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DIRCO warns youth of unverified foreign job offers promoted by influencers

Source: Government of South Africa

DIRCO warns youth of unverified foreign job offers promoted by influencers

The Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Clayson Monyela, has advised young people, particularly girls, to be cautious of unverified foreign job offers. 

Some of these job opportunities are being promoted by influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

“Human trafficking syndicates are luring people into all sorts of illegal activities under slave-life conditions. If something looks too good to be true, get a second opinion. Contact the department or any of our embassies in the country of interest,” he said.

This follows the backlash faced by influencer and DJ Cyan Bujee, whose real name is Honour Zuma, for promoting the Alabuga Start programme in Russia. 

Alabuga Start describes itself as an international programme designed for young women aged 18 to 22 from countries in Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia. It provides them with the opportunity to relocate to Russia and develop their careers.

Currently, the programme offers seven career tracks, including catering, service and hospitality, production operator, driver, installation work, finishing work, and logistics.

According to an investigation by the Associated Press (AP), young women are lured to Russia with promises of plane tickets, education, higher salaries, and the chance of a “European” adventure. 

However, they often find themselves working at a drone manufacturing plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia, alongside students as young as 16 years old.

According to the AP, women aged 18 to 22 have been targeted from countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, as well as from Sri Lanka and Latin America in response to a domestic labour shortage caused by wartime casualties and mass emigration.

“Most of the women interviewed by AP said that life at Alabuga did not meet their expectations. Four of the women interviewed said they had to work shifts of up to 12 hours and that they had inconsistent days off,” The Moscow Times reported.

Bloomberg reported that the Alabuga zone has been accused in three research reports from organisations, including the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), of deceiving African women into working at the plant that assembles Shahed 136 kamikaze drones.

Meanwhile, the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster has warned young people against illegitimate and unverified opportunities targeting women and announced an investigation into these issues.

“The video clip circulated by a social media influencer, which purports to promote a two-year-long ‘Start program’ targeting young women in acquiring professional skills and commencing their careers, is currently under investigation.

“Notably, the author of the post has since removed the promotional video from her social media platforms,” the statement read. 

The cluster has advised job seekers not to depend solely on social media promotions. 

It said it was important to cross-check information and seek a second opinion from a trusted source.

The cluster encouraged young people to verify job opportunities through official channels, including the DIRCO, and to contact South African embassies in the countries where these opportunities are located. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tributes continue to pour in for actress Nandi Nyembe 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tributes continue to pour in for actress Nandi Nyembe 

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) has paid tribute to legendary actress Nandi Nyembe, affectionately known as Mam’ Nandi.

Nyembe passed away on Saturday, 23 August 2025, at the age of 75.

“Mam’ Nandi was more than an actress. She was a cultural torchbearer whose work reflected the resilience, struggles and triumphs of South Africans. She gave voice to our stories and left an indelible mark on the nation’s artistic and cultural landscape. 

“Her passing is a tremendous loss not only to the creative sector, but to the soul of our country,” Chairperson of the SACR Portfolio Committee Disebo Tlebere said on Monday.

READ | Tributes continue for Mama Nandi Nyembe

Mam’ Nandi’s career spanned decades, during which she graced South African stages and screens with performances that were both powerful and timeless. 

She became a household name through her memorable role as Nandi Sibiya in Zone 14 and further enriched South African storytelling with her outstanding portrayals in Yizo Yizo, Izoso Connexion, Isibaya, Isithembiso, House of Zwide, and numerous other productions. 

Her versatility also shone through in feature films such as Reasonable Man (1999), Saturday Night at the Palace (1987), and the award-winning Yesterday (2004).

The Committee has extended its deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, colleagues and millions of fans across South Africa and beyond, who are left heartbroken by this loss. 

“Her passing marks not only the departure of an extraordinary actress, but also a cultural icon whose artistry touched generations.

“The Committee salutes Mam’ Nandi for her remarkable contribution to the performing arts and her role in shaping South Africa’s cultural identity. As the country bids farewell to this icon, her legacy will continue to inspire artists and audiences for generations to come,” the Committee said. 

