Category: English

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the Republic of Congo have signed a memorandum of understanding on the hosting and organization of the Bank’s 2026 Annual Meetings, scheduled to take place in May next year.

Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, attended the signing ceremony as along with other members of the Congolese government.

Ludovic Ngatsé, Congo’s Minister of the Economy, Planning, Statistics, and Regional Integration, who also serves as Bank Group Governor for the country signed the MOU in Brazzaville where the 2026 Annual Meetings will take place. Vincent O. Nmehielle, Bank Group Secretary General signed on the institution’s behalf. The 2026 Annual Meetings will be the 61st for the African Development Bank and the 51st for the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional lending arm for low-income African countries.

The 2026 Meetings will be the first to be held under the chairmanship of Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, who was elected as head of the Bank Group on 29 May 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/46eEErd). 

A Bank delegation has been meeting with the government of Congo since 11 September for discussions on the meetings. The signing represents an important milestone in the preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings programme and reflects a shared understanding and commitment to work toward the Meetings’ success across key areas including logistics, security, hospitality, language services, accommodation, transportation, ICT, and statutory meetings.

Minister Ngatse said: “This first mission to prepare for the 61st Annual Meetings of the Bank Group was both useful and fruitful. Useful, because it allowed the parties to exchange views on the organizational frameworks established on both sides, with a view to setting up dedicated institutional structures; and fruitful, because it enabled all of us not only to grasp the scope of our commitments, but also to gain a clearer understanding of the various tasks entrusted to us.”

“By signing this memorandum of understanding, the Government of the Republic of Congo commits to providing the goods and services necessary for the effective organization and smooth running of the Annual Meetings, in accordance with the Bank’s procurement rules and procedures,” Nmehielle said. “The Bank will also strive to ensure that quality standards of the Annual Meetings are maintained at all times, through ongoing dialogue with the host country.”

The African Development Bank delegation and the government of Congo also formalized the first discussion document of the preparatory mission, which sets out the work to be carried out by the Congolese authorities to ensure smooth organization and optimal experience for all stakeholders attending the 2026 Meetings.

The Annual Meetings are a statutory event of the Bank Group that enable the Bank’s Board of Governors and management to take stock of the past year and adopt strategic resolutions to help accelerate the development of the African continent.

They attract more than 3000 participants each year, including AfDB governors and directors, development partners, philanthropists, researchers, private sector actors, civil society representatives, media, as well as the institution’s management teams and staff.

Annual Meetings are held in member countries on a rotating basis. The Republic of Congo has hosted the Annual Meetings once before, in 1984.

Cooperation between the Bank Group and the Republic of Congo dates from 1972. Since then, the institution has approved projects and programmes in the Republic with cumulative value of $1.27 billion.

As of 30 June 2025, the Bank Group’s active portfolio in the country comprised nine sovereign operations with a total commitment of approximately $223.3 million spread across the transport, agriculture, finance, energy, and water & sanitation sectors.

The annual meetings are scheduled for May 25-29, 2026.

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

Media contact:
Solange Kamuanga-Tossou,
Communications and External Relations Department
African Development Bank  
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank is committed to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information, visit www.AfDB.org

Source: APO

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The Namibian Competition Commission has granted approval for Horizon Corporation to acquire an 80% stake in the Kombat Mine from Canadian firm Trigon Metals, marking a key step in bringing the mine back into operation. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) welcomes the deal as a strong example of investment that combines financial returns with local development benefits. The transaction still requires final authorization from the TSX Venture Exchange before completion.

Local stakeholders, including Namibian investor Knowledge Katti, who retains a 10% stake through Havanna Investments, have welcomed the development. “As founding shareholders from Namibia, we chose not to exit the project but to remain co-investors, ensuring we play a role in empowering local job creation and community development,” Katti said. State-owned Epangelo Mining holds the remaining 10% of the mine. The AEC has endorsed this approach, encouraging other companies in the energy and resources sectors to adopt long-term strategies that prioritize local content and social impact.

The Kombat Mine, located in the Otjozondjupa Region, has historically been a significant copper producer in Namibia but has been inactive in recent years. Operations were halted earlier this year due to equipment failures that affected dewatering. Horizon Corporation’s planned investment of nearly N$1 billion aims to restart mining in 2026, creating hundreds of jobs and providing new opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.

