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Young and Unstoppable: Incredible Africans Redefining Africa’s Global Influence and Potential

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Unstoppable Africa Summit

During the Unstoppable Africa Summit, a remarkable group of young African women trailblazers defied conventions and unveiled a powerful narrative that reimagines perceptions of Africa’s global influence

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 27, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Amidst the vibrant mosaic of Africa’s rising stars, an inspirational tapestry of narratives unfolds, challenging stereotypes and illuminating our continent’s limitless potential

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week, during the Unstoppable Africa Summit, a remarkable group of young African women trailblazers defied conventions and unveiled a powerful narrative that reimagines perceptions of Africa’s global influence.

Meet three Incredible Africans: dynamic young African women at the forefront of reshaping our continent’s narrative on a global scale, ushering in an era that celebrates innovation, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a continent on the brink of transformation.

As the youngest appointed senior official in the history of the African Union and the youngest diplomat in the cabinet, Chido Mpemba embodies the boundless potential of Africa’s youth. Working to amplify the voices and aspirations of Africa’s young generation tirelessly advocates for the untapped potential residing in our continent’s young minds. Mpemba acknowledges the hurdles faced as a continent, but she does so with an unshakeable belief that these challenges should never obscure the rightful place of young Africans on the global stage.

“As much as we still have our challenges in Africa that we’re trying to solve, it doesn’t mean that young Africans do not deserve to be on the global stage,” Mpemba passionately declared during the session. “We want to contribute, yes, on the continent, but we also want to contribute towards global development, and that will take us standing together as Africa. We have so many young people, and as much as they have all these ideas, many are not reaching their full potential because of the environment and lack of opportunities across the continent.”

The daughter of Ghanaian immigrants to the United States, Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Special Advisor on the Implementation of the U.S. Africa’s Leaders Summit at the U.S. State Department and former Director of Africa at the White House, brings a unique perspective that draws from her growing up with strong connections to both countries. Her unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration serves as her driving force in uniting Africans and African Americans and positioning Africa at the forefront of global policy discussions. Laurent-Mantey’s insights deeply resonate with Africa’s youth, who are eager to embrace their rich heritage while forging new global connections.

“The currency of our generation is Africa’s innovation,” she emphasized. “With the creative sector thriving and our culture, agency, talent, and creativity taking the charge, it’s crucial that we empower young leaders in this space to address pressing global challenges.”

“People are increasingly embracing Africa’s culture, diversity, and heritage, but safeguarding our ownership of that narrative is paramount. We must value our work, for when we do, the world will value us,” Laurent-Mantey added, noting that the African creative sector has not gone unnoticed by US companies.

People are increasingly embracing Africa’s culture, diversity, and heritage, but safeguarding our ownership of that narrative is paramount

Born to a prominent global women’s rights activist turned political strategist Somali-American, Areej Noor’s childhood was rich with stories of powerful women from around the world. This upbringing inspired her to build an inclusive global community of influential African women creatives with a mission to bridge the gap between African and diaspora women filmmakers and the international market through her company, Statement.

“It’s abundantly clear that the creative talent on the continent is truly unmatched,” she passionately declared. “There are incredible things happening in all fields across the creative spectrum. The real crisis we face is one of opportunity. Those who will truly impact change are the ones willing to forge strategic partnerships and collaborate in building the essential infrastructure and pipelines required to manifest the desired outcomes over the next 10, 15, or even 100 years.”

In a continent overflowing with potential, partnerships, especially with African institutions, serve as vital catalysts for progress. These collaborations pave the way for sustainability and local ownership of Africa’s narratives, opening up new avenues of growth and development that can resonate both locally and globally.

At the heart of this evolving narrative lies the incredible potential of our youth to drive profound transformation. Organizations like the Mastercard Foundation, co-creator of the Incredible Africans session and committed to securing employment for 30 million young Africans by 2030, are a clear testament to the significance of investing in the youth who will be the architects of our continent’s future.

By 2050, one in every four people on this planet will be African. This isn’t just a demographic shift; it’s a seismic transformation that will reshape geopolitics, global economics, trade, migration, and virtually every facet of our lives. With some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a vibrant, digitally connected population, young Africans are actively reshaping the global landscape.

These exceptional young Africans are not merely rewriting our story; they are actively crafting our shared destiny. Their journeys serve as powerful reminders of Africa’s boundless promise. Their stories resonate as testaments to the limitless possibilities that await our continent.

As we celebrate these extraordinary Africans, their aspirations and accomplishments paint a vivid portrait of a thriving and dynamic Africa, one that rightfully demands the world’s attention. Their success stories inspire us all and remind us that our continent’s future is as bright as the dreams we dare to dream.

Incredible Africans was moderated by CNN correspondent Stephanie Busari. Watch the session here (https://apo-opa.info/3ESOSif).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Mastercard Foundation.

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Endorses Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, Catalyzing Growth in the Republic of Congo’s Energy Sector

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November 22, 2024

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African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber proudly supports the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, scheduled for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of Africa’s energy sector, proudly supports the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), set to take place in Brazzaville on March 25-26, 2025. Unveiled during African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town by the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons, this milestone event signals the nation’s commitment to strengthening its role as a key energy player on the continent, while showcasing a range of investment opportunities. 

Under the leadership of Hydrocarbons Minister Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, the Republic of Congo has emerged as sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth-largest oil producer, with anticipated production of 280,000 barrels per day (BPD) by the end of 2024 and ambitions to reach 500,000 BPD within three to five years. Building on this momentum, the CEIF will highlight innovative projects and foster strategic partnerships that enhance investment, drive economic growth and position the Congo as a leader in Africa’s energy expansion.

Meanwhile, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), led by CEO Maixent Raoul Ominga, is spearheading the Congo’s energy growth. SNPC holds a majority stake in the Mengo Kundji Bindi II permit, with 2.5 billion barrels of estimated oil potential. The company is developing the site through 13 wells, 3D seismic data acquisition, and the construction of six production platforms. 

We are honored to secure the Chamber’s endorsement for this pivotal forum

With the Chamber’s official support, the CEIF is set to attract government leaders, C-suite executives from major IOCs and energy experts, who will offer critical insights into Congo’s oil, gas and energy sector developments. The country is overhauling its gas sector to unlock 10 trillion cubic feet of resources through a comprehensive Gas Master Plan and new Gas Code that introduces favorable fiscal terms and enables small-scale project development, as well as large-scale, integrated gas megaprojects like Eni’s Congo LNG and Wing Wah’s Bango Kayo. 

“The Congo Energy & Investment Forum marks a major milestone for the country, amplifying its strategic energy initiatives and showing industry stakeholders that it is serious about advancing its energy sector. We look forward to supporting this forum, which promises to connect investors, drive impactful partnerships and elevate the Congo’s position within Africa’s energy sector,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

“We are honored to secure the Chamber’s endorsement for this pivotal forum, which, through its vast network and influence, will help attract key stakeholders and decision-makers to the event. Together, we aim to highlight the immense potential of the Congo’s energy sector, foster strategic partnerships and drive transformative investments that contribute to sustainable growth across the industry,” notes James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power, organizers of the CEIF.   

This premier forum provides a unique platform for connecting local and international investors with high-impact opportunities across a diversified range of energy projects, paving the way for collaborations that drive growth and transformation. The AEC’s endorsement underscores its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, sustainable investment and regional cooperation, aligning with its broader mission to make energy poverty history across the continent by 2030.  

As the energy industry continues to serve as a critical pillar of the Congolese economy and a catalyst for sustainable development, the AEC remains dedicated to supporting initiatives like CEIF that foster progress, investment and partnerships across the African energy landscape. 

For more information, please visit www.CongoEnergyInvestment.com. 

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

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Any Successful African Energy Policy at Conference of the Parties (COP) or Anywhere Must Have Oil and Gas at its Core (By NJ Ayuk)

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November 22, 2024

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Conference of the Parties

Africa will need global financial systems, including multilateral development banks, to play a significant role in financing our energy growth which must include fossil fuels

Egalement disponible en Français

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org).

I believe the ultimate responsibility for getting there is ours and no one else’s. Yes, we need partners to walk alongside us, but the success of our energy movement rests on African shoulders.

