MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

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The Government of Liberia, through the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, announces the official arrangements for the signing of the Book of Condolence in honor of the late Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs; Former Minister of State without Portfolio; Former Superintendent of Sinoe County; and Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The signing ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Parlours of the Executive Mansion from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the following sequence:
1. His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, and Members of the Cabinet
2. The Vice President and Members of the Senate
3. The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
4. Her Honor the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
5. The Doyen and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Consular Corps, and Heads of International Organizations
6. Government Officials, Former Government Officials, and Members of the Clergy

From Friday, August 15, 2025, until the day of the funeral, the Book of Condolences will be open to the public at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Hon. Grigsby served a significant part of his professional career.

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will open Books of Condolence at all Liberian Missions abroad on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

As a mark of respect and national mourning, President Boakai has directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the Republic until the burial of the late Minister.

The Government of Liberia calls on all stakeholders, friends, and the general public to join in this solemn tribute and honor the legacy and dedicated service of Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby to the nation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Source: APO

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, and other partners, has launched the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and Operational Plan at a High-Level Advocacy and Dissemination Workshop held on September 11, 2025, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The new Framework is designed to guide Member States in strengthening and expanding social protection systems, improving access to essential services, and promoting social inclusion across the region. The event also featured the presentation of the 2025–2026 Biennial Work Plan to Member States and stakeholders.

In her welcome address, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, thanked Member States and partners for their support. She described the launch as a “key milestone in advancing ECOWAS’ regional agenda on social protection,” stressing the need for sustained collaboration and commitment.

Hon. Swaray Mohamed Rahman, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the event, commended ECOWAS for providing a regional framework. Highlighting Sierra Leone’s progress, including the establishment of a Social Protection Authority, he called for collaboration among Member States, noting that “poverty and vulnerability do not respect borders, neither does solidarity.”

In his keynote address, H.E. Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented by Mr. Valentine Ezulu, the Director of Social Development at the Ministry, presented Nigeria’s major initiatives to strengthen social protection systems. They include a digitised cash transfer programme benefiting more than 5.5 million households, a National Social Register covering over 19.78 million households, and the Skill to Wealth programme, designed to equip young people with practical, market-ready skills. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing regional collaboration under the ECOWAS Framework.

In her goodwill message, Dr Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, emphasised that “social protection is both a human right and an economic necessity”,  while UNICEF, FAO, and other partners highlighted the importance of building strong and inclusive systems, stressing the need to ensure access for children and communities that depend on agriculture and related livelihoods.

The technical session included presentations on the Framework and the 2025–2026 biennial workplan, followed by discussions on strategies to improve implementation and coordination at national and regional levels.

The workshop concluded with the official launch of the Framework and Operational Plan by H.E. Mr Swaray Mohamed Rahman, marking an important milestone in advancing social protection across the ECOWAS region.

Development partners reaffirmed their commitments to work closely with ECOWAS to implement the biennial workplan and strengthen social protection systems to ensure they are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Mr. Hassan Abdalla, and Presidential Advisor for Financial Affairs Lieutenant General Ahmed El-Shazly.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting addressed the latest developments in enhancing the performance of the banking sector and ongoing efforts to increase U.S. dollar revenues, particularly from domestic sources. The President was briefed on indicators related to strengthening the country’s foreign currency reserves. The President reviewed the progress made in reducing inflation rates, as well as the economic and structural reforms being implemented by the government to improve financial and economic indicators. The President also followed up on the development of external debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt noted that this ratio remains within safe limits and affirmed that domestic foreign currency resources reached a record level in August 2025, ensuring coverage of all local obligations and achieving a real surplus.

The President emphasized the importance of increasing foreign currency reserves and meeting the necessary financing needs to support development efforts. He stressed the continued provision of sufficient U.S. dollar resources to positively impact the availability of a secure stockpile of various goods, as well as the need to reduce external debt. The President also reiterated the necessity of maintaining a flexible exchange rate system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

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Government has made known plans to allocate billions of cedis towards large-scale infrastructure projects under what it calls the ‘Big Push’ initiative, aimed at bridging the country’s critical infrastructure deficit and stimulating long-term growth.

Speaking at the KPMG Infrastructure Roadshow in Accra, Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, revealed that government plans to invest GH¢13.9 billion in 2025 on priority infrastructure projects. This figure is expected to increase to GH¢21.2 billion by 2028.

