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It takes a village to shift a narrative — and Africa No Filter's (https://AfricaNoFilter.org) village just got stronger.

Africa No Filter (ANF) today announced the formation of its inaugural Council: a collective of eight highly respected leaders whose expertise spans media, finance, philanthropy, law, advocacy and research. Their appointment signals a new chapter for the organisation, which is now an independent, African-led and registered entity in Mauritius after five years as a U.S-based project.

The ANF Council brings together people who have not only excelled in their fields, but who Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter, deeply admires for the way they show up for the continent.

“Narratives shape everything, from policy and reputation to investment and opportunity,” Makura says. “As Africa No Filter steps into this new era of independence, this Council strengthens our governance and sharpens our strategic direction. These are people who understand the stakes, believe in Africa's potential and are committed to ensuring that Africa tells its own, more truthful story.”

Over the last five years, Africa No Filter has committed more than US$7.5 million to the African creative and media ecosystem, supporting storytellers, researchers and platforms that challenge reductive, outdated portrayals of the continent.

Its work has attracted some of the world's most influential funders, including the Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, alongside its founding funders - the Ford Foundation, Luminate and the Hilton Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, and Mellon Foundation - who continue to support ANF's mission to shift global narratives about Africa.

At this pivotal moment, the Council will serve as a strategic sounding board and leadership body, strengthening governance, accelerating impact and expanding the organisation's reach on the continent and beyond.

The members of the 2025 Africa No Filter Council are:

Richard Addy — a multi-award-winning strategist and co-founder of international audience strategy consultancy AKAS, recognised as one of the world's Top 100 media experts.

Nousrath Bhugeloo — a seasoned senior executive in financial services and Executive Director and Chairperson at Nexus Global Financial Services.

Yacine Djibo — Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, whose advocacy has reshaped policy conversations on health, sanitation and sustainable development across the continent.

Ferdinand Mokete — Director at KPMG South Africa and MBA lecturer at Wits Business School, representing the next frontier of African economic leadership and governance excellence.

Françoise Moudouthe — CEO of the African Women's Development Fund and founder of Eyala, an online platform amplifying African feminist voices.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard — Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur and founder of APO Group, an award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, listed among the Top 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023 and 2024.

Anshi Saminaden — Senior Legal Counsel at the African Leadership University, renowned for her leadership in institutional governance, negotiation and investment management.

Natasha Kofoworola Quist — Founder of Quest Advisory Africa, with over 25 years' experience spanning humanitarian work, conservation, philanthropy and the private sector.

Each member brings a distinct lens, yet all share a common conviction: that Africa's story must be told more fully, more fairly and by Africans themselves.

Yacine Djibo believes the future narrative must finally reflect reality — “a continent of creativity, innovation and possibility, where African voices define the story and inspire confidence, investment and ownership from within and beyond the continent.”

For Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, countering stereotypes is not only ethical, but strategic. By promoting authentic stories of progress, he says, “the media can unlock investment and help transform Africa's economic prospects.”

Anshi Saminaden echoes this, pointing to the power of authentic storytelling to “direct investment and support to where they are most needed, unlocking Africa's human power and transformation.”

Nousrath Bhugeloo noted that strong governance is part of how Africa tells its story, and that ANF's commitment to building resilient, African-led institutions is as important as the narratives it amplifies.

With strengthened governance, expanded continental expertise and a growing global footprint, Africa No Filter's transition to an independent entity marks far more than an organisational change. It is a statement of intent: a new era in which Africa commands its own narrative, on its own terms.

Enquiries: Lerato@africanofilter.org

About Africa No Filter:
Africa No Filter is an advocacy organisation dedicated to shifting stereotypical narratives about Africa by supporting storytelling that reflects a dynamic continent of progress, innovation and opportunity. It exists to counter narratives that reduce Africa to poor leadership, poverty, corruption, disease and conflict, and to amplify more accurate, balanced and empowering stories. For more information, visit www.AfricaNoFilter.org.

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The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) have launched a $5.2 million institutional support project to address a severe shortage of qualified public sector accountants and auditors across Africa.

The launch event was held on 26 November at The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) House in Johannesburg.

The Strengthening the Pan African Federation of Accountants and PFM Resilience in Africa project aims to harmonise professional accounting standards, tools, and practices across African countries, build the institutional and professional capacities of professional accountancy organisations, improve financial reporting quality in transition states, and professionalise public sector accountants and auditors. The $5.2 million in funding will come in the form of a grant provided by the Bank Group's Transition Support Facility.

"Strong, transparent public financial management is essential for resilient economies and improved services for citizens," said Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General of the Bank's Southern Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office, following the launch. "Through this partnership with PAFA, we are investing in the professionals and institutions that protect public resources."

