Category: English

Source: APO

The Ministry of Health, together with partners, joined Kenyans at the 2nd International EndPPH Run at Ulinzi Sports Ground to raise awareness on Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)—the leading cause of maternal deaths in Kenya, accounting for up to 45% of cases.

Despite progress in maternal and child health, PPH continues to claim the lives of too many mothers, especially in 13 hotspot counties such as Tana River, Garissa, West Pokot, Homa Bay, Migori, and Turkana, where lifesaving interventions are being prioritized.

Speaking during the event, the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy, timely interventions, and strong community awareness in saving lives.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with counties and development partners, is committed to ending preventable maternal deaths through quality care, innovation, skills building, and stronger health systems. With early detection and prompt treatment, no mother should die while giving life.

Run for Her – Together Against the Number One Killer of New Mums.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

Equatorial Guinea has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with energy major ConocoPhillips for Blocks B/4 and EG-27 in a move set to unlock up to $9 billion in investments. The HOA outlines the terms for both blocks development and aims to reinforce the country’s position as a regional gas processing hub. As the country advances its national strategy to accelerate upstream growth and bring new production online, the HOA is seen as a pivotal step towards bolstering natural gas monetization in Central Africa.

Signed between ConocoPhillips, Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development, national oil company (NOC) GEPetrol and national gas company SONAGAS, the agreement is not only a reflection of the government’s commitment to private-public partnerships, but ensures that these strategic blocks move towards the development phase at a rapid pace. Through the HOA, the partners have agreed to finalize the Production Sharing Contracts within six months, with the projects set to deliver over 20 years of production.

“This recent agreement is a strong reflection of the government’s commitment to working with foreign operators to advance the country’s exploration and production agenda. Block EG-27 and B/4 will not only support the country’s production growth, but unlock a wave of economic opportunities that will benefit the country for decades to come. By developing these blocks efficiently, we aim to restore production levels to those achieved before 2014 and maximize long-term value for the country,” stated Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea.

Both blocks are highly promising and feature commercial gas discoveries. Notably, Block EG-27 is estimated to hold up to 2.8 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas while Block B/4 is home to an estimated 0.7 tcf. The estimated capital investment to bring these reserves into production is $9 billion, demonstrating the project’s long-term potential and the commitment of all stakeholders. At a time when Equatorial Guinea is realigning its policies, engaging global investors and promoting offshore exploration and production, the deal stands to support production growth by ensuring the development of commercially-viable assets.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea has been rapidly advancing the development of the natural gas value chain under efforts to cement its position as a regional gas processing hub. The recent HOA exemplifies the country’s strategy to foster a stable, transparent and investor-friendly environment while accelerating resource development in the region, demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to working with partners to drive projects forward.

In addition to supporting production, the agreement signals ConocoPhillips’ commitment to strengthening Equatorial Guinea’s gas market. It follows a series of milestones by the company in recent months, including the export of the inaugural LNG cargo from the Punta Europa facility in June 2025. Advancing the country’s flagship Gas Mega Hub (GMH) – an initiative that aims to monetize stranded gas reserves in both domestic and regional markets – this milestone underscores Equatorial Guinea’s potential to become a major global gas player. The recently-signed HOA aims to strengthen feedstock for the Punta Europa facility, thereby supporting the success of the GMH. In addition to bolstering production, the development of Blocks EG-27 and B/4 will enhance the value of Punta Europa midstream infrastructure, supplying additional volumes to the facility.

The agreement comes as the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons works to attract new investments in gas exploration and production. With major initiatives such as the GMH, the Ministry is working towards improving security of supply and driving sustainable economic growth. To support greater investment, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development is also preparing to launch its 2026 licensing round. With goals to cement its position as a regional gas hub, the country is promoting investments in a variety of blocks, with the upcoming bid round set to pave the way for exploration and production.