The funding will be drawn primarily from petroleum revenues under the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) and mineral royalties, which are being restructured to focus on key areas such as, Roads and transport, Energy and power generation, Digital infrastructure, Urban and rural development.

“This is not a small nudge or a patch-up job. It’s an economic reset, powered by a US$10 billion Big Push for infrastructure development,” Mr. Ampem emphasized.

Urgent Infrastructure Needs

Ghana’s infrastructure demands remain substantial. Estimates suggest the country needs US$37 billion annually for the next 30 years to meet development goals across sectors. Maintaining existing infrastructure alone is expected to cost an additional US$8 billion annually.

The Deputy Minister cited Ghana’s low score of 47 out of 100 on the Global Infrastructure Hub index, below the average for lower-middle-income countries, as a sign of chronic underinvestment.

“Our cities need better transport. Our industries require dependable energy. Our farmers need modern irrigation. And our youth demand digital highways for the future,” he said.

Emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

While public investment is being scaled up, Mr. Ampemstressed that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be essential to closing the infrastructure gap.

“The public purse alone cannot meet these needs. The fiscal space is limited, and the demands are vast. PPPs are not just helpful — they are indispensable.”

He noted that the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) will be key in setting up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to attract private capital, blended finance, and international development funding.

Call to Investors

The Deputy Minister urged both local and international investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and urban development, describing them as “vast and transformative.”

“The framework is in place. The vision is clear. The government’s commitment under President Mahama’s leadership is unwavering. Your innovation, capital, and expertise are not only welcome, they are crucial,” he told investors.

He concluded by calling for strong collaboration between government and the private sector, emphasizing that sustainable infrastructure transformation will require a united effort.

The KPMG Infrastructure Roadshow, held under the theme “Unlocking Ghana’s Public Private Partnership Potential: Bridging Reform and Results,” brought together policymakers, investors, engineers, and business leaders to explore strategies for accelerating infrastructure.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

African leaders, experts, the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and development partners have called for urgent reforms to strengthen governance, deepen regional integration, and drive inclusive growth across the continent.

Opening the Nigerian Economic Society’s (NES) 66th Annual Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that Nigeria’s youthful population — on average aged 16.9 years — could either drive prosperity or deepen poverty depending on policy choices.

The 2025 NES conference has drawn more than 2,500 delegates from 22 African countries, including economists, policymakers, academics, and international partners. Discussions are focusing on structural vulnerabilities amid global disruptions ranging from climate change and geopolitical tensions to debt sustainability and demographic pressures.

Comparing India’s $100 billion annual outsourcing industry with Nigeria’s peak oil revenues of $25 billion in 2011, the vice-president urged diversification into knowledge-based sectors.

“Africa’s 1.5 billion people should represent a formidable economic force, yet the continent accounts for just 16 percent of global trade,” Shettima said. “We slept through the first three industrial revolutions. Now in the fourth, Africa stands at a crossroads.”

The continent’s failure to marry politics with sound economic management has left it trailing in global trade and industrial progress, Shettima said, addressing the theme “Rethinking Africa’s Development: Pathways to Economic Transformation and Social Inclusion in a Changing Global Economic Landscape.”

Shettima elaborated on the Nigerian government’s removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and tax reforms, conceding the hardship of inflation and high living costs but stressing that investor confidence was returning.

“These are tough times, but the recovery will be permanent,” he said, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration with showing political will to confront long-ignored structural weaknesses.

Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, underscored the continent’s financing challenges, noting that individual countries in Europe and Asia carry larger debt markets than Africa as a whole. He called for greater access to capital and more investment in social inclusion and infrastructure.

“Our experience over the past two years shows that bold, even risky, reforms are necessary,” he said. “To reach Nigeria’s goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2030, and to lift Africa as a whole, we must embrace paradigm-shifting policies at all levels.”

In his goodwill message at the opening session of the event, the Director of the African Development Institute at the African Development Bank, Eric Ogunleye, reaffirmed the African Development Bank’s commitment to supporting Africa’s wider development agenda.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Strategic Framework on Key Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development, the Public Service Delivery Index, and specialized training platforms, including the Public Finance Management Academy for Africa and the Macroeconomic Policy Management Academy for Africa.

“These tools are available at no cost to member countries and are designed to accelerate structural transformation and inclusive growth,” he told delegates.

Speaking later on “Rethinking Governance Models in Africa for Sustainable Economic Growth” during a plenary panel session, Ogunleye said governance and leadership remain decisive in separating successful economies from struggling ones.

