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6 Regional Cooperation Projects to Watch in the MSGBC Region

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MSGBC Region

Regional projects on energy, infrastructure, power, finance and healthcare are promoting investment opportunities, economic growth and cross-border collaboration in West Africa

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, July 17, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023 conference (https://apo-opa.info/3K3Tm8J) is set to take place in Nouakchott on November 21–22, under the patronage of Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

This event has a rich history of promoting regional cooperation (https://apo-opa.info/44uAo3d) by bringing together notable attendees from around the world alongside key players from the local community. 

As the African Development Bank and the West African Monetary Institute (WACMI) advocate for capital market integration to increase investment opportunities (https://apo-opa.info/3NYXeJz) in West Africa, here are some of the best examples of cross-border collaboration on energy, infrastructure, power, water, finance and healthcare projects.

Grande Tortue Ahmeyim: Mauritania and Senegal

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project (https://apo-opa.info/3rwyO2i), developed by bp and Kosmos Energy, is an offshore natural gas project located on the maritime boundary between Senegal and Mauritania. With a 30-year production potential, it is projected to produce up to 2.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas in its first phase and up to five mtpa in its second, contributing up to 10% of each country’s GDP. The project is an excellent example of regional collaboration; it is ecologically sustainable and its impact has been studied by both the governments of Senegal and Mauritania to ensure that it is developed responsibly. GTA has the potential to significantly contribute to both nations’ economic development.

West African Power Pool

The West African Power Pool (WAPP), established in 2010, is a partnership of national electricity companies in West Africa with the goal of building a reliable power system and a unified electricity market. WAPP has 14 members from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The objective of the organization is to integrate national power systems into a single regional electricity market in order to boost electricity trade among member nations and provide a reliable and stable electricity supply at reasonable prices.

GTA has the potential to significantly contribute to both nations’ economic development

West Africa Regional Rail Integration

The West Africa Regional Rail Integration initiative was launched in 2010 by the ECOWAS to strengthen West Africa’s railway network. The project’s goal is to connect the railways of 13 West African nations, resulting in a regional transportation network that is both seamless and effective. By lowering transportation costs and enhancing connectivity, the initiative is expected to improve local trade and economic growth. The project is being developed in phases, with the first focused on the restoration and upgrading of existing railway infrastructure, followed by the building of new railway lines.

Joint Agreement on Senegal-Mauritania Aquifer Basin

The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal signed a ministerial statement in 2021 to increase cooperation on shared groundwater management. The four nations intend to create a legislative and institutional framework for collaboration on the Senegal-Mauritanian Aquifer System in order to promote resilience, sustainable development and regional stability. They decided to create a permanent body that would manage the aquifer, which serves over 80% of the population and is under growing pressure from population growth and agriculture.

African Exchanges Linkage Project

The African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP) trading platform was established in December 2022 under the supervision of the African Securities Exchanges Association. The AELP’s initial phase unites seven stock exchanges from 14 African nations and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo). The AELP seeks to enhance cross-border capital flows and investments by linking African capital markets to the global financial system.

Project Shegas: Senegal and The Gambia

The Shegas project, which aims to unify healthcare services between Senegal and Gambia, was inaugurated in Dakar in February 2023. Because both nations have the same population, ethnic groupings and history, national healthcare maps aren’t typically tailored to their specific requirements. The research will examine the transboundary demand for healthcare services and how the healthcare systems of both nations might adapt to it. The study is anticipated to span three years and will include seven border regions in The Gambia. The purpose is to provide policymakers with insights on how to integrate transboundary healthcare services.

All this and more will be further unpacked during Energy Capital & Power’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference, the premier event for the MSGBC region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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