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African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has reaffirmed the Bank’s central role in advancing Africa’s connectivity, industrialization, and regional integration through strategic investments aligned with Italy’s Mattei Plan and the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative. 

Speaking at the joint Mattei Plan–Global Gateway Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3ZJy5Jx) held in Rome on Friday 20 June, Adesina emphasized the progress made by the African Development Bank in turning strategic priorities into action—from infrastructure and energy to digital connectivity and value chains. He called for greater alignment between partners and accelerated delivery on the ground, noting that the Bank’s investments are already helping reshape regional trade and economic resilience. 

He underscored for instance the Bank’s catalytic role in the Lobito Corridor, with $1 billion committed over five years for value chain development and urban infrastructure. He also mentioned the development of the Tanzania–DRC–Burundi railway network, where the Bank is helping mobilize a $3.9 billion package alongside international partners. These efforts, he noted, reflect a coherent strategy to transform Africa’s economic geography through inclusive, green growth 

Stretching from the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola to the heart of the continent, the Lobito Corridor is a vital route for moving minerals, goods and people across Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—unlocking huge trade and industrial opportunities for landlocked countries. 

These developments were highlighted as international partners gathered to align efforts around new cooperation frameworks—the European Union’s Global Gateway (https://apo-opa.co/3I9xwT6) and Italy’s recent Mattei Plan (https://apo-opa.co/4kV5xVV)—which aim to deepen investment with Africa in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.  

Adesina reaffirmed the Bank’s role as a key implementing partner for both initiatives. The Mattei Plan, launched by Italy in 2024, is designed to foster equal partnerships with African countries, with a focus on strategic sectors including energy, agriculture, and migration. The Global Gateway, the EU’s €300 billion investment strategy, similarly targets infrastructure development worldwide, with €150 billion earmarked for Africa. 

A cornerstone of this implementation is the operationalization of the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, which is a dedicated mechanism hosted by the Bank to accelerate climate-resilient infrastructure projects. The Facility’s inaugural Governing Council has already met and approved an initial pipeline of operations across energy, water, and transport sectors. 

“We have established a Special Fund, and its inaugural Governing Council has already met to begin evaluating projects, including the Lobito Corridor (https://apo-opa.co/4nkyn3K),” Adesina said. 

Underscoring the Bank’s leadership, he noted that Africa’s premier development finance institution has invested more than $55 billion in infrastructure over the past decade, making it the largest financier of regional transport corridors in Africa. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment: “Global Gateway is an investment agenda that combines public and private capital… Africa is a continent of abundance—what’s missing is connectivity.” 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni added: “These are not top-down initiatives, but concrete projects shaped through dialogue and a shared desire for lasting development. The approach Italy has implemented is clear: respect, responsibility, vision.”  

A key pillar of this transformation, Adesina noted, is energy access. He highlighted Mission 300, the joint African Development Bank—World Bank initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity and announced ongoing negotiations for a €165 million package with the European Commission to scale up renewable energy under the program. 

Adesina urged donors to support a robust 17th replenishment of the Bank Group’s soft loan arm for low-income countries — the African Development Fund – scheduled for this year, to sustain the momentum of the Mattei Plan and Global Gateway. He concluded: “Together, let us do more with Africa.” 

In a related development, the African Development Bank has signed a Letter of Intent with the Government of Zambia to advance the development of the Lobito Corridor, a transformative regional transport initiative connecting Southern and Central Africa.  

The project entails the construction of approximately 550 km of railway from Chingola in Zambia’s Copperbelt to the Angolan border, as well as the upgrading of 260 km of road between Chisese and Jimbe via Mwinilunga.  

The initiative builds on a broader Memorandum of Understanding between the Bank, Zambia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and international partners including the United States, the European Commission, Italy, and the Africa Finance Corporation. It aims to strengthen regional trade, improve transport infrastructure, and drive economic integration across the region. 

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

Contact: 
Jonathan Clayton 
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org  

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) 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 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. 

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Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has facilitated the safe evacuation of forty one Ugandan students from Tehran, with a brief transit through Istanbul, Turkiye, following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The group was led by Uganda’s Defence Attaché Ankara, Maj Gen Bob Ogiki and the evacuees included 41 Ugandan citizens persuing bachelor’s and masters degree courses from different universities in Iran as well as sstaff from the Uganda Embassy in Tehran.

