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African Development Bank’s AfriCircular Innovators Programme names 30 small and medium enterprises

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AfriCircular

MSMEs represent 80 percent of Africa’s businesses, while the circular economy in Africa has the potential to generate 11 million jobs

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, August 23, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The African Development Bank-supported (www.AfDB.org) AfriCircular Innovators Programme has selected 30 small and medium enterprises to receive financing and technical assistance to scale up circular economy (https://apo-opa.co/3SZxikc) initiatives. This inaugural cohort, drawn from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Rwanda, participated in an online onboarding event on August 9, 2024.

The AfriCircular Innovators Programme, funded by the African Development Bank’s Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) and being implemented in partnership with the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), aims to support innovative circular economy solutions that foster sustainable and inclusive growth. MSMEs represent 80 percent of Africa’s businesses, while the circular economy in Africa has the potential to generate 11 million jobs.

The 30 selected enterprises will receive support to scale their circular initiatives within the five “big bets”, the sectors identified by ACEA for their high potential in job creation and economic growth: packaging, food systems, built environment, electronics, fashion and textile.

Among the beneficiaries are enterprises developing smart energy metering, reimagining the construction industry using coconut husks, transforming plastic waste into durable construction blocks, and digitalizing the collection and processing of e-waste.

Financial support and access to cutting-edge technologies will strengthen our production capacity and positive environmental impact

Ndintambwe Feeds Limited, a Rwandan company that produces affordable animal feeds using insects and maggots as an environmentally-friendly alternative to soybean and fishmeal, is one of the selected businesses. Speaking at the event, the founder, Jean Bosco Nshutiyimana said, “As an SME, we face numerous challenges. The biggest ones include limited financial capacity to fully implement our project, and the lack of required skills to sustain a profitable recycling business without harming the environment.”

Koumbem Fatou Emilienne, representative of Siboré Luxury Hair, another beneficiary, said, “Joining AfriCircular’s Innovators Program offers a valuable opportunity for Siboré Luxury Hair, aligned with our commitment to sustainability. Through this program, we will benefit from the expertise and resources needed to optimize our production processes, and reduce waste and improve energy efficiency. Financial support and access to cutting-edge technologies will strengthen our production capacity and positive environmental impact.”  

The AfriCircular Innovators Programme aligns with the African Development Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa (JfYA) Strategy. With Africa’s youth population set to double to over 830 million by 2050, harnessing this demographic dividend is vital for economic growth, against a backdrop of persisting high unemployment and underemployment.

ACEF, as the sole Multi-Donor Trust Fund dedicated to mainstreaming the circular economy in Africa, strategically finances initiatives that drive inclusive and green growth, optimize resource efficiency, foster innovation, and create sustainable job opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Energy

Maurel & Prom to Showcase African Growth Strategy at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Bronze Partner

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African Energy Chamber

As a Bronze Partner, Maurel & Prom will participate in high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking and project showcases, highlighting the company’s investment strategy and contribution to the growth of Tanzania, Gabon and Angola’s energy sectors

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 3, 2026/APO Group/ –French independent exploration and production company Maurel & Prom (M&P) has been confirmed as a Bronze Partner of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16. The company’s participation comes as it accelerates an African growth strategy centered on brownfield optimization, gas monetization and strategic asset expansion across Gabon, Tanzania and Angola, reinforcing its position as a key partner in advancing Africa’s energy security and production growth.

M&P arrives at AEW 2026 following a series of operational and financial milestones that strengthen its long-term investment outlook. On July 10, the company secured a $465 million five-year syndicated financing facility to refinance existing debt, providing additional financial flexibility to support its African growth strategy. The milestone follows strong first-half 2026 performance, with higher oil prices driving a 27% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2025.

Gabon remains the centerpiece of M&P’s African portfolio, where the company continues to expand production while developing the country’s emerging natural gas industry. In July, M&P awarded Capstone Energy a 36-month contract to deploy flare gas recovery technology at its Mouletsi-2 well on the Etekamba gas permit onshore Gabon. The project will capture gas that would otherwise be flared for on-site power generation, reducing emissions while improving energy efficiency and operational reliability.

