Japan.

1. At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI extended his congratulations on the occasion of Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of independence on June 29 of this year, as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Seychelles this year. He also expressed Japan’s desire to further strengthen cooperation with Seychelles, which is strategically located in the Indian Ocean and shares fundamental values with Japan, as an important partner in realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
2. In response, Principal Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue Economy Cosgrow expressed his gratitude to Japan’s support in areas including fishing harbour, and expected for understanding and support for vulnerabilities faced by Seychelles as a small island state.
3. Both sides confirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation between the two countries, taking the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO

.

An elementary school has been constructed in Dele administrative area, Gogni sub-zone, at a cost of over 3 million Nakfa.

Eng. Mengisteab Berhane, head of town planning and infrastructure in the Gash Barka Region, said that the school, constructed in collaboration with the regional administration and members of the Defense Forces, includes five classrooms and offices, among other facilities.

Noting that the construction of the ‘Aimsa’ Elementary School is part of the effort being carried out to ensure social justice, Eng. Mengisteab commended the strong participation of the residents and members of the Defense Forces.

Brigade Chief of Staff Sub-Lieutenant Habtemariam Gebremeskel, noting that members of the Defense Forces are conducting effective development programs in collaboration with the public, said that the construction of the elementary school is a continuation of that effort.

Mr. Franco Kubaba, Director General of Social Services in the Gash Barka Region, and Mr. Yemane Mehari, managing director in Gogni sub-zone, on their part called on parents to play their due role in motivating their children in general and school-aged girls in particular to attend regular education.

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

Source: APO

.

Today, at the opening session of the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), AUC Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the Committee’s critical role in advancing the Union’s agenda and laying the groundwork for the forthcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) between the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), to be held in Egypt later this month.

He noted that ongoing crises, geopolitical tensions, and economic pressures continue to impact Africa’s development and security priorities, underscoring the need for greater coordination and more effective collective responses.

The Chairperson stressed that strengthening the resilience of the African Union and ensuring sustainable financing for continental priorities remain essential to enabling the Union to respond to growing challenges and the expectations of African citizens.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support the proposals and guidance of Member States, emphasizing its continued commitment to advancing the Union’s priorities and effectively delivering its mandate.

In his concluding remarks, the Chairperson commended the Permanent Representatives for their sustained engagement in advancing the Union’s priorities and wished for the Committee for every success in its work.

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

Source: APO

.

The eighth-grade national examination for the 2025/2026 academic year commenced today, 3 June, across the country, including in the Eritrean community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and in Kassala, Sudan.

This year’s examination, which runs until 5 June, is being taken by 68,197 students, including 48% female students, at 535 centers. Apart from schools inside the country, the centers include two at the Rehabilitation and Prison Service, two at schools for visually and hearing-impaired citizens, two at the Eritrean community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, and one in Kassala.

The examination will cover Mathematics, English Language, Civic Education, and Science.

The Ministry of Education previously announced that it had deployed over 8,000 personnel and supplies to facilitate the examination.

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

Source: APO

Africans continue to rely on both formal and informal justice systems to resolve legal disputes, and many question whether the courts deliver fair, affordable, and timely justice, the latest Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile (https://apo-opa.co/3PCQJRy) shows.

The new report, based on 50,961 interviews across 38 African countries in 2024/2025, shows that while many citizens would turn first to the police or local courts to resolve legal problems, about one-quarter prefer traditional leaders, traditional courts, or elders. Confidence in formal justice systems is not strong: Only half of Africans believe ordinary people can obtain justice through the courts. Majorities say people are frequently treated unequally under the law, and almost half think powerful individuals who break the law get off too lightly.

Financial barriers also limit access to justice: Fewer than half of citizens believe they could afford legal assistance or court costs if needed.