The Nyembe and the  Department of Sport, Arts and Culture announced the death of the actress in a joint statement at the weekend. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities welcomes second consecutive unqualified audit report

Source: APO – Report:

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has achieved its second consecutive clean audit report from the Auditor-General, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen financial management and good governance.

A clean audit outcome confirms that the department’s financial statements are free from material misstatements and that it has fully complied with relevant legislation, reflecting sound accountability and transparency in its operations.

Minister Chikunga and Deputy Minister Lestsike welcomed the Audit outcome, describing it as a vital step forward towards building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. In a joint statement, they commended the department’s unwavering commitment to good governance, ethical standards, and strengthened internal controls, noting that the achievement reflects consistent dedication to accountability and service delivery.

As detailed in the Auditor General’s engagement letter, the following programmes were presented in the annual performance report for the year ended 31 March 2025 for auditing.

  • Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Women:
  • Monitoring, Evaluation,
  • Research and Coordination; and
  • Rights of Youth.

The Department has strengthened its audit approach to ensure that irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditures (IFWE) are subjected to audit to confirm the validity, accuracy and completeness of the amounts recorded, even though they have been removed from the annual financial statements. 

The AGSA’s favourable opinion is based on critical areas, which include the Timely Submission of Annual Financial Statements. This clean audit, defined as an unqualified opinion with no material findings, demonstrates the department’s dedication towards good governance, ethical standards, and stronger internal controls.

Although a clean audit doesn’t necessarily mean responsive service delivery, the department will continue with the clarion commitment and a call to ensure that women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities are mainstreamed in public and private sector services.

– on behalf of South African Government.

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Republic of Guinea enhance prevention and response to gender-based violence and sexual harassment

Source: APO – Report:

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ECOWAS and the Republic of Guinea enhance prevention and response to gender-based violence and sexual harassment through national training workshop.

The ECOWAS Gender Development Center (EGDC), in partnership with the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children, and Vulnerable Persons of the Republic of Guinea, organised a four-day national training workshop on ECOWAS tools for the prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment in workplaces and educational settings, from the 20th to 23rd of August 2025 in Conakry.

The national training workshop forms part of the implementation of action plans arising from ECOWAS regional policies on the prevention of and response to GBV and sexual harassment in workplaces and educational settings, adopted in 2021. The training brought together participants from the Ministry responsible for Women, Children and Vulnerable Groups; the Ministry of Health (including medical and paramedical professionals); the Ministry of Justice (notably judicial actors such as judges and lawyers); the Ministry of Youth; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Labour; judicial police officers; and social actors including civil society organisations working on the issue.

In his welcome address, the Director of the ECOWAS National Office, Ambassador Elhadj Ibrahim Diallo, who is also the Director of African Integration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Guineans Abroad, emphasized that GBV remains one of the most widespread and persistent violations of human rights, significantly impacting the dignity, health, and well-being of survivors, most of whom are women and girls. He also noted that, beyond their social effects, GBV hampers economic development, erodes social cohesion, and threatens peace and security within communities.

For his part The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, Ambassador Louis-Blaise AKA-BROU, praised the efforts of the Guinean government, which, through the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and Vulnerable Persons, has marked a decisive turning point in the fight for zero tolerance of gender-based violence and sexual harassment. In his view, the various strategies, preventive measures and support for survivors developed by the Republic of Guinea fit perfectly into ECOWAS’ regional fight to address the major challenges of gender inequality. He also urged participants to work together to address the many challenges and eradicate flagrant violations against women and girls.

Speaking at the opening, General Roger Yassy Klönon, Secretary-General of the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children, and Vulnerable Persons, thanked the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) for hosting the training in Guinea. He emphasized the timeliness of the initiative, given recent incidents of violence in the country and stated that the workshop would enhance the capacities of stakeholders in preventing and responding to gender- based violence and sexual harassment. He then officially declared the National Training programme open.

This capacity-building forms part of the priority actions of the ECOWAS regional strategy to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence and to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, as well as the ECOWAS policy on sexual harassment in workplaces and educational institutions and the related action plans.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Mali Chamber of Mines President to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Fousseni Togola, President of the Chamber of Mines of Mali, will participate as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders.

