Category: English

Source: APO

Enlit Africa (http://apo-opa.co/46V5oxu), brought to you by VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com), is thrilled to announce the release of the Enlit Africa 2025 Post Event Report, a comprehensive summary of the transformative three-day event held in Cape Town. With over 7,000 attendees from 68 countries, this year’s gathering solidified its position as a pivotal platform for driving Africa’s energy and water transition forward.

The report captures the essence of an event that went beyond dialogue, showcasing real action, bold thinking, and meaningful connections under the theme “Challenge the Status Quo.” It offers a detailed look at the conversations, innovations, and outcomes that are shaping the future of Africa’s power, energy, and water sectors.

Download the report (http://apo-opa.co/4kWSaUn)

What’s Inside the Report?

Key Themes: The report offers key insight into critical discussions on small modular reactor (SMR) regulation, battery storage, tariff reform, and municipal turnaround strategies, and highlights how these issues are reshaping the continent’s energy agenda and driving tangible progress.

Event Highlights:

From inspiring keynotes by leaders like South Africa’s Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to the Renewable Energy & Storage Hub addressing grid and finance gaps, the report showcases moments that defined the event.

The Project & Investment Network facilitated connections between projects and funding, while Women in Energy celebrated inclusive leadership. Water Security Africa reframed water as critical infrastructure.

Site Visit Snapshots:

Beyond the conference, delegates visited live sites showcasing generation, distribution, water, and hybrid energy systems. The report includes reflections on smart infrastructure, storage systems, and sustainable designs in action.

Top Strategic Recommendations:

Actionable guidance across technology, policy, investment, and human capital, backed by evidence and ready for implementation.

Impact by the Numbers:

Data-driven insights into the event’s reach and influence, offering proof of the growing momentum behind Africa’s energy and water transition. From ROI validation to partnership scouting, the metrics provide essential context for decision-makers.

A Call to Action

The conversations at Enlit Africa 2025 sparked a movement, but the work doesn’t stop here. The Post Event Report is a tool to reconnect with key moments, reflect on critical insights, and stay ahead in shaping Africa’s sustainable future.

Download your copy (http://apo-opa.co/46V5oxu) of the Enlit Africa 2025 Post Event Report today to explore the metrics, strategies, and stories behind the movement. Join us in carrying this momentum forward as we continue to transform Africa’s power, energy, and water sectors together.

Save the date for Enlit Africa 2026: 19 – 21 May 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa. Pre-register here (http://apo-opa.co/4o0ihwx).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Contact details:
For sponsorship or exhibition opportunities, contact Marcel du Toit: marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

For speaking opportunities, contact Boipelo Mothlowa: Boipelo.mothlowa@wearevuka.com

For media enquiries, contact Natalie Simms: Natalie.simms@wearevuka.com

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa’s future direction of travel. 

Enlit Africa takes place annually at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts.

For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website at https://Enlit-Africa.com or contact our team at info@enlit-africa.com.

About The VUKA Group:
VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com) brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve.

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has signed an agreement to avail a US$75-million five-year cross-currency swap to the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) for the financing of strategic projects undertaken in The Gambia by the Government, through the National Roads Authority (NRA).

The agreement, signed in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of activities to mark the 32^nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) held from 25 to 28 June, provides for Afreximbank to use the local currency proceeds to purchase NRA-issued bonds, which will serve as the swap securities for the transaction, to finance strategic projects undertaken by the Agency.

Signing the agreement for Afreximbank was Mr. Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, while Mr. Buah Saidy, Governor of Central Bank of The Gambia, signed for his organisation.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Elmaayergi said that the transaction reflected Afreximbank’s commitment to driving trade finance in Africa by supporting its member countries to achieve much needed liquidity to enable them finance trade-enabling infrastructure in their countries.

“Through this facility, Afreximbank is using its resources to leverage financing to Africa by unlocking capital and creating additional capacity in support of trade transactions into Africa,” he explained. He noted that this partnership comes at a pivotal time in The Gambia’s development trajectory, as the country intensifies efforts to upgrade its transport infrastructure to meet growing trade and connectivity needs. The cross-currency swap is expected to support the construction and rehabilitation of both rural and urban road networks, reinforcing the Gambia’s commitment to building a more connected, productive and inclusive economy.

According to him, this initiative will enable more efficient movement of goods and services, reduce travel times for commuters and businesses, and improve road safety. Over the long term, these developments will contribute to a more reliable and extensive national road network, helping to deepen regional integration, enhance agricultural and industrial output, and promote sustainable, broad-based economic growth across the country. This transaction underscores Afreximbank’s ongoing commitment to supporting African countries in mobilizing innovative financing tools to unlock development and trade potential.

