Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, November 10, 2025
HE President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Natasa Pirc Musar, met on Monday with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, at her residence in Doha.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the bilateral relations and discussed ways to further enhance and develop cooperation in various fields, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
Le Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), la branche d’investissement à impact sur le développement de la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export-(Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), a annoncé un investissement de 75 millions de dollars au profit de Spiro, le premier assembleur électrique de deux roues en Afrique, disposant de l’infrastructure d’échange de batteries à la croissance la plus rapide. Cet investissement est entièrement aligné sur la stratégie automobile globale d’Afreximbank, qui vise à développer des écosystèmes manufacturiers intégrés en favorisant des partenariats stratégiques sur l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur, des fournisseurs de technologie aux champions industriels locaux.
L’investissement intervient à un moment charnière, bénéficiant des politiques de véhicules pro-électriques sur les principaux marchés africains qui créent un environnement propice à l’adoption de la mobilité propre. Dans ce contexte, Spiro occupe une position unique pour se développer rapidement, en tirant parti de son modèle commercial éprouvé et en développant son infrastructure d’échange de batteries afin de devenir un moteur clé de la transition de l’Afrique vers un avenir plus propre et plus efficace en matière de mobilité.
Le Dr George Elombi, Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque et du FEDA, a déclaré :
«Je suis ravi que le partenariat entre la FEDA et Spiro ait désormais été finalisé. Avec ce partenariat, la Banque jette les bases d’une nouvelle ère pour le commerce et l’industrialisation intra-africains en stimulant la fabrication locale de véhicules, en renforçant l’intégration régionale et en améliorant les flux commerciaux. Il favorise, de manière significative, le transfert de compétences et de technologie, tout en créant des opportunités d’emploi et en réduisant la dépendance du continent aux véhicules d’occasion importés».
Gagan Gupta, Fondateur de Spiro, a déclaré : « Nous sommes fiers d’accueillir le FEDA en tant qu’investisseur stratégique au moment où nous accélérons la mission de Spiro de transformer la mobilité, le stockage et la distribution d’énergie à travers l’Afrique. L’expansion rapide de Spiro sur de nouveaux marchés témoigne du fort appétit du continent pour des transports propres, abordables et efficaces. En développant notre infrastructure d’échange de batteries et en intégrant des sources d’énergie renouvelables à notre mix énergétique, nous sommes en mesure de générer un potentiel de croissance important pour la distribution d’énergie de Spiro ».
Marlène Ngoyi, Directrice générale du FEDA, a affirmé : « Le succès rencontré par Spiro à ce jour témoigne de la solidité et de l’évolutivité de son modèle économique. La croissance rapide de l’entreprise et son adoption massive par le marché soulignent la forte demande de solutions de mobilité abordables et durables en Afrique. Grâce à son approche intégrée, Spiro a construit une plateforme à la fois commercialement viable et socialement responsable ».
Le Professeur Benedict Oramah, ancien Président de d’Afreximbank, a déclaré : « Je suis ravi que le partenariat entre le FEDA et Spiro soit maintenant en vigueur. Grâce à ce partenariat, la Banque jette les bases d’une nouvelle ère pour le commerce et l’industrialisation intra-africains en stimulant la production locale de véhicules, en renforçant l’intégration régionale et en améliorant les flux commerciaux. Surtout, ce partenariat favorise le transfert de compétences et de technologies, crée des emplois et réduit la dépendance du continent aux véhicules d’occasion importés».
Fondée en 2022, Spiro exploite le réseau d’échange de batteries le plus vaste et à la croissance la plus rapide d’Afrique, avec plus de 60 000 motos électriques et 1 200 stations d’échange. L’entreprise a développé un modèle conçu pour accélérer la transition énergétique et abandonner les transports basés sur les énergies fossiles, tout en améliorant l’efficacité énergétique, en réduisant les émissions urbaines et en facilitant l’accès à une mobilité abordable pour des millions d’Africains.
Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.
Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com
À propos du FEDA :
Le Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (« FEDA ») est la filiale d’investissement à impact d’Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), créée pour fournir des capitaux propres, des quasi-fonds propres et des capitaux d’emprunt afin de financer le déficit de financement de plusieurs milliards de dollars (en particulier en capitaux propres) nécessaire pour transformer le secteur du commerce en Afrique. Le FEDA poursuit une stratégie d’investissement multisectorielle le long de la chaîne de valeur du commerce intra-africain, du développement des exportations à valeur ajoutée et de la fabrication, qui comprend les services financiers, la technologie, les biens de consommation et de détail, l’industrie manufacturière, le transport et la logistique, l’agro-industrie, ainsi que les infrastructures auxiliaires d’appui au commerce, telles que les parcs industriels. À ce jour, la FEDA a investi plus de 1, 3 milliards de dollars dans des entreprises et des projets dans le cadre de ses différentes initiatives de fonds, dans des secteurs tels que l’industrie manufacturière, l’agroalimentaire, les services financiers, les soins de santé et les produits pharmaceutiques, entre autres.
À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.
À propos de Spiro :
Spiro, la plus grande entreprise de mobilité électrique d’Afrique, exploite le réseau d’échange de batteries à la croissance la plus rapide dans six pays du continent. Spiro a pour ambition de transformer les économies africaines en remplaçant les transports coûteux, basés sur les énergies fossiles importées, par des solutions de mobilité électrique abordables et accessibles, fabriquées localement en Afrique, par des Africains, pour l’Afrique et le monde. À ce jour, Spiro a permis de parcourir plus de 800 milliards de kilomètres sans émissions de CO2, a réalisé plus de 26 millions d’échanges de batteries et exploite plus de 1 200 stations d’échange, avec plus de 60 000 motos électriques en circulation. Grâce à son réseau de production régional en expansion et à ses usines d’assemblage fonctionnelles en Ouganda, au Kenya, au Nigeria et au Rwanda, Spiro s’engage à fournir des solutions de mobilité électrique abordables et fabriquées localement à grande échelle dans toute l’Afrique. Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter : www.SpiroNet.com.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –
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O Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), o braço de investimento de impacto em capital de desenvolvimento do Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), anunciou um investimento de 75 milhões de dólares na Spiro, a principal montadora de veículos eléctricos de duas rodas de África, com a infra-estrutura de troca de baterias que mais cresce no continente. Este investimento está totalmente alinhado com a estratégia automóvel mais ampla do Afreximbank, que visa desenvolver ecossistemas de fabrico integrados, promovendo parcerias estratégicas em toda a cadeia de valor, desde fornecedores de tecnologia a líderes industriais locais.
O investimento surge num momento crucial, beneficiando de políticas favoráveis aos veículos eléctricos nos principais mercados africanos, que estão a criar um ambiente propício à adopção da mobilidade limpa. Neste contexto, a Spiro está numa posição única de crescer rapidamente, aproveitando o seu modelo de negócio comprovado e expandindo a infra-estrutura de troca de baterias para se tornar um motor fundamental da transição de África para um futuro de mobilidade mais limpa e eficiente.
O Dr. George Elombi, Presidente do Afreximbank e Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Afreximbank e do FEDA, comentou: “
“Estou encantado que a parceria entre a FEDA e a Spiro tenha sido agora consumada. Com esta parceria, o Banco está a lançar as bases para uma nova era de comércio e industrialização intra-africanos ao estimular o fabrico local de veículos, reforçar a integração regional e aumentar os fluxos comerciais. O mais importante é que fomenta a transferência de competências e tecnologia, bem como cria oportunidades de emprego e reduz a dependência do continente em relação aos veículos de segunda mão importados.”
Gagan Gupta, fundador da Spiro, afirmou: “Estamos orgulhosos em receber o FEDA como investidor estratégico, à medida que aceleramos o crescimento da missão da Spiro de transformar a mobilidade, o armazenamento e a distribuição de energia em toda África. A rápida expansão da Spiro para novos mercados reflecte o forte apetite do continente por transportes limpos, acessíveis e eficientes. À medida que expandimos a nossa infra-estrutura de troca de baterias e integramos fontes de energia renováveis na nossa matriz energética, estamos posicionados para desbloquear um potencial substancial na distribuição de energia da Spiro.”
Marlene Ngoyi, Director Executivo do FEDA, observou: “O sucesso da Spiro até à data é uma demonstração clara da força e escalabilidade do seu modelo de negócio. O rápido crescimento da empresa e a forte adopção pelo mercado sublinham a procura significativa por soluções de mobilidade acessíveis e sustentáveis em toda África. Com a sua abordagem integrada, a Spiro construiu uma plataforma que é comercialmente viável e socialmente impactante.”
