Category: English

Source: APO

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As African nations strengthen their positions as global leaders in the production of diamonds, platinum group metals (PGMs), chromium, uranium, cobalt and other key industrial minerals, development finance institutions are providing essential funding through loans, equity investments and infrastructure support. Their efforts are bolstering Africa’s access to its mineral resources while enhancing logistics and processing capabilities – key elements in advancing mineral beneficiation and industrialization. 

At the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – financial institutions will showcase their innovative approaches to accelerating mineral industrialization. A panel titled The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization, will feature representatives from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM). 

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As a silver sponsor of AMW 2025, the AFC is expected to present its tailored financing models that support mineral beneficiation across the continent. Through investments in critical projects such as the Lobito Corridor – a regional logistics network connecting mineral-rich Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo with international markets – the AFC is driving Africa’s mining sector growth. In May 2025, the AFC also provided financial backing to Mota-Engil for gold mining projects in the Ivory Coast and Mali. 

Thabiso Sekano, Head of Mining and Metals at the IDC, is also expected to outline how the corporation is reinforcing South Africa’s mining value chain. As the country rolls out its draft Critical Minerals Strategy and introduces legislative reforms such as the Mineral Resources Development Bill and Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill, the IDC remains a critical financing partner. Recent IDC financing include R622 million for the Theta Gold Mine and R1.6 billion for ArcelorMittal South Africa. 

Ed Stumpf, AIIM’s Investment Director and Head of Investment Strategy, is also expected to highlight the firm’s focus on driving the growth of Africa’s mineral extraction and local value addition. AIIM’s investments in renewable energy projects – including the 140 MW Umsinde Wind Farm and the 144 MW Khangela Wind Farm – are designed to support the energy needs of major mining operations like Sibanye-Stillwater and Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa. 

Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW will connect African projects and prospects with investments firms to explore partnership opportunities across the mining value chain. 

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

Source: APO

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) has officially opened an international office in Shanghai, China, aimed at strengthening cooperation between African governments and energy companies and their counterparts in China. The office – aligned with the AEC’s vision of creating a global energy network where Africa is not just a participant, but a driving force – is expected to spearhead a new era of economic diplomacy while fostering cross-continental partnerships and energy development.  

The Shanghai office will be led by Dr. Bieni Da, Chief Representative of the AEC in China, who will spearhead all engagements, ensuring that the AEC plays a pivotal role in connecting Chinese businesses and government entities with African stakeholders. The objective is clear: to drive impactful, long-term collaboration across strategic sectors of the economy, enabling investments that are mutually beneficial and aligned with both continents’ development goals.  

One of the core objectives of the Shanghai office is capital mobilization. With the continent’s energy finance gap currently estimated to measure between $31 billion and $50 billion, a unique opportunity has emerged for Chinese financiers and project developers. Despite rising energy demand, many African energy firms face constraints in accessing the necessary capital to scale their operations and increase energy production. China, with its well-developed financial and infrastructure systems, presents a fertile ground for capital raising. Under Dr. Bieni Da’s leadership, the AEC will actively work to attract Chinese investment into African energy projects, providing the financial backbone needed to drive innovation and expansion in the sector. 

The Shanghai office will also play an instrumental part in connecting Chinese companies with African projects, facilitating partnerships and bringing African opportunity to the Chinese market. Chinese companies have already begun to play a central role in advancing Africa’s energy market, with investments in oil, gas, renewable energy and infrastructure unlocking high returns. Examples include Chinese exploration and production company Wing Wah, who is leading the Bango Kayo development in the Republic of Congo. The $2 billion project – comprising a phased expansion of the operational Bango Kayo conventional oilfield – seeks to monetize previously-flared resources, primarily for the domestic market. The project features the development of three trains, the first of which has a capacity of one million cubic meters per day (mcm/d). The second and third trains will come online in 2025, increasing capacity to five mcm/d.  

Meanwhile, the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is also expanding its presence in Africa. The company is exploring business opportunities in Angola, with talks held for deepwater Block 24. In East Africa, the company is developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, connecting the Tilenga and Kingfisher oilfields with the Port of Tanga. CNOOC also acquired two shallow water and three deepwater oil and gas blocks in Mozambique and has partnered with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation to explore deep-sea Block 4/1B and 4/1C. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has stakes in Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG development, which began production in 2022, and has also signed a $400 million crude oil supply agreement with Niger. These are just some of the many projects spearheaded by Chinese companies.  

“The AEC wants to see greater Chinese investment across the entire African oil and gas value chain – from upstream projects to downstream infrastructure to manufacturing, power and technology. China offers significant expertise in these areas and the Shanghai office will unlock new collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy and more,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

To foster continued dialogue and engagement, the AEC will organize high-level investment forums in Shanghai, positioning the city as a hub for African energy investment and dialogue. These forums will serve as regular platforms for African leaders, government officials and business executives to meet with their Chinese counterparts, explore opportunities and forge lasting partnerships. The Chamber will use this office to host a variety of meetings, roundtables, and workshops aimed at encouraging cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and investment facilitation.  

“Africa and China have a common goal: to eradicate energy poverty. It is time to walk the walk and bring Chinese expertise and capital to African projects. Dr. Bieni Da, has a strong network in the public and private sector that will drive these engagements, giving Africa a chance to expand to a mutually beneficial relationship that is win-win with China. This office is a testament to making sure we leave our footprint,” added Ayuk.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

Independent oil and gas exploration firm Rhino Resources has confirmed its participation as a Gold Partner at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The company’s involvement underscores its commitment to unlocking Africa’s hydrocarbon potential in support of AEW’s mission to make energy poverty history by 2030.

Rhino Resources is advancing a robust portfolio of exploration and appraisal campaigns aimed at driving Namibia toward its goal of first oil production by 2030. In 2025, the company made multiple discoveries, including Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X, confirming the Orange Basin’s potential as a global deepwater hotspot. In July, Rhino spudded the Volans-1X well on Block PEL 85 offshore Namibia, a campaign involving 1,200 meters of drilling and collaboration with Halliburton Namibia to strengthen local content development.

In April 2025, the company announced that light oil tests at Capricornus-1X on Block 2914 yielded flow rates exceeding 11,000 stock tank barrels per day, with additional results under evaluation to refine its exploration strategy. Earlier, in February 2025, Rhino completed drilling of Sagittarius-1X on the same block. To reinforce its Namibian operations, Rhino signed a farmout agreement with Azule Energy in December 2024, bringing additional capital, expertise and technical capacity to Block 2914.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, Rhino Resources is preparing a six-well drilling campaign in the Karoo Basin, slated for 2026. The program targets the country’s natural gas, helium and hydrogen potential, positioning South Africa as an emerging player in diversified energy resources. The campaign is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening domestic energy security while opening new avenues for industrial growth and investment.

“Rhino Resources’ operations and success in Namibia’s Orange Basin highlight the vast potential of Africa’s deepwater plays to drive energy security and economic growth,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. “Additionally, the company’s planned investments in South Africa mark a significant step in unlocking the country’s untapped natural gas and helium resources, strengthening its role in Africa’s evolving energy landscape.”

Amid its growing footprint across Southern Africa, Rhino Resources will engage with African policymakers, potential partners, market stakeholders and global investors at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies to advance its projects and forge new deals. The company’s participation will spotlight Namibia’s Orange Basin opportunities alongside South Africa’s upcoming gas developments, further positioning Africa as a global exploration frontier.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
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

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ZESCO Limited (ZESCO), Zambia’s national electricity utility, and Anzana Electric Group (Anzana) (www.Anzana.com) have committed to the key terms of a joint venture for the electrification of millions of people on the Zambian portion of the Lobito Corridor. The US$300 million investment will enable the rehabilitation and expansion of the national electricity network to provide first-time grid-connections for nearly 2 million Zambians by 2030, in alignment with the Zambian Government’s goal of universal access to electricity for all Zambians.  

Witnessed by President Hakainde Hichilema at the first-ever Invest Zambia International Conference in Lusaka in July 2025, the signing of the agreement between ZESCO and Anzana has advanced into finalized terms for a joint venture, paving the way for approximately US$300 million in blended commercial and concessional capital investments. The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding between Anzana and Zambia’s Ministry of Energy signed in February 2025.

“This is about more than infrastructure, it is about regional integration, jobs, and powering a better future for Zambians along the Lobito economic corridor,” said ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo. “We are excited to partner with Anzana who is employing an innovative and inclusive approach to attract capital and rapidly increase electrification rates in rural Zambia.”

The agreement enables not only significant investment in electrifying households, businesses, and industry, but also in new distributed generation to support the reliability of supply in the service area.

“The strategic Lobito economic corridor approach is a model for future regional trade and development,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana. “We are honored to partner with ZESCO and the Government of Zambia to be the Lobito electrification partner and connect millions of Zambians to the opportunities that reliable electricity can enable. This partnership builds on Anzana’s deep experience in the region, including our development of Weza Power in Burundi, and reflects our commitment to win-win partnerships enabling African countries to lead the next wave of electrification and economic growth.”

The collaboration between ZESCO and Anzana will support new electricity generation, including run-of-river hydropower, and electricity distribution primarily in rural areas, efforts which are critical to unlocking the full potential of the Lobito Corridor to the Zambian economy. The Angola-Zambia-DRC corridor is being developed as a major economic artery for Southern and Central Africa, enhancing trade flow between these mineral-rich regions and global export markets. The agreement envisions that Anzana will lead the development of a pilot project in the North-Western Province of Zambia intended to accelerate the first connections in 2026. Anzana and other development partners will jointly invest US$50 million to enable approximately 40,000 new household and business connections and add up to 8 megawatts of new generation over the course of two years, before expanding the scope to encompass the entire Lobito Corridor region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Anzana Electric Group.

Contacts:
For ZESCO Limited:
Ms. Muntanga Sibalwa
Senior Manager – Corporate Affairs
Email: MSibalwa@zesco.co.zm
Mobile: +260969766733

For Anzana Electric Group:
Mr. Thom Wallace
Marketing and Communications
Email: thom.wallace@anzana.com
Mobile: +254716507214

About ZESCO Limited:
ZESCO Limited is the national electricity utility of Zambia, which generates, transmits, distributes and supplies electricity and electricity products and solutions in Zambia and Southern Africa. A vertically integrated a public utility, wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Industrial Development Corporation, ZESCO owns and operates an extensive and robust network comprising several large and small hydroelectric power plants with a combined capacity to generate circa 3,000MW and has over 11,000 kilometers of transmission lines. ZESCO’s interconnected power network with other Southern African Power Pool utilities provides an extended power trading market. ZESCO is aggressively pursuing a diversified electricity mix and is developing a rich pipeline of solar and other renewable projects to integrate into its generation portfolio.

About Anzana Electric Group:
Anzana Electric Group is a leading developer, investor, and operator of hydropower and grid distribution projects across Africa. With presence in East, Central, and Southern Africa, Anzana delivers reliable, affordable power to communities, businesses, and industries. Its innovative approach to partnerships with government, development funders, and private sector in the region is intended to unlock the potential that electricity infrastructure can bring to economic growth. Anzana is backed by private American investors and Gridworks Development Partners, an Africa-focused electricity transmission and distribution investor wholly owned by British International Investment, a UK government development finance institution.

Source: APO

Maia Capital Partners (www.MaiaCapital.co.za) through its Maia Debt Impact Fund I, (“Maia Capital”) announced today that they have provided mezzanine debt funding to Student Living Asset Management (“SLAM”), a South African real estate private equity fund specialising in student accommodation, to acquire a 51% majority stake in the landmark 1,026-bed residence in Stellenbosch, South Africa called Academia. Academia is the largest student residence in Stellenbosch, solidifying SLAM’s position as a leading investor in institutional quality student accommodation in South Africa. 

Located on-campus at Stellenbosch University, Academia offers over one thousand beds across 28 landscaped blocks with a restaurant, padel and volleyball courts, as well as biometric access, CCTV, and 24-hour security. Established in 2000 and managed internally for over 25 years, it supports a 20% international cohort and upholds a strong Code of Conduct for a safe, community-focused student experience. 

Tshandu Ramusetheli, CEO at Maia Capital, remarked: “We are delighted to partner with SLAM on this landmark transaction, which reflects our commitment to addressing the pressing shortfall of student accommodation in South Africa. Our partnership with SLAM not only enhances our portfolio but aligns with our gender-focused investment strategy; by prioritizing female tenants at Academia, and with an all-female management team ensuring exemplary operations, we are fostering an inclusive environment for students. Partnering with real estate firms like SLAM is crucial for the growth of educational infrastructure in our country. Such developments create jobs and contribute significantly to bridging the demand gap for student accommodation” 

This off-market acquisition, completed in partnership with the existing ownership team, demonstrates SLAM’s ability to identify and execute complex high-value transactions of ‘best in class’ assets while preserving operational continuity through ‘best of breed’ operators. 

“This will be business as usual,” said Ndumiso Davidson, CEO and Co-Founder at SLAM. “SLAM invests in assets of scale in defensive locations with a strong operating track record and demonstrable long term student demand. Academia exemplifies the profile of assets we seek to provide our investors. We are joining forces with the existing leadership team. There will be no disruption, no staff overhaul, and no operational restructuring. We’re here to build on a strong foundation, not to fix an operation that’s already working exceptionally well and has been the residence of choice in Stellenbosch for the last 25years.” 

“This acquisition is a strategic anchor for our national portfolio,” added Romeo Makhubela, Chairman of SLAM. “It reflects our belief in this sector’s potential to deliver dependable inflation-beating income while directly supporting educational outcomes and youth development.” 

CMS South Africa acted as legal counsel to Maia Capital 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Maia Capital Partners.

For more information contact:  
Tshandu Ramusetheli  
Chief Executive Officer – Maia Capital Partners 
tshandu@maiacapital.co.za or invest@maiacapital.co.za 
Tel: +27-72-197-8752 
Capital Hill, 6 Benmore Road, Benmore, South Africa – 2196

About Maia Capita Partners:
Maia Capital Partners was established in June 2020 with a mission to generate competitive financial returns while driving positive social and environmental impact through private debt investments. The firm reached its final close in June 2024, raising over R1 billion from South African pension funds.  

The Maia Debt Impact Fund I is dedicated to driving economic transformation by providing mezzanine financing to mid-market companies across a variety of sectors, including renewable energy, affordable housing, healthcare, education, financial inclusion and more. Maia Capital’s focus on economic transformation ensures we support industries that promote infrastructure development, job creation, and sustainable industrialization, while remaining open to a wide range of impactful transactions.  

Maia Capital Partners was founded by a team of seasoned investment professionals with over 80 years of combined experience in private markets, infrastructure, and impact investing. The firm is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa 

Website: www.MaiaCapital.co.za

Source: APO – Report:

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Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), in Yokohama today: 

I thank the Government and people of Japan for your hospitality and generosity — and all co-organizers for your commitment to Africa.

For more than three decades, TICAD has embodied the spirit of multilateralism — grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility and a deep belief in Africa’s potential.  With the world’s youngest population, abundant natural resources and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Africa is poised for progress.

And this year’s theme — “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa” — reminds us that these same strengths can help shape a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world inside and beyond Africa’s borders. Especially as we accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through investment, reform and partnerships.

We meet at a time of interconnected crises and deep inequalities. Tackling these crises requires a clear focus not only on development for Africa, but development with Africa.  And I salute Japan for making this the focus of its cooperation with the continent.

Let me highlight five priorities for our shared journey forward. First, we must reform the institutions of global governance — both political and financial — to reflect today’s realities.  Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping the decisions that affect its future.

That includes long-overdue reform of the Security Council, where incredibly Africa has no permanent member, and other regions remain underrepresented.  And it includes an overhaul of today’s unjust and unfair international financial architecture, that must enhance African representation and endorse a strong African voice in the decisions being made.

Meanwhile, we need bold action on debt relief.  Today, 34 countries spend more on debt service than on health and education.  The Sevilla Commitment points to solutions.  By increasing the capacity of governments to mobilize domestic resources, including through tax reform.  And by establishing a more effective framework for debt relief and tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and their engagement in derisking private investment in the African Continent.

Second, we must invest in sustainable global value chains and regional integration.  Africa’s path for prosperity must focus on adding value to its raw materials, creating decent jobs and building resilience, taking profit of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

And we must also address Africa’s energy paradox.  Africa has enormous renewables potential, but receives just 2 per cent of global investment into renewables and 600 million Africans live without electricity.  And Africa is also home to the critical minerals required to power renewable technologies.  But, the countries hosting them must be the ones to benefit first and most, while adding value to local and global value chains.

Third, we must harness digital innovation — including artificial intelligence (AI) — for development.  But, the African people are still suffering from a wide digital divide.

Japan’s technological leadership can help close this divide and ensure that technology helps African countries catch up with adequate digital public infrastructure, rather than being left behind.  This includes ensuring that all countries can harness the incredible potential of artificial intelligence to power progress for all, as defined in the Pact for the Future.  We have just shared a report outlining innovative financing options to build AI capacity in developing countries.  AI must stand for Africa Included.

Fourth, we need people-centred development.  Young people are the builders of Africa’s future.  Let us invest in their skills and education, particularly STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics], and ensure decent jobs, social protection, and a seat at the decision-making table.  Let us invest in women’s full participation across economies, societies and political systems.

Fifth, we must recognize that peace and prosperity go hand in hand.  Sustainable development requires sustainable peace.  By silencing the guns as the African Union clearly points out.  And by ending violence in all its forms and strengthening the social cohesion and stability that can attract investment and business to Africa.

We have the roadmap: the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.  Let’s co-create solutions that can build a future of dignity, opportunity and peace for all.

– on behalf of United Nations (UN).

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that the call discussed ways to strengthen the distinguished relations between Egypt and Greece, particularly in light of the May 2025 announcement to elevate them to strategic partnership.
The call emphasized the importance of continuing to develop joint cooperation in various fields, with a focus on increasing trade and mutual investments, based on the significant potential both countries have.

The call also touched on the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest. The President reviewed Egypt’s intensive efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid, and secure the release of hostages and captives. The Greek prime minister praised and supported these efforts.

President El-Sisi and the Greek prime minister underscored the necessity to immediately begin the reconstruction of the Strip once a ceasefire is reached. They stressed their absolute rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land.
The two sides affirmed that the only path to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region is to grant the Palestinian people their legitimate right to establish an independent state along the June 4, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

The call also addressed a number of priority issues, including cooperation in the fields of energy, electricity interconnection, maritime border demarcation, and combating illegal immigration.
President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm commitment to protecting religious sanctities on its territory, including St. Catherine’s Monastery, due to its historical and spiritual value. This was appreciated by the Greek prime minister.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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Coordinators of the students’ summer work program in Dekemhare sub-zone reported that over 115,000 tree seedlings have been planted through the initiative.

According to information from the education branch in the sub-zone, the program was carried out by 945 students, coordinated by teachers and agricultural experts from seven centers, in collaboration with local residents.

Ms. Rigbe Kifle, head of the education office in the sub-zone, attributed the success of the program to the guidance of agricultural experts and the strong participation of students and the public. She also called for sustained follow-up to ensure the survival and continuity of the trees planted.

Mr. Yemane Abera, administrator of the sub-zone, commended the Forestry and Wildlife Corporation for supplying seedlings on time and praised the participants for their strong involvement.

Similarly, members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in the Central Region, together with members of the union in Serejeka sub-zone, conducted a tree-planting campaign from 6 to 20 August in the Embaderho area.

Ms. Alem Belai, head of the union branch in the Central Region, said that the branch has been conducting popular campaigns in the area since 2010.

Ms. Tekea Goitom, head of the union branch in Serejeka sub-zone, added that the various types of trees previously planted are in good condition.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.