The African Energy Chamber, the voice of the African energy sector, fully supports this agreement as it strengthens Equatorial Guinea’s position as a regional gas hub, attracts long-term investment, and creates jobs. By advancing these blocks, the country is monetizing its resources and driving sustainable growth in line with Africa’s energy future.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

The world’s eyes are set on Africa. The continent is experiencing an unprecedented influx of private capital, directed toward job creation, industrial development, and sustainable growth. In 2024, foreign direct investment in Africa surged by 75%, reaching $97 billion, underscoring its strategic role in the global financial landscape.

Fii Sénégal 2025, scheduled for October 7–8 at the CICAD Conference Centre in Diamniadio, will place Africa’s real economy at the heart of its discussions. A flagship panel titled “Private Capital and Productive Investment:  How to direct finance towards the real economy’” will convene high-level decision-makers, including government ministers, regional leaders, and global financial stakeholders.

Among the featured speakers are Mr. Abdourahmane Sarr, Senegal’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, and Mr. Cheikh Diba, Minister of Finance and Budget, who will present the host country’s economic vision and leadership. On stage with them, Mr. Serge Ekue, President of the West African Development Bank (BOAD), will contribute a regional perspective on development financing. Also joining the panel is Mr. Ethiopis Tafara, Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), who will contribute global insights informed by the World Bank Group. His Excellency Abdoulaye Diop, President of the WAEMU Commission, will represent the voice of regional integration.

Held under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, and organized by APIX, Senegal’s National Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Major Works, this edition of the forum — “Connecting Opportunities, Building the Future” — will bring together Heads of State, investors, CEOs, and economic leaders to accelerate the financing of high-impact projects.

Saudi Arabia’s designation as Guest of Honour for 2025 highlights the strong economic ties between the Gulf region and Africa, paving the way for a strategic and lasting partnership.

Bakary Séga Bathily, Director General of APIX, captured the essence of the forum, stating: “This panel delivers a clear message — Africa is ready to shape the future of global finance by channelling investment into the real economy.”

– on behalf of APIX Senegal S.A.

Source: APO – Report:

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has taken a decisive step to advance its natural gas agenda, signing an Incentives Agreement with energy major Chevron for the development of the Aseng Gas Project in Block I. The landmark agreement – signed between the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development the Ministry of Finance and Chevron – underscores the country’s long-term strategy to consolidate its position as a premier hub for natural gas in Africa. 

The Aseng Gas Project represents an initial investment of approximately $690 million. The development will unlock new volumes of natural gas that will be directed toward domestic power generation and processing at the EGLNG facility. In doing so, it secures feedstock for one of the country’s most important industrial assets, the Punta Europa Gas Complex, while creating new opportunities for value addition and energy security.  

This agreement signals more than a single project milestone. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing the Gas Mega Hub (GMH) initiative – a bold strategy that leverages Equatorial Guinea’s existing infrastructure to monetize regional gas resources. The integration of gas produced from the Aseng field represents the third phase of the GMH. By ensuring reliable supply to midstream facilities, the Aseng development positions the country as a critical partner in the continent’s energy future. 

“The Aseng Gas Project will provide a reliable supply of LNG to global markets while serving as a catalyst for advancing strategic developments such as the Punta Europa complex. In addition, it will enhance national and regional energy security, support clean cooking initiatives and drive economic growth through a sustainable energy supply,” stated Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea. 

Equatorial Guinea’s GMH has been a focal point of regional cooperation since its inception. The initiative seeks to aggregate stranded or associated gas resources from domestic fields and neighboring countries, processing them through existing infrastructure at Punta Europa. By doing so, the country is transforming potential flared or underutilized resources into export revenue, domestic power and industrial growth. In recent years, the government has signed a series of agreements aimed at expanding the scope of the hub. Partnerships with international operators have allowed Equatorial Guinea to process gas from the Alen Field and other regional assets. The Aseng Gas Project adds further momentum, with Chevron consolidating its position as a strategic partner committed to the long-term success of the initiative. 

Chevron’s agreement follows key milestones in Equatorial Guinea’s gas market. Notably, ConocoPhillips exports its first cargo from the Punta Europe facility in June 2025, representing a critical step towards advancing the GMH initiative. The Aseng Gas Project represents a cornerstone for the next phase of the country’s energy development. By combining strategic partnerships, progressive reforms and visionary infrastructure planning, Equatorial Guinea is demonstrating how gas can serve as both an export revenue generator and a catalyst for broad-based economic transformation. As the GMH advances, the country is solidifying its reputation as a model for African energy development – one where resource monetization, investor confidence, and sustainable growth converge. 

Building on this momentum and to reinforce its attractiveness as an investment destination, the government is undertaking comprehensive regulatory reforms. The Hydrocarbons Law, Tax Law, Labor Law and the Special Economic Zones framework are all under review, reflecting a deliberate effort to create a modern, transparent, and competitive environment for investors. These reforms will not only strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s credibility as a reliable partner but also lay the foundation for sustained project development across the oil and gas value chain. The reforms complement a drive by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development to attract new investment across the market. The country is preparing to launch its 2026 licensing round, featuring key assets that will support the country’s production goals. By working closely with foreign operators, introducing new investment prospects and revisiting its regulatory environment, Equatorial Guinea is positioning itself for long-term growth.  

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the voice of the African energy sector, supports the Aseng Gas Project agreement as it secures new gas supply, strengthens the Punta Europa complex, and drives the success of the Gas Mega Hub. 

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

• Africa needs to be ambitious. Striving towards SDG7, African leaders and international partners have set out to connect 300 million people by 2030.
• Renewable costs are falling fast. Solar prices are down nearly 80% over the past decade, enabling faster, cheaper deployment of mini-grids and home systems in remote areas.
• More than 50% of new connections will come from decentralised renewables. These are essential for rural ‘last mile’ areas where grid extension is slow and expensive.
• Funding needs are high. While almost $50 billion has been pledged, total needs exceed $90 billion by 2030 to achieve universal energy access.
• Government reforms are key. Policies like utility and tariff reforms, streamlined regulation, and stronger institutions are needed to attract investment and scale efforts.

While global ‘energy poverty’ has dropped by around 80% since 2010, 600 million people in Africa – approximately 83% of the global total – still lack access to electricity. It is clear that progress has stalled, but there are key areas of focus that dramatically change the status quo in the coming years.

This is one of the key findings of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report titled, Unleashing Africa: Powering Prosperity Through Energy Access (https://apo-opa.co/48DclnC), that provides a holistic, multi-lever approach to navigate the complexity of expanding energy access in Africa.

“Though the challenge may seem overwhelming, the social and economic opportunities are immense. We must be ambitious and strive to reach the goal of connecting 300 million Africans by 2030,” says Kesh Mudaly, lead member of BCG’s Climate & Sustainability and Energy practice in South Africa, and one of the key authors.

By achieving these goals, Africa could boost its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gains of $500+ billion by 2040 to unlock significant foreign direct investment, create millions of jobs, improve school graduation rates, reduce infant mortality, and avoid 350+ million tons of CO₂ which will ensure that African manufacturers can remain export competitive in the face of clean-energy focused trade tariffs.

Despite challenges, BCG has identified 5 key opportunities for stakeholders in the energy ecosystem.

Strengthen government planning and reforms

Following the examples set by Kenya and Uganda, governments need to set clear electrification targets, backed by detailed roadmaps identifying least-cost solutions including grid, mini-grid and off-grid solutions for every community. This includes integrated energy planning to co-ordinate efforts across ministries and donors. Policy and regulatory reforms are essential to create an environment where projects can succeed – for example, simplifying licensing, ensuring tariffs allow cost recovery and improving utility performance.

Upgrade and expand grid infrastructure

While there has been much focus on generation projects, it is imperative that African governments invest in transmission and distribution networks to connect population centres and industrial zones, and to transmit power from new generation projects to demand hubs.

Scale distributed renewable energy and innovation

Nigeria’s government, with World Bank support, is implementing an off-grid electrification project that subsidises private developers to deploy solar mini-grids to villages, aiming to reach 2.5 million people and 70,000 businesses in the next few years​.