Key findings

• Formal and informal justice systems continue to coexist: Across 38 countries, almost half of citizens see the police (41%) or local courts (7%) as their first point of contact for resolving legal problems, but 26% would go first to traditional leaders, traditional courts, or elders (Figure 1).
• On average, only half (50%) of Africans express confidence that ordinary citizens can obtain justice in the courts. Perceptions of fairness and timeliness in courts are similarly weak: A bare majority (51%) believe they could obtain a fair court outcome, while only 43% think cases are likely to be resolved in a reasonable time (Figure 2).
• Perceived inequality in the courts is a widespread problem: A majority (59%) of Africans believe people are “often” or “always” treated unequally under the law (Figure 3).
• Cost presents a significant barrier to using the courts to resolve problems. Only 46% think they could afford legal assistance, and just 44% believe they could afford court costs (Figure 4).
• Concerns about inequality are also widespread when it comes to the penalties imposed by courts: Almost half (48%) of respondents say the powerful get off too lightly, while only 13% say the same is true for ordinary people (Figure 5).

Afrobarometer surveys

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s National Partners conduct face-to-face interviews with nationally representative samples of adults in the language of the respondent’s choice that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Maame Akua Amoah Twum
Communications manager
Email: maameakua@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +233 208 326 343
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

Social Media:
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
Whatsapp
Bluesky

Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica.

Source: APO

.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, former President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and current Chairman of Africa Trading Minerals (ATMIN), will chair the African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Finance Summit, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Oramah’s participation places one of Africa’s most influential development finance leaders at the forefront of discussions on energy investment, infrastructure financing and industrial growth, reaffirming the event’s role as the continent’s premier deal-making platform.

Taking place within the main strategic conference program, the AEW 2026 Finance Summit will address one of the most pressing challenges facing Africa’s energy sector: a lack of investment. With an annual energy investment gap estimated between $31 billion and $50 billion, the Summit will explore tangible strategies to mobilize private capital, expand development financing and unlock new avenues for domestic funding across the energy value chain. Oramah’s participation ensures these discussions remain central to the event.

Having previously led Afreximbank, Oramah played a pivotal role in positioning the institution as one of the continent’s most active financiers of strategic infrastructure and energy projects. The bank has been instrumental in supporting African-led energy development, including backing refining infrastructure, advancing regional trade integration and facilitating capital access for major projects. In recent years, the bank increased its capital base by $25 billion, enhancing its capacity to finance large-scale energy and infrastructure initiatives. It has also played a leading role in the development of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), which is expected to begin operations in 2026 and deploy billions in capital toward African energy projects.

Recent developments underscore Afreximbank’s continued role in financing African projects and highlight the importance of development finance in accelerating infrastructure rollout. South Africa joined Afreximbank in 2026, unlocking an $8 billion country program focused on energy, manufacturing and trade, alongside a $3 billion Transformation Fund aimed at supporting black-owned businesses and SMEs. Meanwhile, a new trading house – ATMIN – was launched in 2025 by a group of former Shell traders, with financial backing from Afreximbank.

The bank has underwritten $2.5 billion of a $4 billion syndicated term loan for Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery; launched the African Continental Free Trade Area Adjustment Fund; introduced its flagship Accelerator Program to boost intra-African trade; and committed financing packages to Ecobank Zimbabwe, Egypt’s SAMCO and Malawi’s NBS Bank.

Afreximbank has also expanded its developmental mandate through initiatives such as the African Medical Center of Excellence (AMCE), reflecting the growing recognition that energy, healthcare and industrialization are interconnected pillars of long-term economic growth. The $300 million tertiary medical facility was developed in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, offering world-class services across oncology, hematology, cardiology and general medicine. The center officially opened in 2025.

“Prof. Benedict Oramah represents the type of leadership Africa needs as the continent works to finance its own energy future. His participation at AEW 2026 comes at a defining moment, as Africa strengthens energy security, expands industrial capacity and builds financing institutions capable of supporting long-term growth,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW 2026’s Finance Summit is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing new financing structures, facilitating investment partnerships and accelerating commercially driven dealmaking across Africa’s energy sector. The Summit will focus on project bankability, African-led financing mechanisms, infrastructure investment, risk mitigation strategies and the evolving role of development finance institutions in supporting the continent’s energy expansion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

.

The Affiliates of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org) – including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) – in collaboration with the IsDB Group Business Forum (THIQAH), are pleased to announce the 14th edition of the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2026), to be held  from June 16 to 19, 2026, at the Baku Convention Centre in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan.