“This is exactly the kind of investment we want to see across Africa. Restarting idle mines generates employment, strengthens local supply chains and enables Namibian companies to play a larger role in industrial development. Horizon’s commitment signals confidence in Namibia’s mining sector and sets a model for other investors,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Local content and community empowerment are central to the project. Katti highlighted that Horizon’s investment will focus on programs for youth employment and broader social development. “We firmly believe that the value generated will contribute significantly to the social development of the Kombat community,” he said.

As the voice of Africa’s energy sector, the Chamber has long highlighted that sustainable growth in Africa’s natural resource sector requires a careful balance between investment and local empowerment. Projects that combine foreign capital with strong local participation – through job creation, skills development and community support – are more likely to generate lasting economic and social benefits. Horizon’s approach at Kombat sets an example for other mining and oil & gas companies, demonstrating how private investment can be structured to maximize impact for local communities.

The Kombat Mine’s revival could also influence broader investment patterns across Namibia’s resource sector. New mining activity is expected to boost demand for local services and suppliers, supporting the growth of related industries and reinforcing the country’s industrial base. With Horizon at the helm, the Kombat Mine is on track to resume operations and provide meaningful economic and social benefits to the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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Invest Africa US is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Stroud as Chief Executive Officer. Based in Washington, D.C., Shannon will drive the organization’s U.S. strategy and growth, raising Invest Africa’s profile, strengthening partnerships, and deepening investor engagement with opportunities across Africa and within the U.S. Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is a global platform with offices in the United Kingdom, United States, Middle East and Africa.

Shannon brings over 20 years of leadership experience in international finance, investment, and advisory services. Most recently, Shannon served as Director of Milken Institute International, where she founded and led its Africa Leaders Business Council, spearheaded high-level dialogues alongside the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and UN General Assembly, and expanded global investor partnerships.

Previously, she was Managing Director at the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), where she developed investor education programs and convened global capital providers through flagship conferences and summits. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles in private equity, structured finance, and consulting, including positions at Pine Creek Partners, CapitalSource Finance, and Arthur Andersen LLP. She also founded Finley Advisory, LLC, advising funds, family offices, and impact investors on capital introductions and fundraising strategies.

Karen Taylor, Executive Chair, Invest Africa said, “Invest Africa is dedicated to building bridges for global investors with the wide range of opportunities that exist on the African continent. Strengthening our presence in the United States is an essential part of our strategy, enabling us to align capital, ideas, and partnerships from around the world. This appointment underscores Invest Africa’s role as the leading platform for channeling international investment into Africa.”

“Having worked with Shannon during her time at the Milken Institute, I am delighted to welcome her as our CEO in the US,” said Paul Hinks, Chairman of Invest Africa in the US. “Africa is a vast continent where there are countless opportunities and the United States is an essential partner for its growth. Invest Africa is distinguished by its ability to provide American investors with the expertise, network, and access needed to navigate complex markets and unlock opportunities. With Shannon’s experience, Invest Africa is uniquely positioned to help channel U.S. capital into high-impact investments across Africa and open doors for African entities seeking to better understand the nuances of the U.S. market.”

“I am pleased to join Invest Africa at such a pivotal time for U.S.-Africa engagement,” said Shannon Stroud. “I look forward to deepening our relationships with investors, policy makers, and business leaders across the United States and on the African continent and translating those connections into actionable partnerships. Together with our colleagues globally, we will ensure Invest Africa continues to be the trusted platform where U.S. and African investors cultivate meaningful opportunities and drive impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

For media inquiries, please contact:
BTP ADVISERS
Benedict Lynn
benedict.lynn@btpadvisers.com
+256 786 284 386

INVEST AFRICA US
Julie Hinks
​julie.hinks@investafricaus.org
+1 917 282 9310

About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform, that drives trade and investment across the continent. With over sixty years’ experience in Africa, we provide our network with trusted market insights, tailored business support, and platforms for meaningful engagement. Our network includes more than 400 multinational corporations, investors, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, united by a shared commitment to building sustainable opportunities across Africa.

Source: APO

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A high-level Turkish delegation is confirmed to attend African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Ahmet Berat Çonkar, will deliver remarks during the event, underscoring Ankara’s growing involvement in Africa’s energy sector, where recent deals and expanding commercial activity are reshaping partnerships and creating new opportunities for investment. 

Over the past two years, Ankara has made bold moves to secure a lasting foothold in Africa’s hydrocarbon sector. In April 2025, Turkey signed a landmark agreement with Somalia for onshore oil and gas exploration, granting the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) rights over three blocks spanning 16,000 km². The deal includes seismic studies and drilling, and provides Turkey with significant cost recovery rights and low royalty obligations, highlighting both Ankara’s readiness to assume frontier risk and Mogadishu’s need for reliable partners. Turkey has also signaled plans to deepen cooperation in Somalia’s mining sector, positioning itself to tap into Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. 

Meanwhile, Turkey is ramping up its energy push in Libya. In June 2025, TPAO and Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed a MOU to explore offshore maritime areas south of the median line between Greece and Libya – mapping four separate offshore zones slated for geological and geophysical studies. Those studies are expected to produce some 10,000 km of seismic data, which will be processed over nine months.  

Turkey is also strengthening ties in West and Southern Africa. In late 2024, the country signed a MOU with Senegal to expand cooperation in oil, gas and critical minerals, setting the stage for joint seismic work and future development. ALP24, a private Turkish firm, recently launched energy and mining ventures in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, ranging from oil and gas exploration to projects involving diamonds, coal, copper and cobalt – minerals central to Africa’s electrification and energy transition.  

Deputy Minister Çonkar is expected to outline how Ankara plans to expand on these initiatives and advance its strategy across the continent, which combines state-backed diplomacy with commercial risk-taking and infrastructure development. At a time when global powers from China to Russia are competing for influence, Turkey is positioning itself as a pragmatic partner willing to enter new markets and take on projects where others hesitate. For African nations, Turkish capital and expertise present the promise of investment and development, as well as the need to ensure that terms remain fair, transparent and beneficial to local communities. 

“Turkey’s increasingly bold energy and mining moves in Africa are not just about securing resources – they represent a new model of partnership. With the Deputy Minister speaking at AEW 2025, there’s a chance to see more transparent, proactive collaboration that benefits both Turkish investors and African nations. The challenge will be aligning terms so that host countries get fair returns, local industries grow, and risk is shared,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW:
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 www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Source: APO – Report:

RemitHope (https://RemitHope.org/), a pioneering fintech social enterprise – founded by global philanthropist and social entrepreneur Tsitsi Masiyiwa – has launched a bold campaign to raise US$100 000 in just 60 days for, 10 grassroots organisations serving some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

The campaign – themed “100 for 10” – seeks to channel life-changing support to organisations on the frontlines of health, education, gender equity and community resilience.

The 10 beneficiaries span nine African countries, including Cancerserve (Zimbabwe), Cáritas Regional De Chokwe (Mozambique), Empowered Girls (Tanzania), Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiative (Kenya), Child Restoration Outreach (Uganda), Hands of Hope (Zimbabwe), Bana Ba Metsi (Botswana), Njira Impact (Malawi), Phelisanong Children’s Centre (Lesotho) and Refugee Children’s Project  (South Africa).

“The 100 for 10 campaign is intended to harness the transforming power of small acts of generosity into life-changing opportunities for communities too often overlooked. And every dollar given delivers hope, dignity, and the promise of progress,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

Running from September 15 to November 15, 2025, the campaign pivots RemitHope’s unique model of transparency, real-time storytelling and direct funding to vetted local partners, ensuring every contribution makes a measurable difference.

In a powerful show of commitment, and leveraging its network of donors and partners, RemitHope has pledged to match every donation given, dollar-for-dollar – effectively doubling the impact.

“If you give $5 it becomes $10, give US$50 and it becomes US$100. This is multiplying hope, opportunities, and futures with every dollar donated,” she said.

The campaign builds on RemitHope’s recent success, where the platform raised over US$81 000 in funding to rebuild Mt Selinda Orphanage in Zimbabwe after a devastating fire swept through the institution. That effort demonstrated RemitHope’s unique ability to mobilise rapidly, scale generosity and deliver urgent impact.

“We’ve witnessed how extraordinary things happen when people unite in moments of crisis. And now, with 100 for 10, we are channelling that same spirit beyond emergencies, for the long journey of community-led development,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

RemitHope seeks to unlock the transformative potential of diaspora remittances –  redirecting a portion of the more than US$90 billion sent to Africa annually, into structured, high-impact community giving.

By blending trust, technology and targeted generosity, RemitHope aims to mobilise US$50 million for grassroots organisations over the next five years.

– on behalf of RemitHope.

Additional Links: https://RemitHope.org/featured/

Source: APO

• The airline hosted two guided tours of the refurbished aircraft in Cape Town and Johannesburg 

• Guests were invited to experience the Boeing 777 which has undergone a nose-to-tail refresh, including the debut of Premium Economy in South Africa 

Following the advanced deployment of the retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to both Cape Town and Johannesburg last month, Emirates (https://Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, hosted a guided tour of the fully refreshed aircraft. The airline showcased its next-generation cabins, featuring the latest sophisticated design and South Africa’s debut of the highly acclaimed Premium Economy Cabin. Johannesburg and Cape Town are the first destinations in Africa to be served by the retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777, demonstrating the airline’s steadfast commitment to South Africa. 

Key stakeholders from South Africa’s aviation and tourism sectors were in attendance, including Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro in Cape Town and Poppy Khoza, Director General South African Civil Aviation Authority in Johannesburg, along with Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President Commercial Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa and Afzal Parambil, Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Emirates.  

Commenting on the deployment, Afzal Parambil said, “As we celebrate three decades of service to South Africa, our commitment to bring the latest and greatest to the market is unwavering. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with our customers and are proud to have a very high percentage of repeat passengers, particularly on long-haul travel to destinations in the Far East and Europe. The deployment of our refurbished Boeing 777 – our first in Africa – will further elevate the experience for these passengers, with the introduction of Premium Economy and our new Business Class experience. We look forward to welcoming travellers from South Africa on the refreshed Emirates Boeing 777 soon.” 

 A closer look at the refreshed Boeing 777 

The refurbished four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features upgraded interiors with new design elements, including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood finishes across all cabins. Each aircraft includes 260 latest generation Economy seats, 24 of the popular Premium Economy seats, 38 Business Class seats in 1-2-1 configuration and eight First Class Suites. 

Economy Class is decked out with a calming ocean blue interior, and high ceilings, giving a greater sense of space and light. The cabin features the latest generation seats with generous legroom, to ensure comfort is the top priority. 

The highlight is Emirates Premium Economy, introducing the much-lauded cabin to South Africa for the first time. Making luxury travel more accessible to a wider audience, Premium Economy offers an experience similar to Business Class on many airlines, with spacious leather reclining seats with full leg and footrests and adjustable headrests. It features in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights and a globally exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017. 

Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class cabin has also been redesigned, with seats set-up in a 1-2-1 arrangement to offer privacy, aisle access and space to work, lounge and indulge in restorative rest. Each seat is wrapped in champagne leather, matching the ones on the latest Emirates A380, with detailed stitching and soft cushioned headrests.

Described as a hotel room in the sky, Emirates’ First Class Suites maintain the highest levels of comfort, privacy and luxury that passengers have come to expect from Emirates and now offer refreshed interiors. 

Emirates’ industry-leading retrofit programme 

First initiated in November 2022, Emirates’ USD $5 billion dollar retrofit programme is one of the largest known programmes in the industry, with 219 A380s and Boeing 777s slated for nose-to-tail upgrades to enhance the onboard experience for passengers.   

The monumental project is handled entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering, with over 270 engineers and technicians work round the clock, devoting over 1,800 manhours each day to bring each aircraft to impeccable completion. To date, 67 aircraft have rolled out of Emirates Engineering – 32 A380s and 35 Boeing 777s. 

Once complete, Emirates will have installed 8,512 next-generation Premium Economy seats, 2,034 refreshed First-Class suites, 12,720 upgraded Business Class seats with entirely new configurations, and thoughtfully overhauled 68,364 Economy Class seats.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

For more information or to book tickets, visit https://Emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. 

Source: APO – Report:

Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) has launched a virtual training video library (https://apo-opa.co/4nKIUVj) to enable anyone – from government and civil society to the media, students, and the general public – to access, understand, and use its data on Africans’ experiences and preferences.

The library provides step-by-step guidance through a series of short, user-friendly videos, showing how to navigate Afrobarometer’s online data analysis (ODA) tool  (https://apo-opa.co/3Kf1gyZ) to analyse data and create graphics – all without requiring advanced statistical skills. The ODA tool provides free access to more than 25 years’ worth of Afrobarometer survey data on democracy, governance, quality of life, and related issues based on more than 400,000 interviews across 42 African countries.

Carolyn Logan, Afrobarometer’s director of capacity building, underscored the initiative’s broader goal.

“Our vision is to ensure that African voices are not just heard but also used to shape policy and development,” she said. “This training video library makes it easier for everyone to use Afrobarometer’s data, giving them the tools they need to translate data into insights that matter.”

Dominique Dryding, Afrobarometer capacity building manager (basic track), added that the training video library aims to democratise access to Afrobarometer’s wealth of resources.

“The Afrobarometer training video library is designed to make our data and tools more accessible for everyone,” she said. “By equipping researchers, students, journalists, and policy makers with practical, user-friendly guidance, we hope to strengthen the ability of Africans everywhere to engage with the data and apply it to pressing policy challenges.”

The video library is the latest addition to Afrobarometer’s capacity building programme, a core pillar of the organisation. Afrobarometer provides summer schools for researchers, training workshops on basic and advanced statistical skills, and thematic workshops to address diverse research needs; mentorship and networking through its Emerging Scholars initiative; and university outreach to help faculty and students integrate Afrobarometer data into their work. Together, these initiatives are nurturing a new generation of data-savvy researchers and helping to ensure that African voices inform policy and development.

– on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Shannon van Wyk-Khosa
Afrobarometer digital portfolio manager
Email: shannon@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +27762737904
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

Follow Afrobarometer releases on #VoicesAfrica

About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 400,000+ interviews in 42 countries, representing the views of more than three-fourths of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent’s data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the AB website and may be analysed free of charge using AB’s online data analysis tool.

Source: APO

EduTimes Africa’s (https://EduTimesAfrica.com/) rising impact on the global education stage was once again spotlighted at the recently concluded launching which attracted international thought leaders during the online launch of Codeavour 7 International, the world’s largest AI and coding competition for students aged 7 to 18.

The launch brought together educators, innovators, and community leaders from across the globe, reinforcing Codeavour’s vision to empower young learners with the skills to explore, create, and design meaningful solutions for the future.

For Akande, the moment was about more than technology—it was about opening doors.

“This mission truly inspires me. Whether you are a student ready to innovate, an educator eager to mentor, or an academic partner looking to collaborate, now is the perfect time to join in,” he said.

The recognition extended beyond the panel. After the launch, Astha, a representative of the Codeavour organising team, sent a note of appreciation to Akande, commending EduTimes Africa’s role in shaping educational conversations across the continent.

In her words:

“We truly value the impact and reach that EduTimes Africa has created in the education ecosystem… We believe Codeavour is not just a programme but a mission, and no mission is complete without the faces and voices of impactful and thoughtful leaders like you. Codeavour is what it is today because of the contributions of changemakers like yourself.”

This acknowledgment not only cements EduTimes Africa’s place as a continental leader but also underscores its growing influence as a global voice at the intersection of technology, innovation, and learning.

Adding to this milestone, EduTimes Africa and Codeavour officially announced a strategic partnership aimed at amplifying opportunities for young learners across Africa. Through the collaboration, both organisations will work to expand access to AI and coding education, providing students with digital tools, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their creativity on the global stage.

Now in its seventh edition, the Codeavour competition is open to students worldwide. Organisers describe it as a programme designed to give children—regardless of their background—an equal chance to innovate and thrive in the digital future.

The full launch ceremony is available for replay here. https://apo-opa.co/41WW6hh

EduTimes Africa…keeping education real

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Education Times Africa.