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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.
Africa Tech Festival 2025: Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI), inclusive investment, and a global commitment to Africa’s technology journey
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Tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators took the spotlight on the second day of Africa Tech Festival 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), turning discussions on ethical AI, inclusive investment, and human-centred leadership into a blueprint for Africa's digital future. Across the festival's stages, private and public sector stakeholders alike shared a commitment to driving innovation that is responsible, equitable, and rooted in African values.
A key highlight of the day was UN Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Information Technology Officer, Bernardo Mariano Junior, pledging the UN's support for Africa's AI journey. In his virtual keynote titled Governing AI in Africa – Building Trust through Contextual and Ethical Leadership, he underscored the need for African-led frameworks that prioritise transparency, accountability, and inclusion in the development and deployment of AI. Mariano noted that Africa's cultural and linguistic diversity makes it a proving ground for ethical and inclusive technology, and called for Africa to shape, not merely adopt, global AI norms and develop technology that serves humanity in the spirit of ubuntu.
Entrepreneurship and financial inclusion took centre stage at AfricaIgnite, where Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-Founder of PiggyVest and General Partner at FirstCheck Africa, shared tips on building sustainable ventures during the Lessons from a Top Founder on Building Success session. She reflected on PiggyVest's decade-long journey to democratise savings and investment for millions of Nigerians, emphasising that user trust, transparency, and regulatory collaboration are the cornerstones of long-term success in fintech. The session highlighted how responsible innovation can expand access and foster financial resilience across Africa's rapidly growing digital economy.
The festival's focus on youth and leadership was highlighted at Tech, Talent and the African Youth Dividend, featuring rugby legend and philanthropist Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira in discussion with Marcia Mahlalela (Ascendants Media Group). Drawing parallels between sport and entrepreneurship, the conversation highlighted discipline, resilience, and mentorship as key ingredients in shaping Africa's next generation of leaders. Reflecting on his journey from sport to social impact through the Beast Foundation, Mtawarira noted that leadership also means investing in others, empowering youth, and leaving organisations stronger for the future, including using technology to advance careers and improve social circumstances.
Addressing a key issue affecting many African countries, the AfricaCom fireside chat Connectivity Empowering Africa's Future – Why Rural Matters focused on the transformative power of digital infrastructure in underserved areas. Tumi Chamayou-Sekhukhune (MTN South Africa) and Dion Jerling (Connect Earth) examined how expanded connectivity continues to unlock economic potential and drive social inclusion across rural communities.
Continuing the discussions on the key role of women in Africa's tech ecosystem, panellists Nirvani Dhevcharran (The Foschini Group), Zandile Mposelwa (Zandile Mposelwa Consulting), and Nikita Thakrar (Included VC) discussed the need for sustained investment in women-led ventures and equitable representation in decision-making roles. The session, titled Leading from the Front - Women Shaping Africa's Tech Future, underscored that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable growth, while highlighting successful women-designed tech innovations.
Reflecting on the day's programme, Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival, said, “Day Two showcased the power of inclusive investment in people, diversity, and potential. Whether through ethical AI governance, connectivity, or leadership, Africa's innovation story continues to be defined by those building a digital future that leaves no one behind.”
Framed by the festival's central themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation, Africa Tech Festival 2025 continues to celebrate the strength and creativity of the continent's digital ecosystem across its four flagship programmes: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, The AI Summit Cape Town, and AfricaIgnite.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events:
- AfricaCom – The continent's largest telecoms and connectivity event
- AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
- AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa's startup ecosystem
- The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life
With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent's most influential gathering for those shaping Africa's connected future.
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.
East African Community (EAC) Begins Building Regional Instant Payment Network with Rwanda-Tanzania Pilot
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In an innovative move set to revolutionise how people send and spend money across East Africa, Rwanda and Tanzania have commenced bi-lateral discussions on technical modalities to link their national retail payment systems switches. The move marks a crucial step toward enabling instant, low-cost cross-border money transfers for citizens and businesses across the region.
This landmark initiative, which moved into its technical implementation phase at an ongoing high-level meeting in Kigali, will connect Tanzania's Instant Payment System (TIPS) with Rwanda's National Payment Switch (RSWITCH). Once operational, the linkage will allow individuals and businesses in both countries to send and receive money between bank accounts and mobile money wallets seamlessly and in real time.
“This preparatory work marks a pivotal milestone in our regional payment system integration agenda, moving us closer to a single regional instant payment ecosystem that will facilitate secure, affordable, and real-time transactions across borders," said Eng. Daniel Murenzi, EAC Principal Information Technology Officer.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the meeting, Mr. Fabian Ladislaus Kasole, Assistant Manager, Oversight and Policy, National Payments Directorate, Bank of Tanzania, reaffirmed the collective commitment. "As a region, we remain committed to establishing a robust technical and operational framework that will ensure the successful interlinking of our national retail payment systems, ultimately enhancing cross-border payment efficiency and financial inclusion across the region."
The integration of Tanzania's TIPS and Rwanda's RSwitch forms the core of a strategic Proof of Concept (POC) pilot. This pilot is designed to demonstrate the technical and operational feasibility of a direct, functional cross-border payment switch within the EAC. This crucial bilateral (Tanzania-Rwanda) model, serves as a pioneering model for future expansion to all EAC Partner States. The initiative serves as a practical and scalable first step, laying the foundational groundwork for the future aspiration of a fully integrated, centralised regional digital payments market.
For the citizens of Rwanda and Tanzania, this integration promises to transform everyday financial interactions. Individuals will be able to transfer funds to family, friends, or businesses across the border directly from their existing bank accounts or mobile money wallets in real-time, eliminating the delays and complexities of current systems. Importantly, by establishing a direct pathway between the national switches, the initiative is projected to significantly lower transaction costs, making cross-border payments more affordable and accessible for everyone.
The economic implications for businesses and traders are equally profound. The ability to make and receive instant, secure payments will greatly enhance trade and commerce, allowing businesses to settle invoices with suppliers and partners seamlessly. This efficiency reduces operational friction and unlocks new opportunities for growth and market expansion within the region.
Furthermore, by leveraging the digital payment platforms that millions already use daily, this initiative represents a major leap forward in financial inclusion. It extends the reach of formal financial services by making cross-border transactions as simple as a domestic transfer, thereby empowering a broader segment of the population, from small-scale merchants to individual consumers, to participate more fully in the regional economy.
The ongoing technical preparations for the interlinking represent the first tangible implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan and directly support the strategic aspirations of the EAC Heads of State for deeper regional financial integration.
The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the EAC Secretariat, will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan. As a flagship regional initiative, EARDIP is supporting the building of the foundation for a modern and connected regional payment ecosystem by strengthening the linkage of payment systems between Partner States.
The project is also supporting the development of cross-border and local digital networks, ensuring that even rural and remote communities can benefit from faster, safer, and more affordable money transfers. This includes supporting real-time payments, cross-border mobile money services, and instant transactions between banks and financial platforms across the region.
EARDIP is also supporting the harmonisation of policies and standards that guide digital financial services in East Africa. By promoting common rules, shared standards, and strong cybersecurity and data protection systems, the project will ensure that cross-border payments are secure and trusted.
In addition, EARDIP will provide technical support and capacity building to help national institutions strengthen and manage their digital payment systems. Through these efforts, EARDIP will make it easier for citizens and businesses to send and receive money across borders, helping drive regional trade, inclusion, and economic growth.
The 10th – 14th November, 2025 technical meeting in Kigali, Rwanda has brought together representatives from the Central Banks, National Payment Systems, AfrikaNenda, Mojaloop Foundation and the EAC Secretariat. The technical teams are expected to hold a series of meetings to cover various matters, including an interoperability framework to address technical integration and operational designs as well as legal and regulatory alignment, governance and institutional arrangements, economic and business model, and strategic and regional alignment among others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).Call for Entries Issued for the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards
The Stevie® Awards (https://www.StevieAwards.com), organizer of the world's premier business awards programs, has issued a call for entries for the 2026 (seventh annual) Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, sponsored by the RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry (http://www.RAKChamber.ae/). Entry kits and complete details on the competition are available at https://MENA.StevieAwards.com.
The Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards are the region's only awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all its forms. The awards are open to all organizations within 18 nations in the MENA region: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
All individuals and organizations - public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - may submit any number of nominations to any number of the categories.
There are no entry fees in this awards program. Organizations may submit as many nominations as they would like, without cost. Instead, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners can choose to pay a “winners fee” for each successful nomination to maintain their Stevie winner status.
Nominations may be submitted online through two entry deadlines. Winning nominations submitted through the first deadline, 3 December 2025, will have reduced winners' fees. 21 January 2026, is the second and final entry deadline.
Winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards in the competition will be announced on 16 April 2026, and celebrated during a gala event at the InterContinental Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 14 May 2026.
New for the 2026 Competition
The 2026 competition introduces several new and expanded category groups, including AI Innovation Awards (https://apo-opa.co/3JQW8RP) recognizing the achievements of individuals and organizations in Artificial Intelligence, and Public Sector Innovators (https://apo-opa.co/3LwT2mC), , honoring innovation and excellence in government and public service. Other category groups with new award categories include Sustainability, Technology, Customer Service, Marketing, and Human Resources.
Nominations citing innovative achievements will be accepted and judged in both Arabic and English, in more than 150 categories across the following category groups:
• AI Innovation (https://apo-opa.co/3JQW8RP)
• Apps & Websites (https://apo-opa.co/4oKt4dS)
• Achievements (https://apo-opa.co/497sWQV)
• Annual Reports & Other Publications (https://apo-opa.co/4hSzGo1)
• Company/Organization (https://apo-opa.co/49ecmPw)
• Corporate Communications & Public Relations (https://apo-opa.co/3LC9WQI)
• Customer Service (https://apo-opa.co/47PNScG)
• Human Resources (https://apo-opa.co/4oCh2Dw)
• Individual Professionals (https://apo-opa.co/49IaP4b)
• Live & Virtual Events (https://apo-opa.co/43WFUNT)
• Management (https://apo-opa.co/3Lw7Z8t)
• Marketing (https://apo-opa.co/4owmwPX)
• New Products & Services (https://apo-opa.co/4oKt4uo)
• Public Sector Innovators (https://apo-opa.co/3LwT2mC)
• Social Media (https://apo-opa.co/4hXgCVM)
• Sustainability (https://apo-opa.co/43ner7Z)
• Technology (https://apo-opa.co/49KWCU4)
• Videos (https://apo-opa.co/3JMPZGr)
• Thought Leadership (https://apo-opa.co/4hT50CY)
New Website and Entry System
For the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards program, a new website and entry system have been introduced to make participation easier and more efficient than ever before. Entrants can now use a single account to access the entry system for all nine Stevie Awards programs, submit and manage nominations seamlessly, and enter directly from any device. The platform supports over 30 languages with automatic translation for judging and offers multiple convenient payment options, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for participants across the region.
Winners of the 2025 edition with multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards include Abdulla Almazrouei Advocates & Legal Consultants, Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), ADNOC Logistics & Services, Alef Education, Barns (Saudi Arabia), DAMAC Properties, Deloitte & Touche (M.E.), DHL Express (across multiple MENA locations), Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Emirates Health Services, Etihad Aviation Group, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Ministry of Finance (Saudi Arabia), Ooredoo Group (Qatar), Petromin Express (Saudi Arabia), Public Works Authority – Ashghal (Qatar), QNB Türkiye, RAK Police, Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu, Saudi Aramco, Sharjah Economic Development Department, Silal (Abu Dhabi), STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Turkcell, VUMI Global, Yalla Group (UAE), and ZIGMA8 | 360º Creative Communications, among others.
The 2026 competition will be judged by more than 150 professionals around the world. Those who wish to apply to participate on one of the juries may do so at https://apo-opa.co/445vdsn
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards.Contact:
May Hassan
May@StevieAwards.com
About the Stevie® Awards:
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at https://www.StevieAwards.com.
Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) Announces Strategic Investment in Spiro to Accelerate Africa’s Electric Mobility Transition
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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), has announced a $75 million investment in Spiro, the leading electric two-wheel assembler in Africa with the fastest growing battery swapping infrastructure. This investment is fully aligned with Afreximbank's broader automotive strategy, to develop integrated manufacturing ecosystems by fostering strategic partnerships across the entire value chain, from technology providers to local industrial champions.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment, benefiting from pro-electric vehicle policies across key African markets that are creating an enabling environment for clean mobility adoption. Against this backdrop, Spiro is uniquely positioned to scale rapidly, leveraging its proven business model and expanding battery swapping infrastructure to become a key driver of Africa's transition to a cleaner, more efficient mobility future.
Dr. George Elombi, President of Afreximbank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank and FEDA commented: “
“I am delighted that the partnership between FEDA and Spiro has now been consummated. With this partnership, the Bank is laying the groundwork for a new era of intra-African trade and industrialisation by stimulating local vehicle manufacturing, strengthening regional integration, and enhancing trade flows. Importantly, it fosters skills and technology transfer as well as creates employment opportunities and reduces the continent's reliance on imported second-hand vehicles.”
Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro said: “We are proud to welcome FEDA as a strategic investor as we accelerate the growth of Spiro's mission to transform mobility, energy storage, and distribution across Africa. Spiro's rapid expansion into new markets reflects the continent's strong appetite for clean, affordable, and efficient transportation. As we expand our battery swapping infrastructure and integrate renewable energy sources into our energy mix, we are positioned to unlock substantial upside in Spiro's energy distribution.”
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA noted: “Spiro's success to date is a clear demonstration of the strength and scalability of its business model. The company's rapid growth and strong market adoption underscore the significant demand for affordable, sustainable mobility solutions across Africa. With its integrated approach, Spiro has built a platform that is both commercially viable and socially impactful.”
Professor Benedict Oramah, Fromer President of Afreximbank commented: “I am delighted that the partnership between FEDA and Spiro has now been consummated. With this partnership, the Bank is laying the groundwork for a new era of Intra-African trade and industrialisation by stimulating local vehicle manufacturing, strengthening regional integration, and enhancing trade flows. Importantly, it fosters skills and technology transfer as well as creates employment opportunities and reduces the continent's reliance on imported second-hand vehicles.”.”
Founded in 2022, Spiro operates Africa's most extensive and fastest growing battery-swapping network, with more than 60,000 electric motorcycles and 1,200 swapping stations. The company has built a model that is designed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-based transport while enhancing energy efficiency, lowering urban emissions, and expanding affordable access to mobility for millions of Africans
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
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.
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), 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 Spiro:
Spiro is the largest electric mobility company in Africa, which operates the fastest growing battery swapping infrastructure in 6 countries in Africa. Spiro has a vision for transforming the African economies through substitution of expensive imported fossil fuel-based transportation into affordable, and accessible electric mobility solutions locally made in Africa, by Africans, for Africa & the world. This far, Spiro has achieved over 800 billion kms of CO2 free travel, crossed 26 million battery swaps and operated over 1200 battery swapping stations with more than 60,000 electric motor bikes in circulation. Through its expanding regional production network and operational assembling facilities in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, Spiro is committed to deliver affordable, locally manufactured electric mobility solutions at scale across Africa. For more information, visit: www.SpiroNet.com.
South Sudan: In Upper Nile, land clearances supported by the United Nations (UN) family create hope for a better future
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Loosely translated, the name Hai Salaam means welcoming peace.
For the people of Malakal, that translation carries real weight — it represents hope, and the promise of a new beginning.
Once completed, this vast area — nearly 19 million square meters — is set to become home to hundreds of families.
The idea was inspired by another project not far away, in Hai Mataar, where community gardens have already begun to thrive. After seeing the progress there, local residents grew curious — and hopeful — about embracing this new way of life.
But the journey to creating a safe, livable space isn't easy. Years of conflict have left many parts of Malakal — and the surrounding areas — contaminated with explosive remnants of war. These not only endanger lives but also keep communities from using vital farmland, at a time when food insecurity across South Sudan remains dire.
That's why the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and local authorities, joined forces to begin clearing and rebuilding the land.
It's meticulous, dangerous work — led by the United Nations Mine Action Service, or UNMAS. Their team calls it “battlefield area clearance.”
Before any digging begins, the team studies the land — examining old conflict data, talking to communities, and assessing the likelihood of mines. If the area, like Hai Mataar or Hai Salaam, is considered low risk, they move on to surface and then subsurface searches.
Each step is precise. They clear up to 40 centimeters below ground — deep enough to make the land safe for everyday life, from children playing to families building homes.
Then comes the delicate part: using metal detectors to pinpoint any suspicious objects, and carefully digging them out — one piece at a time.
For the deminers, safety comes through discipline and trust in the process.
As UNMAS team member Florence Apai explains, “Many people ask if I'm scared. I was, at first. But the training, the drills — they give you confidence. You learn that your safety depends on your eyes, your focus.”
Since September 2024, Florence and other women have been working alongside their male colleagues at Hai Salaam, breaking down traditional gender roles in the process.
“In South Sudan, some men think certain jobs aren't for women. But we can do it all — cutting trees, digging pits, even demining,” she says proudly.
For Florence, the work is deeply personal. Growing up near Yei, her own community once benefited from demining activities.
“Seeing how much it changed our lives — how it gave us freedom to move, to live — that's what inspired me. I wanted to help others feel that same safety.”
Once the land at Hai Salaam is cleared, Malakal residents — no matter where they come from — will be able to apply for one of the new homes.
A safe place to live, a fresh start, and maybe most importantly — a chance to leave parts of the past behind.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