Togola will feature in the Unlocking Value: Scaling Up Gold Refining and Processing in Africa panel, where he is expected to highlight efforts by Mali to expand gold production and drive economic growth through local value addition.

African Mining Week 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.

As Africa’s second-largest gold producer, Mali is taking bold steps to sustain and grow its mining sector, collaborating with global investors on exploration, production maximization and infrastructure development. In July 2025, the country granted a permit for Canada’s B2Gold to begin underground mining at the Fekola Mine. The project will boost Mali’s output by 25,000 to 35,000 ounces annually. Similarly, Canada’s Robex Resources and Australia’s Toubani Resources finalized agreements with Mali to kickstart the construction of new gold production facilities.

As the leading platform for advancing local beneficiation strategies, AMW represents the ideal venue for Togola to outline Mali’s value addition roadmap. In July 2025, the country began constructing a gold refinery in partnership with Russia. With a capacity of 200 tons per year, the facility is expected to increase Mali’s revenue from monetization of value-added products and processing of gold from regional producers. Mali has also introduced five new funding facilities aimed at boosting investment across key areas of the mining sector. These include empowering small-scale miners, advancing geological research and exploration and improving the transport and energy infrastructure essential for mining operations. Against this backdrop, AMW presents a strategic platform for Togola to engage global investors and spotlight emerging opportunities within the country’s burgeoning gold industry.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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The International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS) Returns to Windhoek in October, Unveiling Unprecedented Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Energy Hub

Source: APO – Report:

(www.IAEGOS.com) is proud to announce that Africa’s premier investment platform IAEOGS will return for its fourth edition from October 6-9 at in Windhoek Namibia, this year.

Uniting global financiers, high-profile project developers, and key players from both in Africa and global energy landscape, the IAEOG Summit and exhibition proudly takes place with the full support and endorsement of the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and several others, as well as the key players in the private sector.

The 4th Edition of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS)Namibia 2025, would feature panel discussions, presentations, exhibitions, Presidential dinner, golf tournament, award presentations, tours, Energy Concert and a host of others. The venue for Charity Golf Tournament is the 18th Hole Championship Golf Course of the prestigious Windhoek Golf & Country Club.

According to APM Chairman (www.AfricanPeace.org) Hon Justice Suleiman Galadima JSC rtd., OFR CFR, “expanding on the success of previous editions, IAEOGS 2025 will be bigger and better as we bring together industry leaders and foster collaboration for a more resilient African Energy, oil and gas landscape.”

Noah Ajare, Group CEO, notes that “Africa’s energy sector is ripe for investment and the IAEOGS 2025 summits and Exhibition serves as a bridge connecting foreign companies and their African counterparts.’’

The theme of IAEOGS 2025 is “Getting it Right“, reflecting on the urgent need to get Africa’s energy issues right. Natural resources must translate into socio economic development and poverty alleviation. It focuses also on Africa’s defining moment to accelerate energy access, localize value chains, and fast-track just and inclusive energy transitions.

Hosting the IAEOGS again, Namibia is emerging as a significant frontier for oil and gas, marked by major offshore discoveries by companies like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp in the Orange Basin starting in 2022. Despite challenges, including Shell’s recent decision to write down some discoveries due to commercial viability concerns, the country is attracting considerable investor interest and aims to fast-track development for first oil production by the end of the decade. TotalEnergies is targeting a final investment decision for its Venus discovery by late 2026, with first oil projected for 2029, while Galp continues to progress development of its Mopane field

Time to Invest is Now?

Africa’s energy, oil, and gas industry is experiencing unprecedented momentum and the time to invest is now.

In 2024 alone, the African energy sector attracted over $120 billion in investments, with $75 billion directed toward oil and gas development. These record-breaking inflows reflect surging global demand, untapped reserves, and the steady rise of indigenous players reshaping the continent’s energy narrative from within.

Today, Africa stands as one of the last frontiers for large scale energy exploration and expansion. From new natural gas discoveries in Mozambique and Senegal to oil rich fields in Namibia and Nigeria, the region is drawing renewed global interest from financiers, supermajors, EPC contractors, and independent producers alike.

