MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

Former Trinidad & Tobago Minister of Energy, Eric Williams, will share insights on strategic project structuring and local participation in African energy markets at this year's African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 3, 2025 – Eric Williams, former Minister of Energy and Energy Industries of Trinidad & Tobago, will join African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town to speak on gas monetization, local content frameworks and energy project structuring across Africa.

As President and Principal Consultant at Royal Triangle Energy Solutions, Williams has advised governments and private investors on strategies to maximize the economic and social impact of energy projects. His work spans key African markets, including Equatorial Guinea, Ghana and Mozambique, where he has provided guidance on LNG strategy, local workforce participation, and regulatory compliance. At the Congo Energy & Investment Forum earlier this year, Williams offered strategic input on local-participation frameworks under evolving regulatory regimes, highlighting his hands-on approach to aligning government and industry priorities.

Williams' experience in Trinidad & Tobago – a country with a mature gas and LNG sector that has successfully balanced resource monetization with local economic development – provides valuable lessons for African markets. His expertise in designing policies that encourage domestic participation, attract private investment and foster sustainable growth offers a blueprint for African governments aiming to maximize the impact of their gas and energy resources.

“Eric Williams brings a rare combination of deep governmental experience and practical private sector insight. He understands the challenges of balancing resource development with local economic growth, and his perspective on aligning policy, regulation, and investment is invaluable. AEW 2025 attendees will benefit tremendously from his insights on how African nations can structure their energy sectors to be both profitable and inclusive,” said Ore Onagbesan, Program Director at AEW: Invest in African Energies.

Williams' participation at AEW 2025 underscores the growing emphasis on sustainable, locally inclusive energy development in Africa. He will participate in high-level discussions on policy frameworks, project structuring, and public-private collaboration, helping stakeholders navigate complex regulatory landscapes while unlocking local economic benefits.

AEW – Africa's premier energy gathering – will convene industry leaders, policymakers and investors to explore opportunities across the continent's energy sector, from oil and gas to renewables and energy transition initiatives. Williams' contribution promises to deepen understanding of how strategic advisory and policy alignment can accelerate Africa's energy growth while fostering inclusive development.  

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

As a part of their 'Educating Linda' program, Merck Foundation has also sponsored the education of 20 high performing but underprivileged Nigerian schoolgirls

ABUJA, Nigeria, September 3, 2025 – Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity, support girl education and break infertility stigma in Nigeria during their high-level meeting with H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The discussion was led by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BOT and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “It was a privilege to meet my dear sister H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and officially appoint her to be the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. During our meeting, we discussed the beginning of our long-term partnership and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local Nigerian doctors in 42 critical and underserved specialties. We also discussed about addressing critical social and health issues in the country including breaking the infertility stigma and supporting girl education.”

“It gives me great pleasure to share that till today, 63 scholarships have been provided for doctors in Nigeria and affirm our commitment towards enhancing healthcare delivery by providing scholarships for local doctors in Nigeria.” Dr Rasha Kelej added.

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed, “It is a pleasure to welcome and meet the Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation in our country. I am truly pleased to learn about their impactful and highly beneficial programs, particularly Educating Linda program to support girl education and scholarship program for advancing healthcare capacity. It is encouraging to know that Merck Foundation has provided 63 scholarships to our local doctors in critical medical specialties. I am fully committed to scaling up all their programs to benefit our people.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BOT shared, “It was a great pleasure to meet H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to reinforce our shared commitment to advancing healthcare capacity in Nigeria and across Africa.

Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program. Till today, we have provided more than 2282 scholarships for young doctors from 53 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.”

Merck Foundation has provided 63 scholarships for Nigerian doctors, out of which 8 scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology and Women's Health.

Moreover, 38 scholarships have been provided for Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management. After completion of the course, these doctors will be able to establish diabetes or hypertension clinics in their Health Centre or Hospital with the aim to help prevent and manage the disease in their own communities.

Additionally, 17 scholarships have been provided for other critical and underserved specialties like Oncology Research, Clinical Psychiatry, Dermatology in Clinical Practice, Pain Management, Respiratory Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Critical Care, Rheumatology, and more.

Moreover, As a part of their 'Educating Linda' program, Merck Foundation has also sponsored the education of 20 high performing but underprivileged Nigerian schoolgirls.

Merck Foundation has also conducted three edition of Online Health Media Training for the Nigerian journalists, to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels; to underscore the importance of Empowering Girls and Women in Education and to understand the social and psychological impact of infertility stigma and other social issues like GBV, Child Marriage, FGM etc. over women and their families and communities.

Moreover, to raise awareness of early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Nigeria has also launched their 8 important Merck Foundation Awards for Media, Musicians & Singers, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, and students & new potential talents in these fields.

“I invite the young Nigerian talents to share their creative and inspiring work with us. We have celebrated many winners from Nigeria in the previous years and look forward to celebrating winners this year too,” concluded Senator Dr. Kelej.

Details of the Awards:

Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.

Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.

Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.

Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.

Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

Merck Foundation Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

Entries for the above awards can be submitted to us at:

submit@merck-foundation.com

For information on the awards, please visit our website:

www.Merck-Foundation.com

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

This transformation has been driven by a strain of the African catfish (clarias), which has the advantages of rapid growth, low fat content, and low mortality

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 3, 2025 – Along the coast and in south-western regions of Cameroon, fish ponds have become not only centres of production but also hubs of opportunity and economic transformation. A new dynamic is bringing hope to fish farmers, including young people and women, thanks to the Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVEP in the French acronym), financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to the tune of 84 million euros and implemented by Cameroon's Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries.

This transformation has been driven by a strain of the African catfish (clarias), which has the advantages of rapid growth, low fat content, and low mortality. The strain was developed by Cameroon's Agricultural Research Institute for Development. The fish are superior to earlier varieties in several ways: they reach a harvest weight of 350–500 grammes in just five to six months, compared to eight or nine months for earlier strains; the fry have a survival rate of 80 to 85%, compared to around 60% previously; and each female can produce 15,000 to 20,000 fry per cycle, with up to three cycles per year.

A total of 2,600 broodstock fish were delivered to 50 hatcheries selected for the pre-extension phase of the Project. The aim is to improve the genetic quality of the fish, strengthen the autonomy of fish farmers, and respond to food security challenges.

The pilot hatcheries have used the broodstock to produce and sell more than 115,000 fry since October 2024, mainly to be grown to full size. Results in the pre-extension phase have been very encouraging. Most of the hatcheries have reported satisfactory performance. Some of the broodstock, which were still immature when received, required a period of about three months for further growth, which was incorporated into the production schedule.

“The support given by the Project is encouraging us to go further. We have real motivation to continue what we've started. We thank all the partners who have made this progress possible. Today, I feel better equipped to make a profit from fish farming,” says Fanta Njifondjou Oumarou, a woman fish farmer in Limbé, a coastal town in north-western Cameroon.

The project goes far beyond the provision of broodstock. It is part of an integrated vision for the development of fish farming. A total of 280 fish farmers from different regions of Cameroon have received comprehensive training in all aspects of the value chain, from floating cage farming to reproduction, hatchery management, aquaculture feed, and business management. The aim is to strengthen the technical capacities of stakeholders, their economic resilience, and the quality of products offered on the local market.

The strategic objective of the Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project is to increase annual national fish production by 10,000 tons by 2027, reducing dependence on imports and improving food security. To achieve this ambition, an AfDB mission in April 2025 recommended accelerating the supply of improved clarias and tilapia broodstock to enrich the gene pool. A total of 15,000 broodstock (12,000 clarias and 3,000 tilapia) are to be delivered under an agreement signed with the Agricultural Research Institute for Development.

A tripartite system involving the Institute, the Project, and the Ministry works closely with regional fish farming associations to ensure rigorous monitoring of the use and performance of broodstock. Quarterly technical reports, supported by a digital data collection system, enable monitoring of production levels, beneficiary satisfaction, and training effectiveness.

“We have received certified broodstock with very good yields. These are reliable strains that grow faster and avoid many of the problems associated with the irregularity and lack of traceability of the old strains. This will transform our production,” explains Hermine Kemedeu Tchuileu, a beneficiary based in Douala, Cameroon's economic capital.

Market demand is also undergoing a transformation. Market traders and restaurants appreciate the improved quality and taste of the fish produced from the new clarias broodstock.
“The flesh stays firm after grilling because it contains less fat than older strains. The flavour appeals to customers and my income has increased significantly,” says Ms. Moukoudi Mbappé Dolie, who sells grilled fish in Douala.

A field visit to the Deïdo and Dakar markets in Douala highlighted the difficult working conditions of fishmongers in Cameroon. This led to the inclusion in the Project of an upgrading plan for sales facilities, including the installation of hygienic counters, access to ice and running water, and proper security.

“The project gives us hope. Working in better conditions isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. Clean and secure counters will help us to preserve the fish better and to sell with dignity,” says Marthe Epoko, a vendor at the Deïdo market.

In the longer term, ongoing improvements to fish farms in Bamenda, Yaoundé, and Foumban will significantly strengthen the national supply of quality fish fry. These regional hubs will become strategic supply centres for hundreds of fish farmers across the country.

As can be seen, the PD-CVEP is more than a one-off support project. It is a genuine local development ecosystem, rooted in resilience, training, innovation, and inclusion. It is fully in line with Cameroon's national policy for rural transformation.

“We will provide close support to the beneficiary hatcheries. It is essential that traceability, broodstock performance, and the quality of the fry are guaranteed. This project is crucial for the future of our aquaculture sector,” emphasizes Victor Viban Banah, regional delegate of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries for Cameroon's coastal region.

Bassolé presented his letters of introduction to Oumarou Chinmoun, Secretary General of the Cameroonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon, September 3, 2025 – Léandre Bassolé, the new Director General of the African Development Bank Group's (www.AfDB.org) Regional Office for Development, Integration, and Business Delivery for Central Africa, officially took office on 27 August 2025, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Bassolé presented his letters of introduction to Oumarou Chinmoun, Secretary General of the Cameroonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella. Discussions between the two figures highlighted the Bank's strategic role in the development of Cameroon and the sub-region.

“We understand that you are here as a son, as a brother, and as a friend,” said Chinmoun. “I must tell you how pleased our government is that the Bank has chosen our country to host its headquarters in the sub-region.”

He added: “At the sub-regional level, we welcome your support in the implementation of economic and financial programmes. Given the challenges posed by the crisis in the global financial architecture, the support of the African Development Bank represents added value that helps to strengthen the resilience of our countries when confronted with various shocks.”

The day after taking office (28 August), Bassolé was officially welcomed by Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, and Governor of the Bank for Cameroon. Their discussions focused on the state of cooperation, the progress of existing projects, and the prospects for new commitments in support of the National Development Strategy 2030.

“I greatly appreciate the quality of our cooperative relationship with the Bank Group,” said Mey. “We have 24 active projects in priority development-related sectors, with a focus on implementing integrated projects that will have a real impact on the economy and the quality of life of our population.”

Bassolé, meanwhile, emphasised the Bank's priority to strengthen its operational presence, accelerate project implementation, and increase the impact of said projects in the seven countries covered by the regional office (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, DRC and Chad).

“The African Development Bank's strategy is to roll out all our regional operations from Cameroon and make Yaoundé a centre of excellence,” he said. “Our commitments in the country now amount to around $2.2 billion, with nearly 50 per cent in transport, followed by energy and agriculture.”

He concluded: “We will work hand-in-hand to develop projects and programmes that meet the aspirations of the Cameroonian authorities and contribute, in a sustainable way, to improving the living conditions of the population.”

As of 30 June 2025, the African Development Bank Group's portfolio in Cameroon comprised 24 projects worth $2.2 billion. Across the Central Africa region, it represents 130 operations, including around 40 regional and multinational projects, totalling over $5 billion.

Organised by GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech, AI, and startup event network across continents, Ai Everything MEA is positioned as the Middle East and Africa's most empowering global AI tech week

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 3, 2025 – Cairo set to welcome global AI leaders, enterprises, and experts at the inaugural Ai Everything Middle East & Africa (https://www.AiEverythingMEA.com), from 10-12 February 2026, organised by GITEX GLOBAL
Event hosted by Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)

Egypt is accelerating its leadership in artificial intelligence across the African continent and beyond, backed by a national roadmap for AI-driven transformation. Ranked among the top 10 countries globally in AI and Machine Learning – and the only African nation in that tier, according to the 2024 GBS World Competitiveness Index – Egypt is embedding AI across vital sectors under its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2030).

This momentum now converges on a focused global ecosystem platform with the launch of Ai Everything Middle East & Africa (https://www.AiEverythingMEA.com), set to take place from 10–12 February 2026 in Cairo. Organised by GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech, AI, and startup event network across continents, Ai Everything MEA is positioned as the Middle East and Africa's most empowering global AI tech week.

Hosted by Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) (https://MCIT.gov.eg/) and held in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) (https://ITIDA.gov.eg/), Ai Everything MEA convenes leading AI enterprises, startups, thought-leaders, and decision-makers from over 60 countries.

The event will spotlight AI use cases and frontier technologies across priority sectors aligned with Egypt's national AI agenda and sector leadership unique to the country, including outsourcing and shared services, semiconductor design, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, manufacturing, digital health, fintech, energy, education, and digital public services.

By hosting Ai Everything MEA, Egypt reinforces its role as a regional nexus for AI collaboration, connecting global expertise with national priorities to fast-track deployment. Backed by strategic investments in digital capabilities, the country is advancing its digital economy mission and attracting international deep-tech investment.

Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology stated: “Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the architecture of global competitiveness, and Egypt is determined to not only adapt to this shift – but to shape it. Our National AI Strategy reflects a bold vision: to position Egypt as a leading force in responsible AI adoption, policy innovation, and inclusive digital development.

Egypt is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing AI for public good across our region. Ai Everything Middle East & Africa offers a timely platform to align global expertise with national priorities — and to accelerate meaningful deployment of AI across sectors that matter most to our citizens.”

Additionally, Eng. Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, commented: “The launch of Ai Everything MEA marks a strategic milestone in our journey to position Egypt as a regional AI leader and a hub for innovation and co-creation. This event embodies our commitment to placing Egypt at the heart of the global tech conversation – by attracting deep-tech investments, empowering local startups, and nurturing an ecosystem where transformative ideas turn into real-world solutions. Hosting this global summit in Cairo reinforces Egypt's ambition to be a key contributor in shaping the future of AI, forging impactful partnerships that scale technology from our region to the world.”

Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, global organizer of GITEX, further added: AI has leveled the digital playing field, and new opportunities are emerging for countries. Egypt is intent on harnessing this tech phenomenon to regenerate its social fabric and economic landscape, forging a future where innovation uplifts its citizens and redefines the nation's global stature.  Ai Everything MEA shall be the force multiplier to support Egypt's most strategic AI mission to build empowering outcomes at scale.”

Egypt's AI Transformation: From Strategic Mission to Global Marketplace

The event opens with a high-level summit in a two-day immersive exhibition designed to accelerate collaborative AI research and development, industry applications, startup scaling, global investment inflows, and digital capacity-building. Tech giants driving AI progress in the region and worldwide, such as Atos, Cyshield, HPE, and IBM, shall join the flagship AI event in Egypt.

Over 200 venture capitalists from the GITEX network, managing more than US$1 trillion in assets, are expected to explore investment opportunities in Egyptian and regional startups. One of the region's largest youth-tech academy will also be launched, channeling fresh engineering talent into pilot projects and mentorship programs – empowering Egypt's annual pool of over 750,000 university graduates.

Ai Everything MEA marks a defining chapter in accelerating responsible AI development, scalable innovation, and inclusive digital progress across the Middle East and Africa. For more information, access the website: https://www.AiEverythingMEA.com

Sources: https://apo-opa.co/4mL1pc5        

About Ai Everything Middle East & Africa 2026:
The inaugural Ai Everything Middle East & Africa, taking place in Cairo from 10-12 February 2026, is organised by GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech, AI, and startup show, and hosted by the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MCIT) in Egypt, in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). Positioned as the Middle East and Africa's most empowering global AI tech week, the event convenes the international tech ecosystem including leading tech and AI enterprises, startups, investors, academia, and public–private sector leaders to explore the potential of groundbreaking AI research, use-cases and applications that transform industries and accelerate Egypt towards accomplishing its objectives under the National AI Strategy 2025-2030.

More information on the website: https://www.AiEverythingMEA.com

The rating reflects JCR's assessment of Afreximbank's strong strategic positioning, robust risk management framework, consistent profitability, prudent liquidity policies and resilient capital base

CAIRO, Egypt, September 3, 2025 – Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) has affirmed African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) A- issuer credit rating with a stable outlook.

Download report: https://apo-opa.co/3JGKs3T

The rating reflects JCR's assessment of Afreximbank's strong strategic positioning, robust risk management framework, consistent profitability, prudent liquidity policies and resilient capital base. JCR also noted the Bank's important role in supporting trade finance and economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.

The rating agency stated that it expects Afreximbank's rating to remain stable over the next 12 to 18 months, despite external macroeconomic challenges and potential pressures in its operating environment.

Reacting to the announcement, Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank's Senior Executive Vice President, said the affirmation reinforces the Bank's credibility in global markets and highlights its systemic importance to Africa. “JCR's rating underscores our strong fundamentals and prudent risk management practices,” he said. “It strengthens our ability to diversify our funding sources, including tapping into Japan's capital markets, to further advance our mandate of promoting and financing intra- and extra-African trade.”

Mr. Denya reaffirmed Afreximbank's unwavering commitment to its member states, partners and clients, noting that its consistent delivery, even in challenging times, has been a key driver behind its strong credit standing. “This rating is a testament to the Bank's resilience and strategic focus, enabling us to mobilise resources to drive trade and development in Africa and the Caribbean,” he added.

The JCR affirmation is expected to bolster confidence among investors and stakeholders, supporting Afreximbank's ongoing efforts to expand its global funding base and enhance its market presence.

In line with this, Afreximbank successfully completed its inaugural Samurai bond issuance in Japan in 2024, raising JPY 81.3 billion (US$530 million). The transaction, which attracted strong participation from a diverse pool of Japanese institutional investors, underscored the Bank's growing appeal in international capital markets and its ability to mobilise resources beyond traditional geographies. The success of the issuance further demonstrates Afreximbank's credibility and capacity to secure innovative funding solutions in support of its mandate.

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.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 3, 2025 –  The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) announces the finalists for the prestigious AWIEF Awards for 2025.

Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent. The aim is to shine a spotlight on women who are driving innovation, building impactful businesses, advancing gender equality, and contributing to Africa's inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

“The AWIEF Awards are a powerful platform to honour women whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are shaping the future of Africa,” said Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO. “Our 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.”

This year's finalists were selected by an international panel of judges from a highly competitive pool of outstanding nominees spanning diverse sectors, from technology and agriculture to energy, creative industries, and social entrepreneurship. Their journeys exemplify the resilience, ingenuity, and leadership of African women shaping the future of the continent.

AWIEF AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS (listed in alphabetical order)

Young Entrepreneur Award

Norah Kimathi – Kenya
Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou – Togo
Chisom Victory Okorie – Nigeria

Empowerment Award

Mathildah Amollo – Kenya
Naima Mohamed – Somalia
Mampho Sotshongaye – South Africa

Energy Entrepreneur Award

Chenez Henderson – South Africa
Rufaro Marufu – Zimbabwe
Nidal Tafah – Morocco

Creative Industry Award

Mahlet Afework – Ethiopia
Stella Ndekile – Nigeria
Soraya da Piedade – Angola

Social Entrepreneur Award

Farana Boodhram – South Africa
Naom Monari – Kenya
Barbara Nabigambo – Uganda

Agri Entrepreneur Award

Linda Davis – Kenya
Ruth Ede – Nigeria
Millicent Okumu – Kenya
Josephine Takundwa – Zimbabwe

Tech Entrepreneur Award

Vivian Arinaitwe – Uganda
Maryanne Gichanga – Kenya
Naledi Magowe – Botswana

Recognizing Africa's Women Leaders

The AWIEF Awards continue to champion women-led innovation and enterprise across Africa, celebrating women who are not only creating successful businesses but also making a positive social and economic impact in their communities and beyond.

Join Us at AWIEF2025

The winners of the AWIEF Awards 2025 will be announced at awards ceremony and gala dinner which will take place during the AWIEF Conference, Exhibition and Awards, taking place on 30 – 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.

Don't miss this opportunity to join the celebration and connect with Africa's most inspiring women entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and business leaders.

To register and book your delegate ticket for AWIEF2025, please follow this link: https://apo-opa.co/3HY5cDF

African Mining Week will showcase opportunities within Africa's mineral logistics sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 3, 2025 – South Africa is revamping its rail logistics infrastructure and services through strategic investments and partnerships to enhance mineral distribution across local and export markets.

The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa's premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1 – 3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated panel discussion exploring the readiness of Africa's logistics sector to drive increasing mineral flows. Titled From Mines to Markets: Strengthening Trade and Connectivity for Africa's Mineral Future, the panel will showcase cooperation between mining projects and logistics operators in building a competitive mineral trade ecosystem.

In August 2025, South Africa approved licenses (https://apo-opa.co/3HFsGxn) for 11 new private operators to run trains and logistics services across its national rail network. State-owned logistics company Transnet will grant 10-year licenses enabling new private investments in rail infrastructure and unlocking an additional 20 million tons of freight annually from the 2026/27 financial year. The milestone aligns with South Africa's target to raise total rail haulage to 250 million tons per annum by 2029, covering minerals and other key goods.

Transnet has also entered into strategic partnerships with mining firms to boost rail efficiency. The firm signed an agreement with Exxaro Resources in August 2025 to improve rail infrastructure and expand capacity between the mining firm's 3.6 million tons per annum Leeuwpan coal mine in Mpumalanga and domestic, regional and international markets. The partnership supports Exxaro's 2025 sales target of 38.3 to 42.4 million tons of coal, including up to 7.2 million tons for export, while advancing South Africa's broader goals of export growth, GDP expansion and job creation. Similarly, in July 2025, United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) (https://apo-opa.co/47UHRNB) concluded a 10-year deal with Transnet to transport manganese from its Northern Cape operations to ports for export, bolstering the country's drive to maximize critical mineral exports under its upcoming Critical Minerals Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3Vw5TXQ).

A series of funds have also been allocated to strengthen rail and port operations. In July 2025, an additional R94.8 billion in government support was approved for Transnet, following a R51 billion package in May 2025. International partners have also stepped in, with the New Development Bank extending a $278 million loan and the African Development Bank approving a $1 billion loan to upgrade the country's logistics backbone.

At AMW 2025, these milestones will be unpacked to assess their impact on South Africa and the wider continent's mining and logistics landscape, while underscoring the crucial role of rail in ensuring sustainable growth across Africa's mineral value chains.