Category: MIL-OSI

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Minister and Deputy Minister in The Presidency to Lead Stats SA Budget Vote 14 Debate in the National Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

The Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, together with the Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, will lead the Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) Budget Vote 14 debate before the National Assembly.

The Budget Vote debate provides an opportunity to outline the department’s priorities and plans for the 2026/27 financial year, as well as the role of official statistics in supporting evidence-based planning, monitoring and decision-making across government.

Details of the Debate are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Time: 16:45
Venue: Marks Building, Room M46, Parliament Precinct, Cape Town

Members of the media are invited follow and cover the debate on the parliamentary channel. 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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La plateforme Renegade Intel de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 placera le secteur pétrolier et gazier au cœur de la dynamique mondiale des centres de données Intelligence artificielle (IA)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’African Energy Week (AEW), le principal événement énergétique africain, place l’évolution mondiale des centres de données IA au premier plan de la transformation énergétique de l’Afrique avec le lancement d’une plateforme dédiée : Renegade Intel. Se déroulant dans le cadre du programme stratégique du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, la plateforme mettra en relation les producteurs d’énergie africains, les entreprises technologiques, les financiers et les développeurs d’infrastructures numériques à un moment charnière pour l’avenir industriel du continent.

Ce lancement intervient alors que les gouvernements africains et les investisseurs privés considèrent de plus en plus les centres de données non seulement comme des actifs d’infrastructure numérique, mais aussi comme des catalyseurs de l’électrification, de la croissance industrielle, de la monétisation du gaz et de la sécurité énergétique à long terme. Renegade Intel se concentrera sur l’intersection entre l’IA, la production d’électricité, le gaz naturel, la souveraineté des données et le financement des infrastructures, tout en examinant comment l’Afrique peut construire son propre écosystème industriel basé sur l’IA plutôt que d’exporter à l’étranger à la fois ses ressources brutes et sa valeur numérique.

Le lancement de Renegade Intel intervient à un moment charnière pour le continent, alors que la demande croissante en matière d’IA, de cloud computing, de fintech et de connectivité mobile étendue devrait stimuler la croissance du marché émergent des centres de données. Alors que le marché africain des données en est encore à ses balbutiements, les prévisions indiquent que le secteur passera de 2,2 milliards de dollars en 2026 à environ 4,3 milliards de dollars d’ici 2031, soulignant une opportunité unique – et de plus en plus stratégique – tant pour les producteurs d’énergie que pour les entreprises technologiques.

Pourtant, les infrastructures restent le principal goulot d’étranglement. Des réseaux électriques peu fiables et de faibles taux d’électrification entravent le développement du marché des centres de données d’IA sur le continent – mais l’intégration d’investissements entre les secteurs pourrait inverser cette tendance. La demande liée à l’IA transforme déjà les marchés mondiaux de l’électricité. Aux États-Unis, les services publics avertissent déjà que les installations d’IA à très grande échelle pourraient augmenter considérablement la pression sur le réseau et les prix de l’électricité dans des régions clés. L’opportunité pour l’Afrique pourrait toutefois résider dans le fait d’éviter complètement ce modèle en construisant des écosystèmes « gaz-électricité » dédiés, spécialement conçus pour l’exploitation des centres de données.

L’Afrique du Sud est actuellement à la pointe de l’expansion des centres de données sur le continent, avec des zones cloud de Microsoft et AWS déjà opérationnelles et Google qui devrait suivre. Alors que les pénuries d’électricité et l’instabilité du réseau continuent de freiner l’expansion économique, le gaz est de plus en plus positionné comme un combustible de transition stratégique capable de soutenir une infrastructure numérique à grande échelle. Le pays peut non seulement se prévaloir d’importantes découvertes offshore dans les bassins d’Orange et d’Outeniqua, mais il détient également d’importantes ressources de gaz de schiste dans le bassin du Karoo. Combinées au rôle croissant du Cap et de Johannesburg en tant que pôles de connectivité numérique et cloud, ces ressources pourraient soutenir une nouvelle génération de projets d’énergie au gaz dédiés aux centres de données et aux infrastructures d’IA.