Meanwhile, local companies are no longer spectators. Indigenous oil and gas firms now account for 35% of operational control across the continent—up from just 20% ten years ago. This shift reflects not only improved technical capacity but also stronger regulatory backing for African-led development and ownership.

WHY NOW?

Africa is home to more than 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These resources are increasingly vital as global markets seek diversified, stable, and lower-emission supply chains. Yet, paradoxically, over 600 million Africans still lack access to reliable electricity a gap that offers both a moral and economic imperative for accelerated investment.

As countries build frameworks under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is projected to unlock a $3.4 trillion market, energy infrastructure stands at the heart of Africa’s economic future.

IAEOGS aims to attract international attention to Namibia’s investment opportunities and contribute to the continued development of its national energy, oil and gas sector.

IAEOGS 2025 will be larger than previous editions. A record number of participants are expected, with attendees from over 45 countries. The event will feature more than 1,000 delegates, 250 exhibitors, and 200 speakers. The conference serves as a key platform for businesses, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange insights, foster partnerships, and shape the future of the energy sector.

Registration for participants is already open. To encourage local participation, companies headquartered in Namibia receive a 50% discount on the standard rate. This initiative offers local businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves to the world and connect with investors, policymakers, and other players in the energy industry.

Local Content?

Local oil producers in Nigeria have significantly increased their contribution to national production, now accounting for over 50% of the country’s crude oil output compared to approximately 40% before international majors began divesting onshore operations. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission data shows indigenous firms are key to achieving the government’s additional one million barrels daily production target by next year.

Recent milestones include Green Energy International’s launch of Nigeria’s first fully indigenous onshore crude export terminal at Otakikpo, with 360,000 barrels-per-day capacity. The facility is expected to unlock stranded reserves across 40 marginal fields in the Niger Delta region.

Green Energy International Ltd is the gold sponsor of IAEOGS 2025.

IAEOGS is a major gathering for the oil and gas industry, drawing participants from various sectors. High-level delegates, including government officials, industry leaders, and international representatives, attend the summit. The event focuses on discussions, networking, and deal-making opportunities, fostering collaboration and sustainable development within the oil and gas sector.

Early bird extended to 30th August 2025.

Register now and be a part of a transformative experience that promises to shape the future of African Energy landscape.

Participants can look forward to business to business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) meetings, policy dialogues, sector-focused panels, investment showcases, gain access to financing facilities, high-level panel discussions, exhibitions, business network session, and explore trade and investment opportunities.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF IAEOGS 2025

– $1 billion+ in investment deals projected during summit week
– 500+ curated, pre-vetted B2B meetings for deal facilitation
– 1,000+ exhibitors spanning oil, gas, renewables, hydrogen, storage, infrastructure, and finance
– 8 high-impact thematic tracks, including:
   – Energy Transition Strategies
   – Local Content Development
   – Infrastructure & Grid Expansion
   – Climate Finance & ESG
   – Regulatory Reforms & Investment Protection
   – Gas Monetization & LNG
   – Downstream & Midstream Value Chains
   – Digitalization & Emerging Technologies
– African Energy Excellence Awards honoring innovation, leadership, and sustainable development
– Charity Golf Tournament supporting youth entrepreneurship and technical education

DON’T MISS OUT

Whether you are a multinational, indigenous operator, fund manager, tech innovator, or policymaker IAEOGS 2025 is where Africa’s energy future takes shape. Meet the decision-makers, secure bankable deals, and join the community powering the next energy revolution.

SECURE YOUR PARTICIPATION

Sponsorships, keynote speaking, exhibition space, and partnerships are now open but slots are limited.

“Africa is not just rich in resources it is rich in possibilities. The time to act is now.”

– on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

Contact:
Sandra Chia
Phone:  +44 7407 399 766
Email: info@iaeogs.com
Visit: www.IAEGOS.com

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Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9): African Development Bank and Aerosense Inc sign Letter of Intent (LOI) to advance cooperation and projects in drone technology in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and Aerosense Inc have signed an agreement to advance cooperation and projects in drone technology in Africa. Aerosense Inc. is a leading Japanese company engaged in drone manufacturing.

Representatives of both institutions signed a Letter of Intent on Thursday 21 August, on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama, Japan. The agreement was signed by Mr. Solomon Quaynor, Vice President  for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization, AfDB and Mr. Kohtaro Sabe, President & CEO, Aerosense Inc.

