MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), and partner organizations today announce the appointment of Inspired Evolution as the investment manager for Zafiri, a new decentralised renewable energy (DRE) equity investment vehicle targeting small-scale and decentralized renewable energy, to expand access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for tens of millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa.

The appointment underscores Zafiri’s central role in Mission 300, a joint initiative of the World Bank Group and African Development Bank to provide first-time electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Zafiri addresses one of Africa’s toughest energy-financing gaps by channelling long-term equity into distributed renewable energy (DRE) companies that are essential to last-mile access yet remain underfinanced by mainstream capital markets. Zafiri’s founding partners include IFC, AfDB, The Rockefeller Foundation, Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), and Nordic Development Fund (NDF).

Inspired Evolution is an Africa-based investment firm focused on scaling clean energy and climate solutions across the continent. The company, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cape Town, has financed more than 10 GW of renewable energy generation, supported 29 companies across 18 African countries, and manages over $850 million including co-investments, through its suite of Evolution funds.

“One of the key challenges slowing Africa’s energy transition is the lack of equity financing for distributed energy companies—those expanding power generation and improving access for millions,” said Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Vice President for Africa. “Zafiri addresses this ‘missing middle’ by offering long-term equity to these providers, helping scale innovative business models. IFC is proud to support this initiative, which is expected to reach 30 million people and spur job creation across the continent. Through our commitment to the M300 platform, we are deepening our support for impactful solutions like Zafiri. Inspired Evolution brings strong local investment expertise and a proven track record, making it a valuable partner for M300 in delivering development impact through the private sector.”

“By combining AfDB’s capital—including our Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)—with IFC and partners, Zafiri will inject the much needed risk capital to take the DRE sector to the next level in terms of commercial maturity, larger operational footprint, and ultimately impact on the many communities beyond the grid,” said Kevin Kariuki, the African Development Bank’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth.

“We are honored to partner with IFC, AfDB and global investors to manage Zafiri, a vehicle uniquely designed to close the equity financing gap for distributed energy solutions across Africa,” said Wayne Keast, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Inspired Evolution. “We will focus on building and scaling high-impact businesses that can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy while driving inclusive and climate-resilient economic growth.”

Zafiri is structured as a permanent capital investment vehicle that provides long-term equity to expand clean energy access in underserved markets. The vehicle leverages concessional junior equity to de-risk private sector participation and mobilize commercial capital into scalable off-grid and decentralized energy solutions. Backed by an initial $300 million capitalization by 2026, Zafiri is expected to scale up to $1 billion to accelerate energy access in Africa.

Over its lifespan, Zafiri aims to facilitate new electricity connections and clean cooking access for more than 30 million people while supporting the growth of Africa’s DRE sector. Operations will commence in early 2026.

“The Rockefeller Foundation is proud to support Inspired Evolution as it leverages its proven track record to accelerate energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Ghita Benabderrazik, Director of Innovative Finance at The Rockefeller Foundation. “Following the announcement of our anticipated $10 million investment in Zafiri at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, we remain deeply committed to closing the equity gap for distributed renewable energy solutions that power livelihoods and drive productive use — advancing inclusive development, reducing poverty, and creating jobs.”

“Complementing the debt support TDB Group has been deploying across several renewable energy sub-sectors in Africa, we are pleased to join forces with this strong group of investors to inject some much-needed equity into small-scale DRE providers – providers which, via electrification and clean cooking, can ultimately catalyse sustainable development in their communities,” said Admassu Tadesse, TDB Group President and Managing Director.

“Zafiri enables the speed and scale that is needed to meet the ambitious targets of Mission 300,” said Satu Santala, NDF Managing Director. “NDF’s junior capital is expected to catalyse significant commercial investments into increasing energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa. At NDF, we are in full support to make Zafiri become a success and mobilise more private capital for climate action.”

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contacts:
African Development Bank: 
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Dept
email: media@afdb.org

IFC: 
Kate Chambers
email: kchambers@ifc.org

Nordic Development Fund: 
Paula Fincke-Oladejo
email: paula.fincke-oladejo@ndf.int

Rockefeller Foundation: 
Ashley Chang
email: media@rockfound.org

TDB Group: 
Anne-Marie Iskandar
email : anne-marie.iskandar@tdbgroup.org

Follow The Rockefeller Foundation:
X @ RockefellerFdn
LinkedIn @ the-rockefeller-foundation

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

About IFC:
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.IFC.org.

About Zafiri:
Zafiri is a permanent-capital investment vehicle to be established under Mission 300, a joint initiative of the World Bank Group and African Development Bank to expand electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030. With a target capitalization of $1 billion, Zafiri aims to provide equity and catalytic financing to distributed renewable energy companies, mini-grid developers, solar-home system providers and clean cooking enterprises. Zafiri is expected to be backed by IFC, AfDB, TDB Group, NDF and The Rockefeller Foundation. The vehicle blends concessional and commercial capital to scale energy access solutions and mobilize private investment, advancing universal energy access in Africa.

About Inspired Evolution:
Inspired Evolution is a leading African climate investment firm focused on clean energy infrastructure, energy access and resource efficiency. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cape Town with offices in Nairobi, Abidjan, London and Mauritius, Inspired Evolution manages the Evolution funds and manages over $850 million including co-investments for clean energy investments, with capital deployed across 18 African countries.

About The Rockefeller Foundation:
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.RockefellerFoundation.org/Subscribe.

About TDB Group:
Established in 1985, the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group) is an African regional multilateral development bank, with a mandate to finance and foster trade, regional economic integration, and sustainable development in Africa. TDB Group counts several subsidiaries and strategic business units including Trade and Development Banking, TDB Asset Management (TAM), the Trade and Development Fund (TDF), TDB Captive Insurance Company (TCI), the ESATAL fund management company and TDB Academy. www.TDBGroup.org

About Nordic Development Fund:
The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) is the joint Nordic international finance institution of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. NDF focuses on the nexus between climate change and development in lower-income countries and countries in fragile situations. Since the introduction of the climate mandate in 2009, NDF has built a track record of adding value by financing climate mitigation and adaptation projects in close interaction with its extensive network of strategic partners. Learn more: www.NDF.int

Source: APO – Report:

Talentz MEDIA (https://TalentzMEDIA.com) has released its comprehensive “Global & African Pulse” news feature, providing an in-depth look at the latest developments across Ghana, Africa, and the world — from economic recovery and technology innovations to creative industry growth and global diplomacy.

The report highlights Ghana’s economic resilience, with the World Bank projecting a 4.3% GDP growth rate for 2025. The upward revision reflects renewed investor confidence and stability under fiscal reforms, coupled with strong performance in services, agriculture, and emerging technology sectors.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, GDP expanded by 6.3% year-on-year in Q2 2025, positioning the nation among Africa’s top five fastest-growing economies. Market enthusiasm remains high as the Ghana Stock Exchange records a 67% rise in the composite index this year.

In a move to promote digital inclusion and youth empowerment, StarOil Ghana launched an AI Smart Lab project in the Volta/Oti region. The initiative aims to equip young people with critical digital and innovation skills, aligning with Ghana’s broader ambition to become a tech-driven economy.

Meanwhile, national attention has turned to Parliament’s renewed debate over the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, drawing reactions from international partners. Economic analysts warn the bill’s passage could impact foreign aid and donor-linked inflows, estimated at over $3 billion annually.

On the environmental front, the government has introduced a permanent military task force to combat illegal mining. The move is part of Ghana’s intensified effort to protect rivers and forests from galamsey destruction — a step applauded by conservation groups nationwide.

In sports, Ghana’s Black Stars face Comoros in a crucial FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier tonight in Accra. The match has generated nationwide anticipation as Ghana looks to reclaim dominance in African football. Meanwhile, boxing star Martin Bakole has challenged Anthony Joshua to a “Rumble in the Jungle II,” potentially to be hosted in Ghana or Nigeria.

The creative and entertainment sectors are also thriving, with Afro-fusion concerts, cultural expos, and collaborations putting Ghanaian talent on the global map. Across the Atlantic, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London (October 16–19) will showcase African artists redefining post-colonial creativity.

The feature also spotlights President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in Beijing’s Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, reaffirming Ghana’s leadership in gender and development advocacy within the African Union framework.

Elsewhere in Africa, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has launched a Digital Payments Platform to boost intra-African trade, while Côte d’Ivoire embarks on an urban modernization project naming thousands of streets to enhance logistics and identity.

However, challenges remain. Cocoa prices have slumped to a 20-month low, impacting Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire’s export earnings. Analysts link this to favorable harvests and global supply corrections, creating both risks and opportunities for local farmers.

Globally, Europe has pledged $600 billion for renewable energy infrastructure in Africa under its Global Gateway initiative, while South Africa has attracted strong investor interest with over 100 proposals for its new foreign-currency financing program.

Finally, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued warnings of potential flooding across southern Ghana, urging citizens to remain vigilant amid intensifying rainfall — a reminder of climate change’s growing toll on African development.

– on behalf of Talentz MEDIA.

Additional Information:
https://apo-opa.co/4ouoCzu

Media Contact:
Talentz MEDIA
Official Address: Obonu St, North Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 546 171 240
Email: info@talentzmedia.com

Social Media:
@ talentzmedia

About Talentz MEDIA:
Talentz MEDIA is a dynamic Ghana-based media and creative communications company dedicated to promoting African stories, innovation, and entertainment globally. Through journalism, digital storytelling, and partnerships, Talentz MEDIA continues to shape narratives that empower African creativity and enterprise.

Website: https://TalentzMEDIA.com

Source: APO – Report:

As Africa’s digital economy moves toward seamless, borderless transactions, Converge Africa 2026 is setting the agenda for the leaders shaping that transformation. Returning to the CTICC in Cape Town from 4–6 May 2026, the event represents more than a conference; it is the strategic intersection of commerce, technology and innovation for the continent’s fastest-growing sector.

Organised by VUKA Group, Converge Africa brings together the architects of digital commerce: retailers, fintechs, payment innovators, policymakers and technology providers to collaborate, debate and build new pathways for growth across Africa’s $75 billion digital economy.

“Converge Africa has become the focal point for Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem,” says Terence Southam, Retail Portfolio Director at VUKA Group. “Our mission is to provide a neutral ground where technology meets trust, innovation meets scale and business meets opportunity.”

A programme engineered by industry icons

The 2026 agenda has been shaped by an Advisory Board representing a cross-section of the continent’s most influential leaders, including:

• Caroline Nelson (H&M): The Shopper of 2030 and Omnichannel Retail
• Kerissa Varma (Microsoft): Cybersecurity and Consumer Trust
• Sam Tomlinson (Warchawski): Data, Creativity and Storytelling
• Richard Eberlein (Homechoice): Predictive AI and Customer Growth
• Barrie Swart (dLocal): Cross-Border Trade and Fintech Expansion

The 2026 Converge Agenda: Frictionless, Borderless, Intelligent

Spanning 100+ sessions across five core pillars: Payments & Fintech, Retail & eCommerce, Fulfilment & Logistics, Digital Marketing and Cybersecurity & Digital Trust, the 2026 programme is a masterclass in collaboration and execution.

Featured sessions include:

• The Future of Payments in Africa: Instant, Inclusive, Invisible
• Cross-Border Showdown: Who Will Power Africa’s $1 Trillion Trade?
• Data-Driven Digital Marketing: Personalisation at Scale

A catalyst for collaboration

Day One’s interactive workshops set the tone. Delegates will design real-world solutions in sessions such as AI in Fraud Defence, The Future Store Simulation and Omnichannel Customer Journey Mapping, each crafted to deliver outcomes, not just insights.

Every session at Converge Africa 2026 is built to inspire execution. The event moves beyond discussion to practical collaboration that drives measurable business growth and meaningful meeting introductions across the ecosystem.

Why partners are paying attention

For sponsors and exhibitors, Converge Africa is more than brand exposure; it is strategic positioning in front of Africa’s most qualified buyers and innovators. From keynote visibility and curated buyer meeting introductions to custom workshop presentations, the event delivers quantifiable ROI and long-term market presence.

Brands that align with Converge Africa align with the movement defining the next decade of digital commerce on the continent.

The future converges in Cape Town

As digital economies mature, Africa’s unique blend of youthful consumers, mobile-first innovation and cross-border ambition positions it as the world’s next great commerce frontier. Converge Africa 2026 stands as the catalyst for that transformation, where vision meets venture and technology meets trust.

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

For media enquiries contact:
Steven Dennett
steven.dennett@wearevuka.com

Enquiries and more information:
To attend, speak or exhibit, complete this form (http://apo-opa.co/47guF3D)
Download the 2026 Agenda (http://apo-opa.co/4njb2xP)
Visit the Converge Africa website (http://apo-opa.co/4nhw93N)

About Converge Africa:
Converge Africa is the continent’s leading platform for digital commerce leaders to connect, learn and grow. Held annually at the CTICC in Cape Town, the event convenes retailers and eCommerce brands, payments and fintech innovators, cybersecurity specialists, logistics and last-mile providers, and digital marketers to shape the future of Africa’s online economy.

Curated by VUKA Group, Converge Africa delivers board-level keynotes, practical breakouts and hands-on workshops that prioritise actionable insight, measurable outcomes and high-value meeting introductions. With a programme guided by an Advisory Board of industry pioneers, the event showcases real-world use cases, live product demos and partnerships that accelerate market expansion across the continent. Converge Africa is where strategy meets scale, technology meets trust and leaders create durable growth for Africa’s digital economy.

Frictionless digital commerce. Transacting seamlessly, without borders.