The students who arrived aboard Emirates Airlines, Monday afternoon, were received by Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja at the Entebbe International Airport and ushered into the press lounge.

Prime Minister Nabbanja elaborated upon the different efforts that Government had made in reaching out to the countries neighboring those in the conflict like Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Jordan requesting sage passage for the stranded Ugandans and issuing gratis visas on arrival.

 “the NRM government remains committed to evacuating Ugandans who are still stranded in those countries”, she stated

Joseph Barigye, First Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had worked with different embassies, and countries as well as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other partners to facilitate evacuation of Ugandan citizens, Iran students from Tehran.

Gen. Felix Kulaigye appreciated the prime minister for caring for Ugandans in such emergencies.

Some of the students expressed concern about the disruption of their course, some of which were offered on scholarship. Hon. Nabbanja pledged to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that of Education and Sports to ensure they successfully complete their studies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, will deliver a keynote address at this year’s edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda. Minister Azevedo will also participate in an exclusive Fireside Chat, where he is expected to outline the country’s bold agenda to sustain oil production, accelerate non-associated gas projects while unlocking greater economic opportunities through the oil and gas industry.   

As the premier event for the country’s oil and gas sector, AOG takes place on the eve of Angola’s 50 years of independence in 2025, celebrating 50 years of sovereignty and hydrocarbon leadership. Examining how oil and gas investments have shaped the last five decades, the event explores how policy reform, foreign investment and local innovation will drive the next 50 years of development. The event will unpack the country’s $60 billion upstream investment drive, plans for 445,000 barrels per day (bpd) in refining capacity, youth- and women-led innovations and cross-sector infrastructure projects. Minister Azevedo’s insights will support dialogue and deals by outlining governmental strategies for transforming the market.

Under the leadership of Minister Azevedo, Angola has seen rapid project advancement in recent years, with a 2025-2028 project pipeline expected to bolster production even further. Major projects include the first phase of the Cabinda refinery – starting in 2025 with a capacity of 60,000 bpd -; the New Gas Consortium’s non-associated gas project (2026); the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development (2026); and the Kaminho deepwater development (2028). Frontier exploration is expected to kick-off in 2025 at the Etosha-Okavango basin while independents pursue development opportunities in the onshore Kwanza basin. The country is also expected to launch its next licensing round in 2025, offering ten blocks for exploration in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. These developments are expected to accelerate industry growth while attracting new players to the market.

Looking back, regulatory reform has served as the cornerstone of Angola’s 50 years of oil and gas growth, laying the foundation for sustained investment, local partnerships and long-term commitments by international operators. A six-year licensing round launched in 2019 paved the way for 41 concessions to be awarded to a multitude of international and regional companies, while the introduction of marginal field opportunities has created new pathways for independents. The country currently has five marginal fields available, two of which are situated in Block 4 while additional field opportunities lie in Block 14, Block 15 and Block 18. Backed by supportive policies, these fields offer accessibility for smaller E&P firms looking at either expanding their presence or entering the Angolan upstream market. Beyond this, Angola also introduced an Incremental Production Initiative in 2024 to encourage major operators to reinvest in mature assets. ExxonMobil made a discovery as the Likembe-01 well in 2024 – the first under the initiative. The country also offers blocks under its permanent offer program, enabling companies to invest out of the confines of a traditional licensing round.

These reforms are expected to continue enticing investment into the market as Angola ushers in a new era of development. The next 50 years will be determined by upcoming policies, which aim to strengthen domestic value chains and encourage greater local participation across the industry. Notably, Angola is preparing to launch its Gas Master Plan (GMP), aimed at diversifying the industry and creating expanded investment opportunities. The GMP is a 30-year strategy designed to attract investment across the gas value chain, offering a clear policy framework to entice non-associated gas development, enhance fuel security while supporting the creation of domestic gas markets. The country is also eyeing the possibility of extending its multi-year licensing strategy beyond 2026. This creates new opportunities for companies as the country targets frontier development and revitalized onshore production. At AOG 2025, Minister Azevedo’s insights will offer greater clarity on how the government is expected to work with foreign operators, strengthen the business environment while creating a regional petroleum hub in Angola.