The agreement formalizes a relationship of mutual co-operation, assistance, information and knowledge sharing between the two institutions, exploring co-financing and deal opportunities and appropriate coordination of actions between them and their respective teams, specifically concerning the promotion of sustainable infrastructure solutions in Africa.

Aerosense Inc.’s drone solution was selected through a call for proposals under the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA) in June 2025.

Under the agreement, the Bank will facilitate coordination with the public sector, lead awareness-raising campaigns, support capacity building for local partners, and explore possible debt (and/or equity) financing support for projects related to the deployment of drone solutions.

Aerosense Inc. on its part, would conduct demand studies for drone solution in target African markets, perform technical feasibility studies for the application of drone solution, considering local geographical conditions, and explore possible deployment opportunities upon positive feasibility study results.

“The program is a bold response to Africa’s growing infrastructure challenges. By partnering with Aerosense, we will not only promote efficient road management but also consider promoting other unique solutions such as disaster management, river/flooding control, agricultural sensing, and medical equipment delivery,” Quaynor said.

Mr. Sabe stated: “It is a great honor to serve the people in Africa with our Japanese technology for enhancing their quality of life. We are looking forward to collaborating with AfDB to build a better future together in a concrete manner”.

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

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

About Aerosense Inc.:
Established in 2015. With the mission of “bringing about change and contributing to society with drone technology”, we are developing unique hardware and software solutions created from high technological capabilities in the fields of surveying, inspection, monitoring, and logistics. We make full use of our in-house development system, from hardware design to cloud data analysis, and provide a “One push solution” that allows on-site people to easily proceed with their work with the touch of a button.

Website: Aerosense Inc. HP: https://Aerosense.co.jp/

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

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DWYPD secures second clean audit

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has received a clean audit from the Auditor-General for the second consecutive year, marking a significant milestone in government’s efforts to strengthen financial management and good governance within government.

A clean audit confirms that a department’s financial statements are free from material misstatements and fully comply with relevant legislation, reflecting sound accountability and transparency in its operations.

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike welcomed the outcome, describing it as a vital step towards building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

In a joint statement, they commended the department’s unwavering commitment to good governance, ethical standards, and strengthened internal controls.

“The achievement reflects consistent dedication to accountability and service delivery,” Chikunga and Letsike said.

The Auditor-General’s engagement report confirmed that the following programmes were audited in the annual performance report for the financial year, ending 31 March 2024:
• Advocacy and mainstreaming for the rights of women;
• Monitoring and evaluation;
• Research and coordination; and
• Rights of youth.

The department said it has strengthened its audit approach to ensure that irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditures are subjected to audit to confirm the validity, accuracy and completeness of the amounts recorded, even when they have been excluded from the annual financial statements.

According to the Auditor-General, the favourable opinion was based on critical areas, including the timely submission of annual financial statements.

This clean audit, defined as an unqualified opinion with no material findings, demonstrates the department’s dedication towards good governance, ethical standards, and stronger internal controls,” Chikunga and Letsike said.

While acknowledging that a clean audit does not necessarily mean responsive service delivery, the department reiterated its commitment and call to ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities are mainstreamed in public and private sector services. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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New regulations for ship-to-ship transfer operations

Source: Government of South Africa

New regulations for ship-to-ship transfer operations

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has signed new regulations to manage offshore ship-to-ship transfer operations, which will see transgressors pay fines of up to R2 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The new rules are designed to prevent pollution, protect coastal ecosystems, minimise and mitigate the impacts of a spill in the unlikely event that one occurs and secure the survival of the African Penguin, together with other marine species and ecosystems in the rich biodiverse Algoa Bay and along South Africa’s coastline in general.

“These regulations are a decisive step to safeguard our oceans and secure the future of our African Penguin. They set strict standards for offshore ship-to-ship transfers, ensuring that maritime activity can only proceed in a safe and responsible way,” the Minister said.

George signed the Regulations for the Environmental Management of Offshore Ship-to-Ship Transfer, published under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No. 24 of 2008).

These regulations will come into force once published in the Government Gazette. 