With many African countries still very dependent on centralised generation and distribution models, innovative thinking around how to harness technology like solar PV and small wind-power solutions will be key to rapid electrification. 

Unlock capital through innovative financing and partnerships

Despite the potential scale of the opportunity, one of the biggest challenges for energy projects is reaching financial close. Beyond traditional funding partners such as the Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and banks, there are innovative new products including green bonds, carbon credit off-set projects and climate finance specific options.

Even with this diverse range of funding options, the ability to align stakeholders remains a challenge and African nations can work with experienced countries like India or Brazil to adapt successful financing models. Brazil’s opening of transmission to private concessions in the 1990s quadrupled grid capacity and universal access and if African nations are able to replicate this, it would be a gamechanger.   

Drive productive usage and inclusion for impact

In the race to provide access to energy, African countries need to be wary of an “electrification without empowerment” scenario.  Simply delivering electrons to people’s homes is not enough – the goal is to translate energy access into real socioeconomic development.

Countries should look to models such as Solar Sister in West and East Africa, which trains and supports women as entrepreneurs to distribute clean energy products in their communities. Solar Sister has empowered over 5000 women entrepreneurs and reached 1.8 million people with solar lights and clean cooking stoves to date. Similarly, initiatives that encourage productive uses of energy (PUE), such as helping small businesses acquire electric equipment or facilitating micro-loans for agribusiness, can turn new electricity connections into higher incomes and employment.

While Africa is home to18% of the world’s population, it accounts for less than 1% of companies with a market capitalisation above $1 billion. In the energy sector, this scale gap matters. While entrepreneurial activity is vibrant, many players remain small and fragmented, lacking the scale to execute large capital projects or replicate models across borders. To meet electrification targets, Africa will need to scale up a new generation of local independent power producers and energy infrastructure firms capable of delivering complex projects efficiently, attracting long-term capital, and building resilient regional operations. Without these local champions, the sector will remain overly dependent on external actors and exposed to delivery risk.

Mudaly concludes: “The experience of past projects and current initiatives make one thing clear: when Africa’s public and private sectors align efforts, backed by data-driven planning and community engagement, the lights come on – and lives change. With urgency and unity of purpose in the next five years, the continent can dramatically accelerate energy access and move toward a future where every African has the opportunity that electricity provides.”

Download the full report (https://apo-opa.co/4pK1j6f).

– on behalf of Boston Consulting Group.

Media Contact: 
Paula Youens
+27 66 5874403  
youens.paula@bcg.com 

About Boston Consulting Group:
Founded in 1963, and with offices in over 50 countries, BCG’s diverse, global team comprising of 30 000 plus people bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that provide clients with management consulting solutions.  Through its transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders, BCG empowers organisations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage and drive positive societal impact. For more, go to www.BCG.com.   

BCG is well established in Africa, with offices in: Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Nairobi, bringing together a team of nearly 600 collaborators. For more about BCG in Africa, go to https://apo-opa.co/485b9JJ. 

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies and Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), have formed a new partnership to mobilize private sector investment across the African continent into areas that will boost jobs and development.

Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies and Chair of GFANZ and Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group announced the move on Wednesday 24 September, during the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, held on the sidelines of the eightieth UN General Assembly in New York.

“Today we took a decisive step–embarking on a new journey of partnerships and collective action. Through our four cardinal points of strategic priorities, we have affirmed our commitment to work closely with the private sector and our international partners to create a financial framework that serves Africa better–and on its own terms,” said Dr Sidi Ould Tah.

 “I am glad that we have allies who believe in the importance of progressive partnerships and who are ready to work hand in hand with the African Development Bank Group. Together we will consolidate our strengths for mobilizing private sector resources and unleashing investments at scale for Africa’s development.”

Since assuming leadership of the African Development Bank earlier this month, President Ould Tah has identified “transforming population growth into an economic engine for job creation, particularly for women and youth,” as one of his four cardinal priority areas.

Under the new partnership the two leaders will convene major private financial institutions together with the African Development Bank, to mobilise significantly greater flows of private capital for Africa’s growth and resilience.

