Discours d’ouverture de M. Akinwumi A. Adesina, président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement et de ses Conseils d’administration et président d’Africa50 à l’occasion de l’Assemblée générale des actionnaires 2025 d’Africa50

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Votre Excellence, Daniel Chapo, président de la République fédérale du Mozambique,

Honorable Carla Louveira, ministre de l’Économie et des Finances du Mozambique,

Honorables ministres et hauts fonctionnaires,

Monsieur le secrétaire général du secrétariat de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine, Wamkele Mene,

Vos Excellences, ambassadeurs et chefs de missions diplomatiques,

Dirigeants d’organisations internationales,

Alain Ebobissé, PDG d’Africa50,

Chers actionnaires d’Africa50,

Chers membres du Conseil d’administration d’Africa50,

Chers membres de la direction et du personnel d’Africa50,

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Votre Excellence, Monsieur le président, je suis ravi que vous nous fassiez l’honneur d’assister aujourd’hui à l’Assemblée générale des actionnaires d’Africa50. Je vous remercie d’avoir accepté d’accueillir cette Assemblée générale des actionnaires.

Nous sommes reconnaissants de la généreuse hospitalité et de la cordialité dont nous avons tous bénéficié depuis notre arrivée dans la belle ville de Maputo.

Je m’adresse à vous aujourd’hui à la fois en tant que président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, votre banque, et en tant que président d’Africa50, une plateforme d’investissement mise en place par le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement.

Le Mozambique est un actionnaire important du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, dont les opérations dans ce pays ont débuté en 1977. Le Mozambique a également rejoint Africa50 en 2024.

Votre Excellence, Monsieur le président Chapo, je tiens tout d’abord à vous féliciter officiellement pour votre élection à la présidence de la République du Mozambique.

Je vous félicite pour le leadership remarquable dont vous avez fait preuve pour stabiliser le pays. La paix et la stabilité sont capitales pour stimuler la croissance économique et le développement.

Je tiens à vous féliciter, vous et votre gouvernement, pour la stabilité macroéconomique et fiscale du pays sous votre direction. Les effets de vos politiques macroéconomique et fiscale commencent à se faire sentir. Le PIB réel du Mozambique devrait augmenter de 2,5 % en 2025 et de 3,6 % en 2026, grâce au rebond des activités du secteur extractif.

Félicitations, Monsieur le président !

Permettez-moi d’abord de m’exprimer en tant que président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement.

La Banque africaine de développement soutient le Mozambique avec ardeur. Au cours des dix dernières années, sous ma présidence (2015-2025), nous avons apporté 1,6 milliard de dollars au Mozambique. Pour mettre cela en perspective, cela représente 41 % du financement total de la Banque africaine de développement au Mozambique au cours des 48 dernières années.

La Banque africaine de développement a été l’un des principaux financiers du projet d’usine de gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL) du Mozambique, d’une valeur de 20 milliards de dollars, pour lequel la Banque a fourni 400 millions de dollars de financement par emprunt de premier rang. Je tiens à vous remercier, Monsieur le président, d’avoir visité le site du projet GNL à Cabo Delgado, en février. Votre leadership et votre visite ont rassuré les investisseurs. 

Je suis fier de ce qui a été accompli, en particulier dans le secteur de l’électricité, dans lequel notre soutien aux projets énergétiques a contribué de manière significative à améliorer l’accès national à l’énergie, le faisant passer de 30 % en 2018 à 60 % en 2024.  Notre soutien de 34 millions de dollars au projet « De l’énergie pour tous » au Mozambique a permis à plus de 45 500 ménages, dont environ 14 000 ménages dirigés par des femmes, d’accéder à l’électricité dans des provinces sous-électrifiées telles que Zambezia et Nampula.

La Banque africaine de développement a également fortement soutenu le secteur agricole, avec le développement de zones spéciales de transformation agro-industrielle, par exemple à Pemba-Lichinga, l’une des six zones de ce type soutenues par la Banque. La Banque a soutenu le développement des corridors de Nacala et de Beira, qui transforment la logistique du commerce et des transports et améliorent le commerce régional pour la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine.

Permettez-moi de passer à ma deuxième casquette, celle de président d’Africa50.

Lorsque la Banque africaine de développement a créé Africa50, sa vision était claire : créer une plateforme pour mobiliser des financements destinés aux infrastructures au taux de rendement du marché.

Je suis fier de ce qu’est devenu Africa50.

En l’espace de 8 ans, Africa50 est devenue un leader du financement des infrastructures en Afrique, grâce au leadership visionnaire de notre PDG, Alain Ebobissé, à son personnel incroyablement compétent et talentueux, et au soutien du Conseil d’administration et de nos actionnaires. Aujourd’hui, Africa50 compte 37 actionnaires, dont 33 pays et 4 institutions.