The Bank Group chose PAFA as project implementing partner because of the umbrella group's unrivalled pan-continental reach. It has 57 professional accountancy organisations as members across 47 countries. The partnership will also harness the African Professionalisation Initiative, a collaboration between PAFA, the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI) and the African Association of Accountants General.

Alta Prinsloo, PAFA's CEO, said: "This partnership with the African Development Bank is a decisive step towards strengthening Africa's public financial management landscape. By investing in the professionalisation of accountants and auditors, we are building the skills, institutions, and standards that enable transparency, trust, and effective governance. PAFA is proud to lead this work with our partners across the continent."

Additionally, the project to address this pressing challenge will implement learning programmes, enhance the institutional capacity of Professional Accountancy Organisations, and boost women's participation in the profession through targeted mentorship and training.

The initiative is also expected to advance strategic goals, including an African Continental Free Trade Area target of standardising professional qualifications and skills mobility, enhancing recognition of the credentials of Africa's financial professionals across borders.

For media enquiries, contact:
Natalie Naudé
Communication and External Relations Department
​media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Junior Achievement (JA) Africa (https://JA-Africa.org) successfully concluded the 15th edition of the JA Africa COY Competition, held from December 3–5, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together Africa's brightest young entrepreneurs to showcase innovative business solutions aligned with the theme “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation.” The continental finals convened student companies from across Africa who had progressed through national JA Company Program competitions to compete across six innovation tracks: Innovation & Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), Digital Media & Creation, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy & Sustainability.

Following three days of dynamic pitching, mentorship engagement, exhibitions, and rigorous judging, Nigeria's Smartgenix was crowned the overall Company of the Year 2025 for demonstrating exceptional innovation, execution strength, and high-impact potential. Mauritius' Plantura claimed Second Place, while Uganda's Renewablock secured Third Place, rounding out the podium with solutions focused on sustainability and inclusive development. As the continental champion, Smartgenix will proceed to represent Africa at the global finals of the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award, where it will compete against winning teams from other regions for a grand prize of US $15,000.

Additional recognitions were distributed among other deserving teams, thanks to the generous support of various sponsors, including FedEx, PMIEF, FirstBank Nigeria, Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, Kuda Microfinance Bank, Boeing, and Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Summary of Signature Award Winners:

• FedEx Global Possibilities Award: XeroLabs, Ghana
• PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award: Kwakhanya PlantIQ, Eswatini
• FirstBank Nigeria CEO Entrepreneurship Award: Plantura, Mauritius

Summary of Branded Award Winners:

• Delta Air Lines Girls LEAD! Award: 16 girls awarded: Matse Takitsi, Fakudze Temantolo Siphesihle, Dlamini Gcinile Lenhle, Dhristi Gooroochurn, Ameydee Shalinee Chocken, Yezhilly Gopaulen, Lashna Gungabissoon, Ihimbazwe Niyikora Kevine, Uwayo Ange Kevine, Abarurema Hirwa Emma Reponse, Kendy Neilla Gisa, Atuhaire Gabriella Kusiima, Comfort Musukuma, Grace Chilinda, Ndanji Nanyangwe, and Wana Sanyikosa
• Bank of America Best Financial Performance Award: Renewablock, Uganda
• Kuda Young Entrepreneurs Award: Kwakhanya PlantIQ, Eswatini
• Boeing Sustainable Innovation Award: XeroLabs, Ghana
• Entrepreneurs' Organizations Rising Leader Award: Ameydee Chocken, CEO of Plantura, Mauritius

Reflecting on the success of COY 2025, Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, said, “The creativity, courage, and solution-driven mindset we witnessed at COY 2025 remind us why Africa's youth are our greatest asset. Through entrepreneurship education, we are not just preparing young people for the future of work; we are empowering them to lead climate action, create jobs, and build resilient communities across the continent.”

The competition concluded with the JA Africa Stakeholder Convening held on December 5 in Abuja under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Youth Dividend: Radical Pathways for Inclusive Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Employment Systems.” The high-level gathering brought together policymakers, educators, private sector leaders, philanthropic institutions, and development partners to catalyze strategic collaborations aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship education, expanding skills pathways, and scaling youth employment systems across Africa.

COY is anchored in the JA Company Program, which equips young people aged 14–17 with hands-on experience in business creation, financial management, teamwork, leadership, and venture pitching. As youth unemployment continues to pose a major development challenge across the continent, programs such as COY remain essential in bridging education to enterprise creation, equipping young people not only to seek employment but to become job creators and innovators within their communities. Alumni of the program across Africa have gone on to establish registered businesses, secure international scholarships and fellowships, and lead social and technology ventures.

The 15th edition of the JA Africa COY was made possible through the generous support of its partners: Headline Sponsors – FedEx, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF), and FirstBank Nigeria; Platinum Sponsors – Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, and Kuda Microfinance Bank; Gold Sponsors – Boeing and the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO); and Media Partner – What Media Group

Media Contact:
Ellen Ukpi
Director, Marketing & Communications
Junior Achievement Africa
Email: ellen.ukpi@ja-africa.org

JA Africa:
Junior Achievement (JA) Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs on the continent, reaching over 1.5 million young people annually across 23 countries. Through hands-on learning experiences in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial literacy, and STEM education, JA Africa equips young people with the skills and mindset to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. JA Africa's mission is to prepare and inspire Africa's youth to become ethical leaders, job creators, and agents of change who drive sustainable development across the continent.

FedEx Corp:
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $89 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit Fedex.com/about.

PMIEF (Project Management Institute Educational Foundation):
For 35 years, PMIEF has helped put youth on the path to success by incorporating project management skills into their daily lives. Our goal is to forge partnerships with nonprofit organizations that support and prepare youth for success by offering project management expertise, resources, and volunteers to aid them in making their dreams a reality. www. PMI. org/pmi-educational-foundation (http://apo-opa.co/3MOeLa7)

Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines is a major United States airline headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operating nine hubs, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving as its largest. Together with its regional subsidiaries under the Delta Connection brand, the airline operates more than 5,400 flights daily and serves 325 destinations in 52 countries across six continents. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, expanding its global network, and is the second‑oldest operating commercial airline in the U.S. The airline ranks first globally in revenue and brand value among major airlines and consistently leads industry performance rankings, including The Wall Street Journal's 2022–2024 airline rankings and Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for Best Airlines in the U.S.

Delta Air Lines is committed to empowering young people around the world through education and global citizenship programs. Its long-standing partnership with JA Africa expands access to STEM learning, leadership development, and real-world career exposure for Africa's youth. https://www.Delta.com/MEA/en/about-delta/overview

First Bank Nigeria:
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited is the premier commercial bank in Nigeria, with a history of over 130 years of providing dependable and reliable financial services. As a leading financial services provider in Sub-Saharan Africa, FirstBank has consistently supported inclusive economic development by enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve their financial goals. It offers a comprehensive range of retail and corporate banking services, backed by an extensive network of branches and digital channels that ensure seamless banking experiences for millions of customers across Africa and beyond. FirstBank is a member of the FBN Holdings Plc group.  www.FirstBankNigeria.com/

Bank of America:
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Visit BofA Fast Facts for more information about the company.

Kuda Microfinance Bank:
Kuda Microfinance Bank is a CBN-licensed subsidiary of Kuda Technologies, a fintech company on a mission to make financial services accessible, affordable, and rewarding for every African on the planet.

Founded in 2019 by Babs Ogundeyi and Musty Mustapha, Kuda offers a modern alternative to traditional finance by delivering free money transfers, instant credit, savings tools, and business banking through digital channels.

The company has raised over $90 million from institutional investors, including Valar Ventures and Target Global, and it serves more than 7 million customers across Nigeria. Kuda.com/

Boeing:
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Boeing's relationship with the Middle East extends back to 1945. Since then, Boeing has established a number of offices across the region, first in Riyadh in 1982, then a dedicated Boeing Defense, Space and Security office in Abu Dhabi in 1999, a regional headquarters in Dubai in 2005, an office in Doha in 2010, and a new office in Kuwait City in 2021. In addition, Boeing has field service teams across the region and two distribution centers for airplane spare parts in Dubai. For further information, please visit: www.Boeing.com

Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO):
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is the world's largest membership network created by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, everywhere. Since 1987, EO has been supporting the world's leading builders of business to realize more of their potential by fostering connection, strengthening leadership, and creating belonging across industries and borders. EO exists with a clear purpose: to move the world forward by unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs.

Its mission is engaging entrepreneurs to learn and grow, and its vision is to build the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs.

Nearly 20,000 members across more than 220 chapters in 80 countries make up EO's global network. EO members are founders and owners of thriving businesses with a median revenue of over US $5 million, representing diverse industries and regions around the world. They connect through local and global experiences that go beyond business to holistically support the whole entrepreneur.

For more information or to get involved, please visit: EONetwork.org.