Scheduled for production by late 2026, the Mouletsi-2 project marks M&P’s first gas development in Gabon. It is expected to yield approximately 25 million cubic feet per day, helping unlock value from the country’s 26 billion cubic meters of proven natural gas reserves.

From gas monetization in Gabon and Tanzania to brownfield optimization in Angola, the company is helping maximize the value of Africa’s existing resources

Beyond gas development, M&P continues to optimize oil production across its Ezanga, Kari, Nyanga-Mayombe and Etekamba licenses, with Gabon representing the company’s largest producing asset. The company’s first-half 2026 production across its Gabonese assets increased compared to the second half of 2025 as brownfield optimization programs continue to deliver incremental gains.

In Tanzania, M&P is advancing one of East Africa’s most active onshore gas development programs through the Mnazi Bay field, which supplies natural gas to the country’s domestic market. Earlier this year, the company brought the MB-5 development well online – the first well drilled on the license since 2014 – with production capacity of approximately 40 MMcfd, increasing the field’s total production potential to more than 130 MMcfd.

M&P is sustaining drilling momentum through the MS-2 development well and the Kasa-1X exploration well, supporting Tanzania’s objective of expanding natural gas supply and increasing access to clean cooking to 75% of the population by 2030.

In Angola, M&P continues to strengthen its portfolio through interests in Blocks 3/05, 3/05A and 3/24, alongside a 19% stake in the Quilemba Solar Project, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting both hydrocarbon production and energy diversification. A two-well drilling campaign on Block 3/05, undertaken with Sonangol, is expected to add approximately 9,000 barrels per day of production, contributing to Angola’s strategy to sustain national crude output through brownfield redevelopment.

At AEW 2026, M&P will engage with governments, investors and industry stakeholders to showcase how targeted investment in mature assets, natural gas development and strategic acquisitions can unlock long-term production growth while strengthening Africa’s energy security.

“Maurel & Prom demonstrates how disciplined investment in mature assets can generate the capital needed to unlock new growth opportunities across Africa. From gas monetization in Gabon and Tanzania to brownfield optimization in Angola, the company is helping maximize the value of Africa’s existing resources while supporting the continent’s long-term energy security and industrial development,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Gold Fields, Moore Global and Mali Chamber of Mines to Lead Gold Growth Dialogue at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

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Gold Fields

As record prices reshape investment priorities, industry leaders will examine the strategies, partnerships and financing needed to expand Africa’s gold production

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 3, 2026/APO Group/ –As African governments and mining companies accelerate efforts to expand gold production and capitalize on strong global demand, African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town, will spotlight the policies, partnerships and investments driving the continent’s next phase of growth in the gold sector.

 

The event will feature a dedicated panel, Expanding Africa’s Gold Output, exploring strategies to increase gold production, formalize artisanal and small-scale mining and strengthen investment across the value chain.

The session will be moderated by Matt Banton, Head of Mining at Moore Global, and feature Fousseni Togola, President of the Mali Chamber of Mines, and Benford Mokoatle, Executive Vice President: South Africa at Gold Fields.

The discussion comes as the global gold market continues to strengthen. Gold prices have remained above $4,000 per ounce throughout 2026, supported by sustained central bank demand as countries increase gold reserves to diversify foreign exchange holdings and strengthen financial resilience. Across Africa, central banks in Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt and Namibia have expanded gold purchase programs, reinforcing demand while creating new opportunities for domestic producers.

African gold-producing nations are responding by introducing reforms aimed at increasing production and improving sector governance. In Mali, the government is strengthening the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector as part of its strategy to maintain annual gold production above 60 metric tons. In July 2026, the country established the Malian Office of Precious Substances, a new state institution responsible for regulating and formalizing artisanal gold production across approximately 400 mining sites employing nearly two million people. At the same time, Mali continues to strengthen partnerships with major mining companies, including Barrick, B2Gold, Toubani Resources and Cora Gold, to sustain long-term production growth and attract additional investment.