They provide South Africa with a clear and enforceable environmental framework to manage offshore ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations, including bunkering. 

The new measures include:

  • Prohibited zones: STS operations are banned within marine protected areas, aquaculture development zones, within 5 nautical miles of each of these zones and within three nautical miles of the high-water mark.
  • Wildlife protection: Operators must monitor for penguins and marine mammals, deploy hydrophone systems, and report sightings and incidents. Immediate response plans must be in place for any oiled or injured wildlife.
  • Weather limits: In Algoa Bay, operations may only take place in safe conditions, with wind speeds below 22 knots and wave heights below two metres. The Minister may set conditions elsewhere.
  • Pollution prevention: Operators must use drip trays, leak detection systems, inflatable booms, and have a spill-response vessel on standby within five nautical miles of shore.
  • Training and compliance: All crew must receive environmental awareness training. Each operator must also submit an independent Environmental Management Plan, approved by the Minister, addressing site-specific risks.
  • Algoa Bay restrictions: Operations are confined to designated anchorages, with a limit on the number of operators and tankers, and seasonal restrictions in anchorage area 2 to protect sensitive habitats.

The signed regulations can be accessed here: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislation/regulationsforshiptoshiptransfersignedministergeorge.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Diamond Partner Amid African Financing Drive

Source: APO – Report:

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Multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has joined this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a Diamond Partner amid a growing push to advance access to financing across the continent’s energy sector. As one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, the organization plays a critical role in driving African energy and infrastructure projects forward. Afreximbank’s participation is expected to support new transactions across the continent as the continent strives to make energy poverty history by 2030. 

Under a mission to stimulate the consistent expansion, diversification and development of African trade, Afreximbank has supported key projects across the continent. Recent investments reflect this mission and are poised to transform regional economies. In August 2025, Afreximbank committed to funding energy projects in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, signing a series of agreements aimed at unlocking $1 billion. Agreements include a $300 million deal with NBS Bank of Malawi to de-risk multiple sectors – including energy, transport and logistics -; a Heads of Terms deal with Green Hybrid Power Private Limited to mobilize $4.4 million for a 1 GW hybrid solar project in Zimbabwe; and a deal with Proton Energy featuring a $4 million facility for a 500 MW Sapele Gas Power Plant in Nigeria.

Afreximbank has also played an instrumental part in financing Africa’s largest crude oil refinery: the Dangote facility in Nigeria. Since the refinery’s start in 2024, the organization has provided key financing solutions, with the most recent transaction including a $1.35 billion financing facility to refinance capital expended on constructing the facility. The facility is part of a larger $4 billion syndicated financing arrangements for Dangote Industries Limited, with Afreximbank serving as the Mandated Lead Arranger. Afreximbank was also mandated as the financial advisor to raise capital for the $4.5 billion EG-27 LNG project, developed by Equatorial Guinea’s state-owned gas corporation Sociedad Nacional de Gas de Guinea Ecuatorial. Afreximbank will leverage its financial structuring expertise and investor network to mobilize capital, thereby supporting the development of the facility.

Beyond project financing, a cornerstone of Afreximbank’s strategy is the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), a strategic institution that brings new sources of financing for African energy projects. Established in partnership with the African Petroleum Producers Organization, the AEB is expected to address the continent’s investment gap – estimated between $31 billion and $50 billion. With an initial capitalization of $5 billion, the bank offers tailored funding solutions to meet Africa’s energy needs. To date, the partners have selected Abuja, Nigeria as the headquarters of the institution. Consulting firm PWC has been hired as project management consultants while Angola, Ghana and Nigeria have fulfilled their commitments to funding the bank. As the AEB prepares for launch, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will serve as a vital platform for fostering engagement between project developers and financiers.

“Afreximbank’s track record of providing financing for African energy projects has yielded positive results for Africa’s energy sector. These financing structures are expected to support the development and expansion of critical oil and gas infrastructure in Africa, underscoring the instrumental role organizations such as Afreximbank play in strengthening Africa’s energy sector. These transactions reflect a broader commitment by Afreximbank to mobilizing capital, spurring development and facilitating cross-border trade across the continent,” states NJ Ayuk, executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.