“Governance is not just an end in itself; it is an economic imperative,” he said. “Where governance is weak, whether overly centralized, fragmented, or reactive, countries fail to respond effectively to shocks.”

Other panelists stressed that Africa’s transformation depends on deeper regional integration. Wale Ogunkola of the University of Ibadan argued that the African Continental Free Trade Area must go beyond tariff reduction to build value chains, boost infrastructure, and integrate services into manufacturing.

 “If you don’t produce, what are you going to trade?” he asked, calling for stronger private sector involvement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Kwasi Kpodo,
Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org

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

Source: APO

The Government of Borno State, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have convened a partnership roundtable to accelerate access to safe, sustainable, and inclusive water services in Maiduguri.

The event held on Tuesday 10 September, coincided with the first anniversary of devastating floods in Borno, aggravated by the collapse of the Alau Dam, which severely impacted Maiduguri and Jere local government areas.

Borno State, located in Nigeria’s Lake Chad region, has faced over a decade of conflict, displacement, and rapid urban growth. Between 2006 and 2021, Maiduguri’s population more than doubled and is projected to exceed 2.5 million by 2030, placing immense pressure on water infrastructure. Public water systems currently meet only part of the demand, forcing many households to rely on unsafe and costly sources, with women and children most affected.

The roundtable brought together senior representatives from the Borno State Government, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, AfDB, ICRC, World Bank, Agence Française de Développement, development partners, UN agencies, diplomats, and technical experts.

Mallam Bukar Tijani, Secretary to the State Government of Borno, emphasized the State’s commitment: “Ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location or socio-economic status, has access to safe and affordable water is a top priority for Borno State. We are committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the African Development Bank, ICRC, and other partners to bridge the gap between need and provision through technology, expertise, and sustainable financing.”

Dr. Abdul Kamara, the Bank’s Director General for Nigeria, in his remarks stated: “Water, resilience, and peace are deeply interconnected. Investing in water is central to the African Development Bank’s Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa. Through initiatives like the Inclusive Basic Services Delivery Program and strong partnerships with the Nigerian government and institutions like the ICRC, we are helping northern Nigeria move from recurring crises to a future of stability, resilience, and sustainable development.”

Doris El Doueihy, head of the ICRC Delegation in Nigeria, added: “The humanitarian–development link is not just a concept; it is a lifeline. We must meet urgent needs while investing in long-term resilience to prevent future crises and setbacks to development.”

Joseph Terlumun, Babarinde Segun Mukaila, Director of Water Supply and Support Services representing the Water and Sanitation minister, highlighted the Federal Government’s role: “The Federal Government has developed a National Action Plan to revitalize water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services across the country. As one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate impacts, we must harness innovation and technology to manage our water resources sustainably and ensure access for all Nigerians.”

Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested over $805 million in water and sanitation projects across Nigeria, improving access for at least 8 million people. In Borno State, Bank programs have benefited 1.6 million people, including 417 interventions in Maiduguri, enhancing water access, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

The roundtable concluded with a strong call to action, with the Borno State Government committing to establish a steering committee and work closely with development partners to implement the project. Participants also endorsed the Maiduguri Urban Water Supply Masterplan as the guiding framework for expanding access to safe water and improving resilience. They also agreed that providing safe, reliable, and affordable water for Maiduguri is critical for public health, resilience, and lasting peace across northeast Nigeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Nkiruka Ugoh,
African Development Bank Nigeria Country Department
email: media@afdb.org

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

Source: APO

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) proudly announces this year’s 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars, celebrating the visionaries shaping Africa’s energy future. The 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars represent the full spectrum of the energy industry across Africa – from oil to natural gas and renewables – and have emerged as the drivers of the African energy sector. Representing both public and private companies, these women have demonstrated that their commitment to the industry goes beyond their job scope, to empower others, uplift communities and create lasting change across the African energy sector.

In alphabetical order:

Annie Cyrielle Okouma, Production Chemistry Engineer, SLB – Gabon

Annie Cyrielle Okouma is a trained chemical engineer, working for global technology company SLB in Gabon. Since joining the company, she rose the ranks, starting as a trainee laboratory technician and field engineer and now working as a production chemistry engineer.

