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Canon Academy Collaborates with Kwetu Film Institute in Rwanda to Expand its Educational Footprint in Africa with First-Ever Creative Workshops

Source: APO – Report:

  • Canon Academy offers a comprehensive educational program featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 103 students through this initiative. 
  • The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, where expert trainers instill confidence and passion while covering essential topics like exposure triangle, composition, lighting, focus, and more. 

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://en.Canon-CNA.com), a leader in imaging technology, has officially launched the Canon Academy in Rwanda in collaboration with Kwetu Film Institute, marking the company’s first educational programme in the country. This strategic milestone reinforces Canon’s long-standing commitment to investing in Africa’s creative talent through education, empowerment, and the promotion of inclusive opportunities for emerging image-makers.

Canon Academy is a key component of the company’s broader efforts to advance the creative sector across the continent. Aligned with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy, “Living and Working Together for the Common Good,” the programme aims to equip aspiring and professional photographers in Rwanda with high-quality training, and relevant industry knowledge.

Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, said, “The launch of the Canon Academy in Rwanda is a proud moment for us. This initiative reflects Canon’s belief in the power of education and the role of creativity role in building resilient communities. By investing in Rwanda’s young talent, we are building a bridge between imagination and opportunity, staying true to our Kyosei philosophy and our broader mission to uplift Africa’s creative economy.”

Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace. 

A WEEK OF LEARNING AND CREATIVITY

The inaugural Canon Academy programme, held last week in Kigali, brought together a diverse group of Rwandan participants ranging from students and beginners to semi-professionals and established photographers. Over the course of the week, participants took part in hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and practical exercises led by Canon-certified trainer Fred Ochieng.

Key focus areas included lighting, composition, visual storytelling, and portfolio development. These were tailored to equip participants with the technical and creative skills essential for success in Rwanda’s evolving visual storytelling landscape. In addition to skill-building, the programme offered a platform for participants to showcase their work and build meaningful connections within the creative community.

About Kwetu Film Institute

Based in Kigali, Kwetu Film Institute is one of East Africa’s premier creative hubs, committed to developing the next generation of storytellers through film and media. Founded by celebrated filmmaker Eric Kabera, the institute serves as a training ground and incubator for aspiring filmmakers, offering a blend of theoretical education and practical production experience. Kwetu is renowned for nurturing homegrown talent and using storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, dialogue, and social change.

Eric Kabera, Founder of Kwetu Film Institute, commented: “Our collaboration with Canon is a natural extension of our mission to empower creatives through access to quality education and global partnerships. Together, we are planting seeds that will grow Rwanda’s next generation of image-makers and storytellers, enabling them to compete and thrive on the global stage.”

With the establishment of this programme, Canon is further solidifying its commitment to inclusive development through localised engagement and hands-on skills training. The initiative is designed to build skills and strengthen the wider creative infrastructure within the region. By empowering young people with practical tools, industry insights, and educational opportunities, Canon is helping to transform creative potential into viable professions, ultimately contributing to the growth and diversification of the country’s creative economy.

Canon continues to prioritise the growth of Africa’s next generation of storytellers by developing platforms that harness the power of technology, education, and collaboration. The establishment of the Canon Academy in Rwanda reflects this ongoing commitment, one that extends beyond imaging innovation to champion people, purpose, and advancement across the continent.

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4nD9Kzg) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: (https://en.Canon-CNA.com)

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Gabon Oil & Gas Minister Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Drive to Develop Deepwater Assets

Source: APO – Report:

Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Minister of Oil & Gas of Gabon, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference to discuss the country’s strategic shift towards deepwater exploration. Taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the event represents the largest of its kind on the continent and serves as the platform of choice for global operators, financiers and service providers. Minister Nguema’s participation reflects the country’s drive to work with global partners to unlock greater value from Gabon’s oil and gas sector and is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration and investment.  

With over two billion barrels of proven oil reserves and significant gas potential, Gabon seeks to increase national oil production to upwards of 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the short to medium term. To achieve this goal, the country is promoting fresh investment across undeveloped acreage, notably deepwater basins, which offer significant upside potential. Deepwater exploration and production will not only generate significant returns for operators but support the country’s economic growth objectives. To entice deepwater investment, Ministry of Oil & Gas is leveraging policy reform to create a more competitive business environment for foreign operators. Following the implementation of the Hydrocarbon Code in 2019, the new government has sought to strengthen fiscal terms and regulations even further. Upcoming amendments are geared towards foreign capital and will significantly improve Gabon’s business climate.  

