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FAIS 2022: Investing in startups in French-speaking Africa, instructions

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FAIS 2022 brought together several investors active in French-speaking Africa, and many startups from the sub-region

DAKAR, Senegal, April 12, 2022/APO Group/ — 

The 2nd edition of the Francophone Africa Investors Summit was held on March 3 and 4 in Dakar, the Senegalese capital. An event that brought together more than 400 participants in person and online, with the sole objective of establishing winning connections for startups in French-speaking Africa.

Initially scheduled for 2021 and postponed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainties related to travel, FAIS 2022 (www.FAIS-Summit.com) brought together several investors active in French-speaking Africa, and many startups from the sub-region (Côte d ivory, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Gabon, Cameroon, Senegal, Chad, Central Africa…). Aside from the 25 speakers who led masterclasses on investment, and shared their experiences through 6 high-level panels, the event was also marked on the 2nd day by the strong presence of many young initiators of innovative projects with real environmental and educational impact, among others.

Considerable progress, but still lacking

We want to share more good practices that will allow young entrepreneurs to master the different approaches to fundraising in order to develop their business

Startups are currently the symbol of entrepreneurship in Africa. Their financing, however, has many problems. Despite this context, the financial ecosystem of Tech in French-speaking Africa has nevertheless been structured since 2016 and has allowed the emergence of certain startups. However, the market still lacks the depth to attract more investors as the countries of English-speaking Africa do. “We have found that there is a big gap between French-speaking African countries and our English-speaking neighbours when it comes to access to finance and the visibility of startups. At this point, we are lagging behind in the Francophone part, and our objective in organizing this event is to help create more favourable conditions for the investment in startups in French-speaking Africa, but also to highlight the assets of all these innovative projects,” said Nadine Zoro, Director of Suguba and organizer of the FAIS Dakar.

Francophone Africa is also beginning to arouse the interest of investors. Five French-speaking countries stand out: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Tunisia and Morocco. They managed to obtain 37 million dollars in 2016 which is 10% of all investments made in Africa in favour of startups. These countries have distinguished themselves thanks to innovative and relevant projects developed by young entrepreneurs. At this stage, investors can no longer ignore the opportunities offered by startups in French-speaking Africa, capable of making their invested funds profitable.

Francophone Africa is a growth market

According to Matteo Rizzi, one of the most internationally respected players in FinTech, who led the investment masterclass, “the ecosystems of FinTechs and startups are organizing themselves considerably, and this should bear more fruit. However, more rigour and supervision are needed to be able to attract more investors. French-speaking countries represent a considerable market”. In order to further direct investor networks towards Francophone countries, the ecosystems “should work together to have a greater voice”. This implies defining concrete strategies and action plans with detailed activities and ensuring sufficient institutional and political anchoring. As much as startups in the anglophone world, those in French-speaking countries present an enormous potential, with innovators and offers that meet the specific needs of populations. “We need to further amplify our efforts if we want to be a competitive market. Through the organization of FAIS, we want to share more good practices that will allow young entrepreneurs to master the different approaches to fundraising in order to develop their business“, highlighted Mr Aziz SY, co-organizer of the event, and Managing Director of Impact Hub Dakar.

During the 2022 edition of the Francophone Africa Investors Summit, more than a dozen startups, wishing to obtain investment, presented their projects to potential investors from all over the world. The Summit, which ended with a networking event, also brought many ambitious young entrepreneurs into contact with potential investors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Suguba.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

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

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