Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

The Fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) has concluded with over US $300 million in investment and trade deals signed and a robust  communiqué affirming both regions’ commitment to deeper collaboration. The two-day event, co-hosted by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and the Government of Grenada, brought together more than 2,100 delegates, from 80 countries, including 11 Heads of State and Government, representatives of governments, private sector leaders, and development partners.

A total of eight major deals and memoranda were announced over the course of the forum, spanning infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, and trade finance:

• A USD 100 million Receivables Discounting Facility with Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Ltd for road and infrastructure works.
• A USD 50 million Education Construction and Rehabilitation Climate-Linked Facility signed with The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
• A USD 61.25 million Term Loan for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Barbados.
• A USD 40 million Receivables Facility for Cat Island Infrastructure Company Ltd in The Bahamas.
• A USD 40 million commercial port development agreement involving Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
• A Memorandum of Understanding with the Grenada Development Bank to promote SME development and trade flows.
• A strategic cooperation MOU with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) to advance digital transformation.
• The Bank of The Bahamas Ltd was also appointed as an Afreximbank Trade Finance Intermediary, strengthening the financial ecosystem to support cross-border transactions.

In a profound closing statement, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, reiterated the region’s resolve to institutionalise its collaboration with Africa:

“We have to be very deliberate about creating institutions that will, in fact, recreate the type of trade, investment, banking, and financial relationships that we want to build for ourselves. The reality is, what was created before was meant to entrap us.”

He also urged for unrestricted people-to-people movement between the regions:

“We are not here to prevent our people from moving. I see no valid reason for maintaining the visa systems… Biometrics allows us to move past that.”

From a financial and institutional standpoint, Dr. George Elombi, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank and incoming President, emphasised:

“The next phase is not about justifying our vision, it should be about conviction. Believing further in who we are, where we want to be, and acting decisively. Finance is the lifeline of trade. Once we integrate the payment systems and get them to see the Caribbean as the unique opportunity it is, the rest will follow.”

The official ACTIF2025 Communiqué welcomed the endorsement of the Global Africa Commission, by Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and other OECS states, and called for its formal adoption at the upcoming AU-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa in September. The Commission is expected to accelerate trade, culture, and investment frameworks across the diaspora and continent.

Participants also committed to the establishment of a Free Trade Arrangement, elimination of visa restrictions, support for air and maritime links, and expansion of digital, sports, and creative economy partnerships. The communiqué recognized ACTIF2025 as a pivotal moment in building “resilient cross-regional value chains” and affirmed the continuation of the ACTIF platform with the announcement of ACTIF2026.

Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, who is completing his term this year, was celebrated at the event for his vision and leadership. A symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at Camerhogne Park in St. George’s, Grenada in his honour for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to Africa-Caribbean relations. The Flamboyant tree, native to Madagascar and widely rooted across the Caribbean and Africa, was chosen for its vibrant red blooms and symbolic resonance of vitality, peace, and growth. The forum paid tribute to his contributions and reaffirmed his legacy as a foundational force in building Global Africa.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Source: APO – Report:

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the successful completion of its 2024 Fibre TechCelerate Programme in South Africa. The first cohort of 20 SMMEs and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University received their certifications at a graduation ceremony facilitated in East London. Twenty-five new SMMEs were welcomed into the 2025 programme at the same time.  

This initiative equips small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with the technical, business, and digital skills required to actively contribute to projects, including but not limited to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s fibre and broadband rollout project.  

“As we honour the achievements of the first Fibre TechCelerate graduates and welcome our next intake, we’re reminded that this programme is more than just a skills accelerator; it’s a catalyst for transformation. Working alongside the Provincial Government and supported by our implementation partner, Cortex Hub, we are proud to be empowering local businesses, especially youth and women, as well as investing in a digitally inclusive future for the Eastern Cape and beyond,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana.  

