MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

• Early-Stage Startups in Africa Can Apply to Participate Through Aug. 29
• ServiceNow Joins as Official Partner 

​NBA Africa (https://Africa.NBA.com) today announced the second edition of the startup accelerator program that the league launched last year to support the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, which awards financial support and mentorship to early-stage African startup companies that develop solutions in the sport and creative industries, will once again be operated by ALX Ventures, a leading technology incubator that provides the continent’s tech leaders with access to the skills and tools to launch and scale their startups. NBA Africa also announced ServiceNow, an AI platform for business transformation whose Now Assist and AI agents help organizations deliver faster and smarter experiences at scale, as an Official Partner of the program.

Beginning today through Friday, Aug. 29, startups can apply to participate at https://TripleDoubleAccelerator.NBA.com, after which the submissions will be narrowed down to a top 10. The shortlisted startups will then participate in a 10-week mentorship program where they will be paired with mentors comprised of NBA Africa, ServiceNow and ALX leadership, as well as other corporate stakeholders, who will provide guidance to the companies with a focus on product development, business growth and go-to-market strategy.  The startups will then pitch their products to international industry leaders at the program’s second Demo Day in December, where the top five prize-winning companies will be selected to receive financial support and mentorship.

“Last year’s inaugural Triple-Double Accelerator program showed how much talent, passion and creativity there is among African entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the continent’s rapidly growing sport and entertainment industries,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions and to helping another round of promising startups take the next step in their development.”

Last year, more than 700 early-stage African startups applied to the program. Ten finalists were then selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at the program’s first Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City, after which four prize-winning companies – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya) and UBR VR (Egypt) – were awarded financial support and mentorship.

Additional information about the Demo Day in December will be announced at a later date.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa PR & Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025.  Fans can follow @ NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube, @ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram, @ NBA_Africa on X, and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About ALX Ventures:
ALX Ventures is a pan-African incubator equipping the next generation of bold African entrepreneurs with the mindset, tools, and community to build impactful, tech-enabled ventures. It leads immersive programs to help young innovators turn ideas into revenue-generating businesses and thrive in the digital economy. By championing grit, creativity, and self-leadership, ALX Ventures is fueling a movement of founders who are redefining Africa’s future-one venture at a time.

Source: APO – Report:

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South Africa’s Response Measures to the US tariffs

Since the beginning of the 7th Administration, South Africa embarked on a process to stabilise and enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations with the US. The aim has been to address long-standing bilateral issues of concern for both sides in ways that move the trade relations forward. South Africa has been engaging the US at various levels with a view to ensure predictability in trade. However, even with these efforts, the US decided to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on South Africa. It is unfortunate that this government’s efforts in resetting the relationship with the US has been undermined by some actors within South African society.

The unilateral tariffs have been implemented notwithstanding, South Africa’s submission of a comprehensive and ambitious Framework Deal in May 2025 aimed at addressing the US trade deficit, address tariffs, promote digital trade, enhance commercial relations, promote investment and eliminate non-tariff barriers to enhance mutually beneficial trade relations with the United States.

The 30% unilateral tariffs on foreign imports apply to various US trading partners which will be implemented from 12:01 am on 8 August 2025. The Executive order published by the United States clarifies that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 8 August 2025, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 5, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the 10% tariff.

The US is South Africa’s third biggest trading partner, with the European Union and China being the first and second largest trading partners. The US accounts for 7.5% of our global exports. Thus, we will continue to engage the US with a view to conclude a deal that advances the interests of both countries. South Africa seeks to conclude deals that promote value addition and industrialisation, rather than extractive relations that deprive the country of the ability to beneficiate our mineral wealth by mimicking extractive colonial era trade relations.

South Africa’s minimal 0.25% share of total US imports makes the 30% tariff on our country are inscrutable, especially when these same tariffs have been applied indiscriminately to all US trading partners globally. Moreover, South Africa poses no trade threat to the US economy nor its national security. The calculation of US-SA “trade deficit” ignores the substantial US trade surplus in services, as well as the complementary nature of the bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries.

South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry. On the contrary, our exports are crucial inputs that support America’s own industrial base. Our agriculture exports are even counter-seasonal, meaning they fill gaps in the US market, not replace domestic products.