Le Nigeria offre une opportunité commerciale encore plus importante. Avec plus de 200 000 milliards de pieds cubes de réserves prouvées de gaz naturel – les plus importantes du continent –, le pays s’intéresse de plus en plus à la monétisation du gaz au-delà des exportations de GNL. Ce modèle permet d’utiliser le gaz associé et le gaz actuellement brûlé à la torche pour la production d’électricité nationale destinée aux installations hyperscale, tout en réduisant les émissions, en luttant contre la précarité énergétique et en accélérant le développement gazier en amont. La logique commerciale est de plus en plus simple : monétiser les ressources gazières nationales par le biais d’accords d’approvisionnement en électricité à long terme directement liés au développement des centres de données. Renegade Intel placera ce modèle commercial au cœur des discussions au Cap.

« L’Afrique ne peut pas se permettre de rester en marge de la révolution de l’IA tout en exportant son gaz, ses données et en important des infrastructures numériques. Renegade Intel vise à rassembler les entreprises énergétiques, les sociétés technologiques, les financiers et les développeurs d’infrastructures afin de construire un modèle africain commercialement viable pour la croissance de l’IA. La conversion du gaz en électricité, la souveraineté des données et l’industrialisation font désormais partie du même débat », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Le lancement de Renegade Intel marque une évolution plus large dans la manière dont l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique est envisagé. Plutôt que de considérer le pétrole, le gaz et les infrastructures numériques comme des secteurs distincts, l’AEW 2026 les positionnera comme des piliers interdépendants de la croissance industrielle, de la production d’électricité et de la compétitivité économique. Alors que la demande en IA redéfinit les investissements mondiaux dans les infrastructures, Renegade Intel offrira une plateforme aux entreprises technologiques, aux financiers et aux producteurs de pétrole et de gaz pour forger les partenariats nécessaires à la construction de la prochaine génération d’infrastructures numériques africaines soutenues par l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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A plataforma Renegade Intel da African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 posicionará o setor do petróleo e gás no centro da dinâmica global dos centros de dados de Inteligência Artificial (IA)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O principal evento energético de África, a African Energy Week (AEW), está a colocar a evolução global dos centros de dados de IA na vanguarda da transformação energética africana com o lançamento de uma plataforma dedicada: a Renegade Intel. A decorrer durante o programa estratégico de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, a plataforma irá ligar produtores de energia africanos, empresas de tecnologia, financiadores e desenvolvedores de infraestruturas digitais num momento crucial para o futuro industrial do continente.

O lançamento surge num momento em que os governos africanos e os investidores privados posicionam cada vez mais os centros de dados não apenas como ativos de infraestruturas digitais, mas como catalisadores da eletrificação, do crescimento industrial, da monetização do gás e da segurança energética a longo prazo. A Renegade Intel centrar-se-á na intersecção entre IA, produção de energia, gás natural, soberania de dados e financiamento de infraestruturas, ao mesmo tempo que analisa como África pode construir o seu próprio ecossistema industrial baseado em IA, em vez de exportar tanto os seus recursos naturais como o seu valor digital para o estrangeiro.

O lançamento da Renegade Intel surge num momento crucial para o continente, com a crescente procura por IA, computação em nuvem, fintech e conectividade móvel expandida a impulsionar o crescimento do mercado emergente de centros de dados. Embora o mercado de dados de África se encontre atualmente numa fase incipiente, as previsões apontam para que o setor cresça de 2,2 mil milhões de dólares em 2026 para aproximadamente 4,3 mil milhões de dólares em 2031, destacando uma oportunidade única — e cada vez mais estratégica — tanto para os produtores de energia como para as empresas de tecnologia.

No entanto, as infraestruturas continuam a ser o principal obstáculo. Sistemas de rede elétrica pouco fiáveis e baixas taxas de eletrificação impedem o desenvolvimento do mercado de centros de dados de IA do continente — mas a integração de investimentos entre setores poderá inverter esta tendência. A procura impulsionada pela IA já está a transformar os mercados globais de eletricidade. Nos Estados Unidos, as empresas de serviços públicos já alertam que as instalações de IA em hiperescala poderão aumentar significativamente a pressão sobre a rede e os preços da eletricidade em regiões-chave. A oportunidade de África, no entanto, pode residir em evitar completamente esse modelo, construindo ecossistemas dedicados de gás para energia especificamente concebidos para as operações de centros de dados.

A África do Sul lidera atualmente a expansão dos centros de dados do continente, com zonas de nuvem da Microsoft e da AWS já em funcionamento e a Google a seguir-se. Enquanto a escassez de energia e a instabilidade da rede continuam a limitar a expansão económica, o gás está a ser cada vez mais posicionado como um combustível de transição estratégico, capaz de suportar infraestruturas digitais em grande escala. O país não só se orgulha de descobertas offshore significativas na Bacia de Orange e na Bacia de Outeniqua, como também detém recursos substanciais de gás de xisto na Bacia de Karoo. Combinados com o papel crescente da Cidade do Cabo e de Joanesburgo como centros de conectividade digital e na nuvem, estes recursos poderiam sustentar uma nova geração de projetos de energia a gás dedicados a centros de dados e infraestruturas de IA.

A Nigéria apresenta uma oportunidade comercial ainda maior. Com mais de 200 biliões de pés cúbicos de reservas comprovadas de gás natural – as maiores do continente –, o país está cada vez mais a considerar a monetização do gás para além das exportações de GNL. O modelo cria uma oportunidade para canalizar o gás associado e o gás atualmente queimado para a produção de energia doméstica destinada a instalações de hiperescala, reduzindo simultaneamente as emissões, combatendo a pobreza energética e acelerando o desenvolvimento do gás a montante. A lógica comercial é cada vez mais simples: rentabilizar os recursos de gás domésticos através de acordos de fornecimento de energia a longo prazo diretamente ligados ao desenvolvimento de centros de dados. A Renegade Intel colocará este modelo comercial no centro das discussões na Cidade do Cabo.

«África não pode dar-se ao luxo de ficar à margem da revolução da IA enquanto exporta o seu gás, exporta os seus dados e importa infraestruturas digitais. A Renegade Intel visa reunir empresas de energia, empresas de tecnologia, financiadores e promotores de infraestruturas para construir um modelo africano comercialmente viável para o crescimento da IA. A conversão de gás em energia, a soberania de dados e a industrialização fazem agora parte da mesma conversa», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da African Energy Chamber.

O lançamento da Renegade Intel sinaliza uma evolução mais ampla na forma como o futuro energético de África está a ser moldado. Em vez de encarar o petróleo, o gás e as infraestruturas digitais como setores separados, a AEW 2026 irá posicioná-los como pilares interligados do crescimento industrial, da produção de energia e da competitividade económica. À medida que a procura de IA remodela o investimento global em infraestruturas, a Renegade Intel irá proporcionar uma plataforma para que empresas tecnológicas, financiadores e produtores de petróleo e gás forjem as parcerias necessárias para construir a próxima geração de infraestruturas digitais africanas apoiadas na energia.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Renegade Intel Platform to Position Oil & Gas at the Center of the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Drive

Source: APO

Africa’s premier energy event, African Energy Week (AEW), is placing the global AI data center evolution at the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation with the launch of dedicated platform: Renegade Intel. Taking place during the strategic program from October 12-16 in Cape Town, the platform will connect African energy producers, technology firms, financiers and digital infrastructure developers at a pivotal moment for the continent’s industrial future.

The launch comes as African governments and private investors increasingly position data centers not simply as digital infrastructure assets, but as catalysts for electrification, industrial growth, gas monetization and long-term energy security. Renegade Intel will focus on the intersection between AI, power generation, natural gas, data sovereignty and infrastructure financing, while examining how Africa can build its own AI-enabled industrial ecosystem rather than exporting both its raw resources and digital value abroad.

The launch of Renegade Intel comes at a pivotal time for the continent, with rising demand for AI, cloud computing, fintech and expanded mobile connectivity set to drive the growth of the emerging data center market. While Africa’s data market is currently in its infancy stage, forecasts show the sector growing from $2.2 billion in 2026 to approximately $4.3 billion by 2031, highlighting a unique – and increasingly strategic – opportunity for both energy producers and technology firms.

Yet infrastructure remains the primary bottleneck. Unreliable grid systems and low electrification rates impede the development of the continent’s AI data center market – but integrating investments across sectors could turn this trend around. AI-driven demand is already transforming global electricity markets. In the United States, utilities are already warning that hyperscale AI facilities could materially increase grid strain and power prices in key regions. Africa’s opportunity, however, may lie in avoiding that model altogether by building dedicated gas-to-power ecosystems specifically designed for data center operations.