At AMW 2026, Togola is expected to discuss how the Mali Chamber of Mines is supporting these reforms while highlighting the investment opportunities emerging across the country’s gold sector. His participation will explore the role of chamber members in expanding production, strengthening local participation and positioning Mali among Africa’s leading gold producers.

South Africa is also advancing initiatives to revitalize its gold industry through increased exploration and long-term mine investment. Earlier this year, the government expanded the Junior Mining Exploration Fund to R600 million, improving access to exploration capital for emerging mining companies and supporting efforts to unlock new gold discoveries.

Complementing these national initiatives, Gold Fields is investing R1.714 billion through 2027 to deepen its flagship South Deep Mine, positioning the operation as a long-life production hub well beyond 2030. Gold Fields’ Mokoatle is expected to provide an update on the company’s long-term investment strategy, highlighting how innovation and sustained capital investment are supporting South Africa’s efforts to strengthen gold production.

As investment accelerates across Africa’s gold sector, AMW 2026 provides a premier platform to connect governments, producers, investors and service providers, advancing the partnerships and capital needed to unlock the continent’s next phase of gold production growth.

 

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

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African Power & Energy Elites evolves into African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects

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While power and energy remain central to the platform, the African Infrastructure Elites will provide a broader space to recognise leadership, innovation and delivery across essential infrastructure sectors

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 3, 2026/APO Group/ –The African Power & Energy Elites, brought to you by ESI Africa, part of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com), has officially rebranded as the African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects.

The new identity reflects the initiative’s evolving reach and its recognition of the interconnected people, projects and systems supporting Africa’s socioeconomic growth. While power and energy remain central to the platform, the African Infrastructure Elites will provide a broader space to recognise leadership, innovation and delivery across essential infrastructure sectors, including energy, water and transport.

Now entering its 11th edition, the annual African Elites initiative has built a strong legacy of showcasing the professionals and projects making a measurable contribution to the continent. Previous volumes have profiled utility executives, engineers, developers, financiers, policymakers, emerging professionals and project teams working to improve infrastructure access, resilience and sustainability.

The rebrand builds on this legacy while creating greater opportunity to tell the stories behind Africa’s infrastructure transformation.

The African Infrastructure Elites will continue to recognise both established leaders and rising stars, as well as projects across categories that include grid-tied and off-grid infrastructure, smart and digital solutions, clean transport (rail, road, air, shipping), energy at mines, water and sanitation, and finance and investment.

African Infrastructure Elites Advisory Board

Each nomination will be reviewed by the African Infrastructure Elites Advisory Board, a panel of experienced industry professionals responsible for assessing submissions on merit. The board’s independent vetting process plays an essential role in maintaining the credibility of the annual publication and ensuring that the selected people and projects demonstrate meaningful achievement, innovation and impact.

The Advisory Board includes:

Chanda Nxumalo – Managing Director, Harmattan Renewables, South Africa

George Aluru — Chief Executive Officer, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK)

Gordon Molefe — Founder and CEO, Business4U Consultants, Botswana

Ifey Ikoneu — Energy Policy, Markets & Regulation Consultant, Ghana

Suleiman Babamanu — Nigeria Program Director, RMI

Yolanda Mabuto — Managing Director, Divaine Growth Solutions, South Africa

Selected nominees will be featured in the African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects 2026/2027 publication and promoted through ESI Africa’s digital channels, multimedia platforms, webinars, social media campaigns and industry events.

The African Infrastructure Elites online library will also continue to provide access to previous editions, preserving a record of the individuals and projects that have shaped Africa’s power, energy and infrastructure landscape over the years.

Organisations and individuals are invited to nominate colleagues, partners, industry leaders, rising professionals or projects demonstrating tangible results and the potential to inspire or be replicated elsewhere in Africa.

Nominations for the 2026/2027 edition close on 2 October 2026.

This year’s theme, Access and Affordability empower security for All, speaks directly to one of Africa’s most pressing development imperatives. Reliable and affordable access to energy and power, clean potable water and sanitation, and sustainable and clean transport remains fundamental to economic growth, social wellbeing and long-term resilience.

Explore past volumes and submit a nomination: https://apo-opa.co/4xhe7UL

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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