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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Beyond new investments, Gabon continues to drive a series of ambitious oil and gas projects. At the forefront of this is independent energy company Perenco’s Cap Lopez LNG terminal – situated at the existing Cap Lopez oil terminal. The $2 billion development will introduce a FLNG vessel to the market, designed to monetize the country’s offshore gas reserves and reduce gas flaring. The FLNG unit features 700,000 tons of LNG and 25,000 tons of LPG, with storage capacity of 137,000 cubic meters. Production is slated for 2026, setting the country up for accelerated energy growth and diversification. Beyond Cap Lopez, Perenco’s Gabonese projects seek to bolster national oil and gas production. The company continues to expand its upstream footprint with the commissioning of the Kombi 2 platform on the Kombi- -Likalala-Libondo II permit. Currently under construction by Dixstone at the Nieuwdorp shipyard in the Netherlands, the platform is scheduled to depart in October and enter into operation offshore Pointe-Noire by early next year.  

In addition to Perenco, other companies are also driving ambitious projects. Notably, BW Energy signed production sharing contracts for exploration blocks Niosi Marin and Guduma Marin in 2024, covering an eight-year exploration period with a two-year extension option. The company – alongside its partner VAALCO Energy – plans to spud a well while carrying out a 3D seismic campaign. BW Energy also has stakes in the Dussafu license, which features 14 producing wells tied back to a FPSO through a 20km pipeline. Meanwhile, China’s CNOOC launched wildcat drilling on Blocks BC-9 and BCD-10 in early-2023 on the back of 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable resource potential. The state-owned Gabon Oil Company (GOC) is also ramping up its investments. The company acquired Tullow Oil’s entire Gabonese portfolio for a sum of $300 million, a transaction that includes 10,000 bpd in production and 36 million barrels of proven reserves. GOC is committed to enhancing oil production through partnerships with international operators and strategic investments in exploration and production.  

Minister Nguema’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will serve to advance the country’s oil and gas industry goals. During the event, he is expected to share insights into the country’s exploration and production landscape, highlighting upcoming investment opportunities and areas of collaboration. Through his participation, operators will gain first-hand insight into the country’s oil and gas sector.  

“Gabon is implementing a strategic development agenda, aimed at unlocking greater resources from the country’s oil and gas industry. By focusing on deepwater acreage, working closely with international partners and committing to enhanced production flows, the country is creating a wealth of opportunities for both companies and entrepreneurs,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice Price President, African Energy Chamber.  

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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President Ramaphosa hails BRICS Summit as resounding success

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa hails BRICS Summit as resounding success

By Gabi Khumalo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recently concluded 17th BRICS Summit as a resounding success, highlighting strengthened cooperation among member states and renewed commitment to building a more equitable global order.

President Ramaphosa made the remarks during a media briefing following the conclusion of the Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday.

The President commended Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for organising the “excellent” summit and expressed appreciation for the invitation extended to the other outreach countries to be part of the summit.

The President noted the growing interest around the world, particularly the Global South, towards BRICS.

“We admitted a new member; Indonesia, and we also admitted new BRICS partner countries. There is a lot of interest in the Global South about being part of BRICS, which shows that BRICS continues to grow its voice, its reach, and by importance as well. [It] has become [a] fairly sizeable BRICS community, which already accounts for more than half of the population of the world.

“We also appreciated the fact that through BRICS we continue by respect [and] recognition, to respect the sovereignty of countries and their equalities, and that is an important consideration, as it leads to us cooperating on a number of areas,” the President said.

Through the declaration, a number of areas, ranging from the governance of the world to issues like technical education, were covered.

WATCH | President’s media briefing
 

On global governance, the President said BRICS continues to respect the existence and the standing of the United Nations (UN) and called for the reform of the UN structures.

The President argued that it is not acceptable that countries like India and Brazil, are excluded from participating meaningfully, and that the African continent which has 1.3 billion people is not represented in the UN Security Council.

The summit also looked at the issue of climate change, calling for commitments to assist countries most affected by it, to be fulfilled. 

“They should be assisted and supported through their transition to renewable energies and that countries that have made commitments particularly [in] the Global North, should live up to their commitments, with regards to ensuring that we address climate challenges that we are facing in the world,” President Ramaphosa said.

Call for a permanent ceasefire

On security matters, BRICS condemned the attack on countries like Iran and reiterated a call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The displacement and killings of people in Sudan was also a matter of concern for the summit which called for conflict on the African continent to be resolved through what the President called “African solutions”.

The President reiterated that BRICS is a community of countries that want to see progress in the world.

“BRICS Rio de Janeiro was very successful. We leave with very fulfilled hearts because it has added to many issues that we lead to the development of our world.

“There was also great appreciation and support for South Africa’s coming G20 and recognising the importance of the G20 that encompasses so many countries in the world. We were wished great success, and we were greatly supported,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Ramaphosa commits to address KZN police corruption allegations

Source: Government of South Africa

Ramaphosa commits to address KZN police corruption allegations

By Gabi Khumalo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the serious allegations of corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This comes after a media briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, on Sunday, where he made various allegations implicating some senior SAPS officials.

READ | President notes Provincial Commissioner’s statements

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday after the conclusion of the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, President Ramaphosa described the allegations as a “serious matter that should not be ignored”.

He said he will look at the matter more closely and have a thorough discussion with a number of relevant people, and “thereafter, there will be a clear way forward”.

“This is not a matter that should be ignored. It is a serious matter that has to do with the security of our people and also with our adherence to the rule of law. The police play a critical role in enhancing the rule of law and the safety of South Africans.

“Those who have done wrong should be dealt with thoroughly, in terms of our Constitution and our laws. This matter is going to be addressed,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Taxpayers urged to use digital platforms to communicate with SARS

Source: Government of South Africa

Taxpayers urged to use digital platforms to communicate with SARS

As the filing season for individuals is underway, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has encouraged taxpayers to use SARS’s digital channels to engage with the organisation. 

“Taxpayers do not have to expose themselves to the elements in this cold weather and stand in queues. They can conduct their tax affairs in the comfort of their homes rather than pay taxi fares,” Kieswetter said on Monday.

The Commissioner made these comments during his visit to the SARS’s Alberton Taxpayer Service Centre, where he reviewed the state of readiness as Auto Assessment begins, running from 7 to 20 July 2025.

During his visit, he was accompanied by Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, who expressed his satisfaction at SARS’s state of readiness to deliver a successful and easy Filing Season for taxpayers.

The Minister and the Commissioner interacted with taxpayers, most of whom had visited the offices to update and verify their registered details, including changing emails, banking information, and cellphone numbers.

Some of the taxpayers had visited the branch to settle matters related to their outstanding tax debt and returns.

SARS stressed that there is no need to visit a SARS branch but if taxpayers must, they should first book an appointment to avoid long queues.

SARS has started to issue Auto Assessments to taxpayers whose tax affairs are less complicated. If taxpayers agree with their Auto Assessment, no further action is required from them.

“Acceptance is automatic, so taxpayers need not manually accept the Auto Assessment. Taxpayers are advised to wait for the SMS/email notice before logging in to eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.

“Refunds less than R100 due to taxpayers will automatically be paid into their bank accounts within 72 hours once the assessment is completed,” SARS said.

Filing Season 2025 opened for non-provisional and some provisional taxpayers who were not auto-assessed. 

The filing period for non-provisional taxpayers is from 21 July to 20 October 2025. Provisional taxpayers’ filing window will close on 19 January 2026.

The following dates should be diarised for this year’s Filing Season: 
•    Issuing of Auto Assessment notices: 7 – 20 July 2025.
•    Individual taxpayers (non-provisional): 21 July – 20 October 2025.
•    Provisional taxpayers: 21 July 2025 – 19 January 2026.

“Taxpayers are urged to be extremely careful and keep their details confidential. In the run-up to Filing Season, there will be many attempts from scammers to defraud taxpayers. 

“Scammers can present themselves as SARS officials to steal taxpayers’ personal details, make them click on links, or pay money into an account. SARS will never ask taxpayers to use any link. Taxpayers must protect their eFiling login details and use only registered tax practitioners,” SARS said.

Information on the latest scams can be found on the SARS website: www.sars.gov.za. 

To report or request information on phishing, taxpayers can send an email to phishing@sars.gov.za. To avoid penalties, taxpayers must submit accurate information promptly. 

For a smooth and easy Filing Season 2025, taxpayers are urged to use the following communication channels with SARS:
•    SARS Website: visit www.sars.gov.za and click on the “Individuals” tab.
•    SARS Online Query System (SOQS): https://tools.sars.gov.za/soqs.
•    SARS WhatsApp: send “Hi” or “Hello” to 0800 117 277.
•    AI Virtual Assistant: available 24/7 on the SARS website to answer queries.
•    Dial *134*7277#: to access SARS services.
•    SARS YouTube: visit @sarstax for how-to videos.

– SAnews.gov.za

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President notes US tariff announcement

Source: Government of South Africa

President notes US tariff announcement

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the correspondence from the United States (US) President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa. 

In a letter addressed to the President on Monday, President Trump announced that he would subject imports from South Africa to new 30% tariffs that would take effect from 1 August 2025.

“This 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the United States. This contested interpretation forms part of the issues under consideration by the negotiating teams from South Africa and the United States. 

“Accordingly, South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data,” the Presidency said in a statement.

South Africa’s interpretation of the available trade data shows that the average tariff imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6%. 

The Presidency emphasised that 56% of goods enter South Africa at 0% most favoured nation tariff, with 77% of US goods entering the South African market under the 0% duty.

“South Africa will continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. We welcome the commitment by the US government, that the 30% tariff is subject to modification at the back of the conclusion of our negotiations with the United States,” the Presidency said.

South Africa has continued to engage the United States, most recently at a meeting held on the side-lines of the US-Africa Summit on 23 June 2025 in Luanda. 

“It was at this meeting where South Africa learned of a template with which the US wishes to engage sub-Saharan Africa on matters of trade. The South African negotiating team still awaits this template; however, President Ramaphosa has instructed the team [to] urgently engage with the US on the basis of the Framework Deal that South Africa submitted to the US on 20 May 2025. 

“This framework deal addresses the issues initially raised by the US, including South Africa’s supposed trade surplus, unfair trade practices and lack of reciprocity from the US.

“The President urges government trade negotiations teams and South African companies to accelerate their diversification efforts in order to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy,” the Presidency said.

The President has further noted that South Africa is one of a number of countries to have received this communication on 7 July 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

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Operation Shanela nets over 14 000 suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Operation Shanela nets over 14 000 suspects

Over 14 000 suspects have been arrested across the country under Operation Shanela this past week.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday said 14 790 suspects were arrested between 30 June and 6 July 2025.

“These arrests stem from police actions and crime-fighting activities including tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said.

The SAPS effected the following arrests across the country through Operation Shanela:

  • 2 365 wanted suspects arrested for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies.
  • 174 suspects were arrested for murder, majority of these suspects were arrested in the Western Cape (39), followed by Gauteng (33) and KwaZulu-Natal (33).
  • 137 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
  • 99 suspects were arrested for rape, with Gauteng leading (26 arrests).
  • 1 232 suspects were arrested for assault GBH.
  • 286 drug dealers were arrested.
  • 2 515 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs. The majority of these suspects were arrested in the Western Cape (1 392).
  • 64 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
  • Seven suspects were arrested for human trafficking.
  • 826 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The majority of the arrests were in Gauteng (229), followed by the Western Cape (195) and Mpumalanga (156).

Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes: 

  • 106 firearms were confiscated.
  • 1 355 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
  • 37 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered. 

Highlights of major takedowns and other successes include the following:

  • Eastern Cape: Police arrested six suspects after a man was stabbed to death, and the same suspects stabbed an off-duty police officer in Jeffrey’s Bay.
  • Northern Cape: Operation Shanela II resulted in the arrest of 236 suspects for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies
  • Mpumalanga: On 5 July 2025, police arrested a 29-year-old Eswatini foreign national for dealing in dagga and seized dagga worth R1.1 million at the Waverley Port of Entry near Mayflower.
  • Limpopo: On 2 July 2025, police intercepted a Scania truck and arrested two foreign nationals, aged between 30 and 45 years, while attempting to smuggle crystal meth, dagga and codeine worth R2.6 million at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry.
  • Gauteng: On 4 July 2025, three suspected cash-in-transit robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with police and other law enforcement agencies on the N3 highway road. Two stolen vehicles and two unlicensed firearms were seized.   
  • KwaZulu-Natal: Two suspects were arrested, and the other two suspects were fatally shot following a foiled cash-in-transit robbery in Msinga. Police seized two unlicensed firearms, ammunition and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle on 3 July 2025.

“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Le fonds d’ajustement de la zlecaf conclut sa première transaction : Un investissement de 10 millions de dollars us en faveur de Telecel Global Services Ltd


Le Fonds de crédit du Fonds d’ajustement de la ZLECAf a clôturé avec succès son premier investissement d’un montant de 10 millions de dollars US au profit de Telecel Global services Ltd.  La transaction a été réalisée grâce à un prêt amortissable garanti de premier rang. Cette opération marque une étape importante dans la mise en œuvre opérationnelle du Fonds.

Le Fonds de crédit est l’un des trois fonds relevant du Fonds d’ajustement de la ZLECAf créé par le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) en vue d’apporter un soutien transitoire ciblé aux États parties à la ZLECAf et aux entités du secteur privé qui s’adaptent aux exigences et aux opportunités présentées par l’accord de la ZLECAf.

Telecel Global Services, une filiale du groupe Telecel basé à Maurice, fournit des services de communication vocale et SMS en gros ainsi que des solutions de connectivité d’entreprise à plus de 250 opérateurs de télécommunications en Afrique et dans le monde entier. La connectivité numérique étant au cœur de l’intégration commerciale et économique et du succès de la ZLECAf, ce prêt soutiendra l’expansion de Telecel au Ghana et au Libéria, renforcera ses infrastructures et contribuera à combler le fossé numérique de l’Afrique grâce à une connectivité et une inclusion numériques accrues. En investissant dans des infrastructures numériques sur des marchés mal desservis, le Fonds contribue à réduire les barrières commerciales, à favoriser la productivité transfrontière et à accélérer l’industrialisation inclusive.

M. Jean-Louis Ekra, Président du Conseil d’administration de l’AfCFTA  Adjustment Fund Corporation (Société du Fonds d’ajustement de la ZLECAf) , a déclaré : « La conclusion de notre première opération marque une étape historique pour le Fonds de crédit et la vision plus large de la ZLECAf. Cet investissement de 10 millions de dollars US en faveur de Telecel Global services démontre clairement comment des capitaux ciblés peuvent avoir un impact significatif, en accélérant la connectivité numérique, en facilitant le commerce intra-africain et en soutenant le développement tiré par le secteur privé dans les domaines prioritaires. Nous nous engageons à faire en sorte que ces investissements continuent de combler les lacunes critiques, de stimuler la résilience économique et de libérer le vaste potentiel de l’Afrique. »

S.E Wamkele Mene, Secrétaire général de la ZLECAf  a souligné : « Cette transaction démontre comment le Fonds d’ajustement de la ZLECAf commence à atteindre son objectif initial, à savoir soutenir les États parties et le secteur privé dans nos efforts pour donner à cet accord une dimension commerciale significative. En investissant dans les infrastructures numériques, nous nous attaquons à certains des facteurs les plus critiques pour la facilitation des échanges, l’industrialisation et le développement des chaînes de valeur régionales » .

Le Professeur Benedict Oramah, Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque, a déclaré : « « Aujourd’hui, nous réaffirmons avec force notre intention inébranlable de veiller à ce que les Africains tirent pleinement parti des avantages de l’Accord de libre-échange continental africain. Nous sommes fiers d’avoir lancé la mise en œuvre opérationnelle du Fonds de crédit. Grâce à ce Fonds, nous apporterons un soutien essentiel aux entreprises africaines, en les aidant à se restructurer et à développer leurs activités afin de tirer parti des opportunités offertes par la ZLECAf. Cet investissement renforce un catalyseur essentiel, à savoir l’économie numérique et la connectivité régionale, tout en consolidant notre engagement à long terme en faveur de la transformation de la structure de l’économie africaine ».

Marlene Ngoyi, Directrice générale du FEDA, gestionnaire du Fonds d’ajustement de la ZLECAf, a fait remarquer : « Cet investissement illustre parfaitement l’objectif stratégique du Fonds de crédit, qui est de stimuler la croissance et la résilience dans des secteurs essentiels à la transformation structurelle de l’Afrique. Nous sommes fiers de nous associer à Telecel, dont les activités contribuent directement à améliorer la connectivité intra-africaine et le commerce numérique ».

Le Fonds de crédit continuera à privilégier les investissements commercialement viables qui favorisent le commerce, soutiennent la diversification et encouragent une croissance inclusive, conformément au programme général de mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

À propos du Fonds d’ajustement de la ZLECAf :
Le Fonds d’ajustement de la ZLECAfA comprend trois sous-fonds, à savoir le Fonds de base, le Fonds général et le Fonds de crédit. Le Fonds de base se servira des contributions des États parties à la ZLECAf ainsi que des subventions et d’une assistance technique pour compenser les pertes de recettes douanières qui résulteraient de la mise en œuvre de l’accord sur la ZLECAf. Quant au Fonds général, il financera le développement d’infrastructures facilitant le commerce, tandis que le Fonds de crédit servira à mobiliser des financements commerciaux pour aider les secteurs public et privé à s’adapter et à tirer parti des opportunités créées par la ZLECAf.

 À propos de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) :
La Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) est l’un des projets phares de l’Agenda 2063 : « L’Afrique que nous voulons », et est entrée en vigueur le 30 mai 2019. Il s’agit d’un accord commercial très ambitieux, qui vise à réunir les 55 États membres de l’Union africaine, couvrant un marché de plus de 1,3 milliard de personnes, avec une portée globale qui inclut des domaines critiques de l’économie africaine, tels que le commerce numérique et la protection des investissements, entre autres. En éliminant les obstacles au commerce en Afrique, la ZLECAf a pour objectif de stimuler considérablement le commerce intra-africain, en particulier le commerce des produits à valeur ajoutée et le commerce de tous les secteurs des services de l’économie africaine, avec un potentiel de croissance de 52,3 %.

À propos du FEDA :
Le Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (« FEDA ») est la filiale d’investissement à impact d’Afreximbank établi pour fournir des capitaux propres, des quasi-fonds propres et des capitaux d’emprunt afin de financer le déficit de financement de plusieurs milliards de dollars US (en particulier en capitaux propres) nécessaire pour transformer le secteur du commerce en Afrique.

Le FEDA poursuit une stratégie d’investissement multisectorielle le long de la chaîne de valeur du commerce intra-africain, du développement des exportations à valeur ajoutée et de la fabrication, qui comprend les services financiers, la technologie, les biens de consommation et de détail, l’industrie manufacturière, le transport et la logistique, l’agro-industrie, ainsi que les infrastructures auxiliaires d’appui au commerce, telles que les parcs industriels.

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African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Adjustment Fund Credit Fund closes its first deal – US$ 10 million investment in Telecel Global Services Ltd

Source: APO


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The Credit Fund of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund has successfully closed its first investment, committing US$10 million to Telecel Global Services Ltd, through a senior secured amortising loan. The transaction marks a significant milestone in the operationalisation of the Fund.

The Credit Fund is one of three Funds under the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, established by the AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to provide targeted  transitional support to AfCFTA State Parties  and private sector entities as they adjust to the requirements and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA Agreement.

Telecel Global Services, a subsidiary of the Mauritius-based Telecel Group, provides wholesale voice and SMS services and enterprise connectivity solutions to more than 250 telecom operators across Africa and globally. With digital connectivity being at the heart of the trade and economic integration and success of the AfCFTA, this facility will support Telecel’s expansion in Ghana and Liberia, strengthen its infrastructure, and contribute to bridging Africa’s digital divide through enhanced connectivity and digital inclusion. By investing in digital infrastructure in underserved markets, the Fund is helping reduce trade barriers, foster cross-boarder productivity and accelerate  inclusive industrialisation.

Mr. Jean-Louis Ekra, Chairman of the Board of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Corporation, stated: “ The closing of our first deal marks a historic milestone for the Credit Fund and the broader vision of the AfCFTA. This US$10 million investment in Telecel Global Services is a clear demonstration of how targeted capital can drive meaningful impact—accelerating digital connectivity, enabling intra-African trade, and supporting private sector-led development in priority sectors. It is our commitment to ensure that such investments continue to bridge critical gaps, stimulate economic resilience, and unlock Africa’s vast potential.”

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, noted: “This transaction demonstrates how the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund is beginning to serve its intended purpose – supporting State Parties and the private sector as we work to make this Agreement commercially meaningful. By investing in digital infrastructure, we are addressing some of the most critical enablers of trade facilitation, industrialisation, and regional value chain development.”