South Africa is currently leading the continent’s data center expansion, with cloud zones from Microsoft and AWS already live and Google expected to follow. While power shortages and grid instability continue to constrain economic expansion, gas is increasingly being positioned as a strategic transition fuel capable of supporting large-scale digital infrastructure. The country not only boasts significant offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin and Outeniqua Basin, but also holds substantial shale gas resources in the Karoo Basin. Combined with Cape Town and Johannesburg’s growing role as digital and cloud connectivity hubs, these resources could support a new generation of gas-fired power projects dedicated to data centers and AI infrastructure.

Nigeria presents an even larger commercial opportunity. Home to more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves – the largest on the continent – the country is increasingly looking at gas monetization beyond LNG exports. The model creates an opportunity to channel associated gas and currently flared gas into domestic power generation for hyperscale facilities, while simultaneously reducing emissions, addressing energy poverty and accelerating upstream gas development. The commercial logic is increasingly straightforward: monetize domestic gas resources through long-term power supply agreements tied directly to data center development. Renegade Intel will place this commercial model at the center of discussions in Cape Town.

“Africa cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of the AI revolution while exporting its gas, exporting its data and importing digital infrastructure. Renegade Intel is about bringing energy companies, technology firms, financiers and infrastructure developers together to build a commercially viable African model for AI growth. Gas-to-power, data sovereignty and industrialization are now part of the same conversation,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

The launch of Renegade Intel signals a broader evolution in how Africa’s energy future is being framed. Rather than viewing oil, gas and digital infrastructure as separate sectors, AEW 2026 will position them as interconnected pillars of industrial growth, power generation and economic competitiveness. As AI demand reshapes global infrastructure investment, Renegade Intel will provide a platform for technology companies, financiers and oil and gas producers to forge the partnerships needed to build Africa’s next generation of energy-backed digital infrastructure.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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95th Periodic Meeting of Heads of Operations Arab Coordination Group: Advancing Progress and Enhancing Development Impact Virtual Meeting, 11–12 May 2026

Source: APO


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The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (www.TheACG.org) held its 95th periodic technical meeting of Heads of Operations virtually on 11–12 May 2026 to discuss development projects and joint initiatives.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation, reviewing ongoing initiatives, and identifying priorities for development financing in the upcoming phase, while also highlighting efforts aimed at enhancing coordination mechanisms and expanding partnerships with relevant regional and international stakeholders.

The opening session, held on 11 May, featured presentations delivered by several key institutions, including updates related to contract management, institutional performance, and future planning within the framework of the ACG. Throughout the two-day meeting, participants also reviewed initiatives aimed at strengthening coordination and highlighting the role of ACG institutions, including a media plan presented by the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH), which included proposed activities for the upcoming period to enhance communication and outreach efforts.

The agenda also included an advisory report reviewing achievements made and future directions for coordination among member institutions, in addition to discussions on developing a rapid intervention mechanism for the Arab Coordination Group, initiated by the Arab Fund. The meeting further addressed preparations for the upcoming high-level meeting between the Arab Coordination Group and the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), as well as preparations for the 21st Meeting of Heads of Institutions, scheduled to take place in Vienna on 22 June 2026. The ACG also invited the Global Center on Adaptation to deliver a presentation on potential areas of cooperation across specific sectors and countries.

Discussions also covered proposals for joint interventions in digital technology and artificial intelligence, as well as the exchange of information on new projects in Arab, African, Asian, and Latin American and Caribbean countries, alongside several other strategic and operational matters.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, the ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. The ACG works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is considered one of the most important and effective development partnerships at the international level. The group actively works to adopt the best global practices in sustainable development work. It also aims to align the efforts of these institutions to achieve convergence and harmonization in the policies governing their financing operations.

The Group comprises 10 national, Arab regional, and international institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development. www.TheACG.org

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Qatar Condemns Armed IRGC Infiltration into Bubiyan Island to Carry Out Hostile Acts Against Kuwait

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 12, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the infiltration of an armed group affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into Bubiyan Island to carry out hostile acts against the sisterly State of Kuwait, following clashes with Kuwaiti armed forces before being arrested.

The incident resulted in the injury of a member of the Kuwaiti military.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that the incident is a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a dangerous escalation threatening the security and stability of the region.

