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United Nations Industrial Development Organization and Orange partner to transform Egypt’s mobile and network/IT equipment markets through circular solutions

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UNIDO

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Orange have joined forces to pioneer an initiative aimed at revolutionizing Egypt’s mobile device and network equipment markets

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PARIS, France, November 27, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Orange (www.Orange.com) have joined forces to support over the next two years the establishment of a viable business model for high-quality standard secondary market of mobile devices and networks/IT equipment in Egypt. This pilot is part of the global Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project (SWITCH2CE), co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland; The ambition is to foster a just transition of the Egyptian Electronics-ICT value chain to an inclusive, climate neutral and circular economy; Egypt’s e-waste generation represents 20% of the total e-waste in Africa with 585.8 kt and The Egyptian government has set the target of increasing the recycling rate to 25% by 2030 and ensuring the safe disposal of all hazardous waste; The first refurbishment center will be set in 2024 in Egypt and will support capacity building of locally recruited technicians.

An initiative for supporting the adoption of circular economy practices, developing a local infrastructure and creating capacity development opportunities

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Orange have joined forces to pioneer an initiative aimed at revolutionizing Egypt’s mobile device and network equipment markets. An extensive network of local and international partners, including Nokia, Cordon Group which is in the process of establishing in Egypt, Sofrecom Group, eTadweer, and many others, will join this transformation. This pilot is part of the global Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project (SWITCH2CE), co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland.

This pilot project will focus on several key objectives to realize the circular potential of Egypt’s ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and electronics value chain:

  • Supporting the adoption of circular economy practices and policies: The initiative aims to accelerate the development of circular economy practices and policies in Egypt by engaging citizens and advocating for behavioral change towards recycling and circularity. This pilot project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and reduce carbon footprints by formalizing the recycling of e-waste and extending product lifetimes.
  • Developing a local infrastructure: network equipment and mobile devices refurbishment centers will be established to serve the local market, with ambitions to become an Africa & Middle East hub.
  • Capacity Development: Local technicians will be recruited and trained, vocational certifying training programs will be introduced, and new practices that promote circular transitions in the electronics sector will be implemented, including with the informal sector.

This pilot aims to open new potential for reuse of products, extend their longevity and reduce the generated e-waste. Refurbished and recertified network equipment and devices will re-enter the local market, the residual e-waste will be collected and recycled by pilot’s partners. A vision based on repair, second life, sustainability and refurbishment of devices and equipment is a relevant approach to address the challenge of a more sustainable ICT and electronics sector in Egypt and in the region.

We are pleased to collaborate with the United Nations and our partners, Nokia and Cordon Group, to help implementing circular economy in Egypt and Africa

A need to bring circular economy to Egypt and Africa

Egypt’s telecommunications market is one of the largest in Africa and the Middle East, both in terms of GDP contribution and number of internet and mobile phone users [1] (85.8 million and 105.01 million respectively in 2023). With an average annual growth rate of 16.7% in FY 2021/2022 [2], the ICT sector is the highest-growing state sector over the past five years.

Egypt is also among the highest generators of e-waste in Africa. Yet, recycling companies are struggling to find economically viable methods to collect and convert these materials into secondary resources, resulting in15 to 20% of Egypt’s e-waste being recycled according to the United Nations Environment Program. Egypt has set ambitious targets to improve its waste management systems, including for e-waste, as outlined in Egypt Vision 2030. Plans also include increasing the recycling rate to 25% by 2030 and ensuring 100% safe disposal of hazardous waste.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the United Nations and our partners, Nokia and Cordon Group, to help implementing circular economy in Egypt and Africa. The evolution of uses and the strong expansion of electronic equipment require a responsible reconditioning system that integrates local markets and includes local population. Orange is proud to be able to use its long-standing expertise to develop this virtuous economy and contribute to the social and economic development of the territories in which it operates” explains Jérôme Hénique, Executive Vice President, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA).

“By creating coalitions and synergies with its entire ecosystem, Orange aims to reduce the environmental footprint. Circular economy is a concrete lever for decarbonization, rational management of natural resources and economic development in the regions. These projects are fully in line with our ambition to reduce our CO2 emissions by 45% in 2030 compared with 2020 for all scopes 1, 2 and 3, as set out in our “Lead the future” strategic plan adds Elizabeth Tchoungui, Executive Vice President of Group Corporate Social Responsibility.

“With the support of the European Union and the Government of Finland, UNIDO leads the global Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains (SWITCH2CE) project. In Egypt, we support the circular transition for the ICT and electronics sector, by piloting innovative circular solutions in close cooperation with the private sector. This pilot will address acute challenges on new technology, business models and traceability, and will demonstrate the economic opportunity for circular approaches. The project also collaborates with government partners, academia, and NGOs to create an enabling environment for circularity through policy and tailored capacity building.”  Mark Draeck, SWITCH2CE Chief Technical Advisor, UNIDO.