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

Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – as a speaker. His participation comes as the country advances its latest licensing round, seeking to increase production through fresh investment in offshore and onshore blocks. With the round set to close in the second half of 2025, Egypt is gearing up for accelerated growth across its upstream industry.

Egypt’s latest licensing round was launched in March 2025, featuring 13 offshore and onshore blocks across key hydrocarbon regions. Available acreage includes seven undeveloped fields in the Mediterranean Sea, three offshore exploration blocks in the Gulf of Suez and three onshore exploration areas in the Western Desert. The bid round forms part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to attract new investment across the upstream sector and follows a previous 12-block round which closed in February 2025. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Badawi is expected to share insights into the impact these licensing rounds will have on the market.

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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Egypt’s bold licensing strategy comes as the country strives to mitigate production decline and support the development of high-potential blocks. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the country has set a target of drilling 586 oil and gas wells by 2030 and is strengthening collaboration with international partners to realize this goal. Recent deals and exploration milestones align with this strategy, indicating a positive growth trajectory for the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.

Egypt approved two transactions by Russian energy firm Lukoil in May 2025, covering exploration and production rights for acreage in the South Wadi El-Sahl region of the Eastern Desert and the Wadi El-Sahl area. Energy major ExxonMobil signed an MoU for a new operational framework in the Cairo and Masry offshore concession areas of the Mediterranean Sea while energy major Eni is spearheading a $26 billion investment strategy across three North African countries – including Egypt. In terms of drilling, Eni is preparing to drill two development wells at the Zohr gas field in 2025. ExxonMobil plans to drill a new offshore gas exploration well in the North Marakia Offshore Concession. The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company also plans to drill 17 exploratory and evaluation wells in 2025/2026, targeting acreage in the Delta and Mediterranean Sea. The company is investing $434 million in drilling activities.  

Beyond exploration, Egypt is working toward scaling-up its production and export capacity to support growing demand in both regional and international markets. As one of Africa’s top gas producers, Egypt already plays an instrumental part in global supply chains, but upcoming projects stand to further consolidate its position as a global exporter. Turkey is deploying a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to Egypt, which will provide LNG storage and regasification services to the country during peak demand periods in 2025. Another agreement was signed with energy infrastructure firm Höegh Evi for the supply of a FSRU, which will be situated at the Port of Sumed in Q4, 2026. The FSRU enhance the country’s regasification and export capacity. Meanwhile, energy major Chevron announced plans to conduct a seabed survey in the eastern Mediterranean, aiming to develop a pipeline that will transport gas from Cyprus’ Aphrodite field to processing facilities in Egypt. This will not only support regional gas monetization but cements Egypt’s role as a regional petroleum hub. Badawi’s insights at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 are expected to support both upcoming projects and efforts to integrate regional markets.

“Egypt is not only assessing short-term production strategies but implementing initiatives that ensure long-term growth across the upstream oil and gas industry. Spearheaded by Minister Badawi, the country is advancing its bold licensing strategy, offering blocks that have the potential to transform the exploration and production space. This approach signals a strong commitment by the government to establish a globally-competitive and resilient energy sector in North Africa,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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As the global energy transition accelerates and demand for critical minerals continues to surge, Africa’s vast mineral wealth – accounting for 30% of the world’s critical minerals – is capturing the attention of investors, innovators and policymakers worldwide. African Mining Week (AMW) – taking place on October 1 – 3, 2025 in Cape Town – arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent’s mining sector. Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW is set to be a game-changing platform that will connect governments, industry leaders, financiers, and technology providers to shape the next phase of mining-led development across Africa.

Multi Track Agenda

AMW 2025 will feature a comprehensive multi-track program designed to reflect the full spectrum of Africa’s mining value chain. Delegates will have access to the Strategic Conference, Technical Conference, and Mining Investment Hub – each offering dynamic discussions on issues ranging from regulatory improvements and infrastructure development to mergers, acquisitions, and local content policies. The program is geared toward fostering investment, promoting downstream beneficiation, and accelerating inclusive economic growth through value-added mineral processing.