Ashanti Kutala Mbanga, Program Manager, SANEDI – South Africa

Ashanti Kutala Mbanga, Project Manager at South African National Energy Development Institution, leads South Africa’s energy efficiency labelling program. She advocates for women and youth inclusion, serving as Vice-Chairperson of the Association for Females in Energy Efficiency.

Carolina Ana da Graça, Business Analyst, Chevron – Angola

Angolan professional Carolina Ana da Graca, a Chevron Angola Business Analyst, holds a degree in maritime transportation. An award-winning researcher, she is pursuing a master’s in transportation planning, specializing in maritime cybersecurity challenges.

Chisom Okolie, Senior Associate, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie – Nigeria

Nigerian lawyer Chisom Okolie, Senior Associate in energy and finance, advises multinational clients on complex transactions. Recognized as a Rising Star, she co-authors legal publications and champions women’s advancement in business law.

Elisangela Neto Fernandes, Global Asset Manager: Production Systems, SLB – Angola

Angolan geologist Elisangela Neto Fernandes began offshore as a Field Engineer in 2012. Rising through technical, global coordination and leadership roles, she now manages Surface Production Systems across Angola and Central East Africa.

Fiona Magomere, Power System Control Engineer, Kenya Power & Lighting Company – Kenya

Kenyan engineer Fiona Magomere, Power Systems Control Engineer at Kenya Power & Lighting Company, champions sustainability and clean energy access. A STEM mentor and storyteller, she advocates for collaboration to advance Africa’s inclusive energy transition.

Hunadi Nkabonwa Mahlanyane, Acting Line Manager, Coal & Civil Department, Eskom – South Africa

A trained technician, Hunadi Nkabonwa Mahlanyane is currently the Acting Line Manager in the Coal & Civil Department at South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom. Having studied electrical engineering at Witbank Technical College, she now plays a central role within Eskom.

Jakobina Junias, Founding Partner & CEO, Amperra Charging Company – Namibia

Namibian entrepreneur Jakobina Junias, CEO of Amperra Charging Company, pioneers sustainable EV solutions. A University of Namibia graduate, she champions environmental sustainability and innovation, positioning ampperra as a trusted African electric mobility brand.

Jesupelumi Ajibola, Training Business & Service Delivery Manager, SLB – Cameroon

Jesupelumi Ajibola, Training Business & Service Delivery Manager at SLB, is a petroleum engineer with international experience. Holding a master’s from Imperial College London, she has worked for some of West Africa’s leading energy companies.

Joy Nancy Ogechi, Energy and Project Engineer, Kenya Power & Lighting Company – Kenya

Joy Nancy Ogechi, Energy and Project Engineer at Kenya Power, has over seven years’ experience managing development projects. She enhances healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic productivity through multilateral and government-financed energy initiatives.

Justina Erastus, Founder, Youth in Oil and Gas Summit – Namibia

Namibian lawyer-in-training Justina Erastus, Founder of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit, champions youth inclusion. She empowers young professionals through advocacy, education and engagement in Namibia’s evolving energy landscape.

Kavenamuua Kgosiemang, Field Engineer, SLB – Namibia

As Field Engineer at SLB, Kavenamuua Kgosiemang manages operations, data acquisition and reporting for well development projects. Her technical role supports decision-making critical to sustainable, long-term oilfield success.

Keleadile Ruda, Founder, Women in Energy – Botswana

Botswana’s Keleadile Ruda, Co-Founder of Women in Energy, is a solar PV specialist with five years’ experience. She leads projects from design to commissioning while mentoring women and youth in STEM.

Lydia Kapangila, Founder & CEO, Africa Youths in Energy Network – South Africa

Lydia Kapangila, Founder and CEO of Africa Youths in Energy Network, is dedicated to collaboration, sustainable growth and youth empowerment. She drives continental change through business acumen, advocacy and strategic leadership.

Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head: Integrated Gas Ventures, Asharami Energy – Nigeria

Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, is a respected energy leader. With expertise in operations optimization and cross-functional leadership, she drives revenue growth and champions innovative business strategies.

Nancy Murithi, Green Growth & Climate Change Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers – Kenya

Nancy Murithi, Green Growth and Climate Change Officer at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, advances energy efficiency and climate policy. An award-winning trainer and advisor, she empowers organizations and youth across Africa.

Nisia Ingles Pinto, Fluids Construction Engineer, SLB – Angola

Angolan engineer Nisia Pinto, Well Construction Fluids Engineer at SLB, specializes in cementing operations. With strong field expertise, she ensures drilling safety, reliability and innovation across Angola’s oil hubs in Soyo and Luanda.

