Category: MIL-OSI

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Media briefing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the conclusion of the State Visit by President Ruto Of Kenya, Union Buildings, Tshwane

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President William Ruto,
Ministers from South Africa and Kenya,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Senior Government Officials,
Members of the Media,
 
This morning we were privileged to warmly welcome His Excellency President Ruto and Mrs Rachel Ruto, who are accompanied by a Delegation of Ministers.
 
Our countries enjoy longstanding ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation.
 
These ties are rooted in our shared history, our common aspirations for African development and our mutual commitment to peace, democracy, regional integration and multilateralism.
 
Kenya remains one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners in East Africa and on the continent more broadly.
 
We have just concluded our official engagements which included a one-on-one meeting and official talks. 
 
Later today, we will address the Kenya-South Africa Business Forum. 
 
The Memoranda of Understanding that we have just signed provide a legal framework to further expand our cooperation.
 
During our engagements, we extensively reflected on our bilateral relations. 
 
We have expressed satisfaction at the current state of our relations, which is coordinated through the Joint Commission for Cooperation at the level of two Foreign Ministers. 
 
Our economic partnership is one of the most strategic pillars of our bilateral cooperation. 
 
Kenya remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in East Africa and an important destination for South African investment on the continent. 
 
Leading South African companies have made significant investments in Kenya in sectors such as pharmaceutical services, retail, financial services, information and communications technology, manufacturing, business services and infrastructure development.
 
South Africa’s development finance institutions, such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa, alongside private financial institutions are increasingly expanding their footprint in Kenya, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure and private sector development. 
 
We equally welcome the growing participation of Kenyan businesses in South Africa and the strengthening of commercial linkages between East and Southern Africa. 
 
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement provides a unique opportunity for our two countries to further increase trade. 
 
In January 2024, I was pleased to witness the first shipment of exports from South Africa to Kenya under the AfCFTA preferential agreement. 
 
President Ruto and I agreed that the AfCFTA must serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, industrialisation and job creation. 
 
It should facilitate the development of regional value chains, support African manufacturing and create greater opportunities for young people, women and entrepreneurs across our continent. 
 
Our economic relations are coordinated through the South Africa-Kenya Joint Trade Committee, which met last month.
 
The Joint Trade Committee reaffirmed the importance of promoting a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership through increased investment, industrial cooperation, skills transfer, technology exchange and support for value addition and manufacturing in both economies.
 
South Africa is keen to continue exploring opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure development, logistics, transport, energy and related sectors. 
 
South Africa appreciates Kenya’s key role as a gateway to East Africa and as one of the leading voices on matters of peace, security and development on the continent.
 
We reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the African Union and its institutions and ensuring that Africa speaks with one voice in addressing continental and global challenges.
 
As vibrant democracies with deep constitutional traditions, South Africa and Kenya remain committed to the principles of good governance, accountability, inclusive development and respect for the rule of law.
 
In this regard, I conveyed my best wishes to President Ruto and the people of Kenya as they continue preparations towards the 2027 elections.
 
I also wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Your Excellency, and to the Republic of Kenya for being among the three nations chosen to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year, alongside Uganda and Tanzania. 
 
This is truly a proud and historic moment for East Africa.
 
This State Visit has further strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.
 
It has laid a firm foundation for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, industrialisation, infrastructure development, skills development and regional integration. 
 
Together, South Africa and Kenya will continue working to advance prosperity for our peoples and contribute to the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent.
 
I thank you.
 

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Transformation du riz à Glazoué : Une nouvelle unité offerte aux femmes entrepreneures par le Fonds National de Développement Agricole (FNDA)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Coopération Communale des Étuveuses de Riz (CCER) de Glazoué dispose, depuis le mercredi 03 juin 2026, d’une unité de transformation du riz paddy en riz étuvé. La réception provisoire de l’infrastructure a été faite par la délégation du Fonds National de Développement Agricole (FNDA), conduite par le Directeur général, Monsieur Nicolas AHOUISSOUSSI. 

La Commune de Glazoué a franchi une nouvelle étape dans la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat agricole féminin. L’unité financée et réceptionnée par le FNDA constitue un levier important pour l’amélioration des conditions de travail des femmes transformatrices, l’accroissement de la qualité du riz local et le renforcement de la chaîne de valeur rizicole. 

À l’occasion, la représentante des bénéficiaires, Madame Cyprienne DOSSOU, a exprimé sa profonde gratitude au FNDA et à la Coopération suisse, aux autorités communales et à l’ensemble des partenaires impliqués dans la réalisation de ce projet structurant. Leur joie et leur engagement témoignent de l’impact positif que cette unité aura sur leurs activités génératrices de revenus et sur le développement économique local. 

