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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Calls for Greater Global South Cooperation at Third Global South Think Tanks Dialogue

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2 months ago

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Global South

Stronger cooperation among Global South nations is becoming increasingly urgent as countries seek new pathways to accelerate development, expand trade and strengthen long-term economic resilience. For Africa, strengthened ties among Global South nations is particularly valuable, offering a viable solution to unlocking the continent’s natural and mineral wealth and allowing the continent to move beyond fragmented growth and toward coordinated strategies that deliver tangible results.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – represented by Leoncio Amada NZE, Executive President of the AEC for CEMAC and Vice President of Equatorial Guinea’s National Council on Economic and Social Development – underscored the need for a more inclusive and cooperative approach among Global South nations during the Third Global South Think Tanks Dialogue, held in Shanghai from December 2-4, 2025. During the event, Amada NZE highlighted how strengthened trade networks, partnerships and technology transfer can unlock long-term and sustainable growth across the continent, with the shift from aid to trade serving as a cornerstone of the continent’s future development.

The AEC’s engagement in Shanghai reflects its ongoing commitment to ensuring Africa has a strong voice in shaping global development agendas

Despite being one of the continent’s richest energy and mineral regions, CEMAC countries have long-struggled with attracting the requisite foreign investment, largely due to ineffective fiscal policies, strict forex regulations and barriers to regional trade. Examples include the implementation of stricter rules on currency transfers and payments by the Bank of Central African States in 2022. These challenges have not only served as a deterrent to foreign investment but impacted regional energy trade, cross-border projects and multi-lateral business exchange. This comes as many regional nations implement bold production goals with a view to using energy development as a catalyst for economic growth. In the oil and gas sector, Gabon targets 220,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Republic of Congo is aiming for 500,000 bpd, Equatorial Guinea is advancing gas monetization while Cameroon is pursuing new field developments. Nations are also pursuing accelerated energy and power developments, striving for enhanced energy and fuel security.

Enhanced trade frameworks, harmonized standards and improved logistics systems will help African nations achieve these goals by promoting free movement of services and people, strengthening economic ties and building more resilient energy systems across the continent. This would also serve as a vehicle for foreign direct investment, promoting forays by international players and driving projects forward in energy, mining and infrastructure development. As such, Amada NZE called for the dismantling of structural barriers that hinder growth, stressing the importance of regional energy cooperation as a core pillar of Africa’s development strategy. By fostering platforms for business, research and cultural exchange, Amada NZE emphasized that Global South countries can accelerate their development trajectories and achieve shared prosperity.

Amada NZE also highlighted the need to move beyond traditional aid-driven models, underscoring the importance of building self-reliant economies anchored by trade, private-sector participation, innovation and homegrown industrial capabilities. For Africa, this means transitioning toward development frameworks that promote entrepreneurship, regional value creation and investment-driven growth. Meanwhile, as the Global South increases its share of global economic output, partnerships with global allies remain essential. Technology providers, financial institutions and strategic investors play a critical role in supporting African nations as they expand energy access, diversify revenue streams and modernize industrial bases. Stronger collaboration between African countries and global partners will help advance large-scale infrastructure projects, improve technical capabilities and accelerate digital transformation – elements vital to bridging development gaps and strengthening long-term stability.

“The AEC’s engagement in Shanghai reflects its ongoing commitment to ensuring Africa has a strong voice in shaping global development agendas. By championing cooperation, trade expansion and regional energy integration, the Chamber continues to advocate for reforms that will unlock opportunity, enhance resilience and support the continent’s rise as a competitive economic force within the Global South,” says Amada NZE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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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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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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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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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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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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