Category: English

Source: APO

CRDB Bank has entered three landmark partnerships with leading development finance institutions, FinDev Canada, DEG (KfW Group, Germany), and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), marking a significant milestone in its transformation journey to advance inclusive and sustainable finance across Africa. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum, held on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., in partnership with Invest Africa. The high-level forum convened global investors and senior government officials from Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Distinguished attendees included the Minister of Finance of Burundi, the Minister of Information of the DRC, the Governors of the Central Banks of Tanzania and Burundi, the Ambassadors of Tanzania and Burundi to the United States, and the Permanent Secretary Treasury from the Ministry of Finance of Tanzania, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba, who is leading the Tanzania delegation to the World Bank and IMF Meetings and served as the Guest of Honor. 

East Africa faces persistent gaps in financing for MSMEs, climate-smart agriculture, and affordable housing. CRDB Bank has positioned itself as a regional driver of transformation, addressing these challenges by mobilizing capital, expertise, and technology to create tangible impact for communities and businesses. 

These agreements were formalized by CRDB Bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Abdulmajid Nsekela, alongside the partner leadership, CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank – Thierno-Habib, CEO of DEG – Roland Siller and CEO of FinDev Canada – Lori Kerr. 

• Inclusive Growth: Through its partnership with FinDev Canada, CRDB Bank secured a USD 60 million sustainability-linked facility to expand financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a strong emphasis on women-owned businesses and climate-resilient projects. 
• SME Empowerment: With DEG, CRDB Bank will unlock a USD 50 million facility dedicated to SME sub-loans, supporting business growth, innovation, and job creation in Tanzania. 
• Social Equity & Affordable Housing: The partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank addresses the region’s housing deficit, beginning with a USD 10 million facility for CRDB DRC. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, CRDB Bank Group CEO & Managing Director, Abdulmajid Nsekela, said “These partnerships reflect our shared vision of an Africa that is financially inclusive, food secure, and sustainably developed. At CRDB Bank, we believe finance should be a force for good – unlocking potential, creating jobs, and driving long-term value for communities. By joining hands with institutions like FinDev Canada, DEG, and Shelter Afrique, we are accelerating our vision to transform lives and develop economies to their fullest potential. This is more than capital; it is confidence in Africa’s future.” 

Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, remarked,  “At Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), we believe that affordable housing and urban infrastructure are the foundation of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Our partnership with CRDB Bank reflects our shared vision to channel capital toward impact, equity, and regional integration. Together, we are not only financing homes, we are financing dignity, opportunity, and the infrastructure of a more resilient Africa. Whilst our partnership starts with CRDB Bank DRC, we have a plan to support CRDB Bank in Tanzania and Burundi. Our Advisory Services offering will ensure that the CRDB Bank housing finance team is capacitated to address the integrated housing value chain in a de-risked manner. This partnership reinforces our joint commitment to ensuring that every African family has access to safe, affordable, and climate-resilient housing, which remains the cornerstone of sustainable urban transformation, while ensuring regional integration via trade in construction materials across countries” 

Beyond financing, these collaborations are structured to deliver affordability, long-term sustainability, and measurable social impact, strengthening the Bank’s strategic positioning and generating value for both investors and communities. 

“FinDev Canada’s partnership with CRDB Bank is built on a shared commitment to creating opportunity where it’s needed most. By deepening our collaboration, we’re mobilising capital and investing in the potential of local markets, entrepreneurs, and communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. This MOU is an important step toward strengthening meaningful engagement, co-investment, and long-term impact in critical sectors that support sustainable development and climate action,” said Lori Kerr, CEO, FinDev Canada. 

Apart from the signings, the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum provided a platform to explore regional transformation and investment opportunities in Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC . The dialogue reinforced CRDB Bank’s role as a bridge between global finance and local impact, highlighting how MSMEs, farmers, and communities are benefiting from these strategic initiatives. 

By combining its strong East African presence with the strategic reach of its Dubai Representative Office, CRDB Bank is positioning itself not only as a regional champion of inclusive finance but also as a trusted bridge to global markets. These partnerships underscore the Bank’s ambition to extend its impact across the continent and beyond, supporting inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

Source: APO

In South Africa’s commercial and industrial (C&I) landscape, energy-intensive industries face mounting pressures from rising costs and the push toward sustainability. As the country grapples with transitioning from chronic energy insecurity to greater independence, sectors like mining, manufacturing and heavy industry are pivotal in driving economic resilience. Investments in renewables, storage solutions and innovative infrastructure are not just operational necessities but catalysts for broader growth, enabling companies to mitigate risks, reduce their carbon footprint and enhance competitiveness amid changing global trade dynamics.

Against this background, the EIUG Conference 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/47i0Ujc) emerges as a key platform for unpacking this evolving energy ecosystem. In the context of South Africa’s electricity market reforms, the event delves into strategies for achieving reliable and affordable power. For instance, discussions on the next phase of market liberalisation—led by figures like Monde Bala, CEO of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA)—offer clarity on how C&I players can navigate regulatory changes and unlock grid capacity.

“South Africa must accelerate its transition from energy insecurity to energy independence,” says Fanele Mondi, CEO of the EIUG. “The C&I sector plays a catalytic role in this shift – not only through investment and innovation, but by creating a resilient foundation for economic growth. This event convenes the right people, ideas and capabilities to make that transition a reality.”

Showcasing real-world advancements, the conference highlights transformative projects that demonstrate pathways to decarbonisation and grid stability. Examples include large-scale solar wheeling initiatives alongside investments in data centres and renewable developments. These case studies illustrate how C&I-led innovations can scale up, offering answers to questions around technical feasibility, financing and integration with existing infrastructure.

Download the programme (https://apo-opa.co/4ockMv2)

Exploration of emerging technologies further equips attendees with options for diversifying the energy mix. Sessions on corporate energy storage, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Gas-to-Power—drawing from leading organisations like CSIR, SANEDI, NECSA and the South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA)—break down viable alternatives, helping companies evaluate which solutions best align with their sustainability goals and cost constraints.

Leadership perspectives underscore the shift from viewing energy as a risk to a strategic enabler. A leader’s panel reframes energy security as a growth driver, while deeper dives into market design and power trading tackle how to foster a competitive environment amidst all the change.

Global influences, such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), add another layer of complexity for export-oriented sectors like iron, steel, aluminium and cement. Input from TIPS, The Manufacturing Circle and various EIUG members explore trade implications and adaptive responses, providing context for C&I entities on policy alignment and corporate strategies to maintain market access.

The keynote focus lies in integrating interconnected risks, such as water and energy management, where industries are increasingly adopting holistic frameworks to build operational resilience. The panel discussion provides practical perspectives on balancing these elements, addressing common queries from C&I firms about optimising resources in constrained environments.
 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

For registration enquiries, contact:
Vuyisa Mfobo 
vuyisa.mfobo@wearevuka.com

For sponsorship or hosted buyer application (https://apo-opa.co/42N0i3B) queries, contact:
Marcel du Toit
marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

About the Conference:
The EIUG Conference is co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit (https://Energy-StorageSummit.com), 4 – 5 November 2025 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/47i0Ujc

Watch this short video about the EIUG Conference and why it’s a must-attend event for South Africa’s industrial energy community: https://apo-opa.co/47hcQkX

About the EIUG:
The Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) represents major energy consumers, advocating for policies that support secure, sustainable and competitive energy systems. Learn more at https://EIUG.org.za/

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group bridges Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through events, content and networking. As venture partners to The Global Trust Project, founders of the WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of the NPO Go Green Africa, VUKA contributes to sustainable progress across the continent. Learn more at https://WeAreVuka.com   

Source: APO – Report:

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The West African Development Bank (BOAD) (https://www.BOAD.org) has reached a new milestone by successfully completing a historic bond issuance of EUR 1 billion with a 15-year maturity on the international capital market.