Country Spotlights

Country Spotlights will take center stage at AMW, offering targeted investment intelligence and updates from key African mining jurisdictions. The country spotlights will highlight opportunities within the world’s largest platinum group metals producer; South Africa, which accounts for over 80% of the world’s total reserves. The Zambia spotlight will showcase opportunities resulting from efforts by the country to increase its copper output to three million tons per annum by 2031. Today, Zambia ranks as Africa’s second largest copper producer. The spotlight on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – the world’s largest cobalt producer and Africa’s leading copper producer – will connect investors with emerging opportunities as the country intensifies the creation of Special Economic Zones for electric vehicle manufacturing using local mineral resources. Botswana’s diamond-led economic growth strategy, Gabon’s evolving landscape under its reformed Mining Code, and Morocco’s phosphate-driven value addition will be unpacked during the country spotlights. Emerging lithium markets in Namibia and Zimbabwe will also be in focus, as these countries position themselves as key suppliers for battery and green technology supply chains.

Dedicated Forums

Dedicated forums and summits at AMW will provide platforms for deeper engagement on sector-specific themes. The Ministerial Forum will showcase policy reform initiatives to boost investor confidence and unlock project pipelines. The Gold Summit will explore Africa’s position in global gold markets, while the Women in Leadership Forum will promote gender inclusion across the extractive industries. The Technology Forum will feature cutting-edge mining solutions powered by AI, automation, and data analytics. The Junior Miners Forum will create a dedicated space for emerging companies to connect with financiers, development partners, and technology providers.

Regional Roundtables

AMW 2025 will host a series of Regional Roundtables to catalyze multi-billion-dollar collaborations between Africa and global partners and position the continent as a competitive hub for mineral development and beneficiation. The U.S.-Africa, China-Africa, European Partnerships in Mining, and Middle East-Africa roundtables will promote joint ventures, infrastructure financing, knowledge exchange, and innovation transfer.

Technical Workshops

Technical Workshops will provide hands-on training and in-depth learning opportunities for engineers, ESG professionals, and mining executives. Topics will include sustainable mineral processing, ESG compliance, AI-powered exploration, and advanced drilling technologies.

High Level Panel Discussions

Throughout the three-day event, AMW 2025 will also serve as a high-level platform for strategic discussions that address Africa’s pressing industry challenges. These include sector financing, environmental and social governance, supply chain traceability, formalization of small-scale mining, skills development, and the broader implications of digitalization in mining operations. Ministers, regulators, service providers, and industry leaders will come together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and turn insights into action.

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 on October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has introduced WhatsApp into its growing distribution ecosystem. By leveraging Africa’s most widely used messaging app, APO Group is enhancing the speed, reach, and accessibility of reliable news. The newly launched Africa Newsroom WhatsApp channels provide a streamlined way for media practitioners to browse, share, and publish press releases. APO Group’s WhatsApp distribution now operates similarly to the company’s Telegram channels, offering news in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to accommodate Africa’s diverse languages and regional needs.

With an estimated 200 million users across Africa—including 90–100 million in Nigeria, 28–29 million in South Africa, and 20–21 million in Ghana—WhatsApp stands as a vital communication tool. APO Group’s strategic move bridges the gap between PR professionals, journalists, and digital content creators, responding to the continent’s evolving media consumption habits.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, commented: “At APO Group, we don’t just share Africa’s stories—we power them with purpose and precision. Integrating WhatsApp into our distribution network is more than innovation; it’s a commitment to making African voices more immediate, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before. This is how we honour the continent we serve—by meeting its people where they are, and delivering news that matters, faster and farther.”

Following the success of its Telegram rollout, APO Group continues to adapt its PR services to meet the demands of a fast-paced, digital-first media environment. “This is more than distribution—it’s about empowerment, accessibility, and real-time storytelling,” Wijne added.

By equipping clients and news professionals with the tools to communicate more effectively, APO Group is helping close the media gap and strengthen African narratives. With the Africa Newsroom platform, Telegram integration, and now WhatsApp, the company is reshaping the future of public relations across the continent and ensuring Africa’s voice resonates globally.

– on behalf of APO Group.

About APO Group:  
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.    

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.  

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.