The Ministry reaffirms Qatar’s full support for Kuwait and all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability, while praising the vigilance of Kuwaiti authorities and their successful handling of the incident.

Qatar also stresses the need to halt the unjustified Iranian attacks against neighboring states, which are a flagrant breach of international law and a serious threat to regional security.

The Ministry expresses Qatar’s wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured and prayed for the continued safety and protection of Kuwait and its people.

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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Launches the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics

Source: APO

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (https://AfricaCDC.org) has announced the launch of the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics (ASAG), a new continental advisory mechanism established to provide independent, multidisciplinary, and trusted technical guidance on the strategic governance and implementation of genomics across Africa.

The launch of ASAG marks a pivotal step in advancing Africa CDC’s vision to democratize access to genomics for better public health programming, precision public health, integrated disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, and the development and local manufacturing of medical countermeasures. The Group will support Africa CDC in ensuring that genomics is deployed ethically, responsibly, and for maximum public good, with African leadership, ownership, and equitable benefit-sharing at the centre of continental genomics initiatives.

Africa has made major progress in expanding genomic capacity through the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, which has strengthened sequencing, laboratory, bioinformatics, and data systems across the continent. These investments have supported the use of genomics for the surveillance and characterization of public health threats, including mpox, cholera, antimicrobial resistance, malaria, and other epidemic-prone diseases. ASAG will help consolidate these gains while guiding the broader application of pathogen and human genomics to address Africa’s priority health challenges, including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

ASAG is aligned with Africa CDC’s broader agenda of Africa Health Security and Sovereignty, which emphasizes stronger African institutions, continental preparedness and response capacity, sustainable health financing, digital transformation, local manufacturing, and pooled procurement. Through its advisory role, ASAG will provide recommendations on strategic priorities, harmonized standards, capacity building, technology transfer, data governance, privacy, intellectual property, ethics, and partnerships to strengthen genomics as a cornerstone of Africa’s health security and development.

The inaugural eight-member ASAG brings together renowned African and global experts across pathogen genomics, human genomics, bioinformatics, clinical genetics, precision medicine, public health, data governance, ethics, and capacity building: Prof. Christian Happi, Prof. Ambroise Wonkam, Prof. Leon Mutesa, Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Prof. Ghada El-Kamah, Prof. Nicky Mulder, Prof. Charles Rotimi, and Dr. Yosr Hamdi.

At its inaugural meeting, ASAG members elected Prof. Christian Happi as Chair and Prof. Ghada El-Kamah as Co-Chair. Their leadership will guide the Group’s work in providing independent, evidence-based, and Africa-centred advice to Africa CDC, while supporting collaboration across African Union Member States, scientific institutions, public health agencies, and partners.

As an Africa CDC–constituted strategic advisory mechanism, ASAG will operate with independence, transparency, accountability, scientific integrity, inclusivity, and equity. Members will serve in their personal capacity and provide non-binding recommendations to inform Africa CDC’s continental genomics programmes, while Africa CDC retains responsibility for prioritization, decision-making, and implementation in line with its mandate.

Through this initiative, Africa CDC is taking a decisive step toward a future in which genomics drives innovation, improves preparedness for emerging threats, enables precision public health, strengthens health systems, and delivers better and more equitable health outcomes for all Africans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media Contacts Africa CDC: 
Margaret Muigai Edwin
Director of Communication & Public Information Directorate, Africa CDC
Tel: +255 742 635 592
edwinm@africacdc.org   

Follow Africa CDC on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4eI9Nb0
X: https://apo-opa.co/4feg8Lt 
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4npxUNP 
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4uOVNkJ

About Africa CDC: 
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: https://AfricaCDC.org 

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Amana en partenariat avec Visa lance la première carte virtuelle au Niger pour accélérer la digitalisation des paiements

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Amana, leader du transfert d’argent au Niger, annonce aujourd’hui, en partenariat avec Visa (http://www.Visa.com), leader mondial des paiements numériques, le lancement de la première carte virtuelle Visa du pays, directement accessible depuis son application.

Cette innovation marque une étape majeure pour l’écosystème financier nigérien en permettant à des millions d’utilisateurs d’accéder, pour la première fois, à une solution de paiement en ligne simple, sécurisée et reconnue à l’international. Elle s’inscrit dans une dynamique déjà observée sur plusieurs marchés africains, où les cartes virtuelles facilitent l’accès aux services digitaux et accélèrent l’inclusion financière.