Ololade Olubi, Division Manager Economics, Oando Energy Resources – Nigeria

Ololade Olubi, Division Manager of Economics at Oando Energy Resources, is a petroleum economist with 12+ years’ experience. She leads project economics, strategy and new ventures, shaping upstream development across Africa.

Rana Badi, CSR Project Lead, TotalEnergies – Libya

Rana Badi, CSR Project Lead at TotalEnergies, has over a decade’s experience in CSR, communications and digital transformation. She leverages dual master’s degrees to drive impactful social investment and sustainability programs.

Yetunde Margret Sorinola, CFO, Egbin Power Plc – Nigeria

Yetunde Margret Sorinola, CFO of Egbin Power Plc, is a governance-focused finance leader in power generation. She specializes in compliance, risk management, tariff modeling and financial stewardship of capital-intensive energy projects.

“The AEC believes that these 20 women represent the future and we look forward to having many more women on the list in years to come. These women are not only recognized for their amazing careers, but for their work and commitment across their respective communities. This is a testament to what happens when women are given opportunities to lead in the industry – going beyond executing their jobs to championing communities and mentoring others to become part of the larger African energy family” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

Researchers warn of critical losses for grain producers and price increases for consumers worldwide. According to the study “From Farm to Futures: Competition, Financialization, and Digitalization in Global Grain Value Chains” prepared by a group of experts, total losses are estimated at no less than $2.5 billion per year for the main BRICS grain exporters (www.BRICSCompetition.org).

The research findings were presented by the HSE BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre during the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference held in Cape Town. The study offers an innovative approach to analysis from the perspective of global processes. Traditional antitrust analysis of the grain market has focused primarily on horizontal competition—interaction at the same level of the supply chain. However, to gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics in the BRICS countries, an analysis of vertical competition is being conducted, which involves examining the relationships between different levels of the supply chain, including producers, traders, infrastructure operators, and financial intermediaries—from the field and port to the consumer. Researchers are paying particular attention to the activities of global grain traders through the prism of the economic and technological changes that markets are undergoing today.

According to the authors of the study, the global grain market has long been controlled by an oligopoly of major agricultural traders known as ABCD+ (ADM, Bunge, Cargill, Louis Dreyfus Company + COFCO, Olam, etc.). This concentration of market power, as well as certain structural features of this market, make it vulnerable to price fluctuations and various types of speculative behavior, which negatively affects both grain producers and consumers.

The merger of Bunge and Viterra in one of the world’s most competitive agricultural markets—Canada—has created an empirically sound precedent for assessing the global risks of the new deal. An antitrust investigation conducted in Canada found that the consolidation of control over grain transshipment rates in Vancouver led to a 15% increase in the cost of grain passing through this hub, or a loss of $412 million annually for shipping producers. It is important to note that this is a non-market price increase. A 15% “monopoly markup” on logistics and trading, applied to 20% of the volume, could cost Russia and Brazil an additional $2.5 billion per year.

In addition, the study highlights several key trends that are currently having a direct impact on farmers, consumers and the grain trade worldwide.  Firstly, there is financialisation, i.e. the close integration of financial and trading infrastructure. Secondly, traders’ financial activity is made possible by information asymmetry access to exclusive data that other market participants do not have. Thirdly, there is a new type of interaction co-opetition (cooperation in a competitive environment). Despite the struggle for profit and market share, traders jointly invest in infrastructure and coordinate control of supply chains. The report presents for the first time unique schemes of corporate relations and the participation of strategic investors in the structure of ABCD+ traders’ work and management. In addition, digital platforms such as Covantis and TRACT are already helping ABCD+ traders coordinate economic activity and limit competition from national and regional players often outside the purview of BRICS antitrust authorities.

Researchers suggest that BRICS antitrust authorities could conduct their own large-scale market analysis and use it as a basis for developing coordinated antitrust response measures. Among such measures are structural prescriptions. First and foremost, the report proposes involving the antitrust regulators of the BRICS countries in the design of the BRICS Grain Exchange as a single platform where pricing will be more transparent and, most importantly, hedging mechanisms will be more transparent. The grain exchange has already been initiated by the leaders of the BRICS countries, and if implemented correctly, it could be a step towards reducing price volatility, increasing pricing transparency, and improving the quality of market competition in the global grain market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.