[1] https://apo-opa.co/3N1hg6v

[2] https://apo-opa.co/3RheWum

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

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International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Engages Stakeholders During the World Trade Organization Aid for Trade Review 2024 Event

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African Finance Corporation, International Trade Centre, ITFC, WTO, Afreximbank, and UNIDO Sign Joint Declaration to Promote Cooperation in Support of the Cotton Sector

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, July 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group is pleased to announce the Corporation’s active participation at the 9th World Global Review for Trade. This event, themed ‘Mainstreaming Trade’, was held at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) headquarters, in Geneva from June 26 to 28, 2024.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Aid for Trade Review is a significant global platform that brings together policymakers, development agencies, and trade experts to discuss strategies and initiatives to promote trade as a means of development. This year’s theme highlighted the importance of integrating trade into national development strategies for sustainable economic growth.

ITFC remains committed to strengthening existing partnerships and leveraging new synergies to provide our member countries with trade solutions best suited to global dynamics

The event was an occasion for ITFC to cement its strategic partnerships with the international trade community, explore new areas of cooperation, and present IsDB Group’s achievement with the publication of the IsDB Aid for Trade Report.

A joint declaration was signed between Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC; H.E. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO, Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO; Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).  The joint declaration will strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest under the coalition ‘Partenariat pour le coton’ by establishing sustainable textile hubs, supporting private sector investments, and encouraging collaboration and advocacy in Africa and beyond.

 The signature ceremony was followed by a high-level panel session titled “Cotton to Clothing: Charting Pathways to Create Sustainable Jobs for Women and Youth in West and Central Africa”. Mr. Sonbol underscored the long-lasting involvement of ITFC in cotton production in the past 15 years: US$2 billion financed to connect firms and millions of smallholders’ cotton farmers to global value chains. He also presented ITFC’s solutions programs as solutions to support investment promotion, market access, and capacity building to enable the environment for a regional textile value chain in Africa.  

In addition, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol participated in a panel session on “Financing Aid for Trade—Regional Perspectives,” highlighting the potential for economic transformation of OIC member countries through regional integration and showcasing IsDB Group synergy that allows to offer robust regional programs to OIC member countries in different continents. 

Commenting on ITFC’s participation during the WTO Aid for Trade Review 2024, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, ITFC CEO, said: “ITFC’s participation at the 9th World Global Review for Trade is a clear testament to our good relations with the World Trade Organization and our support for their mission of leveraging trade to generate employment opportunities and improve livelihoods. ITFC remains committed to strengthening existing partnerships and leveraging new synergies to provide our member countries with trade solutions best suited to global dynamics. We look forward to further supporting sustainable trade, trade finance, and value creation through these strategic partnerships.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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Republic of Congo Hydrocarbons Minister to Discuss Gas Monetization at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024

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Hydrocarbons

Both the Republic of Congo and Angola have outlined ambitious oil and gas production targets, representing strategic areas for bilateral investment and cooperation

LUANDA, Angola, July 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo (ROC), has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference as a speaker. During the conference – scheduled for October 2-3 in Luanda – Minister Itoua will provide insight into emerging opportunities in oil exploration, gas monetization and LNG development, as well as potential areas for collaboration between the two countries.

Both ROC and Angola have set bold production targets, aiming to increase oil output to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 1.1 million bpd, respectively. Both countries’ favorable investment climates have sparked the interest of a strong slate of E&P firms, with AOG 2024 set to not only support national oil and gas objectives, but also offer a platform for engagement in emerging cross-border projects.  

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

To support oil production, ROC is promoting investment in frontier exploration alongside incremental production from existing assets. The Central African country – with 1.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves – has several upstream campaigns underway that aim to unlock new discoveries. Independent energy company Perenco, for example, completed 3D seismic surveys at the Tchibouela II, Tchendo II, Marine XXVIII and Emeraude permits in November 2023. Energy major TotalEnergies has announced plans to invest $600 million to drive exploration and production activities in the country, specifically through the development of the Moho Nord field. The field currently accounts for nearly half of total Congolese oil production, producing an estimated 140,000 bpd. The investment will support drilling operations in line with national targets to bolster output.

Meanwhile, ROC is committed to monetizing its gas resources through both associated and non-associated projects. The country reached a milestone in March 2024 with the delivery of its first LNG cargo to Italy from the Congo LNG development. As the country’s inaugural LNG facility, the project employed a fast-tracked approach whereby LNG was produced just 12 months after FID. By 2025, the Congo LNG project is expected to produce 2.4 million tons per annum, with ROC joining the likes of Angola as a major African LNG exporter.

Further supporting its gas monetization drive, ROC is making progress with the development of the Bango Kayo project. Set to reach peak oil production of 50,000 bpd, project developer Wing Wah is deploying an integrated approach to expand the project through multiple phases. The project will begin monetizing previously-flared gas to support the country’s industrial sector, serving as a model for other African oil producers including Angola, which is striving to maximize production from mature assets.

Minister Itoua’s participation at AOG 2024 not only speaks to the caliber of the event as the premier oil and gas conference in Angola, but creates new opportunities for bilateral collaboration in the fields of LNG production and oilfield development. Angola and ROC – both offering promising opportunities in offshore exploration and tie-ins to existing onshore infrastructure – represent highly attractive hydrocarbons markets, with the AOG 2024 conference set to connect global investors with prospective opportunities.

Minister Itoua will be joined by Maixent Raoul Ominga, Managing Director of the Congo’s national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo at AOG 2024. For more information, visit www.AngolaOilAndGas.com.

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

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Gazprom Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 as Silver Sponsor, Driving Africa’s Gas Momentum

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Gazprom

Russian multinational energy corporation Gazprom will join African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024, affirming its commitment to advancing sustainable and gas-focused energy solutions across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Russian multinational energy corporation Gazprom is spearheading a crucial refinery upgrade project at the Mossel Bay gas-to-fuel facility in South Africa – which advanced to feasibility stage last month – as part of efforts to support Africa’s gas monetization agenda and secure a reliable supply of refined petroleum products. As the world’s largest producer of natural gas, Gazprom will join African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy – taking place in Cape Town on November 4-8 – as a Silver Sponsor, bringing valuable insights and perspectives on harnessing Africa’s substantial gas resources.

For Africa, natural gas represents the key to achieving broad energy security and diversified economic growth. With over 620 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas reserves, the continent is seeking to ramp up gas exploration efforts, while establishing integrated, gas-based networks and downstream industries. Through new exploration campaigns, Nigeria is aiming to expand its gas reserves from 200 tcf to 600 tcf; Mozambique is spearheading development of the 18-million-ton-per-year (mtpa) Rovuma LNG and 13-mtpa Mozambique LNG facilities; and Algeria is driving production through a gas-boosting project at the Hassi R’Mel gas field. The 2.3-mtpa Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project in Senegal and Mauritania anticipates first production later this year, while the Tanzania LNG project is set to produce 10 million mtpa once approval by the government is secured.

AEW: Invest in African Energy stands as the premier platform for project operators, financiers, technology providers, and governments, recognized as the definitive venue for sealing deals in African energy. For more information about this pivotal event, visit www.AECWeek.com.

Gazprom is consistently expanding its dialogue with African countries and stands ready to share its unique know-how and best practices

Gazprom’s expertise in gas exploration, production, processing and export positions it as a viable partner to Africa’s natural gas agenda. Last year, the company partnered with the African Energy Chamber (AEC) to host the International Gas Roundtable, an exclusive event highlighting the pivotal role of gas in stimulating economic development across the continent. The roundtable served as a unique platform to explore innovative strategies, exchange best practices and shape the future of gas development, providing valuable insights for both mature and emerging African gas producers.  

“Gazprom is consistently expanding its dialogue with African countries and stands ready to share its unique know-how and best practices in realizing mutually profitable energy industry projects with potential partners from Africa. Gazprom possesses all the necessary technologies and innovations capable to assist African countries in securing energy industry development based on the existing natural gas reserves, in decreasing the level of ‘energy poverty,’ and in improving the quality of life of the populations of African countries, as well as in resolving environmental problems,” states Dmitry Khandoga, Head of International Business at Gazprom.

Gazprom’s technical expertise in the gas sector demonstrates the potential for Africa to increase production and unlock new export markets. With projects like the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline set to supply African gas to regional and European markets, Gazprom’s expertise is particularly crucial, as it operates a number of pipelines that deliver gas across the country and transnationally. The company deploys cutting-edge technologies in the design and maintenance of pipelines, such as the application of corrosion-resistant materials and automated monitoring systems, which increase the reliability and durability of gas infrastructure. At AEW: Invest in African Energy, Gazprom will share its expertise to foster collaboration with industry leaders, advocate for sustainable energy practices and forge partnerships that work towards Africa’s energy security and growth.

“Natural gas is a strategic tool in the fight against energy poverty in Africa. It represents a reliable, scalable and cost-effective solution for power generation and industrial growth. Gazprom’s technical expertise across the entire gas value chain – which makes it the world’s largest gas producer – provides a valuable blueprint for African nations looking to harness gas for domestic use and export,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Returning to this year’s edition of AEW: Invest in African Energy, Gazprom will bring a wealth of expertise in the exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing, and sales of gas, gas condensate and oil. By collaborating with industry leaders and African stakeholders, Gazprom aims to support the continent’s journey towards energy independence and sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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