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Au-delà du bilan : Afreximbank dévoile la saison II des « Impacts stories » (histoires d’impact), présentant des projets transformateurs sur deux continents

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) est ravie de lancer la deuxième saison de sa série documentaire impact Stories (Histoires d’impact). Fort du succès de la première saison, ce nouveau coffret de six films élargit la portée géographique de la série afin de refléter l’empreinte croissante de la Banque à travers l’Afrique, en présentant des récits provenant des Caraïbes et d’Afrique.

Produite par Afreximbank en partenariat avec Create, le studio de contenu de marque de CNN International commercial, la saison 2 emmène les spectateurs à Grenade, au Ghana, en Côte d’Ivoire et au Nigeria. La série met en lumière les résultats considérables des investissements stratégiques, allant au-delà des aspects financiers pour montrer la transformation humaine et économique qui s’opère à travers le continent et sa diaspora. Chaque épisode jette un regard intime sur les projets et partenariats phares qui stimulent l’esprit d’entreprise, construisent des infrastructures essentielles et favorisent une nouvelle ère de prospérité.

À travers des récits qui mettent en évidence l’ampleur et l’impact des interventions d’Afreximbank, de l’extension du Silversands Resort à la Grenade, projet phare d’une coopération approfondie entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes, au développement de la raffinerie Dangote à Lagos, les films illustrent l’ampleur des ambitions qui animent l’avenir économique de l’Afrique. Le public sera transporté à Aba, au Nigeria, pour voir comment le projet Geometric Power revitalise un centre industriel historique avec une électricité fiable, et au Ghana, où la série suit le parcours du cacao de la ferme au marché mondial grâce au partenariat de la Banque avec Plot Enterprise.

La série célèbre également l’essor de l’économie créative africaine, en mettant en avant la marque de mode ghanéenne Boyedoe qui se prépare à faire ses débuts sur la scène mondiale lors de la Fashion Week (Semaine de la mode) de Paris, avec le soutien du programme Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) d’Afreximbank. Le dernier épisode explore la rénovation de l’emblématique stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, d’Abidjan, et montre comment les investissements dans les infrastructures nationales apportent des avantages culturels et économiques considérables aux communautés locales.

Mme Anne EZEH, Directrice de la Communication et des Evénements d’Afreximbank, a souligné le rôle de la série dans la documentation de la mission et de l’impact de la Banque : « Ces films sont bien plus que des récits sur des investissements et des projets ; ils reflètent les partenariats et les progrès, démontrant notre engagement indéfectible à promouvoir l’indépendance économique. En mettant en avant les entrepreneurs, les communautés et les économies nationales avec lesquels nous travaillons en partenariat, nous partageons notre vision d’une Afrique mondiale prospère et intégrée. Cette vitrine est essentielle, dans la mesure où elle démontre que les fondements d’une plus grande intégration économique sont déjà en place ou en cours de construction, incitant les entreprises et les régions à accélérer le commerce intra-africain et encourageant les entrepreneurs à forger des collaborations transfrontalières qui stimulent le développement dans leur pays et à l’étranger ».

Martin Laing, Directeur principal de la Production et Producteur exécutif mondial au Create Brand Studio de CNN International commercial, a déclaré : « Ce fut un réel privilège de travailler main dans la main avec Afreximbank et l’incroyable équipe de la Banque en tant que co-‑producteurs d’impact Stories pour la deuxième saison. Ensemble, nous avons créé une série documentaire YouTube captivante, axée sur le public, qui raconte des histoires humaines fortes et met en lumière l’impact réel de leurs initiatives à travers l’Afrique, sa diaspora mondiale et au-delà. Nous sommes extrêmement fiers de collaborer à une série véritablement internationale qui place l’humain au cœur du récit et qui crée un lien profond avec les publics du monde entier ».

 Les six nouveaux épisodes, diffusés sur Afreximbank TV (https://apo-opa.co/47Dzbu0) à partir du 12 mars, témoignent avec force de la mission d’Afreximbank consistant à financer et à promouvoir le commerce. Ils illustrent également comment des investissements stratégiques transforment les opportunités en prospérité concrète pour les entreprises et les communautés d’Afrique et des Caraïbes. La série bénéficiera d’une promotion percutante sur CNN.com et d’une campagne télévisée de longue durée sur CNN International.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (https://www.afreximbank.com/ ) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.
Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter : www.Afreximbank.com

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SAWS issues a warning for disruptive rain

Source: Government of South Africa

SAWS issues a warning for disruptive rain

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that cloudy and cool conditions are expected over the north-eastern parts of South Africa from Thursday into the weekend, with a possibility of isolated to scattered rain and showers. 

The forecasts indicate that the Lowveld of Limpopo and Mpumalanga may experience disruptive rain that may lead to localised floods. 

Otherwise, the weather conditions will be fine, with warm to hot conditions expected.

The weather service has issued a warning for widespread showers and thundershowers over the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo on Friday, with the possibility of heavy downpours.

Models indicate that between 50 and 60mm can be expected in places.

“Low likelihood of significant impacts is expected with heavy downpours leading to flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, low-lying bridges/areas and risk to life,” SAWS said.

  • The warning indicates the following impact due to the disruptive rain:
  • Flooding of roads and settlements (formal and informal);
  • Danger to life (fast-flowing streams/ deep water);
  • Displacement of affected communities;
  • Some communities are temporarily not accessible/cut-off;
  • Damage to property, infrastructure, loss of livelihood, and livestock;
  • Major disruption of traffic flow due to major roads being flooded or closed; and
  • Possible damage to roads and bridges.

–SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Beyond the balance sheet: Afreximbank unveils Season II of ‘Impact Stories,’ showcasing transformative projects across two continents

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (https://www.Afreximbank.com/) is pleased to launch the second season of its documentary series, Impact Stories. Building on the success of the inaugural season, the new collection of six films expands the series’ geographic scope to capture the Bank’s growing footprint across Global Africa, featuring stories from the Caribbean and Africa.

Produced by Afreximbank in partnership with Create, CNN International Commercial’s branded content studio, Season Two takes viewers on location to Grenada, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. The series brings to life the impactful outcomes of strategic investments, moving beyond finance to capture the human and economic transformation unfolding across the continent and its diaspora. Each episode provides an intimate look at the landmark projects and partnerships that are unlocking enterprise, building critical infrastructure, and fostering a new era of prosperity.

Featuring stories that highlight the breadth and impact of Afreximbank’s interventions — from the expansion of the Silversands Resort in Grenada, a flagship project of deeper Africa-Caribbean cooperation, to the development of Dangote Refinery in Lagos, the films illustrate the scale of ambition driving Africa’s economic future. Viewers will be transported to Aba, Nigeria, to see how the Geometric Power project is revitalising a historic industrial hub with reliable electricity, and to Ghana, where the series follows the journey of cocoa from farm to global market through the Bank’s partnership with Plot Enterprise.

The series also celebrates the rise of Africa’s creative economy, spotlighting Ghanaian fashion brand Boyedoe as it prepared for its debut on global stage at Paris Fashion Week, supported by Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme. The final episode explores the renovation of Abidjan’s iconic Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, showcasing how investment in national infrastructure delivers wide-reaching cultural and economic benefits for local communities.

Mrs. Anne Ezeh, Director of Communications and Events at Afreximbank, emphasised the series’ role in documenting the Bank’s core mission and impact: “These films are much more than stories about investment and projects; they are portraits of partnership and progress, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to fostering economic independence. By showcasing the entrepreneurs, communities, and national economies we partner with, we are sharing a vision of a prosperous and integrated Global Africa. This showcase is vital because it demonstrates that the building blocks for greater economic integration are already in place or being built now, inspiring businesses and regions to accelerate intra-African trade and encouraging entrepreneurs to forge cross-border collaborations that drive development at home and abroad.”

Martin Laing, Senior Director of Production and Global Executive Producer at CNN International Commercial’s Create Brand Studio, said: “It’s been a real privilege to work hand in hand with Afreximbank and their incredible team as co producers of Impact Stories again for the second season. Together, we’ve built a compelling, audience first YouTube documentary series dedicated to telling powerful human stories and showcasing the real-world impact of their initiatives across Africa, its global diaspora, and beyond. We are incredibly proud to collaborate on a truly international series that puts people at the heart of the storytelling and connects meaningfully with audiences around the world.”