On his part, Governor Buah Saidy acknowledged the need for development financing to address supply-sided constraints to development in The Gambia.  This swap, he said “will relax the binding constraint of a challenging transport network, by enabling NRA to build many more roads that H.E. President Adama Barrow has instructed them to build to ease the movement and lives of Gambians”.

Governor Saidy noted that the financing made available through the swap will allow NRA to build roads that will open up the economy by connecting the production areas in the rural parts of the country to the markets in the urban centres.

CBG is a founding shareholder of Afreximbank while NRA, established in 2006, is responsible for the administration, control, construction and maintenance of all roads in The Gambia.

Oakwood Green Africa served as transaction adviser to the NRA and CBG for the transaction, providing them guidance on the structure and facilitating the swap.

AAM2025, which attracted an estimated 7,000 participants, including Heads of States, Prime Ministers, ministers and business leaders, from across Africa, the Caribbean and beyond, ended with the Annual General Meeting of Afreximbank Shareholders where Dr. George Elombi was appointed the incoming President of the Bank to replace Prof. Benedict Oramah whose tenure is ending after two five-year terms at the helm.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Source: APO

Cassava Technologies (https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com/), a global technology leader of African heritage, is proud to announce that its President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Hardy Pemhiwa, has been recognised as one of the world’s top 50 chief executives driving digital infrastructure transformation. This global honour highlights his leadership in advancing connectivity and digital inclusion across Africa.

Compiled by The Tech Capital, a leading digital infrastructure intelligence platform, the inaugural CEO 50 (https://apo-opa.co/4f1FYjK) list highlights outstanding leadership across areas such as data centres, fibre networks, towers, and edge computing.

“It is a privilege to be recognised alongside esteemed global peers in The Tech Capital’s CEO 50. This honour reflects the work being done by the entire Cassava Technologies team to advance Africa’s digital future through inclusive, innovative, and locally led solutions. It reaffirms progress towards our vision of being the leading digital solutions provider in our chosen markets, and our commitment to transforming lives and accelerating social and economic development across the continent,” said Cassava Technologies’ President and Group CEO, Hardy Pemhiwa.

The comprehensive CEO 50 list, which showcases executives from both publicly traded corporations and privately held companies, is a testament to the diverse and exceptional leadership, innovation, and strategic vision driving the advancement of digital infrastructure finance, investment, and development.

Hardy’s inclusion in the CEO 50 list is a testament to Cassava Technologies’ global impact and continued growth. The company’s innovations in digital infrastructure, which include over 110,000 km of fibre that provides African users with world-class connectivity, Africa’s largest network of carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre facilities, and the continent’s first NVIDIA-powered AI factory, are empowering communities, organisations, and individuals on their digital transformation journeys. This recognition not only honours his leadership but also reassures all Cassava employees of the strong and visionary leadership at the company’s helm.

     

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Through its business units, namely, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, Distributed Power Africa, Sasai Fintech, Cassava has operations across key growth markets like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Cassava provides its customers in 94 countries with offerings that will help them grow, transform, and expand their operations. https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com/

Source: APO

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and Casablanca Finance City (CFC), Africa’s leading financial centre, have jointly organized a high-level strategic dialogue in Casablanca to accelerate private sector engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The dialogue, under theme “Connecting Africa – The AfCFTA Pathway,” was held on 23 July 2025. It brought together African private sector executives and representatives from major pan-African institutions, including Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Afreximbank, the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), the West African Development Bank (BOAD), the Africa Commission of the Moroccan Employers’ Confederation (CGEM), OCP Group, Attijariwafa Bank, Africa 50, Tanger Med Zone, Orange, Africa Properity Network and experts from the Boston Consulting Group.

The sessions focused on evaluating the current state of AfCFTA implementation and emphasized the need to enhance private sector competitiveness, financing trade-enabling infrastructure, and operationalizing regional value chains. Participants also highlighted the need for a pragmatic approach to regional integration, anchored in the free movement of goods, people, and ideas, and unlocking new investment and trade opportunities.

Unlocking a USD 3.4 Trillion Market

With a population exceeding 1.5 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, Africa holds significant economic potential. Projections indicate that full implementation of the AfCFTA, through the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, could boost intra-African trade by 52% by 2035.

This momentum comes as Africa positions itself within a rapidly evolving global trade landscape, with 11 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies located on the continent, according to the IMF and World Bank.

Laying the Foundation in Casablanca

“We are here today to lay the foundation for a partnership with CFC, a key player capable of bringing together major operators in Morocco and Africa to harness the full potential of the AfCFTA,” said Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration at the African Development Bank. “It is regional actors who will build the business networks capable of catalysing investment, integrating regional value chains, and driving trade.”

Lamia Merzouki, Chief Operating Officer of Casablanca Finance City Authority, stated: “The successful implementation of the AfCFTA hinges on the effective mobilization of the private sector. That’s what today’s discussion with the African Development Bank is all about, looking at concrete tools to stimulate intra-African trade, identify relevant investment opportunities and facilitate the integration of African businesses into continental value chains.”

Achraf Tarsim, Country Manager of the Bank for Morocco, noted: “This regional approach is effective. We are already supporting it across the continent through strategic investments in transformative infrastructure — roads, ports, railways, logistics corridors—as well as dedicated credit lines to facilitate trade.”

Participants reiterated the urgency of bridging Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap, estimated at $130 billion, to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.

Casablanca Call to Action

At the end of the meeting, the participants called for the creation of a platform dedicated to the private sector based on four operational priorities:

• Accelerate market access for African businesses through structured public-private dialogue and by providing practical tools such as market data, market entry guides, policy recommendations, and a continent-wide directory of bankable projects.

• Bridge infrastructure gaps to support “Made in Africa” by developing integrated and sustainable economic corridors (roads, ports, rail, and digital infrastructure) and by creating an attractive legal and regulatory environment to mobilize private capital, technical expertise, and regional operators.

• Enhance regional financial integration through capital markets harmonization, development of trade finance solutions, and mobilization of innovative instruments, including blended finance, pan-African funds, and tailored guarantees to scale up transformative projects.

• Position financial centres and business hubs as accelerators of the AfCFTA by creating an enabling business environment, attracting talent, building conducive ecosystems, and promoting Africa as an opportunity through awareness-raising, training, and advocacy initiatives.

The platform would act as a strategic tool to amplify the voice of the private sector in the implementation of the AfCFTA.

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

Media Contacts:
Casablanca Finance City Authority
Communications Department
Email: events@cfca.ma

African Development Bank Group
Fahd Belbachir
Principal Communications and External Relations Officer
Email: media@afdb.org

Source: APO

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading multilateral finance institution, has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 as a Silver Sponsor. Held under the theme, From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW offers a strategic platform for AFC to engage with African and global mining stakeholders to advance the continent’s mineral development agenda.

As part of the conference program, AFC will feature in a dedicated finance panel: “The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization.” The session will explore how tailored financing solutions can drive local beneficiation, industrialization and inclusive economic growth across Africa’s mining value chains.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The AFC’s involvement in AMW 2025 comes at a time of expanded capital mobilization efforts. In June 2025, the Corporation secured a €250 million, 10-year loan from Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to catalyze Italian investment in African mining and energy infrastructure projects – particularly the strategic Lobito Corridor, enhancing mineral transport between Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative complements a proposed €320 million EU financing package supporting the same corridor.

In February 2025, the European Investment Bank committed $750 million to AFC’s Climate Resilient Infrastructure Fund, targeting climate-focused projects including energy transition metals and sustainable logistics infrastructure. The same month, AFC also secured a $400 million Shariah-compliant facility from Islamic financiers, following a $500 million hybrid bond issuance in January and a $30 million equity investment from the African Development Bank in December 2024.

AFC’s capital base has also grown with a $184.8 million equity injection from Angola, reflecting the country’s continued collaboration with AFC following over $1 billion in investments in mining, energy and transport. Meanwhile, a €100 million loan extended to construction group Mota–Engil is enabling the execution of three major gold mining contracts in Ivory Coast and Mali – Africa’s second- and third-largest gold producers.

Against this backdrop, AMW 2025 provides a timely opportunity for the AFC to showcase its financing strategy, highlight its role in advancing Africa’s mineral beneficiation and connect with mining ventures in search of capital.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), the flagship philanthropic initiative of the Alibaba Philanthropy, is proud to announce the Top 50 finalists of its 2025 Prize Competition—marking a record-breaking year for participation and regional representation.

This year, ABH received 32,000 applications, the highest in the competition’s history, with submissions from all 54 African countries – reinforcing ABH’s status as one of the continent’s largest and most inclusive entrepreneurial competitions.

The 2025 Top 50 provides an overview of Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. African businesses are increasingly leveraging technology, including fintech, AI, and digital platforms, to transform sectors such as finance, education, and healthcare. Sustainability-driven innovations in agriculture and renewable energy address critical challenges while promoting eco-friendly growth. These trends have significant socio-economic impacts, fostering job creation, financial inclusion, and improved access to essential services. The data underscores opportunities in scalable, tech-enabled, and sustainable businesses poised to drive Africa’s inclusive economic growth.

Now in its 7th year, ABH continues its mission to spotlight and empower entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Africa. Each year, the competition awards US$1.5 million in grant funding to 10 outstanding entrepreneurs. In addition to funding, ABH provides the Top 50 finalists with capacity-building, mentorship, and enhanced exposure.

Dramatic Growth in Reach

The 2025 call for applications not only broke records in volume but also marked an over 300% increase in applications from countries traditionally underrepresented in pan-African competitions, including Algeria, Tunisia, Togo, Gabon, South Sudan, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Mauritius. This surge signals the deepening of ABH’s grassroots appeal and accessibility, as well as reflecting the impressive health of entrepreneurship across the African continent.

Bringing ABH to the Continent: 9-City Roadshow

As part of its 2025 campaign, the ABH team embarked on an ambitious 9-city roadshow, connecting in person with entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders in Casablanca, Cairo, Addis Ababa, Kampala, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Abidjan and Dakar—the host city for this year’s Semi-Finale, scheduled for September 10–11.

These on-the-ground engagements reflect ABH’s commitment to being more than a competition—it is a community-builder and ecosystem enabler. The roadshow activated local entrepreneurial ecosystems, engaged past ABH Heroes, hosted info sessions, and facilitated connections between investors, innovators, and changemakers.

Harnessing Technology to Scale Impact

2025 also marked a milestone in ABH’s embrace of innovation. For the first time, ABH introduced ABi, its AI-powered co-host built on Qwen Turbo and first unveiled at the 6^th ABH Summit & Finale held in Kigali in March 2025, to enhance applicant experience and streamline operations. ABi supported the competition by providing real-time customer service to thousands of applicants and assisting in screening the eligibility of submissions—demonstrating how technology can improve both efficiency and inclusivity.

Celebrating the 2025 Top 50

The 2025 Top 50 finalists represent the next generation of African changemakers. They span 16 sectors and hail from 17 countries, with 36% female representation and 10% Francophone entrepreneurs, reflecting ABH’s ongoing commitment to gender and linguistic diversity. These entrepreneurs were selected for their bold solutions, measurable impact, and potential for scale across Africa.

As part of the next stage of the competition, the Top 50 will participate in the ABH Virtual Bootcamp, an intensive training program featuring workshops led by ecosystem leaders, investors, and ABH Heroes. Topics will include building resilient teams, investment readiness, leveraging AI, and digital marketing for growth.

“The 2025 ABH Prize has raised the bar, yet again. We are seeing greater depth, diversity, and innovation across the span of applications,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Managing Director, Africa at ABH. “This record-breaking year speaks to the relevance of ABH in every corner of the continent. These 50 finalists are solving real problems with global potential, and we’re excited to amplify their work.”

In addition to training and mentorship, the Top 50 will benefit from media exposure and access to a dynamic network of ABH Heroes, alumni, and partners.

Looking Ahead

The Top 50 will now undergo a second round of evaluations through in-depth interviews with ABH Round 2 judges.  22 entrepreneurs will be shortlisted to undergo due diligence led by PlusVC. Those who advance will be revealed as the Top 20 finalists in August, before heading to Dakar for the Semi-Finale in September.

The Top 10 finalists selected in Dakar will then progress to the Grand Finale in Kigali in December, where they will compete for their share of US$1.5 million in grant funding and be crowned this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes.

To learn more about the 2025 ABH Top 50 finalists and the competition, visit www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: 
pr@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa’s Business Heroes:
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic initiative in Africa. It supports visionary entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries who are building inclusive and sustainable economies. Over 10 years, ABH will recognize 100 entrepreneurs, awarding them with grant funding, training, and a platform to amplify their stories. Each year, the Top 10 finalists compete in a televised pitch finale for a share of US$1.5 million.

Source: APO

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The Republic of Gambia reiterated its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region and for the Autonomy Initiative as the only solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

This clear and consistent stance was reaffirmed in a joint communiqué issued following talks held Wednesday in Rabat between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie.

In the joint communiqué, the Gambian Foreign Minister “reaffirmed Gambia’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Sahara region,” and “reiterated the Republic of Gambia’s full support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the only credible, serious, and realistic solution to this issue.”

The Gambian Minister also “praised the growing international consensus, driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in support of the Autonomy Plan and Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” while recalling “the opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Gambia in Dakhla in January 2020”, the first consulate general to open in Dakhla.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.