South Africa isn’t just a trading partner—we’re a major investor in the US, with our companies sustaining American jobs. Similarly, over 600 US companies in South Africa contribute to our industrial growth and create employment. Our goal is to preserve and grow these mutually beneficial relationships.

Impact of the tariffs

The uncertainty of the new tariff line is already incorporated into economic projections. For example, various economists estimated that it may shave off 0,2% of South Africa’s economic growth.  The reduction in growth from the 30% tariff depends on a number of factors, including our ability to find alternative markets. It should be noted, however, that 35% of SA exports remain exempted from the tariffs. All applicable exceptions covered in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force and these exceptions covers products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products.

Importantly, due to South Africa not enjoying a country exemption for Section 232 duties on steel and aluminium, South African companies have already adjusted to the Section 232 duties since 2018. However, the heightened policy uncertainty creates instability in trade and may have an impact on exports.

The new tariff regime implemented by the United States is a significant departure from a low-tariff environment. This policy shift, which affects not only South Africa but the entire world, has already led to higher tariffs than before, changing the landscape of global trade as we know it.

Response measures

1. Continuation of negotiations with the US

South Africa is committed to a principled approach, and we will continue to use all available diplomatic channels to negotiate a mutually beneficial trade deal with the United States one that respects our national interests while advancing our long-standing partnership. Such a deal will be pursued in a pragmatic manner that preserves regional integration and the SACU common external tariff, noting that SACU accounts for 9% of our global exports and must be preserved.

The South African Government is working with industry to consider aspects of the Framework Deal that can be modified, in a manner that promotes predictability in trade.

2. Implement an Economic Response Package which includes:

a.) The establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike. The aim of this support measure is to support the diversification of export markets for increased resilience and facilitate the entry into alternative markets for affected exporters. The Desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African Embassies and High Commissions abroad. The contact details of the Export Support Desk have been published on the dtic website.

b.) Measures to assist companies to absorb the tariff and facilitate long-term resilience and growth strategies to protect jobs and productive capacity in South Africa.  The details of these are being finalised and will be communicated shortly.

c.) Localisation Fund Support (LSF) stands ready to contribute to the national effort to support South African companies impacted by the imposition of 30% import tariffs by the United States. In collaboration with the dtic, IDC and other agencies – LSF will issue an open call from firms operating in affected value chains, with the aim of providing targeted competitiveness and efficiency support.

d.) To build resilience, we are working on an Export and Competitiveness Support Programme (ECSP), which will include a working capital facility and plant and equipment facility to address short to medium term needs across all industries.

e.) We are also working with the Department of Labour on measures to mitigate potential job losses, using existing instruments such as the UIF that can be adjusted to respond to the current challenges.

3. Block exemption for exporters

The diversification of markets that will be required following the introduction of additional tariffs on South African goods may require exporters to coordinate their activities in relation to developing joint infrastructure for exports, sharing of market information and coordination of activities to achieve economies of scale and efficiencies that enable them to be competitive.

These activities may contravene the provision of the Competition Act. The Minister has following consultations with the Competition Commission, introduced a Block Exemption for Exporters to enable collaboration and coordination by competitors. The Block Exemption details the scope of application. A draft Block Exemption will be published by the end of the week so that the process can be concluded expeditiously.

4. Diversification of markets

We have been strengthening trade and investment partnerships with various trade partners. These efforts are bearing fruits, targeting markets across Africa, as well as in Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Americas.

Our announcement on the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union in March has unlocked a R90 Billion Investment Package that has been initially committed. This Clean Trade and Investment Partnership also aims to unlock new market access opportunities for South Africa, including the export of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by Sasol and the exports of hybrids and Electric Vehicles.

While facing global trade challenges, South Africa is proactively building a more resilient agricultural sector. We’ve made significant progress in opening up vast new markets like China and Thailand, securing vital protocols for products like citrus and others. With China alone being a $200 billion market, we are confidently expanding our reach and creating new opportunities for our agricultural producers.

Our government has not been idle; we are proactively and collaboratively diversifying our trade portfolio. Under the coordinated leadership of the Presidency, DIRCO, and the dtic, we’re making significant inroads into new, high-growth markets across Asia and the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. These efforts are not only opening doors to new opportunities but also reinforcing our commitment to retaining the vital markets we already have. South Africa’s economic future is resilient, and we are working tirelessly to secure it.

We have also developed a number of Trade and Investment Packages with a number of countries, including Japan that aim to unlock new market access opportunities.

While the current measures present challenges, it also presents opportunities to build and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA and to develop new partnerships in markets that have remained untapped, including ASEAN and Türkiye.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Energy Commission (AFREC) has concluded a three-day technical training workshop in South Africa aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to compile and manage comprehensive national energy statistics, a significant step toward strengthening energy data management in Southern Africa.

Held from 30 July to 1 August 2025, the training targeted national focal points and key stakeholders in South Africa’s energy and environmental sectors, including representatives from the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Of the 20 participants, 12 were women, underlining a gender-inclusive approach to capacity building.

The workshop focused on the Energy Balance Questionnaire—one of AFREC’s four core data collection tools, along with others on energy efficiency, prices and taxes, and power plant capacity—critical for developing accurate national energy balances and feeding into the continental Africa Energy Information System (AEIS). The initiative is part of AFREC’s broader strategy to support African Union member states in building and maintaining National Energy Information Systems (NEIS) that inform policy and planning at both national and continental levels.

“Reliable energy data is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy implementation across Africa,” said Ms. Salome Maheya, Senior Policy Officer for Energy Statistics at AFREC, speaking on behalf of the Executive Director Rashid Ali Abdallah. “South Africa, as one of Africa’s leading economies, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the continent’s energy data landscape reflects the reality on the ground.”

AFREC developed specialised training modules in 2023, validated by technical experts and regional coordinators, which formed the basis for the hands-on sessions. These included practical exercises and case studies designed to enhance technical understanding of energy data inputs and compilation processes.

South Africa has previously faced challenges in completing the Energy Balance Questionnaire. This workshop, according to Mr. Robert Kwinda from the Department of Electricity and Energy, represents a turning point. “This training is not just about improving reporting—it’s about strengthening South Africa’s ability to contribute to a reliable continental energy database. It also enables us to align with international standards and better inform our domestic energy policies, emissions tracking, and forecasting.”

The workshop highlights growing regional cooperation around energy statistics, in support of Africa’s broader goals for sustainable development, carbon emissions tracking, and energy security.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO – Report:

With growing concerns over water loss, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience, utilities across Africa are turning to smart metering as a strategic solution. On Thursday, 7 August 2025, industry leaders will come together for a live webinar exploring how smart metering is reshaping water security across the continent.

Hosted by ESI Africa in partnership with Conlog, the one-hour webinar will spotlight successful deployments, practical lessons, and the future of digital transformation in the water sector.

Featured Topic:

How Smart Metering Reshapes Water Security

Date: Thursday, 7 August 2025
Time: 14:00 SAST
Duration: 1 hour
Registration: https://apo-opa.co/4m9HsLB

Featured Speakers:

• Theuns Tait, Product Manager, Conlog
  Brings decades of experience in ICT and smart infrastructure to discuss the strategic shifts influencing utilities across Africa.
• Desigan Govender, Product Portfolio Manager, Conlog
  Shares deep expertise in water demand management and smart metering technologies, with a focus on operational impact and innovation.
• Lone Mokgosi, Managing Director, AllGreen (Botswana)
  Offers practical, on-the-ground insights from water utilities working at the intersection of sustainability, science, and telecoms.

The event promises to provide actionable insights for utility leaders, policymakers, and sustainability stakeholders looking to improve water resource management and build long-term resilience.

“Smart metering is no longer optional,” said Theuns Tait. “It’s a vital part of how utilities can build trust, improve service delivery, and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.”

For more information or to register, visit:

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About the Organisers:
ESI Africa is a leading source of news, analysis, and information on Africa’s power and utility sectors.

Conlog is a global leader in metering and utility solutions, supporting digital transformation for water and energy providers across the developing world.

Source: APO

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Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), has confirmed his participation at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders.

La Camera will deliver a keynote address titled Critical Minerals: Driving Renewable Development in Africa. His address is expected to spotlight Africa’s pivotal role in the global clean energy revolution, underpinned by the continent’s 30% share of global critical and energy transition minerals such as copper, cobalt, rare earths and lithium.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As the head of the global intergovernmental body advancing knowledge and the adoption of renewable energy, La Camera’s participation underscores Africa’s growing influence as a key enabler of the global energy transition. African countries rich in energy transition minerals are already ramping up production to meet surging global demand. The Democratic Republic of Congo, which holds the world’s largest cobalt reserves essential for the development of battery storage, is pursuing reforms to unlock its estimated $24 trillion worth of mineral resources. Zambia, a key copper supplier, aims to boost copper output to three million tons per year by 2031, while Zimbabwe – Africa’s top lithium producer – is implementing measures to scale production and promote local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. La Camera’s keynote is expected to highlight efforts by African markets as well as a broader roadmap for the continent to harness its mineral wealth for sustainable energy growth.

Amid the global push to accelerate renewables adoption for environmental sustainability, improved energy access and industrial growth – particularly in mining – AMW offers a strategic platform for IRENA to share insights on Africa’s progress and highlight best practices to fast-track renewable energy penetration across the continent. According to IRENA’s latest report Renewable Energy Statistics 2025, global renewable energy capacity grew by 15% in 2024, with Africa recording a 7.2% increase. Mining companies are increasingly turning to renewables to power operations with firms such as Northam, Richards Bay Minerals, Ivanhoe Mines, First Quantum Minerals and Trafigura integrating renewables to ensure reliable and cost-effective power supply for their operations. Against this backdrop, La Camera is poised to spotlight the vast opportunities emerging at the intersection of Africa’s mining and renewable energy sectors.

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

Source: APO

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is pleased to announce the signing of a US$1.35 billion financing facility in favour of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL). The facility is part of a larger approximately US$4 billion syndicated financing arrangement for Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate. Afreximbank acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, for the syndication. 

This financing— one of the largest syndicated loans in recent African financial markets—will refinance capital expended on constructing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex, the biggest single-train refinery in the world with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. The financing alleviates initial operational expenditures and enhances DIL’s balance sheet, supporting its continued growth trajectory. 

Afreximbank contributed US$1.35 billion, the largest share among participating banks, underscoring its commitment to large-scale infrastructure that advances Africa’s industrialization, energy security, and intra-African trade. 

Since operations at the refinery complex began in February 2024, Afreximbank has continued to support the Dangote Refinery by providing key financing solutions—for crude supply and product offtake—ensuring uninterrupted operations and reinforcing its role in Africa’s most significant refining intervention.  

Commenting on the development, Professor Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, said: 

“With this landmark deal, we once again demonstrate that Africa’s development can only be meaningfully financed from within. It is only when African institutions lead the way that others can follow. The journey to utilise African resources for its own economic transformation is well underway. Through the Bank’s funding support, we are enhancing the capacity of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Ltd to produce and supply high quality refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market, as well as for export to the entire continent and the world. Our energy security is in sight.” 

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, added: 

“Afreximbank’s contribution to this milestone financing underscores our shared vision to industrialize Africa from within. This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s suppy of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa. 

The syndicated facility attracted strong participation from leading African and international financial institutions, reflecting enduring confidence in Africa’s industrial potential and Dangote’s vision in transforming Africa”. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact: 
Vincent Musumba 
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) 
Email: press@afreximbank.com  

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. 

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com 

About Dangote:
Dangote Industries Limited is one of Africa’s leading diversified and fully integrated industrial conglomerates with vibrant operations in Nigeria and across Africa in several sectors including cement, sugar, salt, condiments, packaging, energy, port operations, automotive, fertiliser, petroleum refining and petrochemicals.  

The core business focus of the Group, which started operations in 1978, is to provide local, value-added products and services that meet the ‘basic needs’ of the populace. Through the construction and operation of large-scale manufacturing facilities in Nigeria and across 10 other African countries. Dangote Group is focused on building local manufacturing capacity to generate employment, prevent capital flight and provide locally produced goods for the people.