Category: English

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

One side event at the African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) 2025 Annual Meetings unpacked the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool to advance inclusive and sustainable development across the African continent.

Held under the theme: “The AI Revolution: How Will AI Support the Delivery of the African Development Bank’s 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy and the Transformation of African Economies?”, the 90-minute session convened leading voices from across sectors. The event was co-hosted with Google AI Research.

At the heart of the discussion was the question: What will it take for Africa to become AI-ready? which was the central theme of the high-level panel discussion as part of the event.

In his opening remarks, Solomon Quaynor, Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization of the African Development Bank underscored the critical role of digital transformation in shaping Africa’s future: “AI is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for Africa’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term prosperity,” he said.

Caroline Kende-Robb, Senior Director of Strategy and Operational Policies at the Bank, framed the conversation within the context of the Bank’s 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3ZFWakh).

She stressed that “Investing in youth and data infrastructure is no longer optional—these are the foundations upon which Africa must build its AI future.”  Her remarks echoed the strategy’s call to leapfrog development through innovation, anchored in African realities and driven by African talent.

Following her intervention, Abdoulaye Diack, Program Manager at Google AI Research Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of AI to address structural challenges and unlock progress in agriculture, education, climate adaptation, and public health.

Diack emphasized the importance of contextualizing AI for African environments, warning that “without local data and inclusive models, Africa risks becoming a passive consumer rather than an active creator of AI solutions.”

Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, advocated for regional coordination and harmonized policy frameworks to enable responsible, cross-border implementation of AI technologies.

Robert Skjodt, Group CEO of Raxio Group, focused on the critical need for robust digital infrastructure—especially local data centers—to support the scale and speed required for Africa’s AI ambitions.

Ousmane Fall, Director of Private Sector Transaction Support at the Bank, called for the development of bankable, scalable digital infrastructure projects that can attract long-term investment.

Moustapha Cissé, CEO of Kera Health Platforms, and a respected pioneer in African AI research, stressed the need for ethical frameworks and AI systems that reflect African social, cultural, and healthcare contexts.

Muthoni Karubiu, Chief Operations Officer at Amini, concluded the panel with a call to enhance data sovereignty, especially in the context of agriculture and climate action, by ensuring access to localized and context-specific environmental data.

Harnessing the power of AI for Africa’s success

A strong consensus emerged across the panel – for Africa to harness AI effectively, it must focus on three foundational pillars:

– Human Capital: Equip the next generation with AI literacy and professional expertise.

– Data Infrastructure: Build the digital backbone for connectivity, storage, and secure data exchange.

– Localized Data: Train AI systems on African realities, including languages, culture, and societal needs.

With Africa holding just 1.3% of global data storage capacity and lagging in digital readiness, speakers agreed that the continent is at a crossroads and must urgently make the choice to invest now, or risk falling further behind.

As Africa moves forward in artificial intelligence, the African Development Bank reaffirms its commitment to shaping a digital future that is inclusive, sovereign, and anchored in shared prosperity.

For more information or to revisit this session, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4eu3i9P)

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

Contact:
Chara Tsitoura
Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org

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

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, on 14 June, has honored the President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Dr Akinwumi Adesina describing him as “a visionary leader, a tireless son of Africa who has dedicated his life to transform the narrative of the continent.”

President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised Adesina’s vital role in the development of her country’s economy, singling out large-scale infrastructure projects financed by the Bank.

During a two-day visit to Tanzania that began on Friday, Bank president Dr Akinwumi Adesina was invited on a tour of some of the Bank-financed infrastructure projects that are transforming Tanzania’s economy and strengthening its regional and international roles. This includes a new international airport and a major highway that encircles the administrative capital of Dodoma.

The Tanzanian leader highlighted projects in other sectors, such as agriculture and energy, that are financed by the Bank.

“This is in addition to the construction of a modern Standard Gauge Railway line that will link Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said President Suluhu Hassan.

The African Development Bank Group has invested $9 billion in Tanzania since it started its operations in the country in 1971. Total financial support over the last 10 years under Adesina’s leadership stands at $4.73 billion, equivalent to 53% of the Bank’s lending to Tanzania over the past 54 years.

“On behalf of the people of Tanzania, I express our gratitude to the African Development Bank for being a dependable partner of our country’s development journey,” the Tanzanian President said.

Referencing the Bank’s transformative impact, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan told Adesina, “Your visionary leadership has brought significant socio-economic change to Tanzania and across Africa.”

To cheers from the crowd President Suluhu Hassan announced, “I have accepted a recommendation by the Ministry of Works to rename the Dodoma Outer Ring Road as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina Road.”

Adesina, accompanied by his wife, Grace Yemisi Adesina, was visibly moved to tears.

The newly named 112-kilometer dual carriageway is a strategic link in the Cape to Cairo continental corridor. It will decongest Tanzania’s fast-growing administrative capital and enhance regional connectivity.

The Bank provided $138 million in funding for the project, with an additional $42 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund and $34.69 million from the Government of Tanzania.

Earlier, Adesina surprised the crowd when he delivered a lengthy portion of his speech in Kiswahili, the national language of Tanzania, which is widely spoken in East and Central Africa. After recognizing all dignitaries in Kiswahili, he went on to thank President Suluhu Hassan for the warm and generous hospitality accorded to him, first in the City of Peace, Dar es Salaam, and in the attractive city of Dodoma.

“Mheshimiwa Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan, ningependa kukushukuru kwa mapokezi yako ya upendo na ukarimu tuliopewa jana katika jiji la amani, Dar es Salaam na hapa pia katika jiji lenye mvuto la Dodoma. Nimefurahi sana kuwa hapa Dodoma,” Adesina said as the crowd cheered him on.

Earlier, on Friday 13 June, Adesina was awarded a Doctor of Science Honorary Degree (Honoris Causa) from the prestigious University of Dar es Salaam.

The citation highlighted Adesina’s leadership and “lifelong dedication to public service, evidence-based policymaking, and pan-African progress.”

It read further: “Dr Adesina exemplifies the rare blend of academic brilliance, visionary leadership, and practical impact that honorary doctorates are meant to recognize. His emphasis on inclusive growth, innovation, and economic resilience makes him a beacon of integrity, excellence, and servant leadership.”

The honorary degree was bestowed on Adesina by the Chancellor of the University and former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who said, “I would like to tell Tanzanians, the African Development Bank has been a major anchor of Tanzania’s development sector. When it comes to infrastructure, no institution comes close to the African Development Bank.”

Addressing the graduating class, Adesina spoke of his humble beginnings, emphasizing resilience, character, and unity. “Success cannot be achieved alone,” he said, inviting the students to rise, link hands, and repeat together: “Together, we will succeed and make a difference.”

In his congratulatory remarks, Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said, “Tanzania is proud to stand among the nations celebrating this remarkable journey and enduring legacy.”

From Dar es Salaam, Adesina, accompanied by former President Kikwete and Finance Minister Nchemba, took the Standard Gauge Railway train for the three-hour, 450-kilometre journey to Dodoma.

The African Development Bank Group has established a syndication strategy to mobilize $1.2 billion in conjunction with Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, and other partners for the 651-kilometre extension of the electrified Standard Gauge Railway that will connect Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The project financing, signed during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum Market Days and includes more than $85 million from the Bank’s concessional financing window, the African Development Fund, a mix of Partial Credit Guarantees totaling $994.3 million across some sections of the railway, complemented by $247 million from the Government of Tanzania in counterpart financing. Initial disbursement from the African Development Fund and partner, the OPEC Fund, is expected by July 2025.

Adesina said, “This railway line is a cornerstone of East Africa’s regional integration vision, aimed at delivering a modern, cost-effective, and high-capacity transport system anchored on the port of Dar es Salaam and linking landlocked nations.”

“Our shift from traditional road systems to integrated transport solutions is helping position Tanzania as a key logistics and trade hub in the region,” he added.

Accompanied by Adesina, President Suluhu Hassan travelled across more than 30 kilometers of the Dodoma Outer Ring Road, stopping along the way at the Bank-funded Msalato International Airport which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The state-of-the-art airport features a 3.6-kilometre landing strip—one of the longest in East Africa, with a capacity to accommodate Airbus A380 aircraft.

The African Development Bank has provided over $198 million to finance the Msalato International Airport project with $23 million coming from the African Development Fund and $50 million from the African Grow Together Fund.

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

Media contact:
Christin Roby
Regional Communication Officer for East Africa
Communication and External Relations
Email: media@afdb.org

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

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

• TUI Blue and TUI Suneo extend their portfolio in North Africa
• New openings planned in The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire
• New luxury brand The Mora celebrates its first anniversary

TUI Group (www.TUIGroup.com) continues to expand its hotel business worldwide and pursues ambitious plans to support the African hospitality industry. With its 12 leisure hotel brands, TUI offers unique experiences for holidaymakers and invites them to enjoy the respective region with its culinary delights, natural beauty and cultural heritage. A few weeks ago, the brands TUI Blue and TUI Suneo expanded their portfolio in Africa. In Egypt, TUI Blue Samaya with 143 rooms and an aqua park has been added to the premium brand’s portfolio. The hotel is located in the growing destination of Marsa Alam. For holidaymakers looking for value for money, TUI Suneo Palm Beach Skanes in Tunisia has also opened its doors. With 294 rooms and a large garden area, the hotel is offering an attractive all-inclusive package with a wide range of sports and entertainment options.

“Together with our long-standing JV partners, we have more than 20 hotels in our pipeline that will open in Africa in the coming months and years”, says Artur Gerber, Managing Director TUI Hotels & Resorts, at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa. “We already have a strong presence in North Africa, the Cape Verde Islands and Zanzibar, but we are convinced that other destinations can also benefit from our strong leisure hotel brands.” For example, the lifestyle brand TUI Blue is planning its first hotel in The Gambia, which will open at the end of this year. The resort features 140 rooms and a unique location along Kotu Beach. “With our expertise, along with management and franchise agreements, we are also attracting hotel partners in entirely new destinations. One example is Côte d’Ivoire, where the construction of a new TUI Blue hotel has just started and is scheduled to open in 2027”, adds Wesam Okasha, Head of Global Development TUI Blue.

Last year, TUI launched a new brand targeting the upscale market and selected Tanzania as its inaugural destination. The Mora Zanzibar has just celebrated its first anniversary, offering laid-back, contemporary luxury with highly personalized and flexible service. “Our guest reviews show that The Mora is resonating strongly with this new audience and delivering an exceptional experience. We are very proud of this achievement and look forward to introducing more carefully selected The Mora hotels across Africa,” says Artur Gerber.

TUI Hotels & Resorts’ current portfolio in Africa comprises a total of 97 hotels with over 30,000 rooms across eight countries.

– on behalf of TUI Blue Hotels.

TUI Group – Group Corporate & External Affairs:
Natascha Kreye
Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 (0) 511 566 6029
natascha.kreye@tui.com

group.communications@tui.com
www.TUIGroup.com

About TUI Group:
The TUI Group is one of the world’s leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its over 20 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 18 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe’s leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with 125 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.  

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.  

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

Nigerian energy company Green Energy International (GEIL) has completed the development of the Otakikpo onshore terminal, situated in OML 11 near Port Harcourt. In June 2025, the company lifted its first crude cargo from the newly-constructed facility – the first indigenous onshore terminal constructed in the country in five decades – signaling the start of operations at the terminal.  

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of the African energy sector – commends GEIL for the development of the onshore terminal. The AEC believes that facilities such as this will play an instrumental part in supporting marginal field production by facilitating crude exports and increasing revenue generation in Nigeria. As the country strives to produce two million barrels per day (bpd), projects of this nature will support new investments by providing a direct route from offshore fields to market.  

The Otakikpo terminal was developed in two years – six months ahead of schedule. The company broke ground on the construction of the facility in February 2023, with the development of storage facilities and the associated pipeline advancing in February 2024. Construction works continued to progress through May 2024, with associated infrastructure at the terminal – including offices and pump facilities – progressing in December 2024. By March 2025, the facility began injecting crude, with GEIL’s production averaging 5,000 bpd. GEIL has since received regulatory approval from the government to boost production to 30,000 bpd under a revised field development plan. In June 2025, the facility received its first cargo via a vessel chartered by energy major Shell. The maiden cargo transported crude from the Otakikpo marginal field – located in Rivers State and operated by GEIL – to the terminal, kickstarting a new era of efficient crude distribution in Nigeria.  

The terminal itself is a state-of-the-art facility with a storage capacity of 750,000 barrels. Plans are underway to increase storage capacity to three million barrels – dependent on market demands. The terminal is designed with an export capacity of 360,000 bpd, with crude transported via a 23-km, 20-inch pipeline connected to a single point mooring system in the Atlantic Ocean. At the site, tankers – such as Aframax chartered by Shell – can dock and load. The terminal is expected to significantly reduce operating costs for marginal fields in OML 11, primarily through cost-effective transportation. Prior to the construction of the onshore terminal, GEIL relied on barges to transport crude. However, with the terminal, the company stands to reduce the reliance on costly offshore floating stations, reducing overall operational costs by 40%.  

For Nigeria’s marginal fields, the terminal opens new doors for greater operational efficiency. The terminal is expected to unlock previously-stranded crude from more than 40 marginal fields across the region, with a capacity to receive up to 250,000 bpd from third-party producers. The government has long-sought to revive crude production through the development of marginal fields. A marginal field bidding round was launched in 2020 to entice indigenous operators to invest in marginal field opportunities, drawing in 591 companies seeking to develop 57 oilfields. Ultimately, 161 companies were shortlisted, most of which represented indigenous operators. Improved fiscals introduced through Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 further enticed investments by both international and regional players. Looking ahead, these foundations have seen a rise in marginal field production, with the GEIL-developed onshore terminal set to further support investments and exports.  

“GEIL is not only setting a strong benchmark for other independent operators in Nigeria but serves as a testament to the central role indigenous energy companies play in the country’s oil and gas sector. By establishing a domestic solution to producing, storing and exporting crude, GEIL is supporting marginal field production while laying the foundation for most efficient oil operations. The facility will play an instrumental part in supporting the country’s crude production goals,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.   

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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

Africa Global Logistics (AGL) – a leading multimodal logistics, transport and port operations company in Africa – has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference as a Bronze Sponsor. The event will take place on September 3-4 in Luanda. AGL’s participation reflects its growing commitment to strengthening supply chains in Angola, as it expands and modernizes logistics and port operations across the country.

Operating through port, road, rail and air freight services, AGL has significantly grown its footprint in Angola in recent years, investing in infrastructure upgrades and offering turnkey logistics management solutions. With one of the largest logistics networks in Africa, the company provides reliable, flexible solutions that support oil and gas projects and create added value. As an AOG 2025 sponsor, AGL aligns with Angola’s broader goals of increasing oil production and boosting intra-African petroleum trade.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

AGL’s sponsorship comes at a pivotal time for Angola, as the country prepares to bring several major developments online between 2025 and 2028. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025), the Agogo Integrated West Hub (late 2025), the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields (2026) and the Kaminho Deepwater Development (2028). These projects require coordinated logistics operations to ensure the safe, continuous delivery of supplies – from offshore FPSOs to onshore facilities and export terminals. AGL’s engagement at AOG 2025 is set to foster deeper collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders, supporting these projects through direct engagement and potential partnerships.

In 2024, AGL launched operations at the AGL Lobito Terminal, located at Angola’s largest port hub, the Port of Lobito. The terminal accommodates large-capacity ships and handles over one million tons of bulk goods and more than 100,000 TEU containers annually. AGL won the international tender for the development of the container and multipurpose terminal in 2023, aiming to enhance the port’s connectivity and support Angola’s trade and industrialization ambitions.

In addition to supporting oil and gas trade, the modernized terminal serves as the first Atlantic gateway providing access to Africa’s copper-belt regions. Connected to the Lobito Railway – which links Zambia and the DRC to international markets via the port – the terminal facilitates critical mineral exports and supports the development of agricultural basins across these countries. AGL’s participation at AOG 2025 presents an opportunity for closer engagement across Angola’s upstream, downstream and logistics value chains. As Angola ramps up oil and gas output and expands exports, AGL’s expertise will be instrumental in delivering the infrastructure and services needed to support these ambitions.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Valor Hospitality Partners (www.ValorHospitality.com), a global leader in full-service hospitality solutions, today announced the signing of two new hotel management contracts in Nigeria and Senegal representing an investment in excess of approximately R540 million in West Africa. The deals were signed at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) taking place in Cape Town this week.

The significant figure represents the combined capital expenditure for the development and establishment of the two new-build properties.

Both deals are franchise agreements with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. The agreements are to manage the new Holiday Inn SD City in Dakar, Senegal and a new Crowne Plaza hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.

Significantly, these signings are Valor’s debut in the very dynamic West African market, and join Valor’s portfolio in Central, East and Southern Africa, and further strengthen Valor’s relationship with IHG globally.

Across the two properties, Valor will be responsible for the successful opening and  operational management of each hotel.

“The hospitality sector on the continent is teeming with opportunity, and represents an incredible frontier for the adoption of fully-integrated management services. These signings speak to this reality and we’re excited to further expand our footprint across Africa, not only for its market potential but for the value we can bring in enhancing the sector for all stakeholders – from owners and developers, right down to the guest experience,” says Michael Pownall, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Valor Hospitality Partners.

Beyond the monetary investment, these deals signify confidence in the region’s hospitality and the growing preference for leveraging fully-integrated management services, such as those offered by Valor, to ensure global best-in-class management and operational practices at every level.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG Hotels & Resorts , said: “Valor Hospitality is amongst our key strategic partners in the region and we’re pleased to further extend the partnership as we expand our footprint in high-potential African markets. We look forward to working with Valor in delivering world-class welcoming experiences for travellers, across our portfolio with them.

Pownall adds: “These new deals represent a significant entry into a new, key market – namely Senegal and Nigeria in West Africa. This expansion diversifies our regional presence and strengthens our market position.”

Thanks to the global insights and strategic thinking Valor brings to the industry, combined with their commitment to blending a big-picture view with regional and cultural nuances, Valor is cementing its position as a preferred partner to significant players in the hospitality sector across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Valor Hospitality.

For media inquiries and high-resolution imagesplease contact:
Delia de Villiers
delia@phoenixcollective.world 
+27 73 710 3000

For more information about Valor Hospitality and its innovative approach to hotel management and franchising
visit www.ValorHospitality.com.

ABOUT VALOR HOSPITALITY PARTNERS:
Valor Hospitality Partners (www.ValorHospitality.com) is a leading global full-service hotel underwriting, acquisition, development, management, and asset management company. With over 90 hospitality projects in its international portfolio, Valor Hospitality offers an array of services, including site selection, product and brand selection, entitlements, financing solutions, conceptual design, construction and project management, procurement, technical services, pre-opening, and operations management. Valor also provides consulting services on a wide range of project scenarios, including working with new or existing ownership groups on reviewing site selection, assessing feasibility studies and project budgets, compiling project budgets, and underwriting. For more information, visit ValorHospitality.com connect with Valor on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/462xp5L) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3Zzd7Nq).