Structured around modules such as business management, fibre optics installation, occupational health and safety, digital skills, and mentorship, the initiative prepares SMMEs to thrive in South Africa’s digital economy and fosters inclusive economic growth.  

“The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme is so much more than a local enterprise and supplier development programme. Offering SMMEs in the Eastern Cape a comprehensive and sustainable business development and ICT training prepares these enterprises for success in the digital economy. As the programme’s implementing agency, the Cortex Hub is proud to witness the success of the participants, and we look forward to working closely with Liquid South Africa, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, and all other contributors in supporting the 2025 cohort,” added Dr Andile Ngcaba, Patron, Cortex Hub.  

The current fibre network installation in the province has created over 7,000 permanent and temporary jobs. Liquid’s involvement through the Fibre TechCelerate Programme reflects its commitment to providing best-in-class connectivity and digital solutions to local enterprises, government, and individuals in the Eastern Cape, empowering them on their digital transformation journeys.  

Partnering with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government on the Fibre TechCelerate Programme highlights the importance that Liquid South Africa places on public-private partnerships in accelerating the country’s digital transformation and ensuring a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.  

?> – on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.  

Source: APO

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The Presidency has noted media reports on the cost of the National Dialogue and specifically the first National Convention set to take place on 15-16 August 2025. 

The Presidency wishes to confirm that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government’s contribution towards the National Dialogue, has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage costs. 

As a response to the call for collaboration with other stakeholders to reduce the costs of the National Dialogue, UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge.

As it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary, two overflow venues with livestreaming, 10 breakaway venues, dining area and work areas. In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an Operations Centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi. 

The costs of the first convention are being funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics. The provisions in the Appropriation Act and the PFMA will be used to reimburse the Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC in the Adjustments Budget later this year.

All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations. All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms.

Donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. Some goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost. 

The reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue and the funding plan are done with the intention to reduce the cost to the fiscus.

The Presidency is committed to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.

The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the Convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) joins the international community in commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on 9 August.

This year’s theme, “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures”, invites renewed reflection on the intersection of technology, human rights, and the self-determination of Indigenous communities. While artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies hold the potential to advance development, they also pose new challenges to the protection of traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, land rights, and privacy.

In Africa, Indigenous populations and communities remain integral custodians of biodiversity, guardians of ancestral lands, and bearers of unique cultural identities. Yet, many continue to face systemic discrimination, marginalization, displacement, and the erosion of their cultural and linguistic heritage. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees the right to equality, non-discrimination, cultural participation, and self-determination, and that these rights extend fully to Indigenous peoples.

The Commission underscores the importance of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in any initiatives affecting Indigenous peoples, including the use of their knowledge, data, and resources in technological systems. AI systems should not exploit Indigenous knowledge Systems (IKS) without compensation. AI should not perpetuate historical injustices or replicate discriminatory patterns; rather, they should be designed and governed in ways that reflect Indigenous worldviews and safeguard their rights. Meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in policy-making and in the design of technological systems is essential

On this Day, the ACHPR:

1. Calls upon State Parties to the African Charter to adopt and implement robust legal, policy, and institutional frameworks to protect the rights of Indigenous populations and communities, including in the digital sphere. States are encouraged to develop national AI strategies that are inclusive of IKSs as well as Indigenous perspectives and uphold data sovereignty.

2. Urges technology developers and private sector actors to respect Indigenous data sovereignty, avoid exploitative practices, and engage in genuine partnership with affected communities.

3. Encourages civil society, academia, and the media to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples in shaping technological futures.

4. Reaffirms its commitment to monitor, report, and advocate for the full realization of Indigenous peoples’ rights, including through its Working Group and other special mechanisms, in conformity with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

As the world moves deeper into the digital era, the ACHPR emphasizes that the survival and flourishing of Indigenous peoples in Africa depends on State Parties collective commitment to Indigenous People’s Rights, justice, equity, and respect for their environmental custodian role and rights both off and online, today and for generations to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).