Acteur incontournable du quotidien des Nigériens, Amana s’est imposé comme une plateforme de référence grâce à un réseau dense et une forte adoption, aussi bien à Niamey que dans les villes secondaires. Historiquement positionnée sur le transfert d’argent, la marque a progressivement élargi son offre pour devenir un véritable hub de services financiers, permettant de payer des factures, de régler des frais de scolarité ou encore d’envoyer et de recevoir de l’argent. Cette centralité dans les usages fait aujourd’hui d’Amana un levier clé pour capter et structurer les flux financiers au niveau local.

Le lancement de la carte virtuelle représente ainsi une extension naturelle de cette proposition de valeur vers les usages digitaux. Entièrement dématérialisée, la carte permet aux utilisateurs de la créer instantanément depuis leur application, de la recharger à tout moment via leur wallet et d’effectuer des paiements en ligne sur des plateformes locales et internationales. Elle offre une expérience fluide et sécurisée, avec un accès permanent et des fonctionnalités permettant de consulter son solde, suivre ses transactions ou gérer sa carte en temps réel. Ce modèle digital répond directement aux besoins d’une population encore largement sous-bancarisée, en offrant une solution accessible, flexible et adaptée aux usages du quotidien.

Au-delà de la simplicité d’usage, cette nouvelle carte ouvre l’accès à de nouveaux cas d’usage essentiels, notamment dans le e-commerce, les abonnements digitaux ou encore les services internationaux. Elle contribue ainsi à connecter davantage les utilisateurs nigériens à l’économie numérique mondiale, tout en renforçant la confiance dans les paiements digitaux.

« Ce partenariat avec VISA marque une étape majeure dans notre ambition de démocratiser davantage l’accès aux services financiers digitaux au Niger.

Avec la carte virtuelle VISA intégrée à AmanaTa, nous offrons à nos clients une solution de paiement moderne, accessible et connectée aux usages internationaux.

Cette innovation vient renforcer notre engagement en faveur de l’inclusion financière et de la digitalisation des paiements, tout en rapprochant davantage les populations des services financiers de nouvelle génération. » s’est félicité Mohamed ATTAIB KALIFA, Directeur Général, Amana Transfert d’Argent et Finance S.A.

« Le lancement de cette première carte virtuelle marque une avancée importante pour l’inclusion financière au Niger. En combinant la portée locale d’Amana avec l’expertise mondiale de Visa, nous permettons à des millions d’utilisateurs d’accéder pour la première fois à des moyens de paiement digitaux simples, sécurisés et reconnus à l’international. Cette initiative illustre concrètement comment l’innovation peut élargir l’accès aux services financiers, faciliter l’adoption du numérique au quotidien et connecter davantage les populations à l’économie digitale. », ajoute Ismahill DIABY, Vice-Président et Directeur Général Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale Francophone & Lusophone, Visa.

Première carte virtuelle du pays, cette initiative positionne Amana comme un acteur pionnier de la digitalisation des paiements au Niger. Elle lui permet de renforcer son rôle au sein de l’écosystème, de capturer de nouveaux usages liés aux paiements en ligne et à l’international, et de consolider sa position dominante sur le marché local.

À travers ce partenariat, Amana et Visa réaffirment leur ambition commune de démocratiser l’accès aux services financiers digitaux et d’accélérer la transformation des paiements en Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour Visa Inc..

Contact Média​ :
E-mail: ismaelibrahim@amana-transfert.com
E-mail: yguehi@visa.com

À propos de Amana :
Amana Transfert d’Argent est un acteur majeur des services financiers et du transfert d’argent au Niger et dans l’espace UEMOA. Grâce à son réseau national de proximité et à sa plateforme digitale AmanaTa, l’entreprise développe des solutions innovantes de paiement et de services financiers accessibles au plus grand nombre.

Portée par une vision forte d’inclusion financière et de transformation digitale, Amana œuvre chaque jour à rapprocher davantage les populations des services financiers modernes à travers des solutions simples, fiables et accessibles. En savoir plus sur https://Amana-Transfert.com

À propos de VISA :
Visa (NYSE: V) est un leader mondial des paiements numériques, facilitant les transactions entre les consommateurs, les commerçants, les institutions financières et les entités gouvernementales dans plus de 200 pays et territoires. Notre mission est de connecter le monde grâce au réseau de paiements le plus innovant, le plus pratique, le plus fiable et le plus sûr, permettant aux individus, aux entreprises et aux économies de prospérer. Nous croyons que les économies qui incluent tout le monde partout, élèvent tout le monde partout et nous considérons l’accès comme fondamental pour l’avenir du mouvement de l’argent. En savoir plus sur https://Visa.com

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Updates on the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics

Source: APO


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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (www.IsDBInstitute.org) announces that the IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics will be awarded every two years, alternating between the Knowledge Contribution and Development Solutions categories.

The next cycle of the Prize will be launched in 2027 under the “Development Solutions Achievement” category. This cycle will focus on recognizing and rewarding impactful projects that deliver effective solutions to key development challenges in IsDB Member Countries.

The upcoming 2027 prize cycle includes a cash award of US$100,000 for the first-place winner, while the second- and third-place recipients will receive US$70,000 and US$30,000, respectively.

On another front, the IsDB Institute announces that the 2026 IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics (Knowledge Contribution) has been withheld.

This decision follows a thorough and rigorous evaluation of the nominations received by the Screening Committee and the external referees. The decision reflects the IsDB’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence and impact in Islamic economics. IsDBI remains dedicated to recognizing field-defining knowledge contributions that meaningfully advance sustainable and inclusive development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/

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Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Pre-Conference to Set the Stage for $70B Investment Drive

Source: APO


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The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 conference and exhibition will once again host a dedicated pre-conference on September 8 in Luanda, ahead of the main event taking place from September 9–10. This strategic platform sets the technical and regulatory foundation for high-level discussions shaping Angola’s upstream and midstream investment landscape.

Featuring a series of in-depth presentations and workshops, the pre-conference runs from 09:00 to 18:00 and is designed to deliver targeted knowledge exchange through technical sessions and networking engagements. The program aligns closely with Angola’s objective of attracting approximately $70 billion in oil and gas investment over the next five years, setting the stage for conversation and deals-signings during the main conference agenda.

The pre-conference program emphasizes subsurface imaging and structural analysis across Angola’s most prospective basins, including the Lower Congo, Kwanza, Benguela and Namibe. Discussions will focus on unlocking pre-salt reservoirs, improving seismic clarity beneath complex salt formations and advancing exploration strategies in frontier and mature acreage.

In parallel, the pre-conference will address licensing opportunities and regulatory frameworks under Angola’s multi-year strategy lead by the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency. Insights into the 2025/2026 licensing rounds will highlight offshore and onshore block availability, marginal field opportunities and progress under the Permanent Offer Program.

Fiscal competitiveness will form a central theme, with sessions benchmarking Angola’s evolving terms against global standards. Recent reforms – including reduced petroleum income tax rates, lower royalties for mature assets and increased cost recovery ceilings – have repositioned Angola as a more attractive destination for capital-intensive deepwater and gas projects.

The pre-conference also places strong emphasis on local content development and procurement optimization. With local participation reaching approximately 12% in 2025 and a national target of 20% by 2027, discussions will explore strategies to expand domestic capacity, strengthen supply chains and increase value retention within Angola’s energy economy.

Digital transformation is another core pillar of the program, reflecting the sector’s shit toward data-driven operations. Topics include the integration of AI-enabled systems, real-time monitoring of offshore assets, centralized data infrastructure and the modernization of regulatory oversight through digital platforms to enhance transparency and efficiency.

The structure of the day combines invitation-only networking sessions, in-depth technical workshops and targeted discussions on institutional strengthening. It concludes with a networking cocktail designed to facilitate deal-making and partnership building ahead of the main conference and exhibition.

The value of the pre-conference is underscored by outcomes of the 2025 edition, which delivered early insights into licensing rounds, supported multiple deal signings during the main event and introduced new engagement formats connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors and operators.

With participation expected from regulators, investors and technical experts across the energy value chain, the AOG 2026 pre-conference offers a focused environment to assess opportunities, understand regulatory direction and position for upcoming projects. Attendance is limited and demand is high. With slots filling up quickly, stakeholders are encouraged to secure their place at the AOG 2026 pre-conference to access critical insights and engage with key decision-makers shaping Angola’s next phase of energy growth.

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