Category: English

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF) has approved a grant of 1.7 billion CFA francs to finance the Project to Strengthen Competitiveness of the Private Sector across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

The project aims to strengthen competitiveness of the private sector and the broader economy across all eight WAEMU member states: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo, while supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It will do so by capitalising on production and trade opportunities, and facilitating the region’s deeper integration into the AfCFTA market.

National consultations will be convened with National Committees of the Free Trade Area to assess the implementation status of the AfCFTA Agreement and establish an operational framework. A regional workshop will follow to agree on a regional framework for accountability, facilitation and monitoring to strengthen the Agreement’s execution.

The project will also deliver targeted support, including training of trainers, to 80 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are ready to start exporting their products. Many of these SMEs are owned by women and young people. They will receive guidance on export procedures, access to finance, regulatory compliance, use of new technologies, and sustainable production practices.

“The project aims to establish a framework for harmonising and aligning national strategies, and leverages the complementarities and synergies of national efforts, whilst strengthening the effectiveness of existing instruments for promoting sub-regional integration,” said Lamin Barrow, the African Development Bank Group’s Director General for West Africa. He added that the Bank has extensive experience in supporting regional integration, through operations in infrastructure, trade facilitation and export diversification.

The project’s direct beneficiaries include the public institutions responsible for AfCFTA implementation, private-sector stakeholders within the Union, and the broader population of approximately 147 million people. The interventions are expected to yield tangible gains through improved trade facilitation, reduced trade costs, and the creation of medium- and long-term trade opportunities. The project will further WAEMU’s capacity as a customs union and support the WAEMU Regional Chamber of Commerce in its role as the private sector’s representative in the regional integration process.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé,
Department of Communication and External Relations,
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
African Development Bank Group is the leading development finance institution in Africa. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Special Fund (NSF). Represented in 41 African countries, with a field office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO

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The rise of Namibia as one of the world’s most closely watched oil and gas frontiers did not happen by accident. Long before the wave of supermajors and billion-dollar discoveries, a small group of local pioneers were working to position the country as a serious player in global energy markets. Among them, Knowledge Katti stands out for both the scale of his ambition and the lasting imprint of his work.

Today, Katti serves as Chairman and CEO of Custos Energy and as a Director at Sintana Energy – roles that place him at the center of Namibia’s ongoing exploration and investment story, including some of the country’s most significant recent offshore developments.

Ownership Before Access

Katti’s journey into energy was not conventional. He began his career at PwC (formerly Coopers & Lybrand), where he audited some of Namibia’s largest companies including Rössing Uranium. It was here that he developed a critical understanding of ownership structures – and a growing concern. Namibia’s resources were generating significant value, but that value was largely accruing to foreign shareholders rather than Namibians themselves.

That realization became a defining driver. From early on, Katti focused not simply on participation in the sector, but on ownership – arguing that Namibians needed equity stakes in their natural resources if the country was to fully benefit from its wealth.

Katti’s early efforts to enter the resources sector were met with resistance. At the time, local players were often told they needed foreign partners before they could secure licenses. Meanwhile, junior companies from markets like Canada and Australia were acquiring licenses first and raising capital afterward. Katti challenged this model, advocating for a system that would allow Namibians to lead projects from inception.

A turning point came in the mid-2000s, when he shifted focus offshore. Drawing on extensive research into the Kudu Gas Field and the broader Orange Basin, Katti presented a development vision to Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and NAMCOR. His efforts resulted in the award of an offshore license adjacent to the Kudu field – an important breakthrough for indigenous participation in the upstream sector.

To finance this vision, Katti took a step few had attempted before: accessing international capital markets. By listing his company on the Toronto Stock Exchange through a reverse listing that became UNX Energy, he helped establish one of the first Namibian-led, internationally listed oil and gas companies. While early drilling campaigns did not deliver commercial success, the experience laid critical groundwork for future development.

Ownership Before Access

Equally significant was Katti’s role in shaping Namibia’s approach to resource governance. He was an early and vocal advocate for ensuring that the state – through NAMCOR – held meaningful equity stakes in oil and gas projects. This approach helped secure a substantial national position in the Kudu Gas Field and set a precedent for embedding national participation into the structure of future deals.

As the scale of offshore opportunity became clearer, Katti adapted his strategy. Rather than pursuing development alone, he focused on bringing in global partners with the technical and financial capacity to unlock Namibia’s deepwater resources. Through sustained engagement and dealmaking, he played a catalytic role in attracting companies such as Shell, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Chevron and Galp into Namibia’s offshore basin.

“Knowledge Katti’s strategy of prioritizing local ownership while deliberately attracting top-tier global partners has been truly transformative. It has unlocked significant inflows of international capital and technical expertise, fuelling a surge in exploration activity and leading to major discoveries that have firmly repositioned Namibia within the global energy landscape,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Beyond transactions and policy, Katti has also invested in Namibia’s human capital. Over the years, he has supported the education of more than 120 Namibian students, reflecting a long-standing belief that the country’s energy future must be built on local expertise as much as natural resources.

Today, as Namibia enters a new phase of development – marked by large-scale discoveries and growing investor interest – the foundations laid over the past two decades are becoming increasingly visible. The country’s emphasis on local participation, its ability to attract global partners and its expanding talent base all reflect a broader vision that has been years in the making.

Katti’s contribution lies not only in individual deals or discoveries, but in helping to shape the framework through which Namibia’s energy sector operates. In doing so, he has played a central role in ensuring that the country is not just a destination for investment, but an active participant in its own energy future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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As Africa intensifies the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to ensure its estimated $8.5 trillion in untapped resources contribute to inclusive economic growth, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – scheduled for October 14-16, 2026 in Cape Town – will spotlight the initiatives driving this transformation.

A dedicated panel titled Accelerating the Formalization of ASGM will bring together ASM operators, government regulators and investors to discuss the sector’s role in strengthening Africa’s mining industry growth.

Growing Critical Minerals Demand Anchors Africa’s ASM Empowerment Agenda.

The ASM sector supports millions of livelihoods across Africa, prompting governments to accelerate its formalization to unlock the full potential of the continent’s 30% share of global critical minerals.

For instance, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed an agreement with mining company ERG in February 2026 to empower ASM players in the cobalt sector. As the world’s top cobalt supplier, formalizing ASM operators could transform the sector by boosting employment and ensuring cobalt wealth translates into tangible socioeconomic gains.

https://apo-opa.co/481eoAY

Zambia is also empowering ASM players as part of its strategy to increase copper output to three million tons by 2031. The country’s Geological and Minerals Development Act of 2025 established a dedicated Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Fund, providing financial support to ASM operators. With global copper supply expected to face deficits in the 2030s and Zambia pushing to increase output, formalizing ASM could deliver significant gains.

https://apo-opa.co/4dOtaim

Accelerating ASGM Integration Through Technology-Driven Initiatives

African gold-rich countries are accelerating the formalization of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operators to increase output and capitalize on strong prices which are anticipated to remain above $5,000 per ounce throughout 2026. For example, Ghana is leveraging initiatives such as the Ghana Gold Board, the planetGold Ghana program and the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program to improve market access for ASM operators while strengthening technical skills and sector productivity.

These efforts follow an increase in ASGM export revenues, from $5 billion in 2024 to $10 billion in 2025, highlighting the sector’s growing economic importance.

https://apo-opa.co/483xiXV

Similarly, the DRC is implementing several measures to integrate ASGM players into the formal gold supply. These include the March 2026 launch of a gold refinery in Kalemie, designed to purchase gold directly from ASGM operators and channel it into the formal market.

The government has also partnered with Phoenix Capital to implement the ASGM Empowerment AXIS program and GoldConnect program, which aim to provide financing and digital technologies to support ASGM operations.

With a national target to export 15–18 tons of gold in 2026, these initiatives are expected to ensure that rising global demand translates into tangible community benefits across the DRC.

https://apo-opa.co/4cvKaaL

Global Partnerships Support Africa’s ASGM Empowerment Efforts

International partners are also supporting Africa’s ASM sector. The World Gold Council is working with Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Zambia and Tanzania to deploy gold processing facilities designed to improve efficiency and support responsible mining practices for ASM players

At a regional level, programs such as the ACP-EU Development Minerals Program – implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Program – are advancing Africa’s agenda to formalize ASM operators. The program has already deployed €13.2 million during its first phase, followed by €11.1 million in the second phase, while the current phase is allocating €9.2 million to support ASM through training, technical assistance and capacity development. The program is deployed in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Tanzania, Uganda, Guinea and Zambia.

Against this backdrop, AMW 2026 will serve as a key platform to highlight the policies, investments and partnerships shaping the future of the continent’s artisanal mining sector.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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Strengthening collaboration between the State and the Church to address key social challenges, including youth vulnerability, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, was the focus of discussions between the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, and the new Bishop of Port Victoria, Monsignor Landry Philippe Rasamison, at State House on Tuesday.

The President welcomed the Bishop, noting the significance of the engagement following his recent episcopal ordination on Sunday, 12 April 2026. He underscored the continued relevance of the Church’s message in the modern world, particularly in providing moral guidance and spiritual direction.

President Herminie commended the growing involvement of youth, namely altar servers, in Church activities, expressing admiration at their commitment and service. He emphasised that young people require guidance, active listening and accompaniment, warning that without sustained youth engagement, institutions risk losing their future relevance.

For his part, Monsignor Rasamison expressed appreciation for the President’s presence at his ordination, noting that the courtesy call reflects the important role of the Church in society and the value of continued engagement between the Church and the State.

Discussions also addressed pressing national concerns, including drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, with both parties recognising the need for a coordinated and sustained national response. The President further highlighted the enduring impact of transgenerational trauma, particularly in the context of the country’s history, and the importance of continued healing within society.

The President stressed that both the State and the Church have a shared responsibility to serve the people, noting that meaningful progress requires a common vision and closer cooperation.

Monsignor Rasamison also highlighted the importance of strengthening intermediary engagement, including the establishment of a liaison mechanism to serve as a bridgecoordination between the Church and the State.

President Herminie reaffirmed that the government’s readiness to support the mission of the Church, recognising its vital role in national development and social cohesion. He also emphasised the need to restore respect for religion while promoting tolerance within society.

The meeting also highlighted on the importance of spirituality, particularly in times of difficulty, with the President noting that his own life journey stands as a testament to the presence of a higher power. He encouraged the promotion of strong moral values, including the principles reflected in the Ten Commandments, as a foundation for a disciplined and cohesive society.

The President also undercored the importance of fostering greater understanding of religion within the education system, including promoting respect for different faiths from an early age, and welcomed continued dialog on the potential development of Catholic schools, as previously established.

During the exchange, the Bishop enquired about the President’s experience in office. President Herminie acknowledged that managing public expectations remains a key challenge, noting that perception and evolving national priorities continue to shape the relationship between leadership and the population. He also reflected on lessons learned, highlighting the complexities of past policy decisions and their long-term implications in an increasingly interconnected global environment.  

Engaging with the press following the meeting, the Bishop also informed of the nomination of Father Eric Leon as Vicar General, in accordance with customary practice following the ordination of a new bishop.

Born on 3 May 1972 in Ambanja, Madagascar, Bishop Rasamison is the first born in a family of six children. He pursued his philosophical and theological studies in Madagascar before obtaining a licentiate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome.

Ordained to the priesthood on 15 August 2000, he has served in various pastoral and administrative roles. Having lived and served in Seychelles for the past 13 years, he notably held positions as parish priest in La Misère and Anse aux Pins and is now a naturalised Seychellois.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The World Bank Group, through its private-sector arm the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Citi have signed a new 1.6 billion South African rand borrowing facility that will expand IFC’s ability to provide local currency financing in South Africa.

This facility adds to the World Bank Group’s suite of local currency financing instruments, strengthening its capacity to support private sector development. The facility has supported IFC’s anchor investment into the Cape Water outcome-based bond issued by South Africa’s FirstRand Bank – the first outcome bond issued by a commercial bank globally.

“Local currency financing and capital markets development in emerging and developing markets are critical priorities for the World Bank Group.” said Jorge Familiar, Vice President and World Bank Group Treasurer. “This facility is another example of what our partnerships with the private sector can deliver — from outcome bonds to local currency solutions — in support of long-term finance for job creation.”

This facility builds on a similar one established in Kenyan Shilling (KES) that IFC and Citi signed in 2024.The two institutions plan to continue replicating the facility across additional countries.

“This facility deepens our partnership with the World Bank Group,” said Stephanie von Friedeburg, Global Head of Citi’s Public Sector Group. “Following our Kenyan shilling transaction, this first South African rand facility reflects a model that can be replicated throughout emerging markets. It adds to the toolkit for development finance institutions and supports local currency financing where it is needed most.”

Currency volatility remains one of the most important priorities for private sector development in emerging markets. Deep and liquid capital markets are essential to ensuring access to local currency financing for development priorities — and by supporting new instruments in local capital markets, the World Bank Group contributes to the further deepening of those markets. Over the last decade, IFC has committed more than $33 billion in local currency financing across 71 local currencies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.