O Professor Benedict Oramah, antigo Presidente do Afreximbank, comentou: “Estou muito satisfeito pelo facto da parceria entre o FEDA e a Spiro ter sido agora consumada. Com esta parceria, o Banco está a lançar as bases para uma nova era de comércio e industrialização intra-africanos, estimulando a fabricação local de veículos, reforçando a integração regional e aumentando os fluxos comerciais. É importante referir que promove a transferência de competências e tecnologia, além de criar oportunidades de emprego e reduzir a dependência do continente em relação aos veículos usados importados.”
Fundada em 2022, a Spiro opera a rede de troca de baterias mais extensa e de mais rápido crescimento em África, com mais de 60.000 motociclos eléctricos e 1.200 estações de troca. A empresa criou um modelo concebido para acelerar a transição para longe dos transportes à base de combustíveis fósseis, melhorando igualmente a eficiência energética, reduzindo as emissões urbanas e expandindo o acesso a mobilidade a preços acessíveis para milhões de africanos.
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.
Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com os Meios de Comunicação Social)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com
Sobre o FEDA:
O Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA) é a subsidiária de investimento de impacto do Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), criado para fornecer capital próprio, quase-capital e capital de dívida para financiar o défice de financiamento de vários milhares de milhões de dólares (especialmente em capital próprio) necessário para transformar o sector do comércio em África. O FEDA segue uma estratégia de investimento multissectorial ao longo do comércio intra-africano, desenvolvimento de exportações de valor acrescentado e cadeia de valor da indústria transformadora, que inclui serviços financeiros, tecnologia, bens de consumo e retalho, indústria transformadora, transportes e logística, agro-negócio, bem como infra-estruturas auxiliares que permitem o comércio, tais como parques industriais. Até à data, o FEDA investiu mais de 1,3 mil milhões de dólares em empresas e projectos através das suas várias iniciativas de financiamento, em sectores como a indústria transformadora, a transformação agrícola, os serviços financeiros, os cuidados de saúde e os produtos farmacêuticos, entre outros.
Sobre o Afreximbank:
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e Fitch (BBB-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.
Sobre a Spiro:
A Spiro é a maior empresa de mobilidade eléctrica de África, que opera a infra-estrutura de troca de baterias com o crescimento mais rápido em seis (6) países africanos. A Spiro tem uma visão de transformar as economias africanas através da substituição dos transportes caros à base de combustíveis fósseis importados por soluções de mobilidade eléctrica acessíveis e económicas, fabricadas localmente em África, por africanos, para África e para o mundo. Até à data, a Spiro alcançou mais de 800 mil milhões de quilómetros de viagens sem emissões de CO2, ultrapassou os 26 milhões de trocas de baterias e operou mais de 1200 estações de troca de baterias, com mais de 60.000 motos eléctricas em circulação. Através da sua rede de produção regional em expansão e das suas instalações de montagem operacionais no Uganda, Quénia, Nigéria e Ruanda, a Spiro está empenhada em fornecer soluções de mobilidade eléctrica acessíveis e fabricadas localmente em grande escala em toda África.
Para mais informações, visite: www.SpiroNet.com.
Source: APO – Report:
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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with CEOs and business leaders of 52 major Egyptian and international companies specialized in the outsourcing sector in the field of communications and information technology. The meeting was held on the sidelines of their participation in the Global Outsourcing Summit, hosted by Egypt on November 9-10, 2025. The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Amr Talaat.
Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi started the meeting by welcoming the companies’ leaders, expressing gratitude for their confidence in Egypt’s communications and Information Technology sector. This confidence was reflected in their signing of 55 agreements with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology the previous day, which aim to create 75,000 new job opportunities over the next three years. The President emphasized that Egypt’s hosting of this global summit demonstrates the international community’s confidence in the country’s capabilities in this vital sector and its commitment to enhancing its position as an attractive destination for global companies, particularly in outsourcing. President El-Sisi also pointed out Egypt’s competitive advantages in the communications and Information Technology sector.
