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Afreximbank Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 as Diamond Sponsor Amid Efforts to Bolster Sustainable Investment

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Afreximbank

The African Export-Import Bank’s diamond sponsorship speaks to the caliber of the event as the premier platform for Africa’s energy sector

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 28, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Under efforts to stimulate the growth of the African economy, governments continent-wide are pursuing the rapid development of the energy sector, recognizing the critical role natural resources play in alleviating energy poverty, spurring industrialization while advancing job creation and economic opportunities. In this scenario, advancing intra-African trade has emerged as a strategic approach to economic growth, with institutions such as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) serving as key drivers.  

The Afreximbank has a long-history of driving sustainable investments, facilitating trade and commerce while supporting the development of Africa’s energy sector. With a mission to become the trade finance bank for Africa, the institution will return to the continent’s biggest energy event, African Energy Week (AEW) – taking place from October 16-20 this year – as a diamond sponsor, a testament to its commitment to investing in the sustainable development of the continent.

With lack of investment representing one of the biggest challenges to development in Africa, the Afreximbank stepped in to play a central role in financing projects and facilitating trade. As a pan-African financial services provider, the institution has not only provided the capital African countries need to develop projects but has made considerable efforts to advance local content and sustainable development practices.

The institution has demonstrated, time and time again, its unwavering commitment to Africa’s future, and will remain an instrumental part of Africa’s development for the long-term

The bank actively engages in and drives capacity-building initiatives to enhance trade and energy-related skills, and regularly invests in African companies and entrepreneurs. Between 2016 and 2020 alone, the institution invested more than $42 billion in support of African businesses. Other investments include $900 million mobilized for the expansion and development of special economic zones in Africa; a $1.5 billion financing facility to boost local content promotion in Botswana; and a grant given to the Grand Africa Initiative to train 200 young African entrepreneurs in business and trade. Additionally, during last year’s edition of AEW, the institution inked a memorandum of understanding with AEW-organizer the African Energy Chamber (AEC), kickstarting collaboration in capacity building and energy. These initiatives have proven instrumental to driving sustainable development across the continent on the back of local content.

On the investment side, Afreximbank represents a strong and reliable financial partner for African energy projects. The institution provides various financial services and products aimed at advancing energy developments across the entire value chain, and is active in every segment of Africa’s energy sector. Recently the bank mobilized $155 million for the development of oil infrastructure in Djibouti; $355 million for the completion of Angola’s 60,000 barrel-per-day Cabinda oil refinery; and $500 million for the expansion of South Sudan’s power sector. The bank also has plans to double its investments in Africa to over $60 billion within the next six years. This will largely be achieved through the African Energy Transition Bank, an institution established by Afreximbank alongside the African Petroleum Producers Organization to accelerate the development of African energy in the energy transition era.

Meanwhile, under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the bank facilitates trade and supports intra-African commerce. The institution was also responsible for the launch of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, a service adopted by the African Union that underpins the implementation of the AfCFTA. As such, the bank actively supports the growth of Africa’s exports, helping countries expand their market reach and increase their competitiveness in the global markets, as well as imports, ensuring countries have access to essential goods and services.  

“The Afreximbank has positioned itself as one of the most reliable partners for Africa’s energy sector. The institution has demonstrated, time and time again, its unwavering commitment to Africa’s future, and will remain an instrumental part of Africa’s development for the long-term. From investing in impactful projects to spearheading sustainable initiatives to facilitating trade and business in and across the continent, Afreximbank plays a crucial role in making energy poverty history,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

Afreximbank’s diamond sponsorship speaks to the caliber of the event as the premier deal-signing platform for Africa’s energy sector. The sponsorship will help strengthen dialogue around investing in Africa while supporting deals and engagement between African and global stakeholders.  

AEW is the AEC’s annual energy event uniting African governments and policymakers with global investors and project developers. Under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets,’ AEW 2023 represents the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent. For more information about sponsorship, attendance and partnership opportunities, visit www.AECWeek.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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