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Africa Tech Festival Awards 2025 honour Africa’s trailblazers in technology and innovation
The Africa Tech Festival Awards 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), held on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 in Cape Town, brought together technology leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the continent to celebrate excellence in African innovation and digital transformation.
Recognising the people and organisations driving meaningful impact across the tech ecosystem, the awards ceremony honoured those who are shaping Africa's digital future. Finalists and winners were selected through a rigorous three-stage process, including a public vote and final adjudication by an expert panel of judges representing leading voices in business, technology, and finance.
2025 award winners
- Connectivity for All: Orange
- AI Leader of the Year: Jean-Francois Arnod, CMO, Orange
- Telco of the Year: Vodacom
- Innovation for Impact: Mastercard Community Pass
- CXO of the Year: Dejan Kastelic, CTO, Vodacom
- Changing Lives: SES and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI)
- Female Innovator of the Year: Ms Ennaifer Asma, Senior VP CSR, Orange Middle East & Africa
- Fintech Innovation of the Year: Vodacom
- Startup of the Year: Booi Industries (Pty) Ltd
- Cybersecurity Leader of the Year: Tim Theuri, CISO, M-Pesa Africa
Pictures for the winners can be found here: https://apo-opa.co/48aH8Yh
The judging panel consisted of Vukosi Sambo, Group CIO, PHA STM Healthcare & Marara Group; John Bosco Arends, Group Head: Information and Network Technology Operations, City of Johannesburg; Sithembile Songo, Group Head: Information Security, Eskom Holdings; Nina Triantis, Global Head Telecoms, Media and Technology, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank; Bas Wijne, CEO, APO Group; Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (Shoprite Nigeria); and Robert Aouad, CEO, ISOCEL Telecom.
The Africa Tech Festival 2025 takes place from 11 to 13 November at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.Africa Day at 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30): Advancing Sustainable Financing for a Green and Resilient Future
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Africa marked Africa Day at COP30 under the theme “At the Forefront of Climate Action: Sustainable Financing for Inclusive and Resilient Green Growth,” reaffirming the continent's united call for a new era of climate finance that delivers for people, planet, and prosperity.
The event, held in Belém, brought together ministers, development partners, and representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and Afreximbank, alongside civil society and youth representatives.
Ten years after the signing of the Paris Agreement, the global community faces a critical reckoning: climate pledges have yet to match reality. Global warming targets remain off-track, financing falls short, and the gap between promise and delivery continues to widen. For Africa — home to 20 percent of the world's carbon sinks, responsible for less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet receiving under 10 percent of adaptation finance and only three percent of total climate funding—the consequences are existential.
Building on the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) and the Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, Africa Day at COP30 amplified the continent's message: climate finance must work for Africa.
H.E. Moses Vilakati, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at Africa Day, gave a message reaffirming Africa's united negotiating stance and leadership on climate justice.
“Africa speaks with one voice bold, united, and leading on climate justice. From Africa to Belém, Africa stands united in purpose and action reaffirming its leadership on climate justice, grounded in equity and the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities,” he declared, adding:
“We are not passive recipients of the global transition but active architects of fair, inclusive, and African led climate solutions that shall shape a fair and green global future.”
Discussions focused on mobilising sustainable, equitable, and innovative finance to accelerate Africa's green industrialization. Leaders highlighted that the continent's future lies in leveraging its abundant natural resources for value addition and local manufacturing — from processing critical minerals to scaling renewable energy solutions.
“Africa already stands at the forefront of global climate action, shaping solutions that are both locally grounded and globally relevant,” said Dr Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth of the African Development Bank Group.
He added: “Currently, we are driven by a new vision articulated by our President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, to sharpen the Bank's focus around four strategic priorities – referred to as the Four Cardinal Points to unlock Africa's Capital Power; enhance the continent's financial sovereignty; turn demographics into a dividend; and build resilient infrastructure, while adding real value.
Addressing climate change is central to this bold and ambitious agenda. We are therefore taking decisive steps to close Africa's sustainable financing gap, strengthen Africa's adaptive capacity, and to generally accelerate climate action through innovation, partnerships, and financial leadership.”
Africa is among the world's leading producers of key minerals such as cobalt, manganese, and other critical raw materials, yet it captures only a small share of their final value. By investing in local beneficiation, battery manufacturing, and regional value chains, the continent aims to shift from exporting raw materials to becoming a global hub for innovation and green industrial production.
Africa also holds immense untapped carbon market potential, yet captures less than 1 percent of global revenue. With reforms and African-led governance, the market could generate up to $100 billion annually and create five million green jobs by 2030.
Participants emphasised the urgency of reforming the global financial system to shift from debt-based models to direct, grant-based, and Africa-owned solutions. Despite promises at COP29, only a fraction of global climate funds reaches African communities. Africa Day reiterated the continent's call for a new collective quantified goal on climate finance that meets the scale and urgency of its needs.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the ECA, Cosmas Milton Ochieng, Director of the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division, said: “Reshaping the global financial architecture is not just a matter of fairness but a prerequisite for survival.”
He added: “Africa needs a predictable, transparent, and equitable climate finance system that channels resources directly to where they are needed most: in the hands of African countries and communities driving transformative climate action.”
The call for sustainable domestic financing was equally strong. Africa holds over $350 billion in sovereign and pension funds that could be redirected toward green infrastructure, resilience, and innovation. Mobilising these domestic resources alongside external partnerships will be key to achieving the continent's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Africa Day at COP30 was not merely a commemoration — it was a declaration of intent.
Leaders called for fair carbon pricing, direct access to climate finance, and a just transition that ensures no African is left behind. African countries are calling for full implementation of the commitments made in Baku, particularly the mobilisation of $300 billion in climate finance for Africa.
COP29 in Baku fell short of delivering the resources needed to address the continent's climate crisis. Despite calls for a global annual goal of $1.3 trillion by 2030, including $300 billion earmarked for Africa, systemic challenges remained unresolved. African leaders had urged for debt-free grants and direct access to funds through African institutions such as the AfDB.
However, the final agreement favoured loan-based financing and reliance on external intermediaries, leaving nearly 60 percent of climate funds as debt obligations for African economies.
As the world looks to Belém for delivery, Africa's message is clear: the continent is not seeking charity but partnership—a new global climate compact that recognis>es Africa's leadership, rewards its environmental stewardship, and invests in its people.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media contact:
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About Africa Day at COP30:
Africa Day at COP30 serves as the continent's flagship event at the UN Climate Change Conference, offering a platform to highlight Africa's leadership in climate action and advocate for equitable access to climate finance. The event embodies the shared vision of Africa's institutions to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all Africans.
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Comoros’ Energy Security and Food Resilience with Innovative Trade Finance Solutions
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, continues to make significant progress in its partnership with the Union of Comoros, delivering impactful trade finance solutions to bolster the country's energy security, food supply, and economic diversification.
With no domestic oil production and modest agricultural output, Comoros depends heavily on imports to power its economy and sustain its population of approximately 850,000. Since 2008, ITFC has emerged as a critical partner, approving over US$799.3 million in trade finance to support the country's development priorities.
Powering a Nation Through Energy Financing
Since its inception, ITFC has approved US$655.4 million in energy financing for Comoros, accounting for over 80% of all ITFC support to the country. This investment has allowed Comoros to secure all its annual imports of refined petroleum products, estimated at 100,000 m³, ensuring the stability of its energy supply even amid global price shocks.
In 2023, ITFC partnered with Société Comorienne des Hydrocarbures (SCH), the state-owned hydrocarbons company, to implement an Integrated Trade Solution (ITS) that combined financing with capacity building. As part of a Reverse Linkage program, SCH staff trained at Tunisia's STIR Refinery, gaining vital skills in trade negotiations, Islamic finance, and oil storage management. This initiative safeguards around 480 direct jobs, with nearly 200 of them held by women. Over 70% of petroleum imports are sourced from OIC member countries, reinforcing intra-OIC trade and regional cooperation.
Securing Food Supply Amid Global Price Shocks
In 2024, ITFC approved a new EUR 20 million trade finance facility to strengthen food security in the Union of Comoros. The facility will finance the import of essential staple foods, including rice, flour, sugar, oil, and meat, providing critical support to the nation's food supply chain.
In 2023, Comoros imported 91,929.94 metric tons of foodstuffs valued at EUR 62.7 million. The new facility will cover about 31.9% of annual food procurement needs, enabling households to access food at more affordable prices. This financing supports 50 to 75 local micro and small enterprises, sustaining over 2,500 jobs. Since its establishment, ITFC has provided over US$143.9 million in financing to support the food security and agriculture sector.
Additionally, ITFC promotes Islamic finance in Comoros through its partnership with local banks, namely, AFG Bank and BDC. This expands access to Letters of Credit (L/C) confirmation facilities and strengthens the domestic financial sector, aligning with the government's diversification agenda.
Through these strategic interventions, ITFC continues to play a vital role in advancing Comoros' sustainable development agenda by ensuring energy security, strengthening food systems, and empowering local enterprises. The Corporation's integrated trade finance solutions enhance resilience to external shocks and promote inclusive economic growth and regional cooperation.
Watch the Comoros project video - https://apo-opa.co/3LDt6Wv
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).Contact Us:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org
Follow International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
Twitter: @ ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ ITFCCORP
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided US$89 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries' needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
Open Access to Surgery is the Essential Foundation to Achieving Universal Health Coverage
The Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum (PASHeF 2025) continues to serve as a growing continental platform where African countries design and implement solutions that strengthen surgical healthcare systems for their people.
Now in its third year, PASHeF 2025 brought together representatives from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO), WHO Ethiopia Country Office, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union (AU), along with 42 African Ministries of Health and Ministry of Finance, under the theme, From Policy to Practice – expanding Africa's Multidisciplinary Surgical Workforce: What Works for Africa'
This landmark event aims to translate commitments into action by showcasing scalable solutions, sharing successful national models, showcasing examples of innovative financial models, and fostering collaboration to strengthen surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia care throughout Africa.
During the event, Dr. med. Mustapha Kabba, the Republic of Sierra Leone's Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Services in the Ministry of Health, presented his National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) 2026-2030, launched just last week in Freetown. Developed in collaboration with national and international partners, including Mercy Ships, this plan provides a strategic, budgeted roadmap for expanding safe, timely, and affordable surgical, obstetric, and anaesthetic care throughout Sierra Leone.
Dr. Walt Johnson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Mercy Ships and former WHO lead for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care, represented the organization at PASHeF. There, he reaffirmed Mercy Ships' long-standing commitment to building surgical capacity in Africa.
“Africa is driving its own way towards creating its own solutions,” said Dr. Johnson. “The launch of Sierra Leone's NSOAP demonstrates how political commitment, and partnership can translate into real improvements in access to surgical care at the national level. PASHeF provides exactly the kind of platform needed to turn these ambitions into dedicated action on a continental level.”
As more countries across Africa develop their own NSOAPs, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Madagascar, and Tanzania, among many others at various stage of development, PASHeF has emerged as the key driver for collective progress.
NSOAPs were established following the recommendations of the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) (https://apo-opa.co/3LAONXe) and the UN General Assembly Resolution 68.15 (https://apo-opa.co/47CbhzI), which call for essential surgery to be integrated into national health systems as a core component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The LCoGS estimates that 5 billion people lack access to safe and timely surgical care, including 1.7 billion children affected by treatable conditions such as cleft lip and palate, club foot, hernia, injuries, or congenital malformations. Early surgical intervention not only saves lives but also empowers individuals to contribute to their countries' economic and social development.
Ethiopia's Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, a trained Obstetrician/Gynecologist, emphasized that surgical care must be at the core of Africa's journey towards UHC and called for bold, government-led actions and innovative strategies to transform surgical systems across the continent.
The highlight of the meeting was the unanimous adoption of two resolutions by all governments in attendance and the development of a strong partnership with Africa CDC. As the health technical arm of the AU, Africa CDC can bring PASHeF roadmaps and resolutions to the AU agenda and drive successful implementation after adoption.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.For more information about Mercy Ships, contact: international.media@mercyships.org
About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.
Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal.
S&P Global Ratings’ Samira Mensah Joins African Energy Chamber (AEC) G20 Forum as Africa Seeks to Close Investment Gap
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With an energy finance gap estimated between $30 billion and $50 billion per year, Africa is pursuing diversified sources of financing to address this shortfall and advance strategic projects. Aligned with goals by the continent to make energy poverty history, the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum seeks to close this gap by connecting global capital to African projects. Samira Mensah, Managing Director, Regional Head Africa & Country Head South Africa, S&P Global Ratings, is speaking at the forum, where she is expected to share insight into investment trends, credit ratings and strategies for securing capital in an ever-changing global context.
While Africa's energy potential is well-known – with over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas and abundant renewable energy potential – high borrowing costs, perceived credit risks and limited access to long-term financing remain an impediment to project development. In tandem, global pressures to advance the energy transition has seen funding for oil and gas projects significantly fall, delaying African projects and impacting efforts to enhance energy security across the continent. Within this scenario, organizations such as S&P Global Ratings plays a crucial role, shaping market confidence and supporting capital access through transparent risk evaluation. The organization's research has consistently highlighted the importance of developing robust domestic capital markets, enhancing sovereign creditworthiness and leveraging blended finance and guarantees to reduce the cost of borrowing for African issuers.
While perceived credit risk continues to impact projects in Africa, recent trends have seen a continental push toward closing Africa's energy financing gap. The $5 billion Africa Energy Bank – spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization and Afreximbank – is making rapid gains in raising funds, offering an alternative, home-grown solution to raising capital. Development finance is gaining traction, evidenced by the U.S.-Export-Import Bank re-approving a loan of up to $4.7 billion to support the development of the TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project. The African Development Bank also reached a record of $11 billion in new investments approved in Africa between 2024 and 2025. International energy companies are ramping-up their spending. Eni is investing $8 billion in Algeria, backed by a deal signed with Sonatrach, while ExxonMobil could invest as much as $15 billion in Angola's Namibe basin following successful drilling. African M&A transactions also saw a significant increase, totaling $2.7 billion in H1, 2025 alone.
The upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum builds on this momentum by offering insight into Africa's energy opportunities. The forum follows the African Energy Week 2025 conference, where a Premier Invest-led Deal Room identified up to $13.4 billion project opportunities across the upstream, midstream, downstream and renewable energy segments. By connecting global financiers with African stakeholders, the G20 Forum aims to drive projects forward while addressing challenges such as perceived risk and market uncertainty. Mensah's participation will bring technical depth to discussions on how sovereign and corporate ratings can catalyze investment in Africa's oil, gas and power sectors, particularly as countries pursue both expansion and transition agendas.
“Closing Africa's energy investment gap is not only about mobilizing capital, it is about changing perceptions, improving credit risk assessments and creating confidence in African markets. Institutions like S&P Global Ratings play a vital role in helping investors see the full picture: that Africa is not a risk to be avoided, but an opportunity to be embraced,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/443y98Q).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP 30): Multilateral development banks reaffirm their commitment to climate finance, pledge innovative funding for adaptation
Multilateral development banks on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to climate finance, pledging to scale up innovative funding to boost climate adaptation and resilience.
"Financing climate resilience is not a cost, but an investment." This was the key message from senior MDB officials at the end of a side event organised by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) on the opening day of the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The conference runs from 10 to 21 November.
During a panel discussion titled "Accelerating large-scale climate change adaptation,” MDB representatives, including the African Development Bank Group, outlined how their institutions are fulfilling Paris Agreement commitments by mobilising substantial and innovative resources for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Climate resilience: an investment opportunity
Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, emphasised that "resilience is more than a concern for the future: it is also essential for development today." He announced that MDBs are tripling their financing for resilience over the next decade, targeting $42 billion by 2030.
"At the Inter-American Development Bank, we are turning preparedness into protection and resilience into opportunity," Goldfajn added.
Tanja Faller, Director of Technical Evaluation and Monitoring at the Council of Europe Development Bank, stressed that climate change "not only creates new threats, but also amplifies existing inequalities. The most socially vulnerable people are the hardest hit and the last to recover. This is how a climate crisis also becomes a social crisis."
Representatives from the Islamic Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the New Development Bank and IDB Invest (the private sector arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group) also shared concrete examples of successful adaptation investments and strategies for mobilising new resources.
The African Development Bank leads by example
Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the African Development Bank Group in charge of Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, presented the Bank's leadership in advancing climate adaptation and mitigation. "At the African Development Bank, we understand the priorities of our countries: adaptation and mitigation are at the heart of our climate interventions."
He highlighted the creation of the Climate Action Window, a new financing mechanism under the African Development Fund, the Bank Group's concessional window for low-income countries.
"The African Development Bank is the only multilateral development bank with a portfolio of adaptation projects ready for investment through the Climate Action Window," Kariuki noted, adding that Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland are among key co-financing partners.
Kariuki also showcased the Bank's YouthADAPT programme, which has invested $5.4 million in 41 youth-led enterprises across 20 African countries, generating more than 10,000 jobs -- 61 percent of which are led by women, and mobilising an additional $7 million in private and donor funding.
Representatives from Zambia, Mozambique and Jamaica also shared local perspectives on the financing needs of communities most exposed to climate risk.
Lula launches his COP in the Amazon
The panel followed the official opening of COP30, marked by a passionate appeal from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for greater climate investment to prevent a "tragedy for humanity."
"Without the Paris Agreement, we would see a 4–5°C increase in global temperatures," Lula warned. “Our call to action is based on three pillars: honouring commitments; accelerating public action with a roadmap enabling humanity to move away from fossil fuels and deforestation; and placing humanity at the heart of the climate action programme: thousands of people are living in poverty and deprivation as a result of climate change."
"The climate emergency is a crisis of inequality,” he continued. “We must build a future that is not doomed to tragedy. We must ensure that we live in a world where we can still dream."
Outgoing COP President Mukhtar Babayevn, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology, urged developed nations to fulfil their promises made at the Baku Conference, including commitments to mobilise $300 billion in climate finance. He called for stronger political will and multilateral cooperation, before handing over the COP presidency to Brazilian diplomat André Corrêa do Lago, who now leads the negotiations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media contact:
Romaric Ollo Hien,
Department of Communication and External Relations,
media@afdb.org
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) Announces Landmark Investment in Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform (A2MP) to Drive Africa’s Mining and...
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The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development equity impact investment arm of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), is pleased to announce a US$300 million strategic investment in the Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform (A2MP).
This investment underscores Afreximbank's commitment to supporting Africa's mining sector and ensuring the continent's vast mineral wealth becomes a catalyst for sustainable economic growth rather than a source of continued resource dependency.
Rooted in over a decade of successful mining ventures, A2MP has evolved into a diversified pan-African platform focused on mining and processing. The platform aims to unlock and scale minerals and metals value chains sustainably across the continent. The platform currently operates a robust pipeline of twelve mineral assets and four processing hubs, with a diversified portfolio spanning nine countries on the continent.
This extensive footprint places A2MP at the forefront of efforts to develop integrated minerals and metals value chains, unlocking new pathways for Africa's industrial growth and global market integration -- particularly at a time when the industry faces mounting challenges from the depletion of high-grade and easily accessible ore reserves.
A2MP brings together a diversified portfolio of leading mining assets and operating companies across multiple mineral classes, including gold, bauxite and alumina, manganese, iron ore amongst others. A2MP will also develop additional processing hubs, including those for rare earths, battery precursors, and other critical minerals, to strengthen value addition across the continent.
Dr. George Elombi, the new President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank and FEDA commented: “We are pleased to have successfully closed this investment in Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform (A2MP), which aligns with our broad vision to change the structure of Africa's trade and economy. With this investment, Afreximbank is helping the continent transition structurally from raw-material exports to a fully integrated system of mining and local manufacturing. Our investment in the platform will scale local processing capacity and build the infrastructure needed for value addition across multiple mineral classes. A2MP's integrated platform ensures that a greater share of the continent's mineral wealth is retained within African economies, enabling the creation of competitive industrial clusters and high-value jobs.”
Gagan Gupta, Founder of A2MP: “FEDA and Afreximbank's support marks a pivotal moment for Africa's industrial journey. It's more than a financial partnership; it is a bold affirmation of Africa's potential to lead the global value chain in minerals and metals. This strategic investment allows us to scale our fully integrated model of responsible extraction, processing, and transformation while accelerating the creation of high-value local industries across Africa. Our ambition is to make A2MP the backbone of the continent's next industrial revolution, create thousands of jobs, and deliver lasting impact for communities. With FEDA and Afreximbank as key partners, we are confident in our ability to shift global perceptions of Africa, from a resource-rich continent to a processing and manufacturing powerhouse.”
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA noted: “Our investment in A2MP embodies the type of transformative investment that aligns perfectly with our vision for Africa's mining future. The platform's model is built on retaining beneficiation and processing within the continent, ensuring that the real economic value of Africa's mineral wealth is captured locally. By offering diversified exposure across a broad range of strategic minerals, A2MP stands out as a unique platform capable of building depth across critical value chains while providing resilience and sustainability.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). 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.
About FEDA:
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) is the impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), 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. To date, FEDA has invested more than US$1.3 billion in companies and projects across its various fund initiatives, in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, amongst others.
G20 Investment Forum to Highlight Africa’s Energy Projects as Global Investment Priority
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Ahead of the G20 Summit, the G20 African Energy Investment Forum, hosted by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org), will convene top global and African energy and finance leaders to discuss how investment, innovation and partnerships can unlock Africa's energy potential and drive sustainable economic growth. Scheduled for November 21 in Johannesburg, the program will feature a series of high-level fireside chats examining the role of international capital, development finance and local expertise in transforming Africa's energy landscape, in line with G20 priorities on infrastructure, energy security and private-sector mobilization.
Highlighting deepening ties between Africa and the Middle East, one session will examine how Saudi-led investment is driving Africa's energy transformation. As Saudi companies expand their commitment to the continent – with Saudi Arabia pledging $41 billion over the next decade to support Sub-Saharan Africa – the conversation will spotlight cross-border partnerships delivering renewable and conventional energy projects. These initiatives provide the scale, expertise and capital needed to accelerate the continent's energy transition while meeting rapidly growing demand.
Development finance institutions and multilateral organizations will take center stage in a discussion on enhancing local market access. Speakers will examine strategies for reducing barriers to investment and creating financing frameworks that can mobilize private capital across Africa. Efficient capital deployment at this moment is critical for determining the pace of the continent's energy growth and achieving G20-aligned development objectives.
Another session will provide insight into Africa's gas potential and its role in both regional industrialization and the global energy transition. By positioning gas as both a transitional and strategic resource, the conversation will highlight how the continent can strengthen energy security while advancing its own economic development.
A fireside chat on de-risking capital and removing investment barriers will focus on practical approaches to mitigating investment risks, structuring finance and creating investment-ready projects that can attract both regional and international private capital – an essential step for turning Africa's energy opportunities into tangible development outcomes.
“Africa's energy transformation depends on connecting global investors with African projects, while giving local stakeholders a central role in shaping outcomes. These sessions will turn discussions into action, helping unlock the capital and partnerships needed to power growth, create jobs and support sustainable development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
As global attention turns to Africa ahead of the G20 Summit, the forum will not only showcase the continent's energy potential but also demonstrate how strategic investment, collaboration and innovative finance can deliver results. From mobilizing private capital to strengthening local markets and advancing the energy transition, these conversations are set to define the next chapter of Africa's energy story and its growing role in the global investment ecosystem.
To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/4oMla3G).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Africa Must Produce Oil and Gas to Develop, Whether Western Nations Like It or Not (By NJ Ayuk)
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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/).
In an opinion piece for The Guardian Fiona Harvey and Matthew Taylor wrote that it was time for gas exploration in Africa to stop.
“Africa must embrace renewable energy and forgo exploration of its potentially lucrative gas deposits to stave off climate disaster and bring access to clean energy to the hundreds of millions who lack it, leading experts on the continent have said,” they wrote.
This is hardly new. For several years now, wealthy nations and their environmental organizations have been strong-arming African countries to leave their petroleum assets in the ground.
The stance of the African Energy Chamber has been consistent: Yes, African oil and gas-producing countries should and will do their part to support global emissions-reduction goals. Yes, the dangers of climate change should be taken seriously.
However, we refuse to let the world set the timing for when Africa will ease up on oil and gas exploration and production. We are convinced that oil and gas production, when managed strategically, provides a pathway for economic growth and energy security, and we are determined to help Africa realize those benefits.
This is the message that we urge every African leader to take to COP30 in Brazil: African countries have to produce every drop of hydrocarbons they can fine and they have every right to set the timing for their energy transitions. And like nations around the world, African states will be exercising those rights.
Africa's Miniscule Contribution
The world must understand that African countries cannot be on the same energy transition timeline as Western countries. Africa still needs time – time that the Western world has already had and, frankly continues to milk – to resolve energy poverty and industrialize.
Let's first address the proverbial elephant in the room: When it comes to global emissions, Africa is NOT the problem.
In 2023, global CO2 emissions hit 37.12 billion tonnes. China ranked first in contributing 11.47 billion tonnes; the entire continent of Africa contributed 1.45 billion tonnes, only 4% of global carbon emissions. In fact, over the last two decades, Africa's total contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions has never been above 4% — by far the smallest share in all the world. Africa has the lowest per-capital emissions of all continents, averaging 1 tonne of CO2 emitted annually by each individual. The average American emits as much CO2 in one month as the average African does in an entire year.
And yet, Africa is disproportionately being punished for the climate catastrophe that, let's be honest, it was initiated and is perpetuated by Western and developed economies.
“The story of Africa or the developing world is not really an energy transition story, it's a development story,” Andrew Kamau with the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University said in a recent interview with Energy Intelligence.
“You hear a lot about all these technologies that are being developed, but where are they at scale?” Kamau asked. “And has somebody industrialized using wind and solar only? I don't know. We wait to see if it's possible.”
Kamau also questioned where all the international funding is. The West has made grand financial promises, but the level of support truly needed to undertake a transition to renewables at the pace dictated by the West has yet to materialize.
Using the Resources at Our Feet
While we at the African Energy Chamber agree that it's important to develop affordable and sustainable green technologies to supply our energy, we strongly disagree with being pigeonholed into accepting the West's one-size-fits-all timeline.
I hear from Africans who are skeptical about the benefits of oil and gas because they have seen the problems caused by the energy sector. You could make the same arguments about the Internet, which has been blamed for harming social relationships, decreasing our safety and security, and damaging children's cognitive development. Yet, used wisely, the Internet does considerable good as well, and I'm not hearing widespread calls to get rid of it. My point is, oil and gas can and does do good (I've written whole books on the subject!) — the key is to be smart about how we capitalize on our resources.
Some 600 million people on the continent still lack adequate electricity access or even clean cooking technologies. These Africans aren't focused on the fact that reliable energy infrastructure facilitates economic growth by generating jobs, increasing productivity, and reducing the cost of doing business. Most would be elated to have light in their homes after dark or the ability to refrigerate their food.
But think about Africa's abundant energy potential!
By 2050, the continent will be home to 11% of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG) market and the second-highest growth supply of gas. By tapping into the vast stores of natural gas at our feet, we can first work to eradicate energy poverty from the continent, and then secure our economic growth as we transition toward renewables.
I agree with Mohamed Hamel, the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, in his description of the argument that Africa should not develop its natural gas resources as “misguided.”
“A prosperous Africa will be more capable to protect its environment. The right of Africa to develop its vast natural resources can be preserved, and its access to finance and technology, facilitated,” Hamel said.
Turning the Pressure into Partnership
At the previous COP, I made it clear that, while African nations would not be continuing oil and gas operations indefinitely, with no movement toward renewable energy sources, we Africans should be setting the timetable for Africa's transition.
“What I'd like to see instead of Western pressure to bring African oil and gas activities to an abrupt halt, is a cooperative effort,” I wrote at the time. “Partnerships, relationships rooted in respect, open communications and empathy. What does that look like? It begins with the belief that when African leaders, businesses, and organizations say the timing is not right to end our fossil fuel operations, we have a point. That when we are discussing our own countries, we know what we are talking about.”
Clearly, we still have progress to make. Too many outsiders suggest that African leaders are being manipulated or influenced by greed when they work to foster oil and gas exploration and production in their countries. Few seem to believe that, when countries establish and fine-tune local content laws, adapt investor-friendly fiscal regimes, and promote policy that protects human dignity, they are making reasoned, strategic moves to create better futures for their people.
That saddens me, but it also strengthens my resolve. We will continue to fight for what's right, for what's ours. We are not giving up on a just energy transition for Africa — a transition on a timetable that benefits and uplifts Africans.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) Executive Secretary Joins African Energy Chamber’s G20 Forum Amid $20B Downstream Investment Drive
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Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA), has joined the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – taking place November 21 in Johannesburg – as a speaker. Connecting global finance with African energy projects, the forum will chart new pathways for strengthening the continent's energy value chain. Kragha's participation underscores the growing emphasis on downstream development as a catalyst for industrialization and is expected to support dialogue around Africa's path towards energy security.
Increasing investments in Africa's downstream sector has emerged as a top priority for many nations. The continent's refined product demand is set to rise from 4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 to 6 million bpd by 2050, driven by population growth and increased economic activity. Gasoline consumption is projected to reach 2.2 million bpd by 2050, diesel consumption will rise 50% and jet fuel and kerosene is expected to expand 65%, reaching 465,000 bpd during the same timeframe. To meet anticipated demand growth, the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook highlights that $20 billion in investment in downstream infrastructure is required by 2050. The G20 Forum will serve as a bridge between global capital and African downstream projects.
Recent months have seen a series of milestones achieved across Africa's downstream sector, with advancements in refining and pipeline projects supporting regional distribution. Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery is advancing towards full operational capacity following the start of operations in 2024. The 650,000-bpd refinery is Africa's largest facility and is assessing expansion plans which would double output to 1.4 million bpd. Angola inaugurated the Cabinda oil refinery in 2025, introducing 30,000 bpd to the market. The country is also seeking investment to support the development of the 200,000 bpd Lobito facility while pursuing the construction of a 100,000-bpd facility in Soyo. Senegal is exploring the development of a second refinery – paired with a petrochemical plant – at its Société Africaine de Raffinage facility. The project aims to increase capacity from 1.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 5 mtpa. In the Republic of Congo, the Fouta Refinery is on track for production by the end of 2025 with a capacity of 2.5 mtpa, while South Africa has announced plans to rehabilitate the SAPREF facility, with goals to increase capacity from 180,000 bpd to 600,000 bpd once operations resume.
Beyond refining, African states are advancing pipeline projects with a view to increase exports and strengthen regional trade systems. The 1,443-km East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline – connecting Uganda's Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields with the Port of Tanga in Tanzania – is underway and will start operations in 2026. The $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline is nearing the start of construction, with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Project Company established in October 2025. The pipeline will traverse 13 African countries along the Atlantic coast, connecting Nigerian gas fields with European markets. Agreements have also been signed between the Republic of Congo and Russia for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maloujou-Trechot oil pipeline and between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea for the development of a joint natural gas pipeline, designed to increase cross-border gas trade. These developments will not only increase regional fuel distribution but lower costs and support economic development across Africa.
Kragha's participation comes as African nations rally behind downstream infrastructure development under broader efforts to reduce fuel imports, increase storage and refining capacity and strengthen intra-African supply chains. Platforms such as the upcoming G20 Forum offer a strategic opportunity for African nations to connect with global investors, addressing key challenges across the downstream industry and implementing actionable strategies for improving fuel security.
“Africa cannot build a secure energy future if it remains dependent on imported fuels. Investing in our downstream sector is how we create real value. By refining our own crude, building local industries and ensuring energy access that supports economic growth, Africa can reduce costs, enhance fuel security and support long-term economic growth,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/4ozitCH).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
