MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) is urging private-sector leaders and investors across Africa to integrate public attitude data into their decision making, as citizen perspectives are essential to building resilient, competitive, and future-ready enterprises.

This call came through strongly as Afrobarometer engaged business leaders, investors, policy makers, regulators, and innovators at the CEO Conclave and Investors Forum 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum, convened by the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce (AAMECC), brought together about 100 leaders from across the business ecosystem to explore opportunities for investment, innovation, and cross-border partnerships.

At the event, Afrobarometer presented data on economic and social conditions tailored for private-sector stakeholders and highlighted the role of citizens’ lived experiences and perceptions in shaping consumer behaviour, investment climates, and business performance.

“The environments in which you operate are shaped by the expectations, frustrations, resilience, and aspirations of people,” said Felix Biga, chief operations officer for Afrobarometer. “Citizen experiences and perceptions of economic conditions, trust in institutions, access to services, and lived realities all influence market behaviour, investment climates, and ultimately business success.”

Participants echoed the value of integrating citizen-centred data into business planning.

“As Africa emerges as a significant frontier for economic growth, those who lead will be organisations prioritising insights derived from robust data, particularly citizen-centred data,” said Peter Mutinda, president of AAMECC.

“What is most important to me in business, especially when working with African partners, is starting with data, then building connections and cooperation, and only then moving into the details and country-specific specialisations,” said Pawel Zarzecki, an export manager at Bart, a health-focused manufacturer.

Eve Mischeki from the Women in Business network also underscored the relevance of the findings presented by Afrobarometer.

“As a woman in business, I see strong synergy with Afrobarometer’s data, particularly in the key priorities it highlights, which closely reflect the realities we navigate,” she said.

This engagement forms part of Afrobarometer’s broader effort to deepen collaboration with business leaders through a series of targeted dialogues aimed at increasing awareness of its data and co-creating solutions that respond to both business and societal priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Iberi
Afrobarometer communications coordinator for East Africa
Telephone: +254 725 674 457
Email: diberi@afrobarometer.org

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About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 430,000+ interviews in 43 countries, representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent’s data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (www.Afrobarometer.org) and may be analysed free of charge using AB’s online data analysis tool (https://apo-opa.co/4v6rBm4).

Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

Source: APO – Report:

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (http://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, is pleased to announce the appointment of Leah Nakazwe Kooma as Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, effective 1 April 2026.

With over two decades of experience across the telecommunications, financial services, and media sectors, Leah’s appointment underscores Liquid’s strategic growth and dedication to expanding its leadership in digital infrastructure in Zambia and beyond. This move reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and regional development.

“Leah’s leadership is pivotal at this stage for our Zambia business and the broader region. Her proven ability to deliver results will drive Liquid Zambia’s next phase of growth,” said Wellington Makamure, CEO of Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassava Technologies.

Leah began her career at Barclays Bank before joining Celtel, where she worked across multiple African markets. She joined the founding team of Vodafone Zambia in 2016, playing a key role in launching the country’s first 4G LTE network as Chief Sales and Distribution Officer. In 2017, she joined MultiChoice Zambia as the GOtv Commercial General Manager and was later appointed Chief Customer Officer, then Managing Director.

“I am very excited about joining the Liquid team. I have watched from the terraces as the business has evolved over the years, and I believe that, together with my team, we can take it to the next level. Having started my career in sales, marketing, and customer service has helped me understand what customers want and how to treat them. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which has enabled me to collaborate seamlessly across diverse business environments. This experience also helped me grow into an effective communicator, whether with customers, clients, or co-workers,” explains Leah.

Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Development Studies from the University of Zambia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Wales. She currently serves on several boards, including as Board Chair for the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, and is a member of the Institute of Directors and Business Professional Women International.

– on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent.

For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.    

Source: APO

The National Football League (NFL) (https://NFL.com/International), in collaboration with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), hosted a four-day series of flag football development clinics in Ghana, bringing together local educators, international coaches and global federation representatives as part of ongoing efforts to grow the game worldwide and expand access to flag football across Africa.

The programming included a Ghana-based teachers clinic focused on equipping local educators with the tools and resources to introduce and scale flag football in schools, followed by an Africa Coaching Clinic delivered in collaboration with IFAF and its member federations from across the continent. Participating countries included Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda.

Together, the sessions emphasized both grassroots access and high-performance development, reflecting the NFL and IFAF’s shared commitment to building sustainable pathways for flag football at all levels of the game.

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with millions of players participating across more than 100 countries. As the sport continues to expand internationally — including its upcoming debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 — the NFL and IFAF are working together to increase access, strengthen development pathways and support national federations around the world.

“Flag football continues to create new opportunities for athletes and communities around the world,” said Afia Law, International Flag Football Development Manager, NFL. “Through this work in Ghana, we’re proud to support local educators and coaches while also partnering with federations across Africa to expand access to the game and build sustainable pathways for growth across the region.”

The four-day programming began with two days of locally focused development in Ghana, including a teachers clinic that provided a free opportunity for approximately 40 educators involved in the NFL Flag program. Sessions focused on building coaching frameworks, developing sustainable school-based programs and introducing game fundamentals, with on-field drills and gameplay offering participants hands-on experience in implementing what they learned.

Tshe final two days expanded to an international focus, as the Africa Coaching Clinic brought together IFAF delegates and coaches from across the continent for on-field instruction, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Participating countries included Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. The sessions also featured participation from a retired Olympic sprinter from Sierra Leone, underscoring the increasing connection between flag football and the Olympic movement.

“Programs like this demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving the global development of flag football,” said Lars Carlsen, IFAF Sport Manager. “By working together with partners like the NFL, we are able to support national federations, strengthen coaching structures and continue building momentum for the sport as it grows internationally and moves toward its Olympic future.”

Coaches participating in the clinics also had the opportunity to engage directly with peers from other countries, fostering cross-border collaboration and strengthening the broader flag football ecosystem across Africa.

The Ghana programming builds on ongoing NFL and IFAF efforts to expand flag football globally, with a focus on accessibility, inclusion and long-term development pathways for athletes and coaches alike. Flag football is also seeing rapid growth across Africa, with IFAF member federations across the continent reporting significant increases in participation in recent years, reflecting strong local momentum and continued investment in the sport.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Football League (NFL).

Source: APO – Report:

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has successfully concluded a new three-year Dual Tranche Syndicated Term Loan Facility totaling US$2 billion equivalent (raising US$1.73 billion and €228 million in US$ Facility A and EUR Facility B respectively). Proceeds from the facility, concluded on 9 March 2026, will be used by Afreximbank to refinance existing facilities and for general corporate purposes.

Initially launched at US$1.5 billion equivalent, the Facility was met with strong investor demand, achieving a substantial oversubscription with total commitments of US$2.36 billion equivalent. Lenders were, however, scaled back to the final hold of US$2 billion equivalent.

Commenting on the transaction, Chandi Mwenebungu, Afreximbank’s Managing Director, Treasury and Markets, and Group Treasurer, said:

“This transaction is the largest ever syndicated facility borrowing by Afreximbank. It is a clear demonstration of the global investors’ confidence in the Bank’s credit story. This, clearly, affirms the Bank’s robust and undisputed access to international markets.”

The transaction comprised 31 geographically diverse lenders from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Mashreqbank PSC, MUFG Bank, Ltd., and Standard Chartered Bank acted as Joint Global Coordinators, Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners on the Facility. Standard Chartered Bank also acted as the Documentation Agent and as the Facility Agent.

– 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 China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), and. Moody’s (Baa2). 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

Source: APO

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In the Hodh El Chargui region in eastern Mauritania, where mental health services were previously limited, a listening and psychosocial support space has gradually been established in Timbedra town’s health centre. Today, it offers dedicated support to those who wish to talk about their difficulties in a safe environment. Set up in May 2025 with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), it responds to a long‑expressed need from the communities.

Before its opening, mental health was not sufficiently addressed in Timbedra’s health services. The centre had no specialized service, leaving people in emotional distress or facing family tensions without structured support. Refugee and host populations alike faced their difficulties in a context where no dedicated structure was available to help them.

From the start, the initiative provided a framework for welcoming and listening to beneficiaries, facilitating the introduction of adapted practices and a confidential environment where people could safely express their struggles.

The creation of this listening space marked an important turning point. Designed to offer a welcoming and respectful environment, it represents the first structured psychosocial service within the health centre. Its establishment was accompanied by training for staff to ensure appropriate support tailored to identified needs.

Mariem was among the first to benefit from this new service. “Before coming here, I couldn’t sleep. Thoughts kept spinning in my head, I was afraid of everything, even of myself. This is the first time I feel truly heard,” she says, describing what this support means to her.

Three health workers received specific training: two midwives and the chief physician of the Moughataa (administrative department). Organized with WHO’s support, these trainings enabled local staff to acquire essential skills to provide quality care. The sessions covered mental health, psychological first aid, and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. These new skills allowed the team to adapt their practice and better support those seeking help.

One year after its launch, the first results clearly illustrate the initiative’s impact on communities. The service has provided 10 individual consultations, offering targeted support to people in distress. It has also facilitated four family mediations, helping ease tensions within households.

In parallel, four awareness sessions were organized, each bringing together about 15 participants, while two more complex cases were referred to specialized structures. These activities show that the initiative is gradually becoming part of the health centre’s daily operations and meeting community needs.

Among the trained staff, Fatimetou, a midwife responsible for mental health and psychosocial activities at the centre, testifies to the changes observed since the service was introduced: “Thanks to the training we received, we are better prepared to listen, understand and support the people who come here. Before, we didn’t have the necessary tools. Today, we can truly help,” she explains, highlighting the concrete impact of training.

The chief physician of Timbedra’s Moughataa, Dr Mohamed Lemine, also shares his perspective on the importance of this initiative, with an informed view of local needs: “WHO’s support has helped fill a real gap at the Timbedra health centre. The establishment of this listening space and the strengthening of staff skills represent a major step forward in better addressing the mental health needs of both refugee and host populations.”

The activities carried out within this framework have proven their usefulness. One family mediation even helped prevent a divorce, illustrating how structured support can ease delicate situations and strengthen harmony within households.

WHO’s Representative in Mauritania, Dr Charlotte Faty Ndiaye, places this initiative within a broader effort to strengthen the health system: “The initiatives implemented in Hodh El Chargui show that mental health can be effectively integrated into primary health care, even in fragile contexts. They provide a solid foundation for the future national strategy on mental health and addiction in Mauritania,” she emphasizes.

At the end of her journey in this listening space, Mariem appreciates the changes she feels since finally finding a place to put her feelings into words: “Here, I understood that I wasn’t alone. Little by little, I’m learning to breathe, to speak, to live without fear controlling me. I believe things can really change,” she adds, buoyed by renewed confidence. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritania.