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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Solid Minerals Development Fund of Nigeria (SMDF), and Xcalibur Partner to Boost Nigeria’s Geological Data Capabilities

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Geological Data

The collaboration will pursue initiatives that enhance the availability of Nigeria’s geological data to interested investors across the globe and design an exploration program for mapping the country’s subterranean mineral wealth

ABUJA, Nigeria, October 18, 2023/APO Group/ — 

In a groundbreaking move for Nigeria’s mining sector, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (https://www.AfricaFC.org/), the leading infrastructure provider on the continent, the Solid Minerals Development Fund of Nigeria (SMDF), a Nigerian mining-focused development fund, and Xcalibur Multiphysics (Xcalibur), a global leader in airborne geophysics, have joined forces to enhance the landscape of geo-scientific data and geological mapping for early-stage mining projects in Nigeria. The three institutions signed a Cooperation Agreement yesterday on the sidelines of the ongoing Nigerian Mining Week in Abuja.

The collaboration will pursue initiatives that enhance the availability of Nigeria’s geological data to interested investors across the globe and design an exploration program for mapping the country’s subterranean mineral wealth. Additionally, AFC, SMDF and Xcalibur will aim to establish a comprehensive database that effectively showcases Nigeria’s resource potential, thus encouraging long-term investment from banks, mining firms, financial institutions, and individuals.

Our collaboration will bolster the availability of high-quality geophysical data that will attract mining investments and contribute to the development of critical mineral resource

Earlier this year, AFC and Xcalibur signed a joint venture agreement to partner on mapping, developing and co-financing natural resource projects in Africa, and this initiative in Nigeria is an offshoot of the program. With this tripartite agreement, AFC and SMDF will jointly explore suitable financing solutions, engage with regulators, support relevant government agencies, and facilitate government discussions while Xcalibur contributes technical support, oversees data quality, and conducts economic evaluation studies, including potential biodiversity and environmental mapping.

Commenting on this landmark agreement, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said, “Nigeria’s abundant natural resources provide a promising foundation for growth and development. However, there is currently a limited understanding of the vast underground mineral wealth within the country. In order to address this, our collaboration with SMDF and Xcalibur seeks to significantly improve the availability of high-quality geomapping data. This ambitious initiative will not only attract valuable mining investments but also pave the way for the development of critical mineral resources in Nigeria with intentional focus on value capture and retention in line with the minerals value chain policy in the country. Ultimately, our goal is to establish Nigeria as a pivotal player in the global energy transition.”

Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, Executive Secretary and CEO of Solid Minerals Development Fund, said, “Over 90% of Nigeria remains underexplored, with significant potential to discover and increase existing deposits. Increased exploration activity is crucial to realising the benefits of the country’s geological endowment and supporting a pipeline of new projects to market. Given that Nigeria accounts for less than 0.5% of the global exploration budget, our partnership with AFC and Xcalibur will act as a stimulus for resource exploration activity, derisk resource exploration in Nigeria, and increase the global appeal of Nigeria as a resource exploration destination.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with the AFC and the SMDF in this groundbreaking project to enhance geophysical data  in Nigeria,” said Dario Castellanos, VP Financing and Middle East Director of  Xcalibur Multiphysics. ”Our collaboration will bolster the availability of high-quality geophysical data that will attract mining investments and contribute to the development of critical mineral resources in the country. We believe that this initiative will be instrumental in establishing Nigeria as a pivotal player in the global energy transition, and we are fully committed to the success of this exciting project.”

Despite being home to 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, Africa receives only 5% of global mining financing. AFC is a significant investor in Africa’s mining sector, deploying over $900 million in critical projects over the last seven years. The Corporation’s interventions have sought to close the mining sector’s financing gap by deploying its in-house project development expertise and structuring capabilities to support sponsors in derisking projects for bankability. Recent examples of transformational mining projects in which AFC has invested include the Dynamic Mining Bauxite Mine in Guinea, expected to increase the country’s bauxite production and exports, and the FG Gold Baomahun Gold Project in Sierra Leone, which is expected to contribute significantly to local job creation and sustainable economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

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ER Group chooses Nairobi to accelerate East African partnerships and investment

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ER Group

The Group, created in 2025 through the merger of Mauritian business flagships ENL and Rogers, marks a new step in its regionalisation strategy by strengthening its presence in one of Africa’s most dynamic economic regions

MOKA, Mauritius, April 3, 2026/APO Group/ —Mauritian listed business group ER Group (https://ERGroup.mu) has established a regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, and created a regional fund with equity partners to expand investment and partnerships across East Africa. The Group, created in 2025 through the merger of Mauritian business flagships ENL and Rogers, marks a new step in its regionalisation strategy by strengthening its presence in one of Africa’s most dynamic economic regions.

Regional expansion is one of the pillars of ER Group’s ten-year strategy, set out earlier this year. In line with this roadmap, the Group, which is present in 17 territories worldwide, is accelerating its expansion in Africa through a measured approach focused on sectors it knows well. The priority is to grow in industries and countries the Group already operates, working with trusted partners to expand sustainably.

Through this approach, ER Group aims to increase the contribution of international activities from around 15% of revenue today to 30% over the coming decade. East Africa has been identified as a priority region within this strategy, with Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, and Uganda forming the first phase of expansion.

Establishing a regional office in Nairobi strengthens our ability to identify opportunities and support the expansion of our subsidiaries across East Africa

To back this ambition, ER Group has created, together with equity partners, a regional fund of MUR 1 billion to accompany the expansion of its subsidiaries across Africa. The fund is designated to providing capital for growth, supporting selective investments and providing additional capacity to pursue opportunities in markets and sectors where the Group has established expertise.

On the ground, ER Group has appointed Rasmus Bentzen as its regional representative in Nairobi. Bringing over a decade of experience in private equity and regional investment across East Africa, he will anchor the Group’s regional expansion agenda by identifying investment opportunities, developing strategic partnerships and supporting growth of its subsidiaries in Africa.

Gilbert Espitalier-Noël, Group Chief Executive Officer of ER Group, said: “Regionalisation is a central part of our long-term strategy. We focus on markets where our businesses already have operational expertise and where partnerships can support sustainable growth. Establishing a regional office in Nairobi strengthens our ability to identify opportunities and support the expansion of our subsidiaries across East Africa.

As it accelerates its regional ambition, ER Group, one of Mauritius’s most profitable and diversified business groups, continues to combine strong financial performance with dedicated investment, giving it the capacity to support its expansion with discipline and long-term perspective. For the first half of FY26, the Group, listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and included in its Sustainability index (SEMSI), reported:

  • Revenue of MUR 23.2 billion ($492.7 million)
  • EBITDA of MUR 6.4 billion ($135.9 million)
  • Profit after tax of MUR 2.6 billion ($55.2 million)
  • Operating margin of 26%
  • Expected EBITDA FY26: MUR 12 billion ($254.8 million)

The Nairobi presence, combined with the creation of dedicated regional investment capacity, marks the start of a more active phase of expansion for ER Group, building on its existing footprint and financial capacity to deepen partnerships and pursue opportunities across East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ER Group.

 

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Caribbean Scales Up Energy Financing as Afreximbank Expands CARICOM Commitment

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Afreximbank

Afreximbank’s expanded CARICOM financing capacity is reshaping how the Caribbean approaches energy, infrastructure and industrial development

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, April 1, 2026/APO Group/ –The Caribbean’s energy ambitions received a major financial boost this March as Afreximbank confirmed it is increasing its CARICOM financing capacity to $5 billion, marking a significant step toward closing the region’s infrastructure and development funding gap.

 

Speaking during the Atlantic Basin Business Forum at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, Okechukwu Ihejirika, Acting CEO for the Caribbean Office at Afreximbank, emphasized that access to capital remains the single most important factor in turning the region’s energy ambitions into reality.

“There is a lot of financing that is required in the region and no one single institution can cover that alone. With CARICOM Afreximbank, we see the establishment of a large institution that can finance projects across the region,” Ihejirika said.

Launched in 2023, CARICOM Afreximbank will scale its regional financing limit from $3 billion to $5 billion over the next four years. Ihejirika explained that the entity already has buy-in from CAPRICOM states, and that “we have commissioned advisory agencies that are working on developing the framework document. We are waiting on feedback from the advisors. Once that comes in, we will be ready to throw in funds.”

Scaling Caribbean Energy: Finance and Infrastructure in Focus

The expansion of Afreximbank’s CARICOM financing commitment signals a shift toward more locally anchored financing structures, capable of supporting energy, infrastructure and industrial projects across the Caribbean. It coincides with an accelerated push by Caribbean authorities to address infrastructure challenges, targeting strengthened logistics and regional ties.

Wandenberg Pitaluga Filho, President of the Amapá Economic Development Agency, outlined how Brazil’s Amapá state is focusing on infrastructure, regulatory reform and workforce development to position itself as a logistics and industrial hub linked to the Guyana Plateau and Caribbean energy developments.

We are focused on three pillars: infrastructure, regulation and workforce development

“We are focused on three pillars: infrastructure, regulation and workforce development,” Filho said, noting that projects such as the expansion of Santana port and new gas infrastructure will be critical to supporting future oil and gas developments across the region.

Local Content Takes Center Stage

Beyond financing and infrastructure, local content has emerged as a strategic priority for many Caribbean states, with speakers at CEW emphasizing that resource development must translate into domestic economic growth. Jude Kearney, Partner at ASAFO & CO., stressed that local content policies are not simply regulatory tools but foundational components of a functioning hydrocarbon industry.

“Local content is not just a throwaway concept. It has turned out to be an incredibly important component of a working hydrocarbon industry,” Kearney said, pointing to countries such as Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea as examples of how strong but flexible local content frameworks can support both investors and domestic industry development.

From an African perspective, Ababacar Mbengue, Director of Promotion and Exploration at Petrosen E&P, outlined how Senegal has approached local content by benchmarking global markets and implementing legislation across the entire oil and gas value chain. He stated that “Petrosen is not only educating investors but supporting them from a technical side to do seismic work and exploration until they can develop [projects].”

The message from both sides of the Atlantic was clear: local content frameworks must be structured, predictable and aligned with industry realities if they are to attract investment while building domestic capacity.

Cross-Atlantic Cooperation Gains Momentum

Cross-Atlantic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean is also gaining momentum, particularly as new gas producers and emerging oil provinces look to share technical expertise, financing models and regulatory experience.

Delivering a keynote ahead of the discussion, Ibrahima Noba, Director of E&P, Ministry of Energy, Senegal, highlighted that “What we see between Africa and the Caribbean is a resurgence. Both face similar challenges and share a common vision. This creates a unique opportunity for aligned strategies. We believe the time has come for collaboration between NOCs, shared development of gas monetization strategies and stronger collaboration across the energy value chain.”

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

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Radisson Hotel Group Surpasses 100 Hotels in Africa, Accelerating 2030 Growth Ambition

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Radisson Hotel

The last 12 months set a new benchmark with more than 2,500 rooms signed and multiple market entries

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 1, 2026/APO Group/ –Radisson Hotel Group has reached a significant milestone in Africa, with more than 100 hotels across the continent in operation and under development. Radisson Blu continues to anchor the legacy footprint. At the same time, the Radisson brand is the fastest riser, supported by a strong conversion engine and a concrete pipeline that continues to translate into openings. Building on this momentum, the Group has signed over 15 new hotels and roughly 2,500 rooms in the last 12 months, including new market entries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe. This week, Radisson Hotel Group is also attending FHS Africa ( www.FutureHospitality.com) in Nairobi, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence and strengthening strategic partnerships across the continent.

Over the past five years, Radisson and Radisson Blu have ranked among the most signed brands in Africa, with one of the highest shares of cumulative openings. The last 12 months set a new benchmark with more than 2,500 rooms signed and multiple market entries. Priority growth markets remain Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria, where the Group is deepening its presence and widening its brand distribution.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Regional Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, commented: “We’ve crossed the 100-hotel mark in Africa by staying true to our plan, focusing on where we can lead, moving fast on quality conversions, and partnering with owners who share our ambition. The next phase is about depth in Morocco and Nigeria, a smarter footprint in South Africa, and a stronger resort offering that matches where travelers want to go. Our pipeline is built to open, not just to announce. That is why our conversion share is high, our time to market is short, and our brands are gaining ground in the cities and resort destinations that matter most.”

Nigeria shows the model’s resilience. The Group now holds a strong position in the country with 13 hotels in operation and pipeline, while Abuja is carrying a significant active pipeline with three hotels totaling 458 keys.

South Africa is being reshaped with priorities in Cape Town, targeted growth in secondary cities such as Durban and Pretoria, and a sharper focus on leisure corridors that include Kruger National Park, Sun City, and the Garden Route. The Group plans to enter Zanzibar and is considering lodge, safari, and affiliation opportunities across Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia to meet the rising demand for nature-led experiences.

Conversions remain a core lever for scale and speed. In the last five years, more than 15 hotels, equal to almost 3,000 rooms, joined the portfolio through conversion. This helped the Group lead openings across the continent while keeping brand standards high and owners in mind.

Recent signings show the extensiveness of this strategy, with a balanced pipeline of city hotels, resort destinations, and quick-to-market conversions. These signings span the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, including Radisson Blu Kinshasa and three Radisson hotels in Lubumbashi, Radisson Harare, Park Inn Victoria Falls, Radisson Collection Lagos Atlantic, as well as new additions in Casablanca with Radisson Blu Resort & Conference Center Bouskoura, a first Radisson brand hotel in Rabat, and further expansion in Marrakech. Key signings include:

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa
Upper-upscale flagship in Gombe

Opening late 2026. Set on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, the hotel will offer 110 keys, including suites and a Presidential Suite. Guests can choose from a lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant, and a pool bar. Wellness includes a gym, massage rooms, and an outdoor pool with a terrace. Meetings and events feature a modern event hall with a pre-function area. The address is well connected, 32 kilometers from N’djili International Airport, 10 kilometers from N’Dolo Airport, and 6 kilometers from Gare Centrale.

Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi
Panoramic city stay in the DRC’s second city

Opening mid-2027. Located on Revolution Road Avenue, the hotel will feature 97 keys, including junior suites and a Presidential Suite. Dining spans a lobby bar, an all-day dining venue, and a rooftop bar and grill with city views. Three flexible meeting rooms and a pre-function area support business and social events. Facilities include a gym and a swimming pool. The location sits near Kipopo Lake, Lubumbashi Golf Club, and La Plage, and is 12 kilometers from Luano International Airport.

Radisson Blu Apartments Lubumbashi
Upscale apartment living in Lubumbashi’s prestigious Quartier Golf

Targeted for 2030. A 160-room property located in Quartier Golf, one of Lubumbashi’s most upscale residential districts, near Kipopo Lake and surrounded by luxury homes and key landmarks including Lubumbashi Golf and La Plage. Planned amenities include a specialty restaurant and bar, a pool bar, and a gym, offering a premium stay experience for extended-stay and leisure travelers.

Radisson Airport Hotel Lubumbashi
A strategically located airport hotel designed for ease and connectivity

Set to open in 2028, this 105-room property will be located just 6 kilometers from Luano International Airport, around a 10-minute drive, making it well positioned for business travelers, transit guests, and airline crews. Planned facilities include a restaurant, lobby bar, pool bar, meeting rooms, and a swimming pool, combining practicality with a welcoming hospitality experience close to the airport.

Egypt

Radisson Resort Ain Sokhna Groove
A large-scale Red Sea resort in one of Egypt’s growing leisure destinations

Planned for 2029, Radisson Resort Ain Sokhna Groove will offer 469 rooms, including 50 family rooms, as part of The Groove Ain Sokhna mixed-use development. Located along the Red Sea coast, around 30 kilometers south of Ain Sokhna and approximately 150 kilometers from Cairo, the resort is expected to feature private beach access, a spa, gym and fitness center, several restaurants, plus a ballroom and meeting rooms, catering to both holidaymakers and events demand.

Radisson Serviced Apartments COY Sheikh Zayed City
Flexible extended-stay accommodation in a fast-growing hub of Greater Cairo

Expected to open in 2030, this 120-key serviced apartments property, including six one-bedroom units, will form part of the COY development in Sheikh Zayed City. With a location just 13 kilometers from Sphinx International Airport and 14 kilometers from the Great Pyramids of Giza, the development sits close to major commercial, leisure, education, and healthcare destinations. Planned amenities include a coffee lounge, bar, kiosk, and meeting and event space integrated into the wider co-working environment.

Morocco

Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Casablanc a Bouskoura
Conference-ready address beside Palm Golf

A 119-key hotel with eight suites, a rooftop restaurant, and a dedicated conference center. Event facilities include two boardrooms, while a spa and a large outdoor pool cater to leisure travelers. The hotel is located 20 kilometers from Mohammed V International Airport and next to Palm Golf Palmeraie Country Club.

Radisson Hotel & Apartments Rabat Technopolis
Dual-component hub in the capital’s innovation park
A two-building project in Technopolis, 25 minutes from central Rabat. The hotel will offer 140 rooms, four dining venues, a pool, and a meeting and events space. The adjacent serviced apartment building adds 56 units. Technopolis connects businesses with leading education and research centers, creating a strong base for corporate demand.

Radisson Blu Resort Marrakech Ben Akil
Low-rise bungalows with views of Atlas Mountains

Opening early 2028. A 17-hectare estate featuring 80 bungalow-style accommodations, each with an outdoor terrace. Larger typologies include private pools. The resort sits beside Royal Golf Marrakech and is a 15-minute drive from the city center.

Nigeria

Radisson Hotel Aba
A new internationally branded hospitality destination for Aba

Targeted for 2031, Radisson Hotel Aba will introduce 120 rooms, including six junior suites, in a prime riverside location along the Aba River near key transport corridors. The hotel will become the first Radisson-branded property in Aba and the Group’s third branded hotel in Nigeria. Plans for the hotel include a gym, swimming pool, and several meeting rooms, serving both business and local demand. Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Owerri is approximately 56 kilometers away, or a 1 hour and 10 minute drive.

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa
A conference-focused hotel in the heart of an emerging Nigerian business center

Scheduled for 2027, the property will feature 196 rooms, including 16 junior suites, four executive suites, and two Presidential Suites, in Yenagoa, a city that is steadily strengthening its role as an administrative and commercial hub in southern Nigeria. Located near government institutions, business districts, and Bayelsa International Airport, approximately 33 kilometers or 40 minutes away, the hotel is set to benefit from the area’s ongoing infrastructure and hospitality growth while meeting rising demand for accommodation, meetings, and large-scale events.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Lagos Atlantic
Refined lifestyle luxury on the oceanfront of Lagos’ leading business district

Targeted for 2029, Radisson Collection Hotel, Lagos Atlantic will feature 107 rooms, including 16 executive suites and one Presidential Suite, on a prime oceanfront site on Victoria Island. As Lagos’ main financial and commercial district, Victoria Island is home to multinational companies, corporate headquarters, embassies, and strong year-round business activity. Located approximately 33 kilometers from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, around a 45-minute drive, the hotel will mark the second Radisson Collection property in Lagos.

South Africa

Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga
A modern serviced apartment offering in the heart of Umhlanga’s business district

Planned for 2029, Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga will introduce 155 rooms in a newly built development within Umhlanga Ridge, one of the area’s most established commercial and lifestyle hubs. The property will be within walking distance of Gateway Theatre of Shopping and close to major office precincts, including Umhlanga Ridge Business Park, La Lucia Office Park, and Glass House Office Park. Comprising studios and apartments, the project is designed to meet growing demand for high-quality extended-stay accommodation in the district.

Zimbabwe

New market entry

Radisson Serviced Apartments, Harare
Prime Borrowdale address for extended stays

Targeted for end-2028. A 147-key serviced apartments project within a master development near Maxwell Road in Borrowdale. The neighborhood is known for luxury residences, upscale shopping at Sam Levy’s Village, and entertainment at Borrowdale Racecourse. Planned amenities include a café and bar, a gym with sauna, and a pool with a deck. Set to be the only internationally branded hotel apartment offering in the area.

Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Falls Resort
A resort destination near one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks

Expected to open in 2029, Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Falls Resort will offer 150 rooms, including five suites, in a setting overlooking Zambezi National Park. Located just 5 kilometers from Victoria Falls, around a 10-minute drive, the resort will be ideally positioned near one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a destination that attracts more than 350,000 international visitors each year. With year-round waterfall views, adventure tourism, and access to safari experiences in the surrounding national parks, the property will cater to both leisure travelers and tour groups. Victoria Falls Airport is located approximately 22 kilometers, or a 23-minute drive, away.

Leading with the most diverse footprint across the continent, with presence in more than 30 African countries, Radisson Hotel Group blends depth in focus markets with selective entry into new destinations each year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa).

 

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