The deal drew strong investor interest, generating a record EUR 2.7 billion order book. This robust appetite enabled a 35-basis point spread tightening, resulting in a high yield coupon of 6.25%.

The success of this issuance reflects investors’ high level of confidence in BOAD’s strong credit rating and the growth opportunities of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). This is further illustrated by the high quality and diversity of the final allocation: a strong European presence, with investors from the United Kingdom and Ireland accounting for 49% of the allocation, followed by the *DACH region (23%), the United States (13%), the rest of Europe (10%), the Middle East (4%) and Asia (1%). As per investor type, asset managers represented 74% of the allocation, hedge funds 14%, followed by banks and private banks 7%, pension funds/insurers 3%, and central banks 1%.

This deal represents an important milestone for the continent’s multilateral development banks (MDBs), as it constitutes the longest euro-denominated benchmark bond ever issued by an African MDB.

Proceeds will be allocated to priority high-impact projects across WAEMU. The exceptional 15-year maturity is well aligned with the nature of these investments—essential for the long-term development of member economies—and fully consistent with the Bank’s mission and the goals of its strategic plan.

Mr. Serge Ekue, President of BOAD, stated: “This deal is more than a financial achievement; it is a clear recognition of BOAD’s creditworthiness and business model. Above all, it strengthens our resolve to extend what can be achieved in a challenging environment. This historic EUR 1 billion bond with a 15-year maturity, further strengthens our capacity to finance the sustainable development of our member countries. I would like to acknowledge the crucial role of the banking syndicate—BNP, J.P. Morgan, Natixis and SMBC—as well as the legal advisers, in making this landmark deal successful. I would also like to thank our shareholders and partners for their unwavering support to our mission”.

*DACH region: an acronym referring to the German-speaking countries of Central Europe—Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH)

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

Note to Editors: 
Not for distribution to U.S. News Wire services or for dissemination in the United States, Australia, Canada or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which it would be unlawful to do so.

For further information
West African Development Bank (BOAD)
Communications and Public Relations Department
Tel: +228 22 23 25 65
WhatsApp: +228 99 99 32 15
Fax: +228 22 23 24 38
Email: boadsiege@boad.org

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

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), and partner organizations today announce the appointment of Inspired Evolution as the investment manager for Zafiri, a new decentralised renewable energy (DRE) equity investment vehicle targeting small-scale and decentralized renewable energy, to expand access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for tens of millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa.

The appointment underscores Zafiri’s central role in Mission 300, a joint initiative of the World Bank Group and African Development Bank to provide first-time electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Zafiri addresses one of Africa’s toughest energy-financing gaps by channelling long-term equity into distributed renewable energy (DRE) companies that are essential to last-mile access yet remain underfinanced by mainstream capital markets. Zafiri’s founding partners include IFC, AfDB, The Rockefeller Foundation, Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), and Nordic Development Fund (NDF).

Inspired Evolution is an Africa-based investment firm focused on scaling clean energy and climate solutions across the continent. The company, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cape Town, has financed more than 10 GW of renewable energy generation, supported 29 companies across 18 African countries, and manages over $850 million including co-investments, through its suite of Evolution funds.

“One of the key challenges slowing Africa’s energy transition is the lack of equity financing for distributed energy companies—those expanding power generation and improving access for millions,” said Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Vice President for Africa. “Zafiri addresses this ‘missing middle’ by offering long-term equity to these providers, helping scale innovative business models. IFC is proud to support this initiative, which is expected to reach 30 million people and spur job creation across the continent. Through our commitment to the M300 platform, we are deepening our support for impactful solutions like Zafiri. Inspired Evolution brings strong local investment expertise and a proven track record, making it a valuable partner for M300 in delivering development impact through the private sector.”

“By combining AfDB’s capital—including our Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)—with IFC and partners, Zafiri will inject the much needed risk capital to take the DRE sector to the next level in terms of commercial maturity, larger operational footprint, and ultimately impact on the many communities beyond the grid,” said Kevin Kariuki, the African Development Bank’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth.