To begin with, I would love to see African energy stakeholders speaking in a unified voice about African energy industry goals.

This will be particularly important in COP29 in Baku. It is imperative that African leaders present a unified voice and strategy for African energy transitions. We must make Africa’s unique needs and circumstances clear and explain the critical role that oil and gas will play in helping Africa achieve net-zero emissions in coming decades.

I would encourage African leaders to talk about the need for financing, as well, to make it possible for us to adopt renewable energy sources and set up the necessary infrastructure. Africa will need global financial systems, including multilateral development banks, to play a significant role in financing our energy growth which must include fossil fuels.

Africa’s governments have a role to play in a successful African energy movement as well.

Because Africa’s energy industry still can benefit greatly from the presence of international oil companies, our government leaders need to approve contracts with oil and gas companies promptly instead of allowing red tape to delay projects after discoveries are made.

And, they need to offer the kinds of fiscal policies that allow oil companies to operate profitably in Africa. In turn, that will help those companies generate revenue, create jobs and business opportunities, and foster capacity building.

I also would encourage governments and civil societies to reward companies that exemplify positive behavior. Let’s incentivize the kind of activities we want, from creating good jobs and training opportunities to sharing knowledge.

I would love to see African energy stakeholders speaking in a unified voice about African energy industry goals

And there’s more.

We in Africa must work together to create more opportunities for women to build careers in the oil and gas industry at all levels. Our energy industry can’t reach its potential to do good when half of our population is left out. Our progress on behalf of women has not been great—We need to do better, and we need to act quickly.

How the world can support

Now, I mean it when I say Africans are responsible for building the future they want. But, I would love to see Western governments, businesses, financial institutions, and organizations support our efforts.

How? They can avoid demonizing the oil and gas industry. We see it constantly, in the media, in policy and investment decisions, and in calls for Africa to leave our fossil fuels in the ground. Actions like these, even as Western leaders have pushed OPEC to produce oil, are not fair, and they’re not helpful.

I also would respectfully ask financial institutions to resume financing for African oil and gas projects and stop attempting to block projects like the East African Crude Oil pipeline or Mozambique’s LNG projects.

Please understand that with the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis in Europe, and the energy poverty facing our continent, our countries, like many others, are simply choosing the paths they believe are most likely to help their people.

You know, people for years have accused me of loving oil and gas companies more than Africa. The opposite is true. In my frequent travels around the continent, I’ve observed far too many young people with little in the way of opportunities.

I know our young people have aspirations for a better future. I know they have big dreams. And, I know that future is nearly within their grasp.

A thriving, strategically managed energy industry can make it possible for many of these young people, whether it leads to good jobs or it fosters the kind of economic growth that creates jobs in other fields. Even if we only get the lights on in their communities, we’ll be giving our young people hope and improving their chances of realizing their goals.

This is what drives me, the idea that with our ongoing efforts and determination, our young people can realize meaningful opportunities. I encourage each of you to work with us at the African Energy Chamber, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Together, we can build the kind of African energy movement that our continent, our communities, and our young people need and deserve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN) and FORUS Digital Announce Strategic Cooperation to Advance Financial Innovation in Africa

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November 22, 2024

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UDPN

This partnership is set to empower African communities, governments, and businesses, and represents a significant step toward realising the shared goal of financial inclusion and economic advancement across Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 105 million adults are unbanked and lack proper identification documents (http://apo-opa.co/4fZNzyr) [1]. Over 350 million adults in Africa live on a cash-only basis (http://apo-opa.co/3Z2xBg6), without access to financial accounts, credit cards, or lending facilities. Digital currency systems could prove to be key in improving financial inclusion and opening up new opportunities to large underbanked communities in many African countries.

Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN) (https://apo-opa.co/4g0POSt), the world’s leading global payments messaging network supporting regulated stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and FORUS Digital (http://FORUS.Digital), a global leader in blockchain-based cooperative digital finance, are starting a strategic cooperation aimed at expanding financial inclusion and promoting tokenisation efforts across Africa.

This partnership is set to empower African communities, governments, and businesses, and represents a significant step toward realising the shared goal of financial inclusion and economic advancement across Africa, with blockchain and decentralised finance at the forefront of this transformation. UDPN and FORUS Digital will collaborate to introduce the UDPN platform’s capabilities throughout Africa, initially in South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Sonny Fisher (https://apo-opa.co/4fVmRXZ), Founder of FORUS Digital (https://apo-opa.co/3YWJRih), remarked “Our partnership with UDPN accelerates our vision of economic empowerment through decentralised finance. Together, we are equipping Africa with the tools to embrace blockchain-powered tokenisation and drive sustainable development.”

“As we stand on the brink of a digital payments revolution, UDPN’s collaboration with FORUS Digital will play a crucial role in shaping a future where financial services are accessible, efficient, and secure for all Africans. This partnership is a testament to our belief that technology can be a powerful tool for development. By working together, we are paving the way for innovative financial solutions that will enhance economic resilience in African communities,” commented Christopher Ortiz (https://apo-opa.co/3UYIb6M), Member of Group Executive Board – North America, UK and APAC, GFT (https://apo-opa.co/4eBennO).     

UDPN is a DLT-underpinned messaging backbone focused on providing interoperability between the fast-growing number of different regulated stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and CBDCs, and seamless connectivity between any business IT system and regulated digital currencies.

Earlier this year the UDPN team launched three solutions designed to reshape the landscape of digital payments and assets in the financial sector:

  • Tokenised Deposit/Stablecoin Management System: A production-grade system designed for both commercial banks and regulated stablecoin issuers, streamlining the entire lifecycle of tokenised deposits and stablecoin services – from issuance to operation, including advanced interoperability features.
  • Digital Asset Tokenisation System: Provides a robust production-grade platform for financial institutions, such as banks and investment firms, to tokenise real-world assets and manage them within a regulated environment.
  • UDPN All-in-One Digital Currency Sandbox: A sandbox, designed to enable both commercial and central banks to learn about the latest digital currency technology, test built-in use cases, and develop their own new custom use cases in a self-control and secure environment that the banks can control and provide permissioned access to other institutions in their ecosystem.

The UDPN aims to drive down payment and foreign exchange costs whilst accelerating the uptake of regulated digital currencies.

Over 130 countries [3] globally are currently investigating, developing, or have already launched CBDCs. On the African continent, South Africa, Nigeria, Eswatini and Ethiopia have taken the lead. FORUS Digital has positioned itself in Africa to help central banks and commercial banks in their journey towards CBDC using the UDPN All-in-One Digital Currency Sandbox.

Statista [4] indicated that the Digital Assets market in Africa is projected to reach a revenue of US$3,115.0m by 2024.  It indicates that Africa’s Digital Assets market specifically, the number of users is projected to reach 53.89m users by 2025.

Financial innovation is not limited to central banks. Citigroup’s launch of Citi Token Services and Societé Generale’s December 2023 announcement of their digital currency and asset services and the HSBC Orion platform are the most recent examples of how traditional financial institutions are making digital assets an essential part of their service offerings to their clients.

This partnership between UDPN and FORUS Digital will focus on helping central banks deploy a secure CBDC testing environment for creating use cases and defining new regulations. It will also help commercial banks manage their own tokenised deposit and stablecoin life cycle and integrate into the central bank digital currency testing environment. The programmability of value-added financial services will enable new business models and enhance the efficiency and transparency of cross-border payments.

This partnership is a major milestone in Africa’s digital financial transformation and the introduction of UDPN Solutions there will enable a variety of sectors to access secure, low-cost cross-border payments and tokenised financial products. By providing African governments and financial institutions with blockchain-driven tools, UDPN will support enabling an inclusive, scalable digital payments system for the African continent.

Learn more!

To learn more about the Universal Digital Payment Network (UDPN), please visit www.UDPN.io.

Together, we are equipping Africa with the tools to embrace blockchain-powered tokenisation and drive sustainable development

[1] https://apo-opa.co/4fZNzyr

[2] https://apo-opa.co/3Z2xBg6

[3] Atlantic Council’s CBDC Tracker (https://apo-opa.co/4ggoRKH)

[4] Statista (https://apo-opa.co/4fX9p5N)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FORUS Digital.

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