À ses débuts, il y a 8 ans, Africa50 n’employait qu’une seule personne (Alain !) ; aujourd’hui, la plateforme compte 100 employés exceptionnels. Elle gère des actifs de plus de 1,4 milliard de dollars. La valeur totale des entreprises de son portefeuille s’élève à plus de 8 milliards de dollars.

Africa50 fait preuve de créativité et d’innovation en matière de financement des infrastructures. Son fonds d’accélération des infrastructures en Afrique a levé 275 millions de dollars auprès de plus de 20 investisseurs institutionnels africains. Il s’agit là d’une véritable marque de confiance de la part des investisseurs institutionnels.

Africa50 se réjouit de travailler en partenariat étroit avec le Mozambique dans des domaines qui complètent le travail de la Banque africaine de développement, notamment en matière d’infrastructures, d’énergie et de transports.

  • Africa50 a investi en capital-investissement dans la centrale électrique au gaz de 175 MW Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG).
  • Africa50 est en train de finaliser l’accord de développement de projet pour trois lignes de transformation dans le cadre d’une transmission d’énergie indépendante. Ce projet sera réalisé en partenariat avec Power Grid et Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM).
  • Africa50 devrait mettre en place un centre de données dans la ville de Maputo.

Je suis ravi que nos actionnaires soient présents à Maputo pour constater les fruits de la collaboration et des partenariats.

Des partenariats entre la Banque africaine de développement et le Mozambique.

Des partenariats entre la Banque africaine de développement et Africa50.

Et des partenariats entre Africa50 et le Mozambique.

Des partenariats entre la Banque africaine de développement, Africa50 et les pays africains.

Pour combler le déficit de financement des infrastructures de l’Afrique, qui s’élève à 170 milliards de dollars par an, nous devons tous continuer à établir des partenariats et à les développer.

Des partenariats avec des institutions financières multilatérales et bilatérales.

Des partenariats avec des banques d’investissement et des fonds de capital-investissement.

Des partenariats avec des investisseurs institutionnels, des fonds souverains aux fonds de pension et aux pools de fonds d’assurance.

Des partenariats entre les pays pour financer des infrastructures transnationales, stimuler l’intégration régionale et faire progresser la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine.

Ensemble, nous sommes plus forts.

Unissons-nous pour saisir les opportunités d’infrastructure en Afrique, aussi impressionnantes que le baobab.

Votre Excellence, Monsieur le président Chapo, je vous remercie de nous avoir tendu la main pour ces partenariats. Vous pouvez compter sur Africa50 et sur le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement pour continuer à soutenir vos efforts visionnaires en vue de transformer le Mozambique.

Vos Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Mon mandat de président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement et de président du conseil d’administration d’Africa50 prendra fin le 1er septembre 2025.

Je suis fier de tout ce que nous avons accompli ensemble.

  • Le travail de la Banque africaine de développement dans le cadre de ses cinq grandes priorités a eu un impact sur la vie de 565 millions de personnes.
  • Le capital de la Banque africaine de développement est passé de 93 milliards de dollars en 2015 à 318 milliards de dollars actuellement, une croissance sans précédent dans l’histoire de la Banque depuis sa création en 1964.
  • La Banque africaine de développement a été classée meilleure institution financière multilatérale au monde.
  • Le Fonds africain de développement, notre institution de financement concessionnel, a été classé deuxième meilleure institution de financement concessionnel au monde, devant les 55 institutions de financement concessionnel des pays de l’OCDE.
  • La Banque africaine de développement a conservé sa cote de crédit mondiale AAA pendant dix ans, même dans les périodes économiques les plus difficiles de la pandémie de Covid-19.
  • La Banque africaine de développement a été classée, ces deux dernières années, au premier rang mondial des institutions financières pour sa transparence.
  • L’Africa Investment Forum (que nous avons créé avec nos partenaires, la Banque de développement de l’Afrique australe, Africa50, la Banque africaine d’import-export, la Banque de commerce et de développement, Africa Finance Corporation, la Banque européenne d’investissement, la Banque islamique de développement et la Banque arabe pour le développement économique) a mobilisé plus de 225 milliards de dollars d’intérêt pour l’investissement en Afrique.
  • Africa50 est devenue une plateforme d’infrastructure respectée dans le monde entier.

En tant que président d’Africa50, je suis convaincu qu’Africa50 continuera à se développer dans les années à venir, car sa proposition de valeur est solide.

Africa50 signera aujourd’hui des protocoles d’accord avec le gouvernement du Mozambique et avec l’Alliance pour l’infrastructure verte en Afrique (AGIA). Ceux-ci renforcent encore la forte proposition de valeur d’Africa50. En tant que président d’Africa50, je tiens à rassurer tous nos partenaires.

  • Africa50 est un bon investissement.
  • Africa50 produit des résultats probants.
  • Les résultats obtenus par Africa50 sont à la hauteur des investissements consentis.
  • En investissant dans Africa50, vous ne pourrez pas vous tromper.