The six new episodes which will debut on Afreximbank TV (https://apo-opa.co/47Dzbu0) on March 12th and serve as a powerful testament to Afreximbank’s mandate to finance and promote trade, as well as demonstrating how strategic investments are turning opportunity into tangible prosperity for businesses and communities across Africa and the Caribbean. The series will be promoted in high impact formats across CNN.com and in a long-form TV campaign across CNN International.

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) at “Stable”, Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), and 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

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China’s new tariff-free regime for Africa: the potential upside and downside

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lauren Johnston, Associate Professor, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney

China’s President Xi Jinping announced in February 2026 that from 1 May China would be granting zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries. (That is all of them bar Eswatini, which supports Taiwan.)

China-Africa trade reached US$348 billion in 2025, up 17.7% from 2024. Chinese exports to Africa dominate trade flows, and amounted to US$225 billion, an increase of 25.8%. This compares to US$123 billion in imports from Africa, which grew by just 5.4%. Such a rising trade deficit between Africa and its largest sovereign trade partner points to the timeliness of new China policies that support African exports to China.

Beyond potential for trade facilitation and diplomacy, at a time of trade rivalry between the great powers, what might the change mean?

Based on years of study of China-Africa trade relations, I argue that there will be two probable main effects – one positive, one negative.

First, on the positive side, zero tariffs could provide incentives for cross-country export cooperation within Africa. On the negative, it risks creating conditions in which Africa’s stronger economies capture the most gain at the expense of weaker economies.

The existing regime

China’s Africa-specific trade preferences have evolved through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, established in 2000. China’s own global trade integration since its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 has also evolved.

Since 2005, African least developed countries have enjoyed zero-tariff access to China across 100% of tariff lines. Least developed countries are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human capital.

This policy restricted zero-tariff trade access to around 33 countries (subject to change owing to income growth and diplomatic recognition of Beijing). Africa’s middle-income exporters were excluded from the trade preferences.

South Africa, for example, continued to face tariffs on most exports, including fruits, wine and processed foods. Many were between 10% and 25%.

A handful of research papers have explored earlier Chinese trade preferences for Africa. For example, policy researcher and economist Adam Minson estimated that the least developed country tariff-free arrangements of 2005 would bring some countries as little as an additional US$100,000 annually.

My own PhD research found that by 2009 these preferential trade policies had not had any significant impact on exports. More recently, economists Zhina Sun and Ehizuelen Michael Mitchell Omoruyi found that the existing zero-tariff policy had promoted diversification of manufacturing exports to China and of regional trade. But there had been little effect on agriculture and mining export diversification.

One recurring recommendation has been to expand equal tariff treatment across African regional blocs. These include the East African Community, Southern African Customs Union and the Economic Community of West African States.

This could lead to production for export being organised regionally rather than distorted or even hampered by tariff differentials.

The reforms announced by Xi in February are a shift in this direction.

An incentive to co-operate?

By extending zero tariffs to almost all African countries, China has neutralised an element of distortion in its earlier tariff policy. When only some countries enjoyed tariff-free export benefits, investors and producers had incentives to locate export production in least developed countries to secure tariff-free access.

This worked some of the time, but not all the time. The reason for this is that least developed countries find it difficult to become exporters because they face inhibiting barriers to trade in general. Examples include unreliable electricity and poor infrastructure.

The zero tariff will put least developed countries at a disadvantage as they will lose the “special status” afforded them in the old regime. But the change could open another door. Production decisions can now take advantage of existing and potential cross-country and intra-regional supply chains based on comparative advantage – in place of being located where export tariffs were smallest.

Also, lowering tariffs for more developed African economies may enable African entrepreneurs to work across borders to engage in trade without facing different trade barriers by locality. That in turn may support Africa’s own agenda of trade integration.

To boost trade, China has also signalled it will expand trade facilitation measures. This includes upgraded “green lanes” for African imports. Prospective examples include:

  • faster customs clearance

  • streamlined phytosanitary procedures (rules governing food safety). An example would be setting up a clear set of criteria that enable an approved exporter, say of Kenyan avocados, to enjoy pre-approval for customs clearance.

  • greater investments in training and trade-related logistics.

China has also set up a dedicated China-Africa trade facilitation hub in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. The aim is to have a central point of trade-related expertise and industries, making it easier for African and Chinese firms do business.