The President confirmed that Egypt was keen on developing a national digital strategy aimed at transforming the communications and Information Technology sector from a purely service-oriented sector into a productive one that contributes to job creation, increased exports, and economic growth. The President also stressed the importance of establishing specific targets within the strategy to ensure its success. Additionally, President El-Sisi emphasized the role of human resources in implementing the strategy and the state’s efforts to expand the base of trained Egyptian professionals who drive the industry, in collaboration with major international universities and educational institutions. The President stressed Egypt’s commitment to integrating digital education into the national education system and its ambition to achieve significant advancements in this field, particularly given the size of the Egyptian market and its capacity to absorb more workers in this specialized area.
President El-Sisi engaged in an interactive dialogue with several companies present at the meeting. Company representatives expressed their interest in expanding their investments in Egypt, commending the favorable business climate and the facilitation provided by the state. The President reaffirmed Egypt’s support for foreign investors and its readiness to remove any obstacles they may face, noting that Egypt’s stability, despite regional challenges, is a key factor in attracting investment. President El-Sisi emphasized that this stability stems not only from the state’s measures, but also from the awareness and determination of the Egyptian people to maintain stability and attract more foreign investments.
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Amr Talaat, addressed the meeting, highlighting that the communications and Information Technology sector has now become the fourth strategic sector alongside industry, agriculture, and tourism in Egypt’s economic growth process. Dr. Talaat also noted that outsourcing has become one of the key pillars of Egypt’s strategy to transform the communications and IT sector into a productive service sector.
The Minister also mentioned that the government aims to quadruple the number of workers and digital exports in this sector. Dr. Talaat pointed out that the number of trainees has reached 800,000 annually, compared to just 4,000 trainees eight years ago. Furthermore, Dr. Talaat explained that the state has launched a comprehensive strategy to build digital capabilities, providing opportunities for graduates from various fields to join tech jobs and expanding training programs across Egypt through 24 Digital Egypt Innovation Centers established over the past five years in all governorates. The state has also introduced remote digital training methods to reach youth across the country.
Dr. Talaat added that to ensure the quality of graduates while expanding training, the state has introduced new training modules in specialized areas. He highlighted the “Digital Pioneers” initiative, which is directly overseen by President El-Sisi and aims to train more than 10,000 young men and women annually, with full scholarships provided by the state.
The Minister emphasized that Egypt is taking all necessary steps to encourage global companies in the communications and IT sector operating in Egypt to expand their operations and open new markets. This includes offering incentives such as support for training, hiring, and export rebate schemes. He added that 60-thousand specialists in this field joined the workforce by the end of 2024, and that Egypt’s digital outsourcing exports have doubled between 2022 and 2024. The Minister also highlighted the annual growth rate of 14-16% in the sector, which has led to an increase in the sector’s share of GDP from 3.2% in 2018 to 6% in 2025. Dr. Talaat also noted that digital exports in the outsourcing sector have doubled, confirming that Egypt continues to lead Africa in fixed internet speed for the fifth consecutive year. He reported that Cairo is ranked among the top cities for innovation and entrepreneurship globally.
At the end of the meeting, President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt welcomes everyone who seeks to work and innovate, reiterating the state’s determination to remove any obstacles faced by foreign investors in the country.
– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: APO – Report:
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Somali authorities and the international community must take concrete, coordinated action to consolidate progress and prevent backsliding, amid the country’s fragile transition, a UN expert said today.
“Somalia stands at a fragile and decisive moment,” said Isha Dyfan, the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia. “Despite progress in governance, human rights, and institution-building, insecurity, political tensions, humanitarian crises, and climate shocks continue to threaten these gains. Somali civil society, women, journalists, and human rights defenders remain inspiring—but they cannot advance peace and rights alone.”
Dyfan was presenting her final report to the General Assembly in New York. UN Human Rights Council decided to end the Special Procedures country mandate for Somalia at the conclusion of its 60th Session. The mandate was first established in 1993.
Over her six-year tenure, Dyfan highlighted both the resilience of the Somali people and the fragility of their achievements. Her final report commends progress including the adoption of the Disability Bill, the appointment of Commissioners for the National Human Rights Commission, and the organisation of the first National Human Rights Summit in 2025. She also welcomed the adoption of key chapters of the Provisional Constitution and the Juvenile Justice Bill as important steps by the government toward a more rights-based society.
Dyfan warned that Al-Shabaab violence, restrictions on freedom of expression, and worsening humanitarian and climate pressures risk undermining those gains.
“Both the Government of Somalia and the international community must now move from commitment to concrete implementation,” she said. “Human rights are not only an outcome of peace, but also a path to peace.”
Dyfan called for the full and timely implementation of the recent Human Rights Council resolution 60/28, describing it as “a roadmap to consolidate progress, strengthen accountability, and ensure that Somalia’s transition reinforces its human rights architecture” while stressing the need to support the OHCHR in implementing the resolution through technical assistance, capacity building, and monitoring.
“At this delicate juncture, inclusive political dialogue is more vital than ever,” she said. “Election-related disagreements, coupled with ongoing UN and African Union transition processes, risk deepening divisions and instability. Only through open and principled dialogue can Somalia safeguard stability and preserve the progress so painstakingly achieved.”
Dyfan also urged the adoption of pending legislation, including the Sexual Offences, Child Rights, and Anti-FGM Bills to protect women and girls, and called for greater investment in climate resilience to ensure environmental protection and human rights advance together.
“Somalia’s path forward will remain challenging, but not without hope,” she said. “With sustained national leadership, dialogue, and international partnership, fragility can give way to resilience, and human rights can become a lived reality for all Somalis.”
– on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Source: APO – Report:
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The Ministry of Health (MOH), in partnership with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development agencies, has opened a three-day national consultative workshop to map out strategies for reducing maternal and newborn deaths.
The workshop is held from 10–13 November 2025 in Monrovia, bringing together County Health Teams from all 15 counties, as well as UN bodies, NGOs, civil society groups, professional associations, and frontline health workers.
At the Opening, Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto said the initiative is part of a renewed push to ensure “every mother survives childbirth and every child survives delivery.”
She described the effort as vital to reversing the country’s maternal and newborn death rates.
“We must act with urgency,” Dr. Kpoto said. “Understanding the data helps us confront the realities and design evidence-based solutions.”
The minister noted that improvements in staffing and service delivery over the past two years had boosted morale among health workers, attributing the progress to stronger support systems. She also thanked Liberia’s development partners and President Joseph N. Boakai for what she called “renewed trust and investment in the health sector.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of UNFPA, the agency’s Deputy Representative, Leonard Kamugisha, said, “We must accelerate progress on all fronts.”
He praised the Ministry’s goal of a 40% reduction in maternal deaths by 2029, calling for “high-impact interventions, stronger domestic funding, and cross-sector collaboration” to reach the target.
Kamugisha expressed concern over the 2026 draft national budget, which allocates only US$40,000 for family planning and US$30,000 for maternal and child health programmes, urging lawmakers to boost spending.
“This roadmap should not be just another document,” he said. “It must be a covenant with Liberia’s women and girls, that every mother matters and every birth counts.”
Earlier, Dr Nuntia Gbalon, Director of the MOH’s Family Health Division, called for candid discussions to ensure that the new roadmap reflects the realities of Liberia’s health system at both national and community levels.
Representatives from professional bodies, UN agencies, and NGOs pledged continued support, through funding, technical assistance, and capacity building, to help drive down maternal and newborn deaths.
– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.
Source: APO – Report:
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Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status for health product regulation, marking a major step toward strengthening Kenya’s capacity to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of all medical products.
Speaking during a high-level strategic meeting with the National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL) Board and senior management at the institution’s headquarters in Nairobi, the CS said the attainment of WHO ML3 status will position Kenya among countries with stable and internationally recognised regulatory systems for medical products.
“This milestone is critical for enhancing access to quality-assured medicines, strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and reinforcing pandemic preparedness,” said Hon. Duale. “It will also build public confidence by guaranteeing that health products in Kenya are consistently safe, effective, and of the highest quality — a key pillar in realising Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
The engagement followed an earlier meeting with the NQCL Board at the Ministry, where longstanding institutional challenges were reviewed and sustainable strategies developed to strengthen operational capacity and improve overall performance.
During an inspection of the facility, the CS highlighted the urgent need to fast-track the calibration, repair, and maintenance of six stalled HPLC machines to accelerate full operationalisation of the laboratory, enhance efficiency, and boost revenue generation.
“I have urged the NQCL Board and staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability, while aligning operations with modern healthcare demands,” Hon. Duale noted. “Reducing turnaround time to the mandated 42 days will improve client confidence and institutional credibility.”
He further commended the institution’s steady progress and announced a 90-day sprint focused on meeting all prerequisites for attaining WHO ML3 accreditation.
“Kenya must take its place among nations with trusted regulatory systems that not only protect citizens but also promote innovation and industrial growth,” the CS emphasised.
The meeting also included an interactive session with NQCL staff to discuss strategies for fostering a supportive work environment that enhances productivity and service delivery.
The CS was hosted by NQCL Board Chairperson Dr John Muturi and CEO Dr Sultani Matendechero, and accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni and Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Source: APO – Report:
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The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development equity impact investment arm of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), has announced a $75 million investment in Spiro, the leading electric two-wheel assembler in Africa with the fastest growing battery swapping infrastructure. This investment is fully aligned with Afreximbank’s broader automotive strategy, to develop integrated manufacturing ecosystems by fostering strategic partnerships across the entire value chain, from technology providers to local industrial champions.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment, benefiting from pro-electric vehicle policies across key African markets that are creating an enabling environment for clean mobility adoption. Against this backdrop, Spiro is uniquely positioned to scale rapidly, leveraging its proven business model and expanding battery swapping infrastructure to become a key driver of Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more efficient mobility future.
Dr. George Elombi, President of Afreximbank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank and FEDA commented: “
“I am delighted that the partnership between FEDA and Spiro has now been consummated. With this partnership, the Bank is laying the groundwork for a new era of intra-African trade and industrialisation by stimulating local vehicle manufacturing, strengthening regional integration, and enhancing trade flows. Importantly, it fosters skills and technology transfer as well as creates employment opportunities and reduces the continent’s reliance on imported second-hand vehicles.”
Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro said: “We are proud to welcome FEDA as a strategic investor as we accelerate the growth of Spiro’s mission to transform mobility, energy storage, and distribution across Africa. Spiro’s rapid expansion into new markets reflects the continent’s strong appetite for clean, affordable, and efficient transportation. As we expand our battery swapping infrastructure and integrate renewable energy sources into our energy mix, we are positioned to unlock substantial upside in Spiro’s energy distribution.”
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA noted: “Spiro’s success to date is a clear demonstration of the strength and scalability of its business model. The company’s rapid growth and strong market adoption underscore the significant demand for affordable, sustainable mobility solutions across Africa. With its integrated approach, Spiro has built a platform that is both commercially viable and socially impactful.”
Professor Benedict Oramah, Fromer President of Afreximbank commented: “I am delighted that the partnership between FEDA and Spiro has now been consummated. With this partnership, the Bank is laying the groundwork for a new era of Intra-African trade and industrialisation by stimulating local vehicle manufacturing, strengthening regional integration, and enhancing trade flows. Importantly, it fosters skills and technology transfer as well as creates employment opportunities and reduces the continent’s reliance on imported second-hand vehicles.”.”
Founded in 2022, Spiro operates Africa’s most extensive and fastest growing battery-swapping network, with more than 60,000 electric motorcycles and 1,200 swapping stations. The company has built a model that is designed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-based transport while enhancing energy efficiency, lowering urban emissions, and expanding affordable access to mobility for millions of Africans
– on behalf of Afreximbank.
Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
About FEDA:
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) is the impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the Trade sector in Africa. FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks. To date, FEDA has invested more than US$1.3 billion in companies and projects across its various fund initiatives, in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, amongst others.
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.
About Spiro:
Spiro is the largest electric mobility company in Africa, which operates the fastest growing battery swapping infrastructure in 6 countries in Africa. Spiro has a vision for transforming the African economies through substitution of expensive imported fossil fuel-based transportation into affordable, and accessible electric mobility solutions locally made in Africa, by Africans, for Africa & the world. This far, Spiro has achieved over 800 billion kms of CO2 free travel, crossed 26 million battery swaps and operated over 1200 battery swapping stations with more than 60,000 electric motor bikes in circulation. Through its expanding regional production network and operational assembling facilities in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, Spiro is committed to deliver affordable, locally manufactured electric mobility solutions at scale across Africa. For more information, visit: www.SpiroNet.com.
Source: APO – Report:
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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty; Head of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad; and Advisor to the President for National Security Affairs, Fayza Abul Naga. Also present from the Russian side were Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Alexander Venediktov; Russian Ambassador to Egypt, Georgiy Borisenk; Deputy Director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergey Mikheev; as well as an official from the Security Council of the Russian Federation and an official in the Russian President’s Office for Foreign Policy.
Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi began the meeting by asking his greetings to be conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The President expressed Egypt’s appreciation for its close relations with Russia and for the ongoing progress and momentum in their ties, which culminated in the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.
For his part, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Shoigu conveyed President Putin’s greetings and appreciation to President El-Sisi, affirming Russia’s keenness on further advancing bilateral relations and on maintaining political consultations on issues of mutual concern.
The meeting tackled a multitude of regional and international issues. President El-Sisi underscored the vital need to further strengthen efforts toward achieving stability in countries in the Middle East and to preserve their unity, sovereignty, and the resources of their peoples. The President stressed the importance of the full implementation of the Sharm El Sheikh Agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip through all its phases, consolidate the ceasefire, and ensure the unfettered delivery of sufficient quantities of humanitarian aid into the Strip. During the meeting, it was agreed that the application of the Two-State Solution and the establishment of a Palestinian State, in accordance with the references of international legitimacy, are the only viable path to achieving a just and lasting peace and stability in the region.
President El-Sisi also reiterated Egypt’s support for all efforts aimed at settling the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and reaching a comprehensive peace.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed means of forging closer bilateral relations in an array of spheres, notably in the political, commercial, and investment sectors. They emphasized the importance of building upon the agreements reached during the summit between President El-Sisi and Russian President Putin during President El-Sisi’s visit to Moscow to participate in the Victory Day celebrations in May 2025.
The talks also touched on the project for establishing the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project, in addition to other dossiers. President El-Sisi stressed the necessity to boost economic and investment cooperation, to work toward increasing the volume of trade, and to enhance collaboration in the tourism sector.
Concluding the meeting, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council affirmed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s role in the Middle East. He noted that history will remember the fundamental role played by President El-Sisi to reinforce stability in the region, and emphasized Russia’s keenness on maintaining close coordination with Egypt within this framework.
– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: APO – Report:
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As West Africa marks 50 years of integration and shared progress, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is reaffirming its leadership in promoting regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment through the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition (ECOTIFE) — a flagship initiative at the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), taking place from 7–16 November 2025.
The opening ceremony on Friday 7th November 2025 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Nigéria, brought together top ECOWAS officials, diplomats, and business leaders from across the region. It was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, represented by Dr Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner en charge of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, while the Lagos State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem. Also in attendance was the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, ECOWAS Commissioners, representatives from Member States, and members of the diplomatic corps, underscoring the forum’s significance in strengthening regional trade and investment cooperation.
ECOTIFE 2025 is an integral part of the year-long ECOWAS@50 celebrations, symbolizing the region’s collective vision for a borderless, prosperous, and self-reliant West Africa. It brings together policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and development partners to strengthen trade linkages, unlock investment opportunities, and celebrate the creativity that drives regional growth. The initiative underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to deepening regional integration and promoting shared prosperity through stronger trade linkages and inclusive economic growth.
“This platform captures the spirit of ECOWAS@50 — the drive to connect markets, empower people, and unlock opportunities that transcend borders,” said H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Dr Kalilou Sylla, the ECOWAS Commissioner in charge of Economic Affairs and Agriculture. “ECOTIFE is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of West Africa’s resilience and creativity as we trade, innovate, and grow together.”
“Trade facilitation and investment promotion are central to ECOWAS’ economic integration agenda,” noted Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission. “ECOTIFE aligns with our strategic objective to deepen intra-regional trade, strengthen regional value chains, and position West Africa as a competitive and sustainable investment destination.”
On 7 and 8 November, the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair featured expert panels and dynamic exhibitions, highlighting West Africa’s immense potential. The expert discussions also focused on the theme of ‘Facilitating Trade and Digital Transformation,’ allowing participants to explore technological solutions that could revolutionize trade and market access across West Africa.
The Lagos International Trade Fair is one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and longest-running trade exhibitions, attracting over 1,600 exhibitors across 40,000m² of exhibition space and welcoming more than 500,000 visitors annually. Supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government, the Fair serves as a strategic platform for business networking, investment promotion, and cross-border partnerships.
– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
