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African Development Bank Vice President witnesses first-hand life-changing impacts of Africa-focused agribusiness giant

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Quaynor

“This glimpse into ETG’s operations was deeply insightful,” says Vice President Quaynor after trip to company’s Southern Africa operations

HARARE, Zimbabwe, August 3, 2023/APO Group/ — 

African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Vice President Solomon Quaynor has concluded a tour of Export Trade Group (ETG)’s southern Africa operations, signalling the potential for stronger partnership with the agribusiness giant to boost livelihoods on the continent.

Mr Quaynor, responsible for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, and four others from the Bank, visited ETG’s operations in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe last week, where they saw first-hand the impact of the firm’s diverse agribusiness value chains and trade, supported by massive human capital and assets, including large warehouses and industrial machinery.

The Bank’s team included Richard Ofori-Mante, Acting Director of Agricultural Finance and Rural Development; Damian Ihedioha, Division Manager for Agribusiness; Bleming Nekati, Chief Trade Finance Officer; and Patrick Mabuza, Principal Research Economist. They were joined by ETG’s Joint CEO, Birju Patel and the Group Chief Treasury Officer, Paul Van Spaendonk.

Quaynor described the trip as “a development banker’s dream”. “This has been a deeply insightful trip to Export Trading Group’s integrated agro-industrialization operations in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. With a presence in over 30 countries, this glimpse into ETG’s operations was a development banker’s dream,” he said.

During the four-day trip, the Bank team visited ETG’s fertilizer terminal, an inland container depot, fertilizer processing and blending plants, soya vegetable oil refineries, giant warehouses, some of which were filled with tonnes of grains, collection depots, plastic and candle factories, cashew processing plant and a textile factory.

Quaynor’s team also interacted with farmer groups, including several women, agribusiness cooperatives and employees of ETG. The meetings provided useful insight into the scale and diversity of the company’s activities in Southern Africa. Quaynor also used the opportunity to affirm the African Development Bank’s commitment to help boost food production in Africa and foster inclusive development by investing in proven agri-businesses such as ETG.

He noted that the company’s operations in Africa go beyond economic growth. “They strive to industrialise Africa, develop smallholder farmers, empower women, create jobs, engage with communities, achieve sustainability and develop value chains,” Quaynor said.

The Vice President said he was impressed with the Group’s versatility in managing its diverse portfolio successfully amid persistent local and global headwinds. He noted that they are an innovative agro-industrialist, agro-infrastructure and financially hedged global company with core operations in Africa.

The meetings provided useful insight into the scale and diversity of the company’s activities in Southern Africa

“We believe that ETG is a viable company that is committed to building a brighter future for Africans with gender equality, livelihood opportunities, self-sufficiency, community well-being, environmental stewardship, and collaboration from the pillars of inclusive and sustainable development in Africa. We are proud to be strategic partners with ETG on this remarkable growth story,” Quaynor said.

ETG, a global conglomerate with operations across multiple sectors, is present in 48 countries across five regions, including 30 African countries, where it runs more than 90 industrial plants and around 350 gigantic warehouses. It has a diverse portfolio spanning agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, agro-food processing, energy, minerals and supply chain optimisation.

The company has generated massive employment, including for youth and women. South Africa and Zambia are key countries for both origination and destination, with West Africa forming a key source of cocoa, sesame, and cashew and East Africa a key origin for pulses, sesame, coffee and edible nuts.

ETG CEO Patel underscored the impact of the partnership with the African Development Bank over the last eight years and stressed the Group’s commitment to continue working together to improve livelihoods across Africa, “It is always exciting to cultivate partnerships with like-minded organisations that share our unwavering passion for the continent and its people”.

“Our steadfast dedication to enhancing livelihoods through facilitation of trade and market linkages, infrastructure development, agricultural support encompassing yield-enhancing inputs, agronomy services, and sustainable farming practices training, as well as strategic social investments, remains resolute and unyielding. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the African Development Bank and creating a positive impact for all our stakeholders.”

The Bank and ETG recently signed a $150 million trade and agri-finance package. It comprises a $60 million facility to enhance the company’s export functions, a $60 million agriculture  value-chain programme to boost production by offering top-notch farming tools and expert guidance to farmers in 10 targeted African nations, and a $30 million co-financing from the Africa Growing Together Fund. Disbursement will be concluded before the end of August 2023.

In 2016, the Bank provided a $100 million corporate loan with a seven-year tenor to finance ETG’s capital expenditure investment programme covering fertiliser facilities, processing plants, and multi-commodity warehouses across Africa. This was followed by an additional $100 million Soft Commodity Finance Facility to support the firm’s short-term import and export working capital.

These facilities supported ETG’s operations in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, creating over 6,710 jobs (including 1,290 for women) and significantly contributing to tax revenues across the continent. 

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

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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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February 6, 2026

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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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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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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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February 6, 2026

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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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