The risk of uneven gains

There is a risk that the new tariff regime will mean that production for export will concentrate in more developed countries, such as South Africa, Morocco and Kenya. These economies are better positioned to expand exports when it comes into effect.

In contrast, least developed countries will continue to struggle with:

  • constructing efficient trade-related infrastructure like telecommunications, electricity and port connectivity

  • production at export scale

  • reaching trade-related compliance standards such as the necessary fruit sizes and colour consistency.

China’s policy change calls for Africa’s frontier exporters to China to build trade-related supply chains across African borders to garner the scale and competitiveness to expand their own – soon tariff-free – exports to China. In turn, this would reduce the burden on least developed countries to need to export directly to China. Instead, they would only need to join regional trade supply chains.

Ideally within African sub-regions this could develop into a new incentive to create trade-related value chains.

The potential for equalisation

The May Day tariff reforms are a positive in removing formal tariff barriers at a time when tariffs are going up, led by the United States. This change simplifies incentives and eliminates structural asymmetries in China’s Africa trade regime.

Tariffs, however, are seldom the main constraint for African industrial transformation and export hopes. On top of this, uncertainty is complicating the global trade environment.

Nonetheless, these reforms are a step towards fostering sub-regional supply chains if African countries coordinate production strategies.

– China’s new tariff-free regime for Africa: the potential upside and downside
– https://theconversation.com/chinas-new-tariff-free-regime-for-africa-the-potential-upside-and-downside-277247

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Para além do balanço financeiro: O Afreximbank revela a Segunda Temporada de “Impact Stories” (Histórias de Impacto), apresentando projectos transformadores em dois continentes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) tem o prazer de anunciar o lançamento 
da segunda temporada da sua série de documentários Impact Stories (Histórias de Impacto). Com base no sucesso da Primeira Temporada, a nova colecção de seis filmes alarga o âmbito geográfico da série para captar a crescente presença do Banco em toda a África Global, apresentando histórias das Caraíbas e de África.

Produzida pelo Afreximbank em parceria com a Create, a produtora de conteúdos da CNN International Commercial, a Segunda Temporada leva os espectadores a Granada, Gana, Côte d’Ivoire e Nigéria. A série dá vida aos resultados impactantes dos investimentos estratégicos, ultrapassando o âmbito financeiro para retratar a transformação humana e económica que se desenrola em todo o continente e na sua diáspora. Cada episódio oferece uma visão íntima dos projectos e parcerias marcantes que estão a desbloquear o empreendedorismo, a construir infra-estruturas críticas e a promover uma nova era de prosperidade.

Apresentando histórias que destacam a amplitude e o impacto das intervenções do Afreximbank – desde a expansão do Silversands Resort em Granada, um projecto emblemático de cooperação mais profunda entre África e as Caraíbas, até ao desenvolvimento da Refinaria Dangote em Lagos, os filmes ilustram a escala da ambição que impulsiona o futuro económico de África. Os espectadores serão transportados para Aba, Nigéria, para ver como o projecto Geometric Power está a revitalizar um centro industrial histórico com electricidade fiável, e para o Gana, onde a série acompanha a jornada do cacau do campo ao mercado global através da parceria do Banco com a Plot Enterprise.

A série celebra igualmente a ascensão da economia criativa de África, destacando a marca da moda ganesa Boyedoe à medida que se prepara para a sua estreia no palco global na Semana da Moda de Paris, apoiada pelo programa Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) do Afreximbank. O episódio final explora a renovação do emblemático Estádio Félix Houphouët-Boigny, em Abidjan, mostrando como o investimento em infra-estruturas nacionais proporciona benefícios culturais e económicos de grande alcance para as comunidades locais.

A Sr.ª Anne Ezeh, Directora de Comunicação e Eventos do Afreximbank, destacou o papel da série em documentar a missão central e o impacto do Banco: “Estes filmes são muito mais do que histórias sobre investimentos e projectos; são retratos de parceria e progresso, demonstrando o nosso compromisso inabalável em promover a independência económica. Ao dar visibilidade aos empreendedores, comunidades e economias nacionais com os quais estabelecemos parcerias, estamos a partilhar uma visão de uma África Global próspera e integrada. Esta apresentação é vital porque demonstra que as bases para uma maior integração económica já estão estabelecidas ou estão a ser construídas agora, inspirando empresas e regiões a acelerar o comércio intra-africano e incentivando os empreendedores a estabelecer colaborações transfronteiriças que impulsionam o desenvolvimento no país e no estrangeiro.”

O Sr. Martin Laing, Director Sénior de Produção e Produtor Executivo Global dos Estúdios Create Brand da CNN International Commercial, afirmou: “Tem sido um verdadeiro privilégio trabalhar lado a lado com o Afreximbank e a sua incrível equipa como co-produtores da Segunda Temporada das Impact Stories (Histórias de Impacto). Juntos, criámos uma série de documentários cativante e centrada no público no YouTube, dedicada a contar histórias humanas poderosas e a mostrar o impacto real das suas iniciativas em África, na sua diáspora global e além-fronteiras. Estamos incrivelmente orgulhosos de colaborar numa série verdadeiramente internacional que coloca as pessoas no centro da narrativa e se conecta de forma significativa com o público em todo o mundo.”

Os seis novos episódios, que serão exibidos pela primeira vez na Afreximbank TV (https://apo-opa.co/47Dzbu0) no dia 12 de Março, servem como um poderoso testemunho do mandato do Afreximbank de financiar e promover o comércio, além de demonstrar como investimentos estratégicos estão a transformar oportunidades em prosperidade tangível para empresas e comunidades em toda a África e no Caribe. A série será promovida em formatos de alto impacto na CNN.com e em uma campanha televisiva de longa duração na CNN International. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com a Imprensa)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

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Sobre o Afreximbank:
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com

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Visa et Afriland First Bank signent un accord stratégique pour accélérer l’inclusion financière au Cameroun

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Visa (www.Visa.com) et Afriland First Bank annoncent la signature du « Growth Agreement », premier accord autonome de ce type conclu avec une banque locale au Cameroun.

Organisée dans la Maison de la First Bank, cette cérémonie marque une nouvelle étape dans la relation qui lie nos deux institutions et consacre une ambition commune : accélérer l’inclusion financière en offrant aux populations des solutions de paiement modernes, sécurisées et accessibles.

A travers cette convention, Visa et Afriland First Bank travailleront étroitement afin de soutenir la stratégie commerciale de la First Bank et consolider son leadership dans un environnement des paiements en constante évolution.  Pour Visa, ce partenariat représente l’opportunité de s’appuyer sur le leader du secteur bancaire afin d’étendre la pénétration de ses solutions de paiement sur un marché en forte croissance. En opérant avec un acteur disposant d’un réseau solide et d’une base clientèle diversifiée, Visa renforce son ancrage stratégique au Cameroun et accélère l’adoption de ses innovations au sein de l’écosystème financier local.

Ce partenariat pose également les bases d’un engagement renforcé à l’échelle du Groupe, au moment où Afriland First Group poursuit la consolidation de sa gouvernance et l’expansion de ses activités sur le continent.

Le Directeur Général d’Afriland First Bank, Celestin GUELA SIMO :

« Ce partenariat stratégique avec Visa constitue une étape importante dans la mise en œuvre de notre stratégie de transformation digitale. En tant qu’institution financière nationale de référence, Afriland First Bank est pleinement consciente de sa responsabilité dans la modernisation du système financier camerounais porté par l’ambition gouvernementale de bâtir une économie plus inclusive, plus digitalisée et plus compétitive. Cet accord s’inscrit pleinement dans la dynamique de notre plan stratégique Afriland Horizon 2030, qui fait de la digitalisation l’un des leviers majeurs de transformation de notre modèle de croissance et d’amélioration continue de l’expérience client »

Le Vice‑président et Directeur Général – Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale francophone et lusophone chez Visa, Ismahill Diaby :

« Nous sommes ravis de nous engager dans ce partenariat avec Afriland First Bank, qui reflète notre ambition commune d’accélérer la transformation digitale de la banque et de renforcer l’écosystème des paiements au Cameroun. En travaillant ensemble, nous visons à stimuler l’innovation, à élargir l’accès à des paiements numériques sécurisés et à soutenir la stratégie de croissance à long terme d’Afriland dans un marché en rapide évolution. »

Distribué par APO Group pour Visa Inc..

Contact presse :
Adamou PETOUONCHI
adamou_petouonchi@afrilandfirstbank.com

Yvan GUEHI:
yguehi@visa.com

À propos de Afriland First Bank :
Afriland First Bank, leader du marché bancaire camerounais et acteur financier de premier plan en Afrique centrale, incarne la solidité et l’innovation au service du développement économique et social.

Au 31 octobre 2025, Afriland First Bank affichait un total bilan de 2 489,5 milliards FCFA, avec un encours de crédit de 1 627 milliards FCFA, un encours de dépôts de 1 840 milliards FCFA et plus de 488 milliards FCFA de financements aux Etats et Institutions sous-régionales à travers des titres obligataires et bons du Trésor assimilables. Reconnue pour son expertise et son savoir-faire, Afriland First Bank propose des solutions financières innovantes, adaptées aux besoins spécifiques de tous ses segments de clientèle : particuliers, institutions et entreprises de toutes tailles, qu’elles soient petites, moyennes ou grandes.

À propos de VISA :
Visa (NYSE : V) est un leader mondial des paiements numériques, facilitant les transactions entre les consommateurs, les commerçants, les institutions financières et les entités gouvernementales dans plus de 200 pays et territoires. Notre mission est de connecter le monde grâce au réseau de paiements le plus innovant, le plus pratique, le plus fiable et le plus sûr, permettant aux individus, aux entreprises et aux économies de prospérer. Nous croyons que les économies qui incluent tout le monde partout, élèvent tout le monde partout et nous considérons l’accès comme fondamental pour l’avenir du mouvement de l’argent. En savoir plus sur www.Visa.com

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SANParks reschedules reopening of Letaba High Water Bridge

Source: Government of South Africa

SANParks reschedules reopening of Letaba High Water Bridge

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has advised visitors that the reopening of the Letaba High-Level Bridge in the north of Kruger National Park (H1-6) tar road has been rescheduled to 18 March 2026.

The new date is a few days later than the initially anticipated date of 13 March 2026. 

The bridge was extremely damaged during the devastating floods of January 2026, requiring extensive repairs.

“This change in dates has largely been necessitated by rainfall over the past week that resulted in the technical team losing approximately three days of production.

“Measures have been put in place to accelerate the remaining work required to reopen the bridge,” SANParks said on Thursday. –SAnews.gov.za

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Transnet Rail issues request for siding facilities proposals

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet Rail issues request for siding facilities proposals

The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has issued a Siding Lease Request for Proposals (RFPs), covering three siding facilities in the Eastern and Central Regions. 

The release will enable private-sector participation, accelerate network access, and drive sustainable revenue streams to support safer, more efficient rail logistics across South Africa.

“The issuing of this request for proposals underscores TRIM’s ongoing commitment to transparent, market-based access to critical rail assets. By inviting private sector participation under a long-term, regulated framework, we aim to strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery, and unlock value across our rail estate,” TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi said on Thursday 

TRIM is responsible for managing, operating, and maintaining the Transnet rail network infrastructure.  

Bidders will engage through a transparent, market-based process to access TRIM’s rail sidings under a regulated framework. 

This multi-stage process includes prequalification, functional evaluation, and final price/preference assessment. Safety, health, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable requirements.

 Proposals must include rail-line refurbishments, loading facilities, drainage, lighting, security, fencing, access roads, and other upgrades. 

“Through market-value-based rentals, with safeguards to preserve value, bidders are also expected to illustrate how they will facilitate improvements in turnaround times and road-to-rail efficiency. 

“To ensure continuity and sustainability, the leases will be for a minimum tenure of 10 years, with performance and investment commitments,” TRIM said.

A non-compulsory Virtual Tender Briefing will be held on Friday, 13 March 2026, and the bid submission deadline is 30 April 2026. 

The relevant RFP documents are available at: https://www.etenders.gov.za/. 

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Sub‑Saharan African economies among world’s fastest‑improving in global connectedness

Source: APO


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  • Global connectedness stood at 25% in 2025, matching the record high first reached in 2022
  • Namibia ranks among the top three countries globally for long‑term increases in connectedness since 2001; Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia record strong gains
  • The DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026 draws on more than 9 million data points worldwide

Globalization remains at a historically high level – despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising U.S. tariffs, and unprecedented uncertainty about future trade policies. This is one of the key findings of the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026 (https://Group.DHL.com), released today by DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Based on more than 9 million data points tracking international flows of trade, capital, information, and people, the report offers the most comprehensive view of globalization available.

Sub‑Saharan Africa: connectedness gains point to rising relevance in global trade

Against this global backdrop, the report presents a nuanced picture for Sub‑Saharan Africa. While levels of connectedness differ significantly across the region, several economies are strengthening their integration into global flows, underscoring steady progress over time, and highlighting scope for further gains in others.

Namibia ranks among the countries with the largest increases in connectedness since 2001, with Mozambique also featuring among the strongest long‑run improvers. More recently, Nigeria and Zambia are listed among the countries with the largest connectedness gains since 2022, reflecting growing momentum in trade, investment and people flows.

Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub‑Saharan Africa, commented: “As supply chains across the globe continue to develop and trade routes expand into new territories, connectedness is emerging as a key differentiator for businesses and nations alike. The countries in our region that are strengthening their global links are becoming more visible in international trade networks. While this is an encouraging trend in terms of the scope of opportunities available, the key is to take advantage of these opportunities to drive consistent and reliable trade flows. This report further underscores how Africa is increasingly shifting from a narrative of aid to one of trade, a transformation powered by stronger integration, rising competitiveness, and improved access to global markets. To fully unlock this potential, the region needs strong regional connectivity, predictable cross-border processes, and partners that understand both local conditions and global trade requirements. At DHL Express, we are committed to being a catalyst for growth in Africa, ensuring that not only is Africa a part of global trade but a key driver within it.”

Beyond trade and investment, the report finds that people flows have recovered fully from the Covid‑19 collapse. In tourism, UN data show that Africa recorded a 17% increase in international arrivals in 2025 compared with 2019, the second‑largest increase among world regions, behind the Middle East.

In the report’s 2024 country ranking of 180 economies, South Africa ranks 53rd overall. Other Sub‑Saharan African countries with relatively higher overall ranks include Seychelles (40th), Mauritius (65th), Namibia (68th), Ghana (97th), Nigeria (100th), Mozambique (107th), and Kenya (119th).

Globalization has held firm since 2022

The report tracks globalization on a scale from 0% (no cross-border flows) to 100% (borders and distance have no impact). The world’s level of globalization was 25% in 2025, in line with the record high set in 2022.

“Globalization is holding its ground – and that alone speaks volumes about its value,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “From poverty to climate change, the world’s biggest challenges can only be solved through global thinking. The DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that countries and companies are not retreating behind national borders. That is good news. DHL strengthens global ties by connecting markets, businesses, and people so they can adapt, diversify, and unlock new opportunities – even in uncertain times.”

At the same time, the current level of globalization underlines how far the world remains from being fully globalized. In many areas, international flows could expand further in the absence of policy constraints.

No global split into rival blocs

Even as the U.S. and China decouple, most countries continue to engage with their longstanding partners. Over the past decade, only 4–6% of global goods trade, greenfield FDI, and cross-border M&A have shifted away from geopolitical rivals. Of these flows, most have not moved to close allies but to countries with flexible geopolitical positions, such as India and Vietnam. Overall, the world economy remains far from a broad split into rival blocs.

“The politics and policy surrounding globalization are much more volatile than the actual flows between countries,” said Prof. Steven A. Altman, Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management. “Global trade patterns changed more in 2025 than they do in a typical year, but less than they did during other recent disruptions such as the early stages of the war in Ukraine. Sound decision-making requires a calibrated view of how much global business ties are really changing. The risks to globalization are real, but so is the resilience of global flows.”

The DHL Global Connectedness Report

Published regularly since 2011, the DHL Global Connectedness Report provides reliable insights on globalization by analyzing 14 types of international trade, capital, information, and people flows. The 2026 edition is based on more than 9 million data points. It ranks the connectedness of 180 countries, accounting for 99.6 percent of global gross domestic product and 99.0 percent of the world’s population. A set of 180 one-page country profiles summarizes each country’s pattern of globalization.

The report was commissioned by DHL and authored by Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business.

The report and further resources are available at https://apo-opa.co/4diKcod.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Group.

Media Contacts:
DHL Group
Media Relations
Sabine Hartmann
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

On the Internet: https://apo-opa.co/4b6zyjc

NYU Stern
Media Relations
Carolyn Ritter
Phone: +1 212 998 0624
E-mail: critter@stern.nyu.edu

Jeffrey Piascik 
Phone: +1 212 998 0906 
E-mail: jpiascik@stern.nyu.edu  

About DHL Group:
DHL Group is the world’s leading logistics company. The Group connects people and markets and is an enabler of global trade. It aspires to be the first choice for customers, employees, investors and green logistics worldwide. To this end, DHL Group is focusing on accelerating sustainable growth in its profitable core logistics businesses and Group growth initiatives. The Group contributes to the world through sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship, and environmental activities. By the year 2050, DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics.

DHL Group is home to two strong brands: DHL offers a comprehensive range of parcel, express, freight transport, and supply chain management services as well as e-commerce logistics solutions. Deutsche Post is the largest postal service provider in Europe and the market leader in the German mail market. DHL Group employs approximately 584,000 people in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion Euros in 2025.

The logistics company for the world.

About New York University Stern School of Business:
New York University Stern School of Business, located in the heart of Greenwich Village and deeply connected to the City after which it is named, is one of the United States’ premier management education schools and research centers. NYU Stern offers a broad portfolio of transformational programs at graduate, undergraduate, and executive levels, all of them enriched by the dynamism and deep resources of one of the world’s business capitals. NYU Stern is a welcoming community that inspires its members to embrace and lead change in a rapidly transforming world. 

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President delivers on SONA commitment with SANDF deployment 

Source: Government of South Africa

President delivers on SONA commitment with SANDF deployment 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to fast-track the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Gauteng, delivering on a commitment made during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to strengthen the fight against crime and illegal mining. 

A total of 550 SANDF members began their deployment in Gauteng on Wednesday as part of Operation Prosper, a joint operation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) aimed at combating illegal mining and organised criminal networks. 

The operation forms part of government’s broader efforts to address escalating illegal mining activities, often linked to violent crime and organised syndicates.

The deployment follows the President’s commitment in this year’s SONA to use additional security resources, including the military, to support law-enforcement agencies in crime-affected provinces.

Parliament formally notified of deployment

Questions had been raised in some quarters about whether Parliament had been informed about the deployment.

However, President Ramaphosa has formally notified Parliament through a letter dated 5 March 2026, which was addressed to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.

The letter was subsequently tabled in Parliament’s Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports (ATC) on 9 March 2026.

In the correspondence, President Ramaphosa confirmed that the deployment had been authorised in terms of Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution, which allows the Defence Force to be employed in cooperation with the SAPS to maintain law and order.

“This serves to inform the Speaker of the National Assembly that I have employed 550 members of the South African National Defence Force for service, in cooperation with the South African Police Service to prevent and combat crime, and maintain and preserve law and order within Gauteng province under Operation Prosper,” the President wrote. 

The President also notified the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces to ensure both Houses of Parliament were formally informed.

Operation targets illegal mining syndicates 

The SANDF members will assist police in preventing and combating illegal mining activities in Gauteng, particularly in areas around Johannesburg’s West Rand and East Rand, where abandoned mine shafts have become hotspots for criminal operations.

Illegal mining, commonly associated with so-called “zama zama” groups, has been linked to violence, environmental damage and loss of life in affected communities.

Law-enforcement authorities have previously indicated that the police service alone lacks sufficient capacity to effectively tackle heavily armed criminal syndicates operating in illegal mining networks.

The military deployment is expected to strengthen operational capacity by providing additional manpower to secure mining areas, support police operations and disrupt organised crime networks.

The operation in Gauteng is expected to cost approximately R80.7 million.

The deployment forms part of a broader government strategy to support policing efforts following the President’s announcement earlier this year that the SANDF would assist law enforcement in tackling crime in several provinces, including Gauteng, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.

As the operation progresses, Parliament and civil society organisations are expected to monitor its implementation and effectiveness, particularly with regard to compliance with constitutional safeguards governing the use of the military in civilian contexts. – SAnews.gov.za

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