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, added: “Today, we make another bold statement of our unwavering intent to ensure that Africans reap the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. We are proud to have commenced the operationalisation of the Credit Fund. With this Fund, we will provide vital support to African corporates, helping them retool and expand their operations necessary to capitalise on the AfCFTA opportunities. The investment strengthens a critical enabler, the digital economy and regional connectivity, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to transforming the structure of the African economy. .”

Marlene Ngoyi, CEO, FEDA, the Fund Manager of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, said: “This investment exemplifies the strategic intent of the Credit Fund – to catalyse growth and resilience in sectors that are vital for Africa’s structural transformation. We are proud to partner with Telecel, whose operations directly advance intra-African connectivity and digital trade.”

The Credit Fund will continue to prioritise commercially viable investments that enable trade, support diversification, and promote inclusive growth in line with the broader AfCFTA implementation agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

About the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund:
The AfCFTA Adjustment Fund consists of three sub-Funds namely, the Base Fund, the General Fund, and the Credit Fund. The Base Fund will utilise contributions from AfCFTA State Parties as well as grants and technical assistance to address tariff revenue losses that would result from the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. The General Fund will finance the development of trade enabling infrastructure while the Credit Fund will be used to mobilise commercial funding to support both the public and private sectors enabling them to adjust and take advantage of the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.

 About the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA):
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want” and entered into force on 30 May 2019. It is a high ambition trade Agreement, which aims to bring together all 55 Member States of the African Union, covering a market of more than 1.3 billion people, with a comprehensive scope that includes critical areas of Africa’s economy, such as digital trade and investment protection, amongst other areas. By eliminating barriers to trade in Africa, the objective of the AfCFTA is to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, particularly trade in value-added production and trade across all services sectors of Africa’s economy, at a potential of 52.3 percent.

About FEDA:
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) is the impacting investing subsidiary of Afreximbank, set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the Trade sector in Africa.

FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks.

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Global Financing Shifts to Advance African Coal, Uranium Prospects Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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As Africa moves to fully harness its coal and uranium resources for economic growth, major shifts in the global financing landscape in 2025 are set to unlock new opportunities across the continent. In June, international finance institution The World Bank lifted its ban on financing nuclear projects – marking its re-entry into the nuclear value chain for the first time since 1965. In May, the U.S. export agency the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) ended its 12-year restriction on funding international coal projects.

Coal, uranium and investment market trends will take center stage at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – taking place on October 1 – 3 in Cape Town. The event will feature high-level panel discussions, project showcases and exclusive networking sessions, showcasing how global capital and African leadership are aligning to unlock the potential of coal and uranium value chains for sustainable development.

Africa’s coal sector has seen notable progress in 2025. In March, South Africa’s Seriti Resources launched the R500 million Naudesbank Colliery in Mpumalanga Province, producing one million tons annually in its first phase. The launch reinforces South Africa’s role as the continent’s leading coal producer. Concurrently, mining company Menar is advancing several coal and anthracite projects with a R7 billion investment plan through 2026, including the Bekezela and Sukuma mines in South Africa’s Gauteng province. The initiatives align with South Africa’s decision to classify coal as a critical mineral due to its economic and strategic importance. Ethiopia is also ramping up exploration, with coal reserves now estimated to exceed one billion tons. At AMW, a panel titled Coal’s Indispensable Role: Powering Africa’s Downstream Processing and Manufacturing Boom will showcase policies and incentives being used by African markets to attract investments across the coal value chain.

On the uranium front, the World Bank’s ban reversal offers renewed access to international financing – creating a pathway for expansion in Africa’s uranium-rich countries. Several projects have gained momentum in 2025. Lotus Resources is progressing with its 3-million-pound-per-year Letlhakane Uranium Project in Botswana, as well as the Kayelekera Mine in Malawi. In Tanzania, Moab Minerals secured a $500,000 investment from European Lithium for its Manyoni Uranium Project. Meanwhile, GoviEx Uranium is advancing development of its Muntanga Project in Zambia, with an expected annual output of 2.2 million pounds. Additionally, countries including Namibia, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, the Republic of Congo and Kenya have signed agreements to develop nuclear energy programs, underlining Africa’s growing focus to leverage its vast uranium resources for energy resilience. The continent’s biggest uranium producers Niger and Namibia also have several new and expansion projects underway.

These milestones represent a new era of investment potential across Africa’s coal and uranium industries, with African Mining Week 2025 serving as a key platform for governments, investors and industry stakeholders to collaborate and catalyze long-term growth.

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

About African Mining Week:
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.