Merci beaucoup à tous pour votre soutien et votre partenariat.

Quoi que je fasse à l’avenir, l’Afrique sera toujours présente dans mon esprit.

Permettez-moi de vous assurer que je ne reculerai pas. Je participerai à notre effort collectif pour débloquer des capitaux mondiaux au profit de l’Afrique.

Et le Mozambique restera cher à mon cœur.

Muito obrigado a todos.

Un grand merci.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Opening Speech Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina President and Chairman, Boards of Directors African Development Bank Group and Chairman, Africa50 2025 General Shareholders Meeting

Source: APO – Report:

.

Your Excellency, Daniel Chapo, President of the Federal Republic of Mozambique.

Honorable Carla Louveira, Minister of Economy and Finance of Mozambique.

Honorable Ministers and senior government officials.

The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Wamkele Mene.

Excellencies, Ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions.

Heads of international organizations.

Alain Ebobise, Chief Executive Officer, Africa50.

Esteemed shareholders of Africa50.

Esteemed members of the Board of Directors of Africa50.

Senior management and staff of Africa50.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am delighted that you have honored us today with your presence for the General Shareholder Meeting of Africa50. I am grateful that you accepted to host this General Shareholders Meeting.

We are grateful for the generous hospitality and all the graciousness we have all received since we arrived in the beautiful city of Maputo.

I wear two hats as I address you today: first, as President of the African Development Bank Group, your bank; and second, as Chairman of Africa50, which was established by the African Development Bank Group.

Mozambique is a strong shareholder of the African Development Bank Group, which started operations in the country in 1977. Mozambique also joined Africa50 in 2024.

Your Excellency, President Chapo, I wish to start by formally congratulating you on your election as President of the Republic of Mozambique.

I commend you for the remarkable leadership that you have shown in stabilizing the country. Peace and stability are fundamental to spurring economic growth and development.

I wish to commend you and your government on the macroeconomic and fiscal stability of the country under your leadership.

The green shoots of your macroeconomic and fiscal policies are coming out.

Real GDP of Mozambique is estimated to increase to 2.5% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, due to the rebound in the extractive sector activities.

Congratulations, Mr. President!

Let me speak first with my hat on as President of the African Development Bank Group.

The African Development Bank has been a strong supporter of Mozambique. In the past ten years under my Presidency (2015-2025), we provided $1.6 billion to Mozambique.

To put this in perspective, this represents 41% of the total financing of the African Development Bank to Mozambique over the past 48 years.

The African Development Bank was a lead financier of Mozambique’s $20 billion Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) plant project, for which the Bank provided $400 million in senior debt financing. I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for your visiting the LNG project site in Cabo Delgado in February. Your leadership and visit reassured investors. 

I am proud of what has been achieved, especially in the power sector, where our support for energy projects contributed significantly to the national energy access increasing from 30% in 2018 to 60% in 2024.

Our $34 million support for the Mozambique Energy for All Project provided access to electricity to over 45,500 households in under-electrified provinces such as Zambezia and Nampula, including about 14,000 female-headed households.

The African Development Bank also strongly supported the agriculture sector, with the development of special agro-industrial processing zones, for example in Pemba-Lichinga, one of the six such zones the Bank is supporting.

The Bank supported the development of the Nacala and Beira corridors, which are transforming trade and transport logistics, and improving regional trade for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Let me shift to my second hat as Chairman of Africa50.

When the African Development Bank created Africa50, the vision was clear: develop a platform for mobilizing financing for infrastructure, with market rate of returns.

I am proud of what Africa50 has become today.

Within 8 years Africa50 has become a leader on infrastructure financing in Africa, thanks to the visionary leadership of our CEO, Alain Ebobise; its incredibly capable and talented staff; and support of the board of directors and our shareholders.

Today, Africa50’s shareholders have risen to 37, with 33 countries and 4 institutions.

From just one staff (Alain!) when we started 8 years ago, Africa50 now has 100 exceptional staff.

It is managing assets of over $1.4 billion. The total value of its portfolio companies is over $ 8 billion.

Africa50 is showing creativity and innovation on infrastructure financing.

It’s Africa Infrastructure Acceleration Fund raised $275 million from over 20 African institutional investors. This is a mark of strong confidence by institutional investors.

Africa50 is delighted to be working closely in partnership with Mozambique in areas that complement the work of the African Development Bank, especially in infrastructure, energy and transport.

  • Africa50 is an equity investor in the 175 MW gas-fired power plant, Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG).
  • Africa50 is finalizing the project development agreement for three transformation lines under an independent power transmission framework. This will be in partnership with Power Grid and Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM).
  • Africa50 is expected to develop a Data Center Facility in Maputo City.

I am delighted that our shareholders are here in Maputo to witness the fruits of collaboration and partnerships.

Partnerships between the African Development Bank and Mozambique.

Partnerships between the African Development Bank and Africa50.