Pour accompagner cette initiative du FNDA, sur appui de la Coopération Suisse, le Premier Adjoint au Maire de Glazoué, Monsieur Basile GNINTONANDJEHOU, s’est engagé à fournir électricité, clôture et tous autres commodités manquantes pour une meilleure exploitation de l’unité de transformation.

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Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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La nomination du Professeur Oramah au Conseil d’administration de Royal African Society et au Fonds national pour les infrastructures du Kenya témoigne une nouvelle fois de la reconnaissance de son leadership mondial et de son influence panafricaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Après une décennie marquante à la tête d’Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), le Professeur Benedict Okey Oramah, GCON, ancien Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque, s’est vu décerner de nombreuses distinctions et nominations prestigieuses, témoignant de son influence durable et de la forte demande pour son expertise dans les domaines de la finance, de la santé et du développement panafricain.

Lors d’une assemblée générale extraordinaire, les membres de Royal African Society ont élu à l’unanimité le Professeur Oramah comme deuxième parrain de la Société. Fondée en 1901, Royal African Society est la principale organisation britannique œuvrant pour la compréhension mutuelle, l’engagement et les partenariats en Afrique et entre l’Afrique et le reste du monde. Elle réunit décideurs politiques, chefs d’entreprise, universitaires et représentants de la société civile à travers des événements, des recherches et des actions de plaidoyer. Cette nomination intervient au moment où la Société célèbre son 125e anniversaire et renforce son engagement en faveur de la transformation économique de l’Afrique, des industries créatives et des partenariats internationaux. Arunma Oteh, Présidente de Royal African Society, a souligné que la nomination du Professeur Oramah témoigne de l’engagement de la Société à collaborer avec les dirigeants qui dessinent l’avenir économique de l’Afrique. Elle a ajouté que son expérience, sa vision globale et son engagement de longue date en faveur de la coopération panafricaine renforceront considérablement l’action de l’organisation et en élargiront l’impact.

Dans la même dynamique, en avril 2026, le Président kényan, S.E. William Ruto, a nommé le Professeur Oramah membre indépendant du Conseil d’administration du National Infrastructure Fund [Fonds national pour les infrastructure-NIF], nouvellement créé au Kenya, pour un mandat de trois ans. Le NIF représente un tournant stratégique vers une croissance tirée par l’investissement et est conçu pour attirer les capitaux privés tout en réduisant la dépendance du Kenya à l’égard de la dette publique. Le Professeur Oramah siège aux côtés de membres statutaires, parmi lesquels le gouverneur de la Banque centrale du Kenya, le procureur général, de hauts responsables financiers et d’autres experts, en tant que l’un des quatre experts indépendants nommés au Conseil. 

Le Professeur Oramah a également été nommé par le Centre africain de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (CDC Afrique) au poste de conseiller principal en financement stratégique, aux côtés de conseillers principaux chargés de la coopération internationale, des partenariats stratégiques et des échanges de dettes. Cette nomination vise à soutenir l’accélération du programme du CDC Afrique en matière de sécurité et de souveraineté sanitaires en Afrique, en renforçant sa capacité à mobiliser des capitaux, à influencer les politiques de haut niveau et à nouer des partenariats stratégiques à travers le continent. Elle témoigne également de l’engagement continu du Professeur Oramah en faveur de la souveraineté sanitaire, un domaine dans lequel il a joué un rôle central tout au long de son mandat à Afreximbank, notamment à travers des initiatives telles que le Centre médical africain d’excellence d’Abuja.

Ces nominations s’inscrivent dans la continuité de la reconnaissance qui a accompagné le Professeur Oramah d’Afreximbank à son départ de la Banque. Le Président nigérian Bola Ahmed Tinubu lui a conféré le titre de Grand Commandeur de l’Ordre du Niger (GCON), la deuxième plus haute distinction du pays, en reconnaissance de sa contribution au développement de l’Afrique et du Nigéria, qui a bénéficié d’un soutien financier de plus de 52 milliards de dollars US de la part de la Banque durant son mandat. La réception organisée par Woodhall Capital à son siège de Lagos en mars 2026, qui a réuni d’éminentes personnalités du monde de la finance et de l’industrie pour célébrer sa contribution au commerce et au développement économique africains, est l’une des nombreux évènements de ce type organisés à travers le continent pour magnifier l’héritage du Professeur Oramah.

Commentant ses récentes nominations et son engagement continu, le Professeur Oramah a déclaré : « Le développement de l’Afrique est un effort multigénérationnel, et ceux d’entre nous qui ont eu le privilège d’exercer des fonctions de direction ont la responsabilité de rester sur le terrain. Qu’il s’agisse de renforcer les systèmes de financement de la santé, de bâtir les infrastructures qui favorisent une croissance inclusive ou de soutenir les institutions qui font rayonner l’Afrique à travers le monde, le travail se poursuit. Je suis profondément honoré par chacune de ces distinctions et je reste déterminé à contribuer, dans la mesure de mes possibilités, au cheminement de l’Afrique vers la souveraineté et l’autonomie ».

Le Professeur Oramah a été Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque de 2015 à 2025, jouant un rôle central dans l’évolution de l’établissement bancaire devenu par la suite l’une des institutions financières les plus influentes d’Afrique. Sous sa direction, Afreximbank a contribué à l’avancement de plusieurs initiatives continentales, y compris le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS), la Foire du commerce intra-africain (IATF) et des programmes visant à renforcer les industries manufacturières et créatives dans les économies africaines. Il occupe actuellement le poste de président du Conseil d’administration du Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA) et du Centre médical africain d’excellence (AMCE).

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

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World Bank Group Launches Ten-Year Strategy to Drive Jobs and Prosperity in Uganda

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Bank Group (WBG) Board of Executive Directors today endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Uganda, a 10-year strategy (2026-2035) designed to accelerate a private sector-led economic transformation and expand opportunities for the country’s rapidly growing population.

The CPF, developed in collaboration with the Government of Uganda and in consultation with other stakeholders, aligns with the country’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan. It reflects a shared commitment to turning Uganda’s strong growth potential, young population, and natural endowments into sustained improvements in productivity, incomes, and livelihoods.

The creation of more and better jobs is at the core of the new strategy because jobs present the most effective pathway out of poverty and the strongest foundation for shared prosperity. With 600,000–700,000 young people entering the labor market each year, Uganda’s development challenge and opportunity lie in accelerating productivity and expanding access to higher‑quality employment across the economy.

“Uganda has extraordinary assets: a young population full of potential, abundant natural resources, and a government committed to long-term transformation,” said Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager for Uganda. “The CPF is our commitment to walk alongside Uganda over the next decade by investing in its people, infrastructure, and institutions that will power prosperity and translate growth into jobs and better living standards. When Ugandans work, families thrive and communities grow.”

The CPF is organized around four mutually reinforcing outcomes: strengthened economic governance, healthier and better-skilled people, better-connected communities, and a more productive and inclusive private sector.

A defining feature of the new CPF is its emphasis on the One WBG approach – bringing together International Development Association (IDA) financing, International Finance Corporation (IFC) investments and advisory services, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) guarantees in a coordinated and strategic way. This method is designed to make WBG support more impactful, more efficient, and more responsive to Uganda’s evolving needs.

Over the next decade, the WBG will mobilize significant resources in support of Uganda’s development priorities. Key targets include:

  • doubling energy access to reach 50 million people by 2035, up from 25 million today;
  • providing 22 million people with quality health, nutrition, and population services;
  • supporting 10 million students with better education and skills;
  • improving transport infrastructure to benefit 20 million people;
  • extending access to financial services to 14 million people and businesses, including 9 million women; and
  • 100% increase in agricultural yields in targeted value chains.

On the financial side, the WBG anticipates an indicative lending program of approximately $2 billion per IDA three-year cycle, building on an existing portfolio of $4 billion. The strategy also aims to catalyze up to $1.3 billion in private investment and mobilize an additional $2.5 billion from private capital markets.

A strong private sector is the engine of lasting economic growth. Whereas IFC will support targeted private sector investments in a series of sectors, MIGA will leverage the WBG Guarantee Platform to complement these efforts by expanding its guarantees to help mitigate risks for foreign investors. Mitigating risks will strengthen investor confidence and unlock long‑term private capital for Uganda.

This CPF provides the continuity needed to support complex reforms, strengthen institutions, and sustain impact, while retaining flexibility through periodic reviews to adapt to evolving circumstances.

– on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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Prof Oramah’s appointments to the Royal African Society Patronage and Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund herald continued recognition of his global leadership and pan-African impact

Source: APO – Report:

Following a transformative decade at the helm of Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, GCON, former President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has received a number of distinguished appointments and recognitions reflecting his continuing impact and the broad demand for his expertise across finance, health, and pan-African development.

Members of the Royal African Society unanimously elected Professor Oramah as the Society’s second Patron at an Extraordinary General Meeting. Founded in 1901, the Royal African Society is the United Kingdom’s leading organisation dedicated to building understanding, engagement and partnerships across Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world, convening policymakers, business leaders, academics and civil society through events, research and advocacy. The appointment comes as the Society marks its 125th anniversary and deepens its focus on Africa’s economic transformation, creative industries, and global partnerships. Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Royal African Society, noted that Professor Oramah’s election reflects the Society’s commitment to engaging with leaders who are shaping Africa’s economic future, and that his experience, global perspective, and longstanding commitment to pan-African cooperation will significantly strengthen the organisation’s work and broaden its impact.

Additionally, in April 2026, Kenyan President H.E. William Ruto appointed Professor Oramah as an independent member of the Governing Council of Kenya’s newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) for a three-year term. The NIF represents a strategic pivot towards investment-led growth, designed to crowd in private capital and reduce Kenya’s dependence on sovereign borrowing. Professor Oramah sits alongside statutory members including the Central Bank of Kenya Governor, Attorney-General, top financial leaders and other experts as one of four independent experts appointed to the council.

Professor Oramah has also been appointed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as Senior Advisor on Strategic Financing, alongside senior advisors on international cooperation, strategic partnerships and debt swaps. The appointment is intended to support the acceleration of Africa CDC’s Africa Health Security and Sovereignty agenda by strengthening its ability to mobilise capital, shape high-level policy and build strategic partnerships across the continent. It also reflects Professor Oramah’s continued engagement in health sovereignty, an area in which he played a central role in during his tenure at Afreximbank through initiatives including the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja.

These appointments build on recognition that accompanied Professor Oramah’s departure from Afreximbank. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred on him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the nation’s second highest national honour, in recognition of his contributions to Africa and to Nigeria, which received over US$52 billion in financing support from the Bank during his tenure. The Woodhall Capital dinner reception hosted at its Lagos headquarters in March 2026, which brought together distinguished figures from finance and industry to celebrate his contributions to African trade and economic development, was one of several such receptions held across the continent in recognition of Professor Oramah’s legacy.

Commenting on his latest appointments and continued engagement, Professor Oramah said: “Africa’s development is a multigenerational endeavour, and those of us who have been privileged to serve in leadership have a responsibility to remain in the arena. Whether through strengthening health financing systems, building the infrastructure that drives inclusive growth, or championing the institutions that tell Africa’s story to the world, the work continues. I am deeply honoured by each of these recognitions, and I remain committed to contributing wherever I can to Africa’s journey towards sovereignty and self-reliance.”

Professor Oramah served as President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank from 2015 to 2025, playing a central role in its evolution into one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions. Under his leadership, Afreximbank helped advance several continental initiatives, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), and programmes aimed at strengthening manufacturing and creative industries across African economies. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of both the Fund for Export Development for Africa (FEDA) and the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE).

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

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As nomeações do Prof. Oramah para o Conselho de Patronos da Royal African Society e para o Fundo Nacional de Infra-estruturas do Quénia marcam o reconhecimento contínuo da sua liderança global e do seu impacto pan-africano

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Depois de uma década transformadora à frente do Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), o Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, GCON, antigo Presidente e Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank), foi nomeado para vários cargos de destaque e foi reconhecido pelo seu impacto contínuo e pela grande procura pela sua experiência nas áreas de finanças, saúde e desenvolvimento pan-africano.

Os membros da Royal African Society elegeram por unanimidade o Professor Oramah como o segundo Patrono da Sociedade numa Assembleia Geral Extraordinária. Fundada em 1901, a Royal African Society é a principal organização do Reino Unido dedicada a promover a compreensão, o envolvimento e as parcerias em toda a África e entre África e o resto do mundo, reunindo decisores políticos, líderes empresariais, académicos e a sociedade civil através de eventos, investigação e defesa de causas. A nomeação surge num momento em que a Sociedade celebra o seu 125.º aniversário e aprofunda o seu foco na transformação económica de África, nas indústrias criativas e nas parcerias globais. Arunma Oteh, Presidente da Royal African Society, observou que a eleição do Professor Oramah reflecte o compromisso da Sociedade em colaborar com líderes que estão a moldar o futuro económico de África, e que a sua experiência, perspectiva global e compromisso de longa data com a cooperação pan-africana irão reforçar de forma significativa o trabalho da organização e alargar o seu impacto.

Além disso, em Abril de 2026, o Presidente do Quénia, Sua Excelência William Ruto, nomeou o Professor Oramah como membro independente do Conselho de Administração do recém-criado Fundo Nacional de Infra-estruturas (NIF) do Quénia, para um mandato de três anos. O NIF representa uma viragem estratégica rumo a um crescimento impulsionado pelo investimento, concebido para atrair capital privado e reduzir a dependência do Quénia do endividamento soberano. O Professor Oramah integra o conselho ao lado de membros estatutários, incluindo o Governador do Banco Central do Quénia, o Procurador-Geral, altos responsáveis financeiros e outros especialistas, como um dos quatro peritos independentes nomeados para o conselho.

O Professor Oramah foi igualmente nomeado pelos Centros Africanos de Controlo e Prevenção de Doenças como Conselheiro Sénior para o Financiamento Estratégico, juntamente com conselheiros séniores para a cooperação internacional, parcerias estratégicas e conversão da dívida. A nomeação visa apoiar a aceleração da agenda do Africa CDC em matéria de Segurança e Soberania Sanitária em África, reforçando a sua capacidade de mobilizar capital, definir políticas de alto nível e estabelecer parcerias estratégicas em todo o continente. Reflecte igualmente o empenho contínuo do Professor Oramah na soberania sanitária, uma área em que desempenhou um papel central durante o seu mandato no Afreximbank, através de iniciativas como o Centro Africano de Excelência Médica, em Abuja.

Estas nomeações surgem na sequência do reconhecimento que se seguiu à saída do Professor Oramah do Afreximbank. O Presidente da Nigéria, Sua Excelência Bola Ahmed Tinubu, concedeu-lhe o título de Grande Comandante da Ordem do Níger (GCON), a segunda mais alta honra nacional do país, em reconhecimento das suas contribuições para África e para a Nigéria, que recebeu mais de 52 mil milhões de dólares em apoio financeiro do Banco durante o seu mandato. O jantar de recepção da Woodhall Capital, realizado na sua sede em Lagos em Março de 2026, que reuniu figuras ilustres do mundo das finanças e da indústria para celebrar as suas contribuições para o comércio e o desenvolvimento económico africanos, foi uma das várias recepções do género realizadas em todo o continente em reconhecimento ao legado do Professor Oramah.

Ao comentar sobre as suas mais recentes nomeações e o seu envolvimento contínuo, o Professor Oramah afirmou: “O desenvolvimento de África é um esforço multigeracional, e aqueles de nós que tiveram o privilégio de servir em cargos de liderança têm a responsabilidade de permanecer na arena. Seja através do reforço dos sistemas de financiamento da saúde, da construção de infra-estruturas que impulsionem o crescimento inclusivo ou da defesa das instituições que contam a história de África ao mundo, o trabalho continua. Sinto-me profundamente honrado por cada um destes reconhecimentos e continuo empenhado em contribuir, sempre que possível, para a caminhada de África rumo à soberania e à auto-suficiência.”

O Professor Oramah desempenhou funções de Presidente e Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação entre 2015 e 2025, desempenhando um papel central na sua evolução para uma das instituições financeiras mais influentes de África. Sob a sua liderança, o Afreximbank ajudou a impulsionar várias iniciativas continentais, incluindo o Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamentos e Liquidação (PAPSS), a Feira de Comércio Intra-Africano (IATF) e programas destinados a reforçar as indústrias transformadoras e criativas nas economias africanas. Actualmente, desempenha as funções de Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações de África (FEDA) e do Centro Africano de Excelência Médica (AMCE).

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

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SA, Kenya work towards deeper economic integration to unlock Africa’s growth potential

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, Kenya work towards deeper economic integration to unlock Africa’s growth potential

South Africa and Kenya are deepening trade, investment and industrial cooperation, as the two countries position themselves to drive Africa’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto called for stronger collaboration between the continent’s leading economies, saying that Africa’s future growth depends on integrated value chains, infrastructure development and increased intra-African trade.

President Ruto was in South Africa on a State Visit.

President Ramaphosa said Kenya remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with bilateral trade continuing to show solid growth.

“Since 2022, total trade between South Africa and Kenya has grown by an average of 3.5% a year,” the President said.

He noted that South Africa continues to import products, services, technology and skills from Kenya, while investment flows between the two countries have strengthened.

According to President Ramaphosa, Kenyan companies have invested in 11 projects in South Africa worth US $283 million, while South African companies have invested in 96 projects in Kenya valued at more than $2 billion.

Beyond private-sector investment, South Africa’s development finance institutions have also played a significant role in supporting Kenya’s development.

“The Development Bank of Southern Africa was one of the funders of a 350km pipeline replacing the Mombasa-to-Nairobi petroleum and crude oil products line. Our development finance institutions are keen to do more to fund catalytic infrastructure in Kenya,” Ramaphosa said.

The President said the Business Forum had highlighted the significant untapped potential in both South Africa and Kenya’s economies, as they pursue structural reform, industrialisation and diversification.

“By unlocking this potential, we can advance inclusive growth, meaningful employment and shared prosperity,” he said.

President Ramaphosa welcomed discussions on financing infrastructure and strengthening regional value chains, saying investment should be accompanied by technology transfer and skills development to create sustainable jobs and build local capacity.

He also highlighted proposals aimed at strengthening food security, including the use of technology for climate-smart agriculture and improved livestock management to combat Foot and Mouth Disease.

The President said both governments are committed to creating enabling environments for growth by removing barriers to trade and investment.

“We are facilitating trade through enabling physical and digital infrastructure,” he said.

Among the initiatives under consideration is funding for the Kenya Roads Board Securitisation Programme, which aims to support transport infrastructure development.

President Ramaphosa added that South Africa and Kenya are also updating information and communications technology agreements to keep pace with advances in industrial innovation, technology transfer, digital trade and artificial intelligence.

“These are a few examples of how we are closing infrastructure gaps, lowering costs and keeping our products and services competitive against imports from outside the continent,” he said.

Driving transformation

Echoing President Ramaphosa’s sentiments, President Ruto said the two countries have the combined economic strength needed to drive Africa’s transformation.

“Kenya and South Africa stand among our continent’s foremost economic anchors.” 

He described South Africa as one of Africa’s leading industrial and financial powerhouses, while Kenya serves as a gateway to East and Central Africa through its dynamic private sector, expanding digital innovation ecosystem and strategic infrastructure.

President Ruto noted that the partnership between the two countries continues to grow across trade, investment, tourism, aviation, financial services, manufacturing, ICT and logistics.

“Today, more than 60 South African companies operate in Kenya in banking, insurance, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure and real estate,” he said.

The Kenyan President said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents one of the greatest opportunities for economic growth on the continent by creating a single competitive market capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and accelerating industrialisation.

“We must move beyond conventional trade and deliberately build integrated regional value chains in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy, digital services and green industrialisation,” he said.

President Ruto commended the cooperation that takes place through the Joint Commission for Cooperation and the Joint Trade Committee, saying their outcomes must now be fully implemented to deliver tangible benefits for businesses and investors.

He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, mining, chemicals and steel — sectors where South Africa’s industrial strengths complement Kenya’s emergence as a regional production and logistics hub.

On agriculture, President Ruto called for greater investment in agro-processing, irrigation, cold-chain logistics and supply chains that connect African producers to African markets.

“Africa cannot keep spending billions importing food while our own farmers and agro-industries stand ready to feed the continent,” he said.

South Africa regards Kenya as a key strategic partner in East Africa, while Kenya remains South Africa’s largest trading partner on the continent outside SADC.

The two countries have concluded numerous agreements covering agriculture, education, tourism, transport, defence, water and sanitation, and trade.

The South Africa-Kenya Business Forum brought together government and business leaders to strengthen economic cooperation, facilitate partnerships and identify new opportunities for trade and investment across the continent. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa Finance Corporation Raises Record US$2 Billion Syndicated Loan in Landmark Show of Confidence in Transformational Infrastructure Strategy

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (www.AfricaFC.com), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has successfully raised a record US$2 billion syndicated loan, underscoring strong global investor support for AFC’s rapid buildout of integrated infrastructure and industrial platforms shaping Africa’s next phase of economic growth.

The transaction was initially launched at US$1.6 billion before being upsized to US$2 billion. Participation from banks across Asia Pacific (35%), Europe (35%), the Middle East (25%) and Africa (5%) reflects broad international support for AFC’s differentiated investment model and long-term strategy, achieved against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility.

The facility materially enhances the Corporation’s capacity to continue scaling investments in critical sectors and industrial ecosystems driving trade, growth and jobs. AFC’s financial strength is reinforced by progressively higher investment-grade credit ratings, including ‘A’ / A-1 with a Positive Outlook assigned by S&P Global Ratings this year, building on its long-standing A3 ratings from Moody’s and A+ from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR).

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said: “This transaction reflects growing recognition that Africa’s next phase of growth will be driven not by isolated projects, but by integrated infrastructure systems that connect energy, transport, logistics, industry and technology. As global capital seeks resilient long-term growth opportunities, AFC has positioned itself at the centre of Africa’s transformation by developing the platforms and ecosystems that convert infrastructure into industrialisation, jobs and economic competitiveness.”  

The transaction comes at a period of expansion for AFC, which recently announced plans to open its first regional office outside Lagos in Nairobi during its flagship The Africa We Build Summit, as the Corporation’s assets surpassed a record US$19 billion and membership expanded to 48 African countries. This syndicated facility complements growing pools of African institutional funding, aligning with AFC’s mission – set out in the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026 – to help mobilise domestic pension capital for priority infrastructure.

The debt facility was led by Barclays, Commerzbank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, and FirstRand Bank, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (London Branch), as Global Coordinators and Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Additional Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners included Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Bank of China (Johannesburg and London Branches), Emirates NBD, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (London Branch), Mashreqbank PSC, Mizuho Bank, SMBC Bank International, Société Générale Côte d’Ivoire, Société Générale S.A, Société Générale Sénégal, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (P.S.C). Others lenders include Export-Import Bank of India (London Branch), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Bank of Communications (Johannesburg and London Branches), China Construction Bank (Johannesburg Branch), Doha Bank Q.P.S.C, Hua Nan Commercial Bank (Hong Kong Branch), Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China, Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C, The Gunma Bank, Chang Hwa Commercial Bank (London Branch), Banka Kombetare Tregtare sh.a and Industrial Bank of Korea (Hong Kong Branch). .

“Closing AFC’s largest-ever syndicated loan facility in a complex global environment is a defining milestone, one that reflects the unwavering confidence our lending partners place in AFC’s credit strength, strategic relevance and execution capabilities”, said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services. “The strong support from a broad group of international financial institutions reaffirms sustained investor conviction in AFC’s mission to deliver transformative infrastructure and industrial projects with lasting economic impact across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure deficit and challenging operating environment.

Nineteen years on, AFC has established itself as the partner of choice for investing in and delivering high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion across 36 African countries since inception.

www.AfricaFC.com

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Kenya-South Africa Business Forum during the State Visit by President Ruto of Kenya, Gallagher Convention Centre

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr William Ruto,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers, 
High Commissioners and members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Business leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to address the Kenya-South Africa Business Forum for the first time since we met in Nairobi in 2022. 

Your presence here shows the value you place on this partnership. 

We expect that this forum, building on the success of our meeting in Nairobi, will deliver real outcomes. 

Among the outcomes we seek is a substantial growth in the volume and value of trade between our two countries. 

Since 2022, total trade between South Africa and Kenya has grown by an average of 3.5 percent a year. 

Kenya remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community.

South Africa continues to import products, services, technology and skills from Kenya.

The second outcome we seek is investment. 

Kenyan companies have invested in 11 projects in South Africa worth 283 million US dollars. 

South African companies have 96 investment projects in Kenya, representing just over 2 billion US dollars.

It is not only the private sector that has backed our economies. 

South Africa’s development finance institutions have funded many projects in Kenya. 

The Development Bank of Southern Africa was one of the funders of a 350km pipeline replacing the Mombasa-to-Nairobi petroleum and crude oil products line.

Our development finance institutions are keen to do more to fund catalytic infrastructure in Kenya. 

As has become evident from this forum, there is huge untapped potential in both our economies as we both pursue structural reform, industrialisation and diversification. 

By unlocking this potential, we can advance inclusive growth, meaningful employment and shared prosperity.

Let me commend the areas you have chosen to focus on today. 

I understand that the finance and innovation panel set out how capital in its various forms – equity, debt and patient capital – can fund the technical and trade-facilitating infrastructure we need. 

Delivering those projects will help build the fiscal stability both our countries require. 

I welcome the case made for manufacturing across autos, pharmaceuticals, mining and construction as a path to industrialise and diversify. 

We have seen today how our companies are investing in and integrating into regional value chains. 

South Africa has always urged companies to pair investment with technology and skills transfer, which helps to create sustainable jobs and develop local capacity.

We have noted the proposals on how our governments can work with the private sector to secure food for our people. 

We hope that our Ministers of Agriculture will engage on the proposals on using technology for climate-smart production and the views presented on livestock management to fight foot and mouth disease. 

Your discussions show how our complementary capabilities can be put to work. 

I believe President Ruto shares my view that we have moved beyond what we can sell to each other and towards what we can build together with each other. 

You have made a tangible case for how our two countries can harness capital, technology and market access to fuel our growth. 

As the two governments, our task is to incentivise growth. We need to create enabling environments and remove the impediments to growth.

We are committed to addressing challenges in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area guided by the principles of transparency, predictability and cooperation. 

The Memoranda of Understanding on Standards, Quality, Metrology and Accreditation signed between our institutions and trade ministries are part of a suite of measures to ensure policy predictability. 

This will enable the private sector to better plan, invest and prosper. 

We are facilitating trade through enabling physical and digital infrastructure. 

Our development finance institutions are appraising funding for the Kenya Roads Board Securitisation Programme, to help its three transport agencies deliver the kilometres set out in their service charter.

We are prioritising ports and corridors and working out how best to harmonise customs for the era of digital trade, in line with the AfCFTA. 

On the digital side, our officials are updating our ICT agreements to keep pace with technology – covering industrial innovation, technology transfer, digital trade and artificial intelligence. 

These are a few examples of how we are closing infrastructure gaps, lowering costs and keeping our products and services competitive against imports from outside the continent.

There is a compelling case for intra-Africa trade and investment. 

Our role is to keep pressing for market access and to deepen investment in research, so that our trade grows first bilaterally, regionally and to offshore markets.

We must strengthen mechanisms for resolving disputes so that they do not damage commercial relations. 

We are confident that a South Africa–Kenya Business Council will enable business to speak with one voice. 

Over the years we have spent a great deal of time in dialogue. 

Your deliberations today underline the urgency with which our resolutions must now become action. 

We must put our capital, our industry, our regulatory progress and our digital gains to work.

We must draw on our respective strengths and capabilities to build together. 

We should not confine ourselves to ‘Made in Kenya’ or ‘Proudly South African’. 

We need to build Pamoja, Together. 

Rather than working in isolation to protect our markets, let us integrate our supply and value chains. 

The inclusive growth we seek requires that our two countries work in partnership.

Through collaboration, South Africa and Kenya will be able not only to develop our two countries, but to contribute to a better, more prosperous Africa.

Asante Sana. 

I thank you.
 

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Ebola is a pandemic that should concern all on the continent – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

Ebola is a pandemic that should concern all on the continent – President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to supporting continental efforts to strengthen preparedness and response to Ebola, underscoring the importance of coordinated African action in addressing public health threats.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, during the occasion of President William Ruto of Kenya’s State Visit to South Africa, President Ramaphosa said Ebola remains a concern for the African continent and requires strengthened cooperation, preparedness and resilient health systems across affected and at-risk regions.

“Ebola, as President Ruto said, is a pandemic, one that should concern all of us on the African continent,” he said.  

President Ramaphosa said South Africa continues to support the work of continental health institutions, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as part of broader efforts to enhance readiness and response capacity.

President Ramaphosa noted South Africa’s earlier contribution of $5 million to the AUCDC to support efforts aimed at strengthening health systems and outbreak preparedness across the continent.

READ | South Africa joins efforts to combat Ebola outbreak

“This contribution is meant to strengthen health systems in DRC, in Uganda, as well as the AUCDC,” the President said. 

He said the support reflects South Africa’s commitment to a proactive and coordinated continental approach to health security, aimed at ensuring Africa is better prepared to manage infectious disease outbreaks. 

“Our health systems on the continent need to be not only strengthened, but there needs to be readiness to deal with pandemics like this.”

President Ramaphosa emphasised that protecting public health in one part of the continent contributes to broader regional and global safety.

“For us to do so is to protect the peoples of Africa,” he said. 

The President also called for continued support from international partners and institutions to reinforce the capacity of the Africa CDC and national health systems across the continent.

“In this regard, we call on all other countries and institutions that are able to lend a hand to make a contribution to enable the AU CDC to be able to deal with this challenge quite effectively,” he said. 

President Ruto said precautionary measures in his country are part of broader preparedness efforts linked to developments in the region, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The situation in Eastern DRC is a source of concern for any country, including Kenya, that is mindful of matters of the health of its citizens,” he said. 

President Ruto emphasised that Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases.

“Ebola is a pandemic, but it is not confined in one place, and just for context, there has not been a single reported incident of Ebola in Kenya.”

The Kenyan President said his government had taken extensive measures to prepare for any eventuality, including enhanced screening at entry points, training health personnel and establishing isolation facilities across the country.

“We have prepared ourselves adequately. We have taken command of all our entry points. We are doing testing of every person coming in Kenya from anywhere near that region,” he said. 

According to Ruto, Kenya is testing between 2 000 and 3 000 people daily, has mobilised testing teams and resources, trained thousands of staff members and established 23 isolation facilities nationwide.

Addressing criticism surrounding a quarantine facility established in partnership with the United States at a Kenyan military air base, Ruto said the arrangement was part of broader cooperation to strengthen preparedness.

“The American government has supported us in this Ebola infrastructure to the tune of 1.8 million Kenya shillings, and they did make a request to us, in the process of setting up all the other facilities, to also set up one they can use in the event that their citizens, their soldiers, some of them in Kenya or from elsewhere, are affected,” he said. 

He stressed that Kenya has a responsibility to provide healthcare to all people within its borders. – SAnews.gov.za

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