“We are honored to partner with IFC, AfDB and global investors to manage Zafiri, a vehicle uniquely designed to close the equity financing gap for distributed energy solutions across Africa,” said Wayne Keast, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Inspired Evolution. “We will focus on building and scaling high-impact businesses that can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy while driving inclusive and climate-resilient economic growth.”

Zafiri is structured as a permanent capital investment vehicle that provides long-term equity to expand clean energy access in underserved markets. The vehicle leverages concessional junior equity to de-risk private sector participation and mobilize commercial capital into scalable off-grid and decentralized energy solutions. Backed by an initial $300 million capitalization by 2026, Zafiri is expected to scale up to $1 billion to accelerate energy access in Africa.

Over its lifespan, Zafiri aims to facilitate new electricity connections and clean cooking access for more than 30 million people while supporting the growth of Africa’s DRE sector. Operations will commence in early 2026.

“The Rockefeller Foundation is proud to support Inspired Evolution as it leverages its proven track record to accelerate energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Ghita Benabderrazik, Director of Innovative Finance at The Rockefeller Foundation. “Following the announcement of our anticipated $10 million investment in Zafiri at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, we remain deeply committed to closing the equity gap for distributed renewable energy solutions that power livelihoods and drive productive use — advancing inclusive development, reducing poverty, and creating jobs.”

“Complementing the debt support TDB Group has been deploying across several renewable energy sub-sectors in Africa, we are pleased to join forces with this strong group of investors to inject some much-needed equity into small-scale DRE providers – providers which, via electrification and clean cooking, can ultimately catalyse sustainable development in their communities,” said Admassu Tadesse, TDB Group President and Managing Director.

“Zafiri enables the speed and scale that is needed to meet the ambitious targets of Mission 300,” said Satu Santala, NDF Managing Director. “NDF’s junior capital is expected to catalyse significant commercial investments into increasing energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa. At NDF, we are in full support to make Zafiri become a success and mobilise more private capital for climate action.”

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

Media Contacts:
African Development Bank: 
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Dept
email: media@afdb.org

IFC: 
Kate Chambers
email: kchambers@ifc.org

Nordic Development Fund: 
Paula Fincke-Oladejo
email: paula.fincke-oladejo@ndf.int

Rockefeller Foundation: 
Ashley Chang
email: media@rockfound.org

TDB Group: 
Anne-Marie Iskandar
email : anne-marie.iskandar@tdbgroup.org

Follow The Rockefeller Foundation:
X @ RockefellerFdn
LinkedIn @ the-rockefeller-foundation

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

About IFC:
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.IFC.org.

About Zafiri:
Zafiri is a permanent-capital investment vehicle to be established under Mission 300, a joint initiative of the World Bank Group and African Development Bank to expand electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030. With a target capitalization of $1 billion, Zafiri aims to provide equity and catalytic financing to distributed renewable energy companies, mini-grid developers, solar-home system providers and clean cooking enterprises. Zafiri is expected to be backed by IFC, AfDB, TDB Group, NDF and The Rockefeller Foundation. The vehicle blends concessional and commercial capital to scale energy access solutions and mobilize private investment, advancing universal energy access in Africa.

About Inspired Evolution:
Inspired Evolution is a leading African climate investment firm focused on clean energy infrastructure, energy access and resource efficiency. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cape Town with offices in Nairobi, Abidjan, London and Mauritius, Inspired Evolution manages the Evolution funds and manages over $850 million including co-investments for clean energy investments, with capital deployed across 18 African countries.

About The Rockefeller Foundation:
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.RockefellerFoundation.org/Subscribe.

About TDB Group:
Established in 1985, the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group) is an African regional multilateral development bank, with a mandate to finance and foster trade, regional economic integration, and sustainable development in Africa. TDB Group counts several subsidiaries and strategic business units including Trade and Development Banking, TDB Asset Management (TAM), the Trade and Development Fund (TDF), TDB Captive Insurance Company (TCI), the ESATAL fund management company and TDB Academy. www.TDBGroup.org

About Nordic Development Fund:
The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) is the joint Nordic international finance institution of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. NDF focuses on the nexus between climate change and development in lower-income countries and countries in fragile situations. Since the introduction of the climate mandate in 2009, NDF has built a track record of adding value by financing climate mitigation and adaptation projects in close interaction with its extensive network of strategic partners. Learn more: www.NDF.int

Source: APO – Report:

Talentz MEDIA (https://TalentzMEDIA.com) has released its comprehensive “Global & African Pulse” news feature, providing an in-depth look at the latest developments across Ghana, Africa, and the world — from economic recovery and technology innovations to creative industry growth and global diplomacy.

The report highlights Ghana’s economic resilience, with the World Bank projecting a 4.3% GDP growth rate for 2025. The upward revision reflects renewed investor confidence and stability under fiscal reforms, coupled with strong performance in services, agriculture, and emerging technology sectors.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, GDP expanded by 6.3% year-on-year in Q2 2025, positioning the nation among Africa’s top five fastest-growing economies. Market enthusiasm remains high as the Ghana Stock Exchange records a 67% rise in the composite index this year.

In a move to promote digital inclusion and youth empowerment, StarOil Ghana launched an AI Smart Lab project in the Volta/Oti region. The initiative aims to equip young people with critical digital and innovation skills, aligning with Ghana’s broader ambition to become a tech-driven economy.

Meanwhile, national attention has turned to Parliament’s renewed debate over the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, drawing reactions from international partners. Economic analysts warn the bill’s passage could impact foreign aid and donor-linked inflows, estimated at over $3 billion annually.

On the environmental front, the government has introduced a permanent military task force to combat illegal mining. The move is part of Ghana’s intensified effort to protect rivers and forests from galamsey destruction — a step applauded by conservation groups nationwide.

In sports, Ghana’s Black Stars face Comoros in a crucial FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier tonight in Accra. The match has generated nationwide anticipation as Ghana looks to reclaim dominance in African football. Meanwhile, boxing star Martin Bakole has challenged Anthony Joshua to a “Rumble in the Jungle II,” potentially to be hosted in Ghana or Nigeria.

The creative and entertainment sectors are also thriving, with Afro-fusion concerts, cultural expos, and collaborations putting Ghanaian talent on the global map. Across the Atlantic, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London (October 16–19) will showcase African artists redefining post-colonial creativity.

The feature also spotlights President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in Beijing’s Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, reaffirming Ghana’s leadership in gender and development advocacy within the African Union framework.

Elsewhere in Africa, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has launched a Digital Payments Platform to boost intra-African trade, while Côte d’Ivoire embarks on an urban modernization project naming thousands of streets to enhance logistics and identity.

However, challenges remain. Cocoa prices have slumped to a 20-month low, impacting Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire’s export earnings. Analysts link this to favorable harvests and global supply corrections, creating both risks and opportunities for local farmers.

Globally, Europe has pledged $600 billion for renewable energy infrastructure in Africa under its Global Gateway initiative, while South Africa has attracted strong investor interest with over 100 proposals for its new foreign-currency financing program.

Finally, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued warnings of potential flooding across southern Ghana, urging citizens to remain vigilant amid intensifying rainfall — a reminder of climate change’s growing toll on African development.

– on behalf of Talentz MEDIA.

Additional Information:
https://apo-opa.co/4ouoCzu

Media Contact:
Talentz MEDIA
Official Address: Obonu St, North Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 546 171 240
Email: info@talentzmedia.com

Social Media:
@ talentzmedia

About Talentz MEDIA:
Talentz MEDIA is a dynamic Ghana-based media and creative communications company dedicated to promoting African stories, innovation, and entertainment globally. Through journalism, digital storytelling, and partnerships, Talentz MEDIA continues to shape narratives that empower African creativity and enterprise.

Website: https://TalentzMEDIA.com