And partnerships between Africa50 and Mozambique.

Partnerships between the African Development Bank, Africa50 and Africa countries.

To close Africa’s $170 billion annual infrastructure financing gap, requires that we all continue to build and scale up partnerships.

Partnerships with multilateral and bilateral financial institutions.

Partnerships with investment banks and private equity funds.

Partnerships with institutional investors, from sovereign wealth funds to pension funds and insurance pool of funds.

Partnerships between countries to finance cross-national infrastructure, to spur regional integration and advance the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Together we are stronger.

Together, let us join our hands around the Baobab tree of infrastructure opportunities in Africa.

Your Excellency, President Chapo, thank you for stretching out to us your hands of partnership. You can count on the Africa50 and the African Development Bank Group to continue to support your visionary efforts to transform Mozambique.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.

My tenure as President of the African Development Bank Group, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Africa50, will end on September 1, 2025.

I am proud of all we have achieved together.

  • The High 5s work of the African Development Bank impacted on the lives of 565 million people.
  • The capital of the African Development Bank increased from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion today – the highest in the history of the African Development Bank since its establishment in 1964.
  • The African Development Bank was ranked as the Best Multilateral Financing Institution in the World.
  • The African Development Fund, our concessional financing institution, was ranked as the second-best concessional financing institution in the world, above all 55 concessional financing institutions in the OECD countries.
  • The African Development Bank maintained its AAA global credit ratings for ten years, even in the most difficult economic times of Covid19 pandemic.
  • The African Development Bank was ranked, for the past two consecutive years, as the Most Transparent Financial Institution in the World.
  • The Africa Investment Forum (which we developed together with our partners, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Africa50, Africa Export-Import Bank, Trade and Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Arab Bank for Economic Development) mobilized over $225 billion in investment interest to Africa.
  • Africa50 has become a globally respected infrastructure platform.

As Chairman of Africa50, I am confident that Africa50 will continue to grow in the years ahead, because its value proposition is strong.

Africa50 will be signing today Memorandums of Understanding with the Government of Mozambique; and also, with the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA).

These further reinforce the strong value proposition of Africa50.

As Chairman of Africa50, let me assure all our partners.

  • Africa50 is a good investment.
  • Africa50 delivers impactful results.
  • Africa50 delivers value for money.
  • You can never go wrong with investing in Africa50.

Thank you all very much for your support and partnership.

As I move into a new future, Africa will always be on my mind.

Let me assure you, I will not be stepping back. I will be stepping forward in our collective drive to unlock global capital for Africa.

And Mozambique will remain dear to my heart.

Muito obrigado a todos.

Thank you very much.

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

Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli to address the World Changers Church Women’s Dialogue

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will participate in the World Changers Church Women’s Dialogue on Wednesday 13 August 2025. The dialogue will focus on empowering women to rise to their full potential, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Esther, and addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) and women’s economic empowerment.

The Deputy Minister will share insights into her role in government, the importance of women’s leadership in all spheres of life, and how women can seize opportunities in business and entrepreneurship. She will also emphasise the role of faith-based communities in addressing social challenges and fostering unity.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 13 August 2025
Time: 19:00
Platform: Zoom

Key Messages:
Women have a pivotal role to play in shaping the future of South Africa.
Faith and action can be powerful drivers of personal and societal transformation.
Addressing GBV is a national priority that requires the collective effort of government, civil society, and communities.
Economic empowerment of women strengthens families, communities, and the nation.

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, 082 580 2213 / mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Africa50 Sets New Benchmark in Infrastructure Financing, Surpasses $1.4B in Managed Assets

Source: APO

  • Eight-Year Journey from Single Employee to 100-Strong Team Managing $8 Billion Portfolio Value Demonstrates Africa’s Infrastructure Investment Potential.
  • Africa50 symbolises the new Africa; an Africa that depends on itself, promotes cooperation between Africans, and builds shared prosperity, says President of Mozambique

Africa50 (www.Africa50.com), the investment platform established by African governments and the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), said on Wednesday it has surpassed $1.4 billion in managed assets, marking an extraordinary transformation from one staff member to a continental powerhouse driving Africa’s infrastructure revolution.

The disclosure was made at the General Shareholders Meeting of the platform in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, attended by the country’s President, Daniel Chapo, President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and numerous dignitaries and representatives of development partners.

President Chapo highlighted the shared vision that led the country to join Africa50 in 2024. “Africa50 is a key partner to help us implement this vision [to become a reference country in logistics and power,” he said. “We are transforming ideas into projects to provide employment for the youth and more revenues for the government to invest in economic, social, and sustainable development.”

He commended the leadership of Dr Adesina, who is also Chairman of the Board of Africa50, and said: “Africa50 symbolises the new Africa; an Africa that depends on itself, promotes cooperation between Africans and builds shared prosperity.”

From humble beginnings to continental clout

Dr Adesina told the gathering that the total value of Africa50’s portfolio companies now exceeds $8 billion, underscoring the platform’s pivotal role in addressing Africa’s $170 billion annual infrastructure financing gap.

“Within eight years, Africa50 has become a leader on infrastructure financing in Africa, demonstrating creativity and innovation that transforms how we approach continental development,” the Bank President said. “From just one staff member when we started, Africa50 now employs 100 exceptional professionals and serves 37 shareholders across 33 countries and four institutions.”

The platform’s remarkable growth is reflected in its Africa Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which successfully mobilized $275 million from over 20 African institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and insurance companies. This, the Africa50 Chairman said, represents the most substantial institutional investor confidence ever in Africa’s infrastructure opportunities.

Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, said, “The truth is this: the solutions to Africa’s infrastructure gap are already before us. Africa can and must lead the efforts to close the infrastructure gap in our continent, working with our non-African partners. Africa50 was built for moments like these: We are agile. We are responsive. We are focused on achieving results with speed and at scale.”

The 2025 General Shareholders Meeting also provided Africa50 an opportunity to formalize its growing influence through two strategic Memorandums of Understanding:

  • MOU with Electricidade de Mozambique for the development of three transmission lines under an Independent Power Transmission (IPT) framework. This will help support the government’s ambition to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 and become a significant exporter of power across the Southern African Development Community.
  • MOU with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation, to build a new data centre facility in Maputo and modernize the existing one.

Africa50 also sealed two significant pan-African deals, including the first close of the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA), an initiative envisioned by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. The AGIA deal anchors the first close of $115 million for Africa’s leading green infrastructure initiative.

In addition, it signed a framework agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat for the development and financing of trade-enabling infrastructure to boost intra-African trade.

African Development Bank and Africa50 footprints in Mozambique

Adesina said the investments by Africa50 complement broader support from the African Development Bank, that has delivered $1.6 billion to Mozambique over the past decade, representing 41% of total Bank financing in the 48 years since the Bank began financing operations in the country.

The investment includes $400 million in senior debt financing for the country’s flagship $20 billion Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) plant project in Cabo Delgado, as well as the $34 million Mozambique Energy for All Project, which has connected over 45,500 households to electricity.

The Bank’s energy sector investments have helped to double Mozambique’s national energy access rate from 30% in 2018 to 60% in 2024. The Bank has also supported agricultural transformation through special agro-industrial processing zones, including the Pemba-Lichinga corridor, while financing critical transport infrastructure along the Nacala and Beira corridors that enhance regional trade connectivity for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Africa50’s investments in Mozambique include the following:

  • Equity investment in the 175 MW Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) gas-fired power plant
  • Finalization of project development agreements for three transformation lines under an independent power transmission framework, partnering with Power Grid and Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM)
  • Data Center Facility in Maputo City

Looking ahead

Adesina, who is preparing to conclude his tenure as President of the African Development Bank Group and Chairman of Africa50 on September 1, 2025, emphasized the Bank’s robust transformation in the ten years since he became President.

This includes the Bank receiving a historic increase in its capital from $93 billion to $318 billion, its High 5 development priorities delivering positive impact on 565 million people, maintaining its AAA rating, being ranked globally as the best multilateral financing institution, and as the most transparent development finance institution in the world.

In addition, the African Investment Forum, launched in 2018 by the Bank and eight other institutions to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation through strategic investment, has since mobilized over $225 billion in investment interest.

“To close Africa’s infrastructure gap requires that we build and scale up partnerships—joining our hands around the Baobab tree of infrastructure opportunities,” Adesina said. “Together we are stronger, and Africa50 represents the strongest platform for unlocking global capital for African development.”

Looking ahead, he affirmed continued commitment to the continent: “I will not be stepping back, I will be stepping forward in our collective drive to unlock global capital for Africa.”

Speech: http://apo-opa.co/4lrmXc7

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

Media Contact:
Emeka Anuforo,
Communication and External Relations 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

Media files

.

Safer borders, stronger trade for West African Women

Source: APO


.

Every day in West Africa, thousands of women walk through border posts carrying produce like cassava, tomatoes, or maize to sell in neighbouring countries. They are unrecognized but vital parts of the region’s food systems and economies.

But many face harassment at checkpoints, along with demands for bribes. Border processes may not be in a language that they speak. The border crossings themselves have poor infrastructure. And women often have limited access to banking or other financial services.

Coordinated efforts are underway to tackle these challenges within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Forty regional officials met from 24 to 26 February 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to endorse a slate of solutions, including:

  • establishing legal clinics at border posts
  • providing gender-sensitivity training for customs and transport officials
  • launching simplified declaration systems for small traders
  • deploying visual, mobile-accessible tools to help women comply with trade procedures
  • engaging men as allies

‘We need to ensure regional trade policy becomes a tool for inclusive growth, where women are not just participants, but empowered leaders,’ said Sandra Oulate, Director of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC). 

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is working with ECOWAS and the main German development agency GIZ on the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) programme. The goal is implement solutions like these to make cross-border trade safer, simpler, and more inclusive for women.

The workshop brought together representatives from ECOWAS, national gender and agriculture focal points, chambers of commerce, and development partners including ITC, Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF), West Africa Association for Cross-Border Trade, in Agro-forestry-pastoral, fisheries products and Food (WACTAF), and the West African Food Systems Resilience Programme.

Salimata Thiam, an EGDC representative, said participants were encouraged to ‘identify concrete actions that could be implemented within the framework of the EAT project to boost the role of women in regional trade’.

ITC presented several tools under development: a new regional trade guide for women, a policy paper on women in agrifood trade, and findings from gender-sensitive border assessments to support informed policymaking.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Contribution of Photo Exhibition at National Festival

Source: APO


.

The photo, painting, and sculpture exhibition displayed at the National Festival 2025 by the Ministry of Defense and other artists has been reported to make a significant contribution to preserving and transferring Eritrea’s cultural and historical heritage.

Noting that “one photo has the power of a thousand words,” Maj. Fesehaye Teklai, Acting Head of Promotion and Information at the Ministry of Defense, said the exhibition includes 40 photographs, 23 paintings, and 8 wooden sculptures. He emphasized that these works play an important role in conveying historical events and values.

Maj. Fesehaye went on to say that the general content of the exhibition reflects the unity of the public and members of the Defense Forces, the heroism of successive generations, construction of houses, water reservoirs, and social service institutions, as well as the culture and traditions of the Eritrean people, water and soil conservation, and road renovation.

Artist Fesehaye Zemicael, for his part, said that the painting exhibition—presented by both veteran and emerging artists, goes beyond entertainment, serving as an important tool in preserving history and culture.

Visitors to the exhibition highlighted the significance of the displays in preserving and transmitting the history, culture, and identity of the Eritrean people. They also called for such exhibitions to be held regularly, beyond confined to festivals.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Wood Mackenzie fournira des informations stratégiques sur le secteur énergétique africain en tant que partenaire Silver de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le groupe mondial d’énergie et de conseil Wood Mackenzie a confirmé sa participation en tant que partenaire Silver à l’African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energies 2025, qui se tiendra du 29 septembre au 3 octobre au Cap. Fort de plus de cinq décennies d’expérience mondiale, le partenariat de Wood Mackenzie réaffirme l’engagement stratégique de l’entreprise à façonner le discours sur l’énergie en Afrique grâce à des informations fondées sur des données et à des partenariats industriels de confiance.

La société a beaucoup travaillé avec les gouvernements nationaux et les entreprises énergétiques publiques pour élaborer des stratégies énergétiques à long terme, évaluer le potentiel d’exploration et structurer des projets d’infrastructures critiques. Parmi les contributions récentes de Wood Mackenzie à la stratégie énergétique de l’Afrique, on peut citer le soutien apporté au premier plan directeur pour le gaz de la République du Congo, élaboré en partenariat avec le ministère des Hydrocarbures. Ce plan vise à orienter les stratégies de monétisation, d’utilisation domestique et d’exportation des ressources gazières, en s’appuyant sur des développements tels que le projet Marine XII LNG, qui a livré sa première cargaison début 2025 et qui progresse vers une phase d’expansion de 3,5 milliards de mètres cubes par an.

AEW : Invest in African Energies est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposée comme le lieu officiel pour la signature d’accords dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique. Visitez www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement passionnant.

Dans ses dernières prévisions pour 2025, Wood Mackenzie prévoit que les dépenses d’investissement en amont en Afrique se stabiliseront autour de 40 milliards de dollars par an, avec une activité importante dans les projets liés au gaz et au GNL. Les nouvelles découvertes en Namibie, au Zimbabwe, en Côte d’Ivoire et en Libye, combinées aux découvertes majeures de la multinationale pétrolière et gazière Shell dans le bassin Orange en Namibie, soulignent le rôle croissant du continent dans l’exploration mondiale.

Parallèlement, Wood Mackenzie est également à la pointe de la réflexion sur la transition énergétique en Afrique. Selon son rapport « 2025 Energy Transition Outlook: Africa », la demande en électricité du continent doublera d’ici 2050, tandis que la part des bioénergies dans la demande énergétique résidentielle et commerciale passera de 81 % aujourd’hui à 70 % dans un scénario de base, et à 50 % dans un scénario de neutralité carbone. Le cabinet note que malgré cette croissance, l’Afrique ne contribuera qu’à hauteur de 3 à 6 % des émissions mondiales d’ici 2050, soulignant l’importance d’un mix énergétique équilibré incluant le pétrole et le gaz. Selon les perspectives, les ajouts solaires en Afrique ont chuté à 3,5 GW en 2024, contre 4 GW l’année précédente, l’Afrique du Sud étant en tête du déploiement. Dans le même temps, la production de pétrole et de gaz en Afrique subsaharienne a augmenté de 5 %, grâce à la hausse de la production au Nigeria, au Mozambique, au Sénégal et en République du Congo.

Grâce à sa connaissance approfondie des marchés des hydrocarbures et des énergies renouvelables, Wood Mackenzie continue de soutenir les objectifs de l’Afrique en matière de sécurité énergétique et de résilience climatique. Lors du salon AEW : Invest in African Energies 2025, Wood Mackenzie sera représenté par une délégation de haut niveau, comprenant Mansur Mohammed, directeur du développement commercial pour l’Afrique, Gavin Thompson, vice-président pour l’Europe, le Moyen-Orient et l’Afrique, David Parkinson, directeur de l’exploration, et Ian Thom, directeur de la recherche en amont. L’équipe devrait faire des présentations et participer à des tables rondes de haut niveau sur les investissements en amont, le développement du gaz et la transition énergétique en Afrique.

« Les analyses fondées sur des données de Wood Mackenzie offrent aux investisseurs une meilleure compréhension des vastes opportunités qui s’offrent dans le secteur énergétique africain. La solidité de leurs données, leur vision stratégique et leurs conseils avisés en font un partenaire de choix pour les investisseurs internationaux, les opérateurs de projets et les gouvernements qui souhaitent s’orienter dans le paysage énergétique africain en pleine évolution », déclare Tomás Gerbasio, vice-président des relations commerciales et stratégiques de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Media files

Wood Mackenzie to Deliver Strategic Insight into Africa’s Energy Sector as African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Silver Partner

Source: APO

Global energy and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie has confirmed its participation as a Silver Partner at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Backed by over five decades of global experience, Wood Mackenzie’s partnership reaffirms the firm’s strategic commitment to shaping Africa’s energy narrative through data-driven insight and trusted industry partnerships.

The firm has worked extensively with national governments and state-owned energy companies to develop long-term energy strategies, evaluate exploration potential and structure critical infrastructure projects. Recent contributions by Wood Mackenzie to Africa’s energy strategy includes supporting the Republic of Congo’s first Gas Master Plan, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons. The plan is set to guide monetization, domestic use and export strategies for gas resources – anchored by developments such as the Marine XII LNG project, which delivered its first cargo in early 2025 and is progressing toward a 3.5-billion-cubic-meter-per-year expansion phase.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

In its latest 2025 outlook, Wood Mackenzie forecasts that Africa’s upstream capital expenditure will stabilize around $40 billion annually, with significant activity in gas and LNG-led developments. New discoveries across Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast and Libya, combined with major finds by multinational oil and gas company Shell in Namibia’s Orange Basin, underscore the continent’s rising profile in global exploration.

Meanwhile, Wood Mackenzie is also spearheading thought leadership on Africa’s energy transition. According to the firm’s 2025 Energy Transition Outlook: Africa, the continent’s electricity demand will double by 2050, while bioenergy’s share in residential and commercial energy demand will decline from 81% today to 70% in a base scenario – and 50% in a net-zero pathway. The firm notes that despite this growth, Africa will contribute just 3-6% of global emissions by 2050, emphasizing the importance of a balanced energy mix that includes oil and gas. According to the outlook, solar additions in Africa dropped to 3.5 GW in 2024, down from 4 GW the previous year, with South Africa leading deployment. At the same time, sub-Saharan Africa’s oil and gas production grew by 5%, driven by output gains in Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal and the Republic of Congo.

With critical insight into both hydrocarbon and renewable energy markets, Wood Mackenzie continues to support Africa’s goals of energy security and climate resilience. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Wood Mackenzie will be represented by a senior delegation, including Mansur Mohammed, Head of Business Development, Africa; Gavin Thompson, Vice Chairman-Europe, Middle East and Africa; David Parkinson, Head of Exploration; and Ian Thom, Research Director-Upstream. The team is expected to deliver presentations and participate in high-level panel discussions on upstream investment, gas development and Africa’s energy transition.

“Wood Mackenzie’s data-driven insights offer investors greater clarity into the vast opportunities present in Africa’s energy sector. Their robust data, strategic foresight and trusted guidance make them a go-to partner for global investors, project operators and governments looking to navigate Africa’s evolving energy landscape,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files

.

Sudan: Türk outraged after Rapid Support Forces (RSF) kills at least 57 civilians in El Fasher and Abu Shouk Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp

Source: APO


.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today expressed outrage at the large-scale attack by the Rapid Support Forces on the besieged city of El Fasher and the adjoining Abu Shouk camp for the internally displaced that left scores of civilians dead.

Preliminary information obtained by the UN Human Rights Office indicates that at least 57 civilians were killed in the 11 August attack on El Fasher, including 40 internally displaced people in Abu Shouk camp, in Sudan’s North Darfur state. The Office is also following up on allegations of executions of IDPs in the camp during the attack.

“It is with dismay that we yet again witness an unimaginable horror inflicted upon civilians in El Fasher, who have endured over a year of siege, persistent attacks and dire humanitarian conditions,” said Türk. “Such repeated attacks on civilians, which raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law, are totally unacceptable and must stop.”

Monday’s attacks are the latest in a series of RSF assaults on camps for displaced people in and around El Fasher. Between January and June, the Abu Shouk camp came under attack by the RSF at least 16 times, leaving at least 212 IDPs dead and 111 others injured.

“Once again, I am raising the alarm about the serious risk of ethnically motivated persecution as the RSF tries to seize control of El Fasher and Abu Shouk camp,” said Türk.

UN Human Rights staff recently travelled to eastern Chad and interviewed more than 150 survivors of the RSF attacks on Zamzam camp in April. Their testimonies corroborated previous documentation of serious human rights violations and abuses against civilians during the deadly attack on Zamzam camp and their flight to Tawila, including killings, widespread rape and gang rape, enforced disappearances and torture. They also said that there are no safe exit routes from El Fasher.

The UN Human Rights Chief reiterated his call on all parties to take urgent measures to ensure the protection of civilians, including safe passage out of conflict-affected areas. He also urged them to agree promptly to humanitarian pauses in besieged areas, so that aid can reach those in need.

“I urge third States to use all their influence to put an end to these violations,” said Türk. He also called for those responsible to be brought to account. “Accountability is crucial to break this cycle of persistent and egregious violations,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector resilience and growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region plays a key role in C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia

Source: APO

As Zambia accelerates towards its Mission 300 goal of 10,000MW by 2030, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia (https://apo-opa.co/45qShmN) is an unmissable platform for commercial and industrial leaders to secure energy independence and drive sustainable growth for the C&I sector.

Day 1 kicks off with a powerhouse keynotes by Hon Minister Makozo Chikote, Minister of Energy, Zambia. Hosted by Brian Mainza, Assistant Director Technical at Zambia’s Ministry of Energy; attendees will dive into Mission 300’s objectives to support private sector participation in the power sector and thereby support an industrialisation agenda driven by the agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism sectors.

A must-attend panel on mitigating energy risks features panellists such as Chabuka Kawesha from the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muntanga Lindunda from the Zambia Association of Manufacturers, and Helen Zulu from ENGIE Energy Access.

Project showcases reveal real-world successes, including Vertiv’s Zambia mining project, Zambia Sugar‘s initiatives, and how a gold mine in South Africa is utilising embedded generation. The afternoon tackles financial barriers in a panel with experts like Chikoma Kazunga from Africa GreenCo and Brian Tahinduka from Stanbic Bank.

Masterclasses provide hands-on expertise: The Role of PPAs in Accelerating Private Sector Renewable Energy Investments hosted by Jo Dean of Enerj Carbon Management; Understanding the Basics of Battery Energy Storage for C&I led by Henry Myburgh of Vertiv Africa; and Building Your Business Case for Embedded Generation.

Workshops on accelerating solar adoption round out the day.

Day 2 features a keynote by Chabuka Kawesha of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, followed by insights on Zambia’s Open Access Regime. A panel on reshaping the energy sector includes Mulenga Bwalya from Copperbelt Energy Corporation and senior representatives from the Ministry of Energy and ZESCO.

Discussions continue with Unlocking Solar and Storage for C&I by Jo Dean and What is the Cost of Energy? hosted by Billy Onyango of Kenya Power.

We close with The Future of Storage for Hydro-Dependent Countries moderated by Dr Johnstone Chikwanda, Global Ambassador of Energy and Climate Change, Forum of African Traditional Authorities (FATA); and Safety & Sustainable Asset Management for Solar PV Projects by Matanda Mwewa of the Solar Industry Association of Zambia.

C&I Energy+Storage Summit is committed to the Zambian market as part of a long-term strategy to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and storage solutions for the C&I sector. By fostering collaboration between businesses, government and solution providers, the C&I Energy+Storage Summit aims to create a sustainable energy ecosystem that supports Zambia’s economic growth and industrial resilience. “Zambia’s C&I sector is critical to the nation’s economic development, and our multi-year commitment ensures that this summit will deliver actionable insights, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technologies to transform the energy landscape,” says Chanelle Hingston, Portfolio Director.

Don’t miss C&I Energy + Storage Summit, taking place on 27-28 August 2025 at The Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. Download the programme: https://apo-opa.co/45qSk1X. Register: https://apo-opa.co/3Hd5SEV.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Contact:
For sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries
contact Marcel du Toit
marcel.dutoit@wearevka.com

For speaking opportunities
contact Babalwa Bungane
babalwa.bungane@wearevuka.com

For press enquiries
contact Natalie Simms
natalie.simms@wearevuka.com

About VUKA Group:
As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/), this Summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.

Media files

.