Held on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings, the Forum is organized in close collaboration with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO) under the high patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Under the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity”, PSF 2026 aims to reinforce the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing trade and investment flows, and unlocking opportunities for strategic partnerships across IsDB member countries. At a time when enhancing regional value chains and economic resilience has become increasingly important, the Forum will serve as a strategic platform for key stakeholders to explore new business opportunities, exchange knowledge, and foster deeper economic integration among member countries.

PSF 2026 will spotlight emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, technology, healthcare, and finance, while promoting cross-border investment and trade. Through high-level dialogues, B2B and B2G meetings, startup engagement, and knowledge-sharing sessions, the Forum aims to strengthen public-private collaboration, support entrepreneurship and SMEs, and promote innovation-driven growth across member economies.

The event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including high-level government officials, Presidents and CEOs of leading local and international companies, multilateral development institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, business associations, investment promotion agencies, investors, entrepreneurs and financial institutions.

In addition to panel discussions and keynote speeches, PSF 2026 will feature a dedicated exhibition platform where partners can showcase projects, services, and investment opportunities. The Forum will also host a startup competition designed to foster innovation and highlight promising business ideas. Furthermore, or the fourth time, the event will present the IsDB Group Recognition Awards, honoring distinguished organizations and individuals for their contributions to economic development and trade facilitation.

The forum will welcome prominent speakers, including the Chief Executive Officers of the IsDB Group Affiliates, notably Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC and Acting CEO of ICD, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, CEO of ITFC. Together with industry leaders and experts, they will share insights and best practices aimed at strengthening investment and trade cooperation among IsDB member countries.

For further details, please visit the event’s official website: www.IsDBG-PSF.org

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

Media Contacts: 
Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH): 
Email: THIQAH@isdb.org

Social Media: 
Follow ICIEC on:
X: https://apo-opa.co/4e6ViM9
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Q5dYnc
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4vwd42u
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3RMjImz
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4uR7RST

Follow Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) on:
Twitter: @ICD_PS
LinkedIn: ICDPS
Facebook: @icdps
YouTube: ICDPS

Follow International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) on:
Twitter: @ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ITFCCORP
Linkedin: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)

Follow Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) on: 
Twitter: @IDBGTHIQAH
Facebook:  Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum – Thiqah
LinkedIn: Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum – THIQAH

About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB):
The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that works to improve the lives of those it serves by promoting social and economic development in Muslim countries and communities around the world and making a difference at scale. Through collaborative partnerships between communities in its 57 member countries, the Bank seeks to equip communities to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, and put the infrastructure in place to enable them to realize their potential. The Bank’s new business model of “making markets work for development” contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of our member countries in strategic industries in order to improve participation and upgrading in global value chains. This is in the field of food and agricultural industries, textiles, clothing, leather, shoes, petrochemicals and petroleum, construction, and Islamic finance. The Bank also promotes innovative and sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges in the world, and takes advantage of the scientific potential in technology and innovation as strategic drivers of economic growth, and we also work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
As a member of the ‘AAA’ rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 51 Member States. ICIEC, for the 18th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-“ long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the third year with a Stable Outlook.  ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 139 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

For more information,Visit: http://ICIEC.ISDB.org

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD): 
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral organization affiliated with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). It supports the economic development of its member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with the principles of Shari’ah. It also mobilizes additional resources for projects and encourages the development of Islamic finance. ICD’s operations complement the activities of IsDB in member countries and also those of national financial institutions. ICD has 55 member countries and five public financial institutions as its shareholders and has an authorized capital of USD 4 billion.

Website: https://ICD-PS.org/

About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC): 
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$ 96 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH): 
The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitate contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.IDBGBF.org)

Source: APO

In response to the recurrent public health challenges affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Plantations et Huileries du Congo S.A. (PHC) (www.PHC-Congo.com) continues to strengthen its prevention, surveillance, and medical response systems across its operational sites and surrounding communities.

This comes against the backdrop of heightened vigilance following the Ebola “Bundibugyo” outbreak declared in May 2026. PHC has responded to the call for national and regional solidarity issued by the Congolese, Ugandan, and South Sudanese health authorities, as well as international partners involved in the public health response in Central Africa, by enhancing preventative measures.

Although no suspected Ebola case has been identified to date within PHC facilities located in the provinces of Mongala, Équateur, and Tshopo, the company has implemented several preventive measures aimed at protecting its employees, their families, and neighboring communities.

A Proactive Health Response in Rural Areas

PHC applies a preventive approach based on risk anticipation, community awareness, and the strengthening of medical capacities within its healthcare facilities.

Information dissemination and awareness campaigns have been organized in camps, villages, and workplaces to educate communities about Ebola virus disease symptoms, preventive behaviors, hygiene measures, procedures to follow in case of suspicion, and rapid alert mechanisms. PHC medical teams are also mobilized to ensure health surveillance and community monitoring across the company’s operational areas.

An Ongoing Commitment in the Fight Against Epidemics

This mobilization is part of PHC’s ongoing efforts in combating several epidemics affecting the DRC and the provinces where the company operates, particularly MPOX and cholera.

Additionally, since May 2026, several MPOX cases have once again been reported in the Lolo Health Zone, located in Mongala Province. These patients are currently being treated at Pembe Hospital, a healthcare facility supported by PHC, at no cost. Through its medical teams and healthcare infrastructure, PHC continues to support local health authorities in disease surveillance, prevention, and patient care.

A Strong Healthcare Network Serving Communities

In regions often facing limited access to healthcare services, PHC plays an important role in strengthening the rural healthcare system. The company currently manages four hospitals: Pembe Hospital, Lokutu Hospital, Lokumete Hospital, and Boteka Hospital. These facilities are respectively located within the health areas of Lolo (Mongala Province), Basoko (Tshopo Province), and Ingende (Équateur Province).

PHC also supervises 16 dispensaries and 4 health centers across its various operational areas. In addition to these facilities, PHC has built 15 health centers that have been handed over to the Congolese State as part of the social commitments agreed upon with local communities across the three provinces—Mongala, Équateur, and Tshopo—where the company operates. 

Strengthening Prevention and Patient Care Capacities

As part of preparedness efforts against Ebola and other infectious diseases, dedicated units are being arranged to allow the safe isolation of potential suspected cases. Medical teams are being sensitized to infection prevention and control protocols, early symptom detection, and patient referral procedures. PHC also plans to provide nutritional support for hospitalized patients to ensure appropriate nutrition that meets essential recovery needs.

A Strong Commitment to Maternal and Child Health

Beyond emergency responses to epidemics, PHC continues investing in the sustainable strengthening of community healthcare services, with particular attention given to reducing maternal and infant mortality in rural areas.

Healthcare facilities supported by PHC are progressively being equipped with reinforced maternity services, pediatric services, incubators for premature newborns, and equipment improving prenatal and postnatal care monitoring. PHC also places particular emphasis on family planning services and awareness campaigns aimed at combating closely spaced pregnancies, recognized as one of the major causes of maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through these initiatives, PHC actively contributes to improving women’s health, protecting children, and enhancing the well-being of families living in rural areas often located far from major healthcare centers.

A Social Responsibility Focused on Community Resilience

Through its healthcare investments, prevention campaigns, and support to local medical structures, PHC reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and the resilience of rural communities. The company intends to continue its collaboration with health authorities, local communities, and public health partners to sustainably contribute to strengthening the healthcare system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and protecting populations against current and future public health challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Plantations et Huileries du Congo S.A. (PHC).

About Plantations et Huileries du Congo S.A. (PHC):
Plantations et Huileries du Congo S.A. (PHC) is the leading producer of palm oil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the country’s second-largest private sector employer. Founded in 1911, the company operates across three industrial sites located in Boteka (Équateur Province), Yaligimba (Mongala Province), and Lokutu (Tshopo Province). 

With a workforce of 11,000 employees, PHC produces approximately 80,000 tons of palm oil annually, with the entirety of its output dedicated to domestic consumption. The company manages 100,000 hectares of land, utilizing 30% for sustainable palm oil plantations while preserving the remaining 70% for conservation and agricultural use by local communities.

PHC is deeply committed to social responsibility, sustainable development, and community resilience. The company operates a comprehensive healthcare network comprising 4 modern hospitals, 3 health centers, and 18 dispensaries, providing free healthcare services to its employees and subsidized care to over 150,000 community members. Furthermore, PHC actively supports local infrastructure by building primary schools, reconstructing health centers, and providing access to clean drinking water through the construction of numerous boreholes.

Driven by a vision to create shared prosperity, PHC aims to enhance food security, drive local economic growth, and preserve the environment and biodiversity through sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.

For more information, please visit: www.PHC-Congo.com

Source: APO

.

Nigeria’s data center expansion is increasingly being framed as a technology story. But at its core, it is a demographics story. Africa’s largest economy is already home to more than 240 million people, and U.N. projections indicate the country could surpass 400 million by 2050, making it the world’s third most populous nation after India and China.

What makes that trajectory especially significant for investors is not just population size, but the age and digital profile of that population. Nigeria remains one of the youngest countries globally, with a median age of around 18, while internet penetration has surpassed 50%, creating a rapidly expanding base of mobile-first consumers entering the digital economy each year.

This dynamic is fundamentally reshaping the long-term case for digital infrastructure investment. Investors are positioning for what Nigeria could become over the next two decades: one of the world’s largest digital populations, with rising demand for cloud computing, AI-enabled services, fintech platforms, streaming content, enterprise software and sovereign data storage.

This shift is already shaping how the industry is thinking about digital infrastructure across the continent. At African Energy Week 2026 – the continent’s premier energy event – the introduction of an AI and Data Center track – Renegade Intel – reflects growing recognition that data infrastructure is becoming as critical as energy infrastructure to Africa’s economic future. In markets like Nigeria, where population growth is rapidly translating into digital demand, that intersection is now central to long-term investment planning.

Nigeria’s data center market, valued at roughly $288 million in 2025, is projected to surpass $1 billion by 2031, with operators rapidly expanding colocation and cloud capacity in Lagos and other urban hubs. Major players including Equinix, MTN, Rack Center and Open Access Data Centers are scaling infrastructure to capture what they see as long-term structural growth rather than a short-term market cycle.

In 2025, MTN announced a more than $240 million investment into a new Lagos data facility designed to support AI and cloud demand, underscoring how operators are preparing for far larger digital workloads in the years ahead. Recent reports suggest nearly $1 billion in broader data center investments flowing into Nigeria as companies race to expand cloud and AI infrastructure capacity.

Much of that optimism rests on the belief that Nigeria’s digital consumption curve is still in its early stages. Fintech adoption continues to accelerate across the country, streaming platforms are expanding local content distribution, and enterprise cloud migration remains relatively underpenetrated compared to more mature markets. At the same time, artificial intelligence is expected to dramatically increase computing and storage requirements globally, creating additional incentives to localize infrastructure closer to end users.

For Nigeria, data localization and sovereign storage are becoming increasingly strategic as governments and businesses seek greater control over where critical information is processed and stored. Building data centers locally is now seen as essential for data control, security and long-term economic growth.

Still, the opportunity comes with its challenges. Reliable electricity supply remains one of the biggest constraints on large-scale data center expansion in Nigeria, where operators often rely heavily on backup generation and hybrid power systems. Connectivity improvements, regulatory clarity and long-term energy availability will all play a critical role in determining how quickly infrastructure deployment can scale.

“Data centers are becoming critical infrastructure for Africa’s economic future, but none of this growth happens without energy,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Countries like Nigeria are seeing rising demand because of demographics, connectivity and digital adoption, but investors also need confidence that long-term power supply can support that expansion.”

Nigeria’s population growth alone does not guarantee digital infrastructure success. But when combined with rising internet penetration, fintech adoption, cloud usage and AI-driven computing demand, it creates a scale opportunity few emerging markets can match. Investors are looking beyond today’s market to the scale Nigeria’s digital economy could reach.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.