What Media Group:
What Media Group is a holding company focused on strategic investments in Africa's media and entertainment sectors. The group identifies high-growth opportunities across the continent's rapidly expanding media landscape and provides financial investment, strategic guidance,- and operational support to innovative companies. With a commitment to both commercial growth and social impact, What Media Group prioritizes brands that elevate local talent, strengthen cultural expression, and contribute to the sustainable development of Africa's creative industries. www.WhatMediaGroup.com/
 

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Stronger cooperation among Global South nations is becoming increasingly urgent as countries seek new pathways to accelerate development, expand trade and strengthen long-term economic resilience. For Africa, strengthened ties among Global South nations is particularly valuable, offering a viable solution to unlocking the continent's natural and mineral wealth and allowing the continent to move beyond fragmented growth and toward coordinated strategies that deliver tangible results.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) - represented by Leoncio Amada NZE, Executive President of the AEC for CEMAC and Vice President of Equatorial Guinea's National Council on Economic and Social Development - underscored the need for a more inclusive and cooperative approach among Global South nations during the Third Global South Think Tanks Dialogue, held in Shanghai from December 2-4, 2025. During the event, Amada NZE highlighted how strengthened trade networks, partnerships and technology transfer can unlock long-term and sustainable growth across the continent, with the shift from aid to trade serving as a cornerstone of the continent's future development.

Despite being one of the continent's richest energy and mineral regions, CEMAC countries have long-struggled with attracting the requisite foreign investment, largely due to ineffective fiscal policies, strict forex regulations and barriers to regional trade. Examples include the implementation of stricter rules on currency transfers and payments by the Bank of Central African States in 2022. These challenges have not only served as a deterrent to foreign investment but impacted regional energy trade, cross-border projects and multi-lateral business exchange. This comes as many regional nations implement bold production goals with a view to using energy development as a catalyst for economic growth. In the oil and gas sector, Gabon targets 220,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Republic of Congo is aiming for 500,000 bpd, Equatorial Guinea is advancing gas monetization while Cameroon is pursuing new field developments. Nations are also pursuing accelerated energy and power developments, striving for enhanced energy and fuel security.

Enhanced trade frameworks, harmonized standards and improved logistics systems will help African nations achieve these goals by promoting free movement of services and people, strengthening economic ties and building more resilient energy systems across the continent. This would also serve as a vehicle for foreign direct investment, promoting forays by international players and driving projects forward in energy, mining and infrastructure development. As such, Amada NZE called for the dismantling of structural barriers that hinder growth, stressing the importance of regional energy cooperation as a core pillar of Africa's development strategy. By fostering platforms for business, research and cultural exchange, Amada NZE emphasized that Global South countries can accelerate their development trajectories and achieve shared prosperity.

Amada NZE also highlighted the need to move beyond traditional aid-driven models, underscoring the importance of building self-reliant economies anchored by trade, private-sector participation, innovation and homegrown industrial capabilities. For Africa, this means transitioning toward development frameworks that promote entrepreneurship, regional value creation and investment-driven growth. Meanwhile, as the Global South increases its share of global economic output, partnerships with global allies remain essential. Technology providers, financial institutions and strategic investors play a critical role in supporting African nations as they expand energy access, diversify revenue streams and modernize industrial bases. Stronger collaboration between African countries and global partners will help advance large-scale infrastructure projects, improve technical capabilities and accelerate digital transformation - elements vital to bridging development gaps and strengthening long-term stability.

“The AEC's engagement in Shanghai reflects its ongoing commitment to ensuring Africa has a strong voice in shaping global development agendas. By championing cooperation, trade expansion and regional energy integration, the Chamber continues to advocate for reforms that will unlock opportunity, enhance resilience and support the continent's rise as a competitive economic force within the Global South,” says Amada NZE.

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President Isaias Afwerki met this morning in Adi Halo with a Chinese delegation led by Mr. Hu Changchun, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Foreign Ministry of China.

At the meeting, President Isaias underlined the imperative for China to foster ties of constructive engagement with Africa and to strengthen capacity-building in these crucial times of global change in a manner not encumbered by a sheer competitive perspective.

President Isaias further referred to China's potential role in contributing positively to the resolution of conflicts in the Horn of Africa region, which are often fomented and exacerbated by the intervention of major external powers. He also affirmed that Eritrea will strive to consolidate the warm, 70-year-old, all-rounded bilateral ties with China.

Mr. Hu Changchun, for his part, conveyed President Xi Jinping's message of goodwill to President Isaias Afwerki and reaffirmed China's readiness to enhance its strategic partnership with Eritrea. The Special Envoy further elaborated that China will reinforce its partnership with Africa, which is anchored on capacity building and self-reliance. He also reaffirmed China's stance that mutual respect relies on upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs.