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Afreximbank signs MOU to support the development of Nigeria’s Anambra State, foresees $200-million debt financing

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Afreximbank

Afreximbank will work with the state government to establish bankability for key projects, including the Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City, the Anambra Export Emporium and the Akwaihedi Unubi Uga Automotive Industrial Park

AWKA, Nigeria, September 8, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nigeria’s Anambra State Government to collaborate on state development efforts through the provision of project preparation and advisory services, including a potential debt financing programme of up to US $200 million.

Under the terms of the MOU signed by Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, and Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, during the Anambra Investment Summit, Afreximbank and the state government will jointly prioritize strategic projects for preparation and funding, collaboratively evaluating each project to formulate a time-bound work programme for effective execution.

Afreximbank will work with the state government to establish bankability for key projects, including the Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City, the Anambra Export Emporium and the Akwaihedi Unubi Uga Automotive Industrial Park, as well as any other project agreed upon by the parties.

Afreximbank and the Anambra State Government will also conclude all prerequisite actions necessary for securing a financing programme of up to $200 million from Afreximbank and its affiliated entities for the projects contingent upon conclusion of a substantive agreement between the parties.

In addition, the MOU provides for the parties to collaborate on trade and investment promotion in Anambra State through the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) and facilitate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The Bank will work with the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency to provide training and capacity building on trade and investment, undertake investment forums, identify, and prepare strategic trade and investment projects and foster collaboration between sub-sovereign governments in Africa. The AfSNET network is expected to facilitate direct exchange of information and peer learning from sub-sovereign governments in Africa.

Other areas of collaboration covered in the MOU include the provision of transaction advisory services aimed at facilitating the procurement of debt and equity capