Category: English

Source: APO

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On the sidelines of the Africa Forward summit, the West African Development Bank (BOAD) (www.BOAD.org) and PROPARCO, a subsidiary of the AFD Group, announced the signing of an unprecedented €200 million financing agreement (equivalent to approximately CFAF 131 billion). Structured by Galite as a cross-currency transaction between the euro (EUR) and the CFA franc (XOF), this operation is a global first in both its nature and ambition.

This structure directly addresses current challenges related to reforming the global financial architecture by introducing an innovative and catalytic financial instrument. It enables:

More efficient allocation of resources through expanded access to the XOF market, helping diversify financing options for local businesses;

Greater stability through support for the WAEMU region’s foreign exchange reserves, ensuring stronger macroeconomic resilience;

Direct impact through the financing of transformative private-sector projects, a key driver of job creation in the region.

Françoise Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of PROPARCO, stated:

“Together with BOAD, we are reaching a major milestone in our commitment to boosting financing for African economies, particularly within the WAEMU region. This initiative is fully aligned with the momentum to reform the development finance architecture by providing a tangible solution to increase the mobilization of local-currency resources in support of the private sector and local economies.

I am delighted by this partnership, which embodies a truly win-win approach and reflects our shared determination to act with ambition and pragmatism to sustainably support the development of the private sector across WAEMU economies, particularly our clients in the region, to whom we will be able to offer more loans denominated in CFA francs.”

Serge Ekué, President of BOAD, stated:

“The partnership between BOAD and PROPARCO reflects the quality and depth of our strategic cooperation.

Through this initiative, BOAD is reaffirming its role as a mobilizer of resources by attracting additional investment for the benefit of the region. Expanding the range of available financing tools is essential to sustainably support the transformation of WAEMU economies.

This transaction marks an important milestone in our collective ability to channel greater financing toward projects delivering strong economic and social impact across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

Media contact:
PROPARCO
Christoph Haushofer
haushoferc@proparco.fr  ​
+33 6 51 23 11 35

BOAD
Ndèye Bineta Delphine Ndiaye
dndiaye@boad.org
+228 99 86 41 44

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PROPARCO
LinkedIn: @Proparco (https://apo-opa.co/48Z8il7)
WhatsApp: Proparco (https://apo-opa.co/4nta1Fp)

BOAD
LinkedIn: @BOAD (https://apo-opa.co/4wAQk2G)

Proparco in Africa:
Africa is at the heart of Proparco’s strategy. For nearly 50 years, Proparco has been working alongside the African private sector to accelerate sustainable and inclusive development. This commitment is concretely reflected across the continent through a network of six regional offices and five local branches. Between 2022 and 2025, Proparco committed more than €4.6 billion across Africa, representing over €1.1 billion per year during this period. On the African continent, Proparco finances high-impact, job-creating projects in the following areas: sustainable infrastructure, sustainable industry, agriculture and agribusiness—particularly to strengthen the continent’s food sovereignty, notably through the FARM initiative; support for the local economic fabric, especially entrepreneurs and local SMEs, by strengthening financial institutions through Choose Africa; and the development of high-quality essential goods and services. Proparco provides financing solutions tailored to business needs, enhanced technical assistance through Propulse, as well as dedicated support for innovation via Digital Africa, its subsidiary focused on early-stage startups.

More information: www.PROPARCO.fr

About West African Development Bank (BOAD):
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is the common development finance institution of the member countries of the West African Monetary Union (WAMU). It is an international public institution whose purpose, as provided under Article 2 of its Articles of Association, is to promote the balanced development of its member countries and foster economic integration within West Africa by financing priority development projects. It is accredited to the three climate finance facilities (GEF, AF, GCF). Since 2009, BOAD sits as an observer at the UNFCCC and actively participates in discussions on devising an international climate finance system. Since January 2013, it has been home to the first Regional Collaboration Centre (RCC) on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), whose aim is to provide direct support to governments, NGOs and the private sector in identifying and developing CDM projects. The Bank has been solely in charge of the presidency of the International Development Finance Club (IDFC) since February 27, 2025, having co-chaired it since October 15, 2023. This Club brings together 27 national, regional and multilateral development banks from around the world.

For more information: www.BOAD.org

Source: APO – Report:

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On the occasion of the Africa CEO Forum, the West African Development Bank (BOAD) (www.BOAD.org) announces that it has obtained its inaugural credit rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR). Founded in 1985 and primarily specialized in the vast and dynamic Japanese financial market, JCR has earned international recognition, notably as a credit rating agency registered in the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong.

The agency has assigned the Institution a Long-term Issuer Rating of “A” with a Stable outlook.

This evaluation firmly anchors the Bank’s Investment Grade status and positions it among the highest-rated institutions on the continent. It also aligns with the ratings assigned by other international agencies while comparing favorably, positioning BOAD two notches above its Moody’s rating (Baa1) and three notches above its Fitch rating (BBB). 

The rating assigned by JCR constitutes major recognition of BOAD’s credit quality and the strength of its institutional model. It highlights the indispensable role the Bank has played for over fifty years as the leading development finance institution within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU/UEMOA). JCR’s rationale highlights several solid fundamentals: 

• Strong Shareholder Support: a solid base composed of the eight WAEMU member states, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), and leading international partners (Germany, France, Belgium, China, Morocco, AfDB, EIB, and the Exim Bank of India); 
• Governance and Status: the strength of its Preferred Creditor Status (PCS) and a governance structure ensuring close coordination with Union policies; 

This rating is not limited to a technical exercise; it is part of BOAD’s transformation and diversification strategy aimed at: 

• Expanding its investor base and diversifying its strategic partners; 
• Exploring new capital markets, particularly by deepening dialogue with Asian and Japanese investors; 
• Developing innovative financial instruments to meet the region’s growing financing needs. 

This dynamic directly supports the Bank’s new strategic vision for the 2026-2030 period. With a financing target increased to CFAF 6.5 trillion over five years, BOAD will concentrate its interventions on eight priority areas: 

1. Energy transition; 
2. Strategic infrastructure; 
3. Agriculture and agribusiness; 
4. Social sectors (education and health); 
5. Real estate; 
6. Strengthening financial institutions; 
7. Climate resilience; 
8. Private sector support; 

M. Serge EKUE, President of West African Development Bank declared: “With this high-level rating, BOAD reaches a new milestone in its consolidation as the reference financial institution in West Africa, resolutely open to the world and committed to the sustainable development of its member states. I would like to commend the strong support from our shareholders as well as the invaluable expertise and commitment we benefited throughout the rating process from both our Advisor Rotschild and Co and our Partner SMBC”. 

– on behalf of Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

Social Media:  
LinkedIn : @BOAD (https://apo-opa.co/4wMQ5Sf)

About BOAD:
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is the common development finance institution of the member states of the West African Monetary Union (WAMU). An international public establishment, BOAD’s objective, under Article 2 of its articles of association, is “to promote the balanced development of member states and to achieve the economic integration of West Africa” by financing priority development projects. It is accredited by the three climate finance funding mechanisms (GEF, AF, GCF). Since 2009, BOAD has sat as an observer at the UNFCCC and actively participates in discussions relating to the construction of an international climate finance architecture. Since January 2013, it has hosted the first Regional Collaboration Center (RCC) on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), aimed at providing direct support to governments, NGOs, and the private sector for the identification and development of CDM projects. Since February 27, 2025, the Bank has held the Presidency of the International Development Finance Club (IDFC), which it had co-chaired since October 15, 2023. This Club brings together 27 national, regional, and bilateral development banks from around the world. 

For more information : www.BOAD.org

Source: APO – Report:

• Increases TAPA certifications across the Region, total of 53 sites across Sub-Saharan Africa
• DHL Express the most TAPA-certified company in SSA
• Lekki contributes to DHL Express surpassing the 500 facility milestone in TAPA certifications worldwide
• Part of global €250 million investment in world-class security infrastructure by DHL Express

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) has announced that its Service Center in Lekki (Nigeria) has officially been certified according to the Transported Asset Protection Association’s (TAPA) Facility Security Requirements (FSR). This certification contributes to the over 500 TAPA certified sites globally and increase the certifications across Sub-Saharan Africa to 53 sites across 19 countries as part of a multi-site certification.

As the world’s most TAPA-certified logistics provider, DHL Express continues to set the benchmark for world-class supply chain security. The certification of 53 facilities in SSA strengthens a network that has already exceeded 500 TAPA-certified facilities globally, supported by a worldwide EUR250 million investment in advanced, industry-leading security technologies and processes. DHL Express SSA is the most TAPA certified company in the Region and was the first company in the TAPA EMEA Region to attain multi-site certification for a Region.

Anthony Beckley, VP Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express SSA said: “Security is a cornerstone of DHL’s operations and a critical enabler of trade across Sub‑Saharan Africa. By continuously strengthening security standards at our facilities across the region, we help protect our customers’ shipments while building confidence in the supply chains that connect Africa to the world. As African businesses expand their reach into global markets, they rely on trusted, resilient, and world‑class logistics partners. We are proud to support this growth through industry‑leading security practices, underscored by our achievement of 500 TAPA certifications worldwide.”

TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) certification is a comprehensive process of membership, verification, and auditing designed to ensure the security of customer shipments throughout the supply chain. It is based on rigorous standards such as FSR (Facility Security Requirements) and TSR (Transport Security Requirements), which can be achieved through independent audits or, for Level 3 (basic), via self-certification by a registered Authorised Auditor (AA), followed by submission of documentation to TAPA for validation and issuance of a certificate typically valid for three years. The Security Requirements established by the Association are recognised worldwide as industry benchmarks, making TAPA certification an essential mark of excellence for customers seeking the highest levels of reliability and protection.

This achievement not only affirms DHL Express as the global leader in secure logistics but also highlights Nigeria’s strategic contribution to the company’s security excellence in SSA.

Adrian Whelan, SVP and Head of Global Security at DHL Express, commented: “The TAPA certification of Lekki and the 53 sites TAPA certified across the SSA Region highlights DHL Express’ commitment to providing our customers in Africa with world-class security infrastructure. Customers want to ship their valuable goods through a secure and resilient supply chain, and DHL Express provides the most secure and resilient supply chain, not only in SSA but globally”.

The TAPA FSR certification is a central element of the broader security strategy of DHL Express. As global supply chains become increasingly complex, certified operations ensure consistent protection, risk mitigation, and resilience across the entire DHL network.

The achievement of the TAPA FSR certification was formally celebrated on May 13 during an event hosted at the DHL Express Lekki facility in Lagos, Nigeria. The event brought together private and public sector partners who share the aim of building resilient, transparent, and high-standard logistics ecosystems across SSA.

– on behalf of DHL Express.

Media Contact: 
DHL Express SSA
Lerato Moeletsi-Banda
Mail: lerato.moeletsi-banda@dhl.com

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About DHL Group: 
DHL Group is the world’s leading logistics company. The Group connects people and markets and is an enabler of global trade. It aspires to be the first choice for customers, employees, investors and green logistics worldwide. To this end, DHL Group is focusing on accelerating sustainable growth in its profitable core logistics businesses and Group growth initiatives. The Group contributes to the world through sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship, and environmental activities. By the year 2050, DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics.​

DHL Group is home to two strong brands: DHL offers a comprehensive range of parcel, express, freight transport, and supply chain management services as well as e-commerce logistics solutions. Deutsche Post is the largest postal service provider in Europe and the market leader in the German mail market. DHL Group employs approximately 584,000 people in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion Euros in 2025.

The logistics company for the world.

Source: APO – Report:

H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), and Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), held a joint press briefing at the CBE’s headquarters on 13 May 2026 to address preparations for 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2026). The AAM2026 will be held under the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in Alamein city from 21 to 24 June 2026.

Attended by over 100 local and international media representatives, both in person and virtually, the briefing provided updates on preparations for AAM2026, expected participation, and Egypt’s role as host country for one of Africa’s leading annual gatherings focused on advancing the continent’s economic transformation.

In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the successful hosting of the AAM2026 and emphasised the country’s readiness to host the event as well as its long-standing partnership with Afreximbank to support Africa’s economic development, trade and investment.

Mr Abdalla said: “Egypt is honoured to host the 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Alamein, reflecting our continued commitment to supporting Africa’s economic integration, trade expansion, and sustainable development.”

He also noted that these Meetings represent a high-level platform for dialogue and the exchange of views on the future of African economic and financial cooperation.

He added: “The Meetings extend beyond conventional discussions to advance key continental priorities, including trade finance, regional integration, and the pressing need to reform the global financial architecture to better reflect the development needs of emerging economies.”

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, expressed his appreciation to H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla for his strong support and commitment to hosting AAM2026 in Alamein and for the efforts by all relevant institutions in coordinating these meetings in Egypt.

 “Egypt and Afreximbank share a common vision to accelerate Africa’s economic development, industrialisation, and widespread economic prosperity across the continent.

 “AAM2026 will provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships, unlock investment opportunities, and advance discussions on intra-African trade, Africa’s financial sovereignty, and its economic resilience in an increasingly complex global environment”.

Dr Elombi added that “Through our Annual Meetings, Afreximbank aims to identify priority projects and actionable programmes that will accelerate the transformation of Africa’s trade infrastructure. Africa’s pace of growth will be driven by industrialisation and intra-African trade, and achieving this will require significant improvements in processing, logistics, and importantly, policy support from governments.”

The briefing underscored the strong strategic partnership between Egypt and Afreximbank, while highlighting the Bank’s support for key sectors, including financial services, trade, industrial infrastructure, manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, power, and construction.

Additionally, the press briefing outlined the significant opportunities associated with Egypt hosting AAM2026, including enhancing the country’s position as a regional financial and business hub, supporting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, creating new opportunities for Egyptian businesses, investors and the broader private sector, as well as providing a major boost to tourism in Alamein.

Dr Elombi said that the Bank has provided approximately US$9.5 billion in financing to Egypt over the past three years. He also referenced the groundbreaking of the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in New Administrative Capital in December 2025, noting that the landmark US$250 million development will strengthen Egypt’s role as a regional hub for trade facilitation, payments, logistics, and SME development.

Dr Elombi further outlined plans for the proposed pan-African Gold Bank, an initiative designed to formalise Africa’s gold value chains, strengthen central bank reserves, and reduce the continent’s dependence on offshore refining and external trading centres.

Over the years, Afreximbank’s Annual Meetings have become one of the leading platforms for shaping dialogue on Africa’s economic future and advancing intra-Africa trade. The 33^rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings are expected to bring together Heads of State, government ministers, central bank governors, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, private sector investors, and development partners. They will deliberate on the key issues shaping Africa’s economic future and trade agenda, while advancing practical solutions for the continent.

The AAM2026 programme will offer policy discussions, plenary sessions, business and investment forums, deal-signing ceremonies, major announcements, networking events, bilateral meetings, and forums on intra-African trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It will also feature presentations on trade finance, industrialisation, energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

– 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 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), and. Moody’s (Baa2). 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