“Africa has enormous opportunities for economic growth and innovation, and this new partnership with the African Development Bank will help to unlock more of it by reducing barriers to private investment,” Bloomberg said.

Africa needs more than $1.3 trillion to achieve the sustainable development goals and $68 to $108 billion annually for infrastructure financing, according to the African Development Bank’s 2025 African Economic Outlook report.

The Africa Investment Forum (http://apo-opa.co/3KsvO0i), founded by the African Development Bank Group and eight other partners, aims to close Africa’s investment gap by accelerating the development of projects and offering a curated platform for investors to connect, engage, and finalize deals. Its goal is to make Africa a premier global investment destination by driving high-impact projects that generate measurable development outcomes for the continent.

In the coming months both institutions will jointly work to:

• Raise investor awareness of the Bank’s mobilization toolkit and investment opportunities.
• Collect and incorporate feedback from private sector partners.
• Explore new ways the African Development Bank Group can catalyse the flow of greater private capital into Africa’s growing investment opportunities, delivering economic development, jobs, and innovation.
• Identify and support the implementation of financial and policy innovations that can enhance investor participation.

“Mobilizing private capital at scale is essential to unlocking Africa’s full potential for sustainable growth and resilience,” said Mary Schapiro, Vice Chair of GFANZ and Head of the GFANZ Secretariat. “This partnership will help connect African investment opportunities with the capital, tools, and innovation needed to bring them to life.”

Across another vital sector, partnership between the Bank and GFANZ began in September 2023, with the signing of a letter of intent between African Development Bank and GFANZ to support  climate action by financial institutions across the continent (http://apo-opa.co/3In3KLo) at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.

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

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
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: APO

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Digital technologies have transformed the global economy, with India, China and the African continent emerging as frontrunners in innovation in the digital payments space. Much of this success is attributed to their cash-heavy economies that have limited banking penetration and rapid digital adoption — a unique blend that has created an environment for such fintech innovations to succeed. 

During an official side event of South Africa’s Think 20 (https://apo-opa.co/42RMmFi) hosted by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), experts highlighted that there are 2.1 billion registered mobile money accounts worldwide (https://apo-opa.co/42h0pnJ) – over half are held by people in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite rapid adoption, disparities exist. Affordability, financial literacy, access to digital tools, gender gaps, transparency, and trust and security issues create a digital divide and inhibit true financial inclusion in these regions. 

“The geopolitics of digital payments is no longer a niche or technical issue; it now sits clearly at the heart of debates around sovereignty, power, and inclusion,” said Yash Kalash, senior fellow at CIGI. “It is crucial to promote cooperation at a time of growing geopolitical rivalry and expand financial access to include those who have been historically underbanked and underserved.” 

Recommendations from panelists, including diplomats, industry leaders, academics and civil society stakeholders from around the world, to strengthen the digital payments ecosystem include mandatory coupling of innovation and stability to ensure responsible testing, cooperative regulation to improve cross-border payments, and increased alignment with G20 goals and UN Sustainable Development Goals to ensure inclusion is built into the design of any digital finance system.  

“We need to support the underserved populations in using mobile money services in many ways, including offering relevant financial literacy education,” remarked Nancy Kiarie, senior consultant of Inclusive Finance, Livelihoods and Agriculture at BFA Global. “Enhanced literacy will help to protect digital payment users from fraud and build trust in platforms that help to better manage finances.”  

Other key themes of the two-day conference included geopolitics of alternative payment systems, tokenization and cross-border payments, and digital governance and global cooperation. 

For more information and to access the selected policy briefs that informed and influenced the conference discussions, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/42RMmFi

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).

Media contact: 
Communications Team 
Centre for International Governance Innovation 
519-885-2444 
communications@cigionline.org 

About CIGI:
The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank whose peer-reviewed research, foresight and trusted analysis influence policy makers to innovate. With the engagement of a global network of experts and contributors, CIGI tackles the governance challenges and opportunities of data and transformative technologies, including AI, and their impact on the economy, security, democracy and, ultimately, societies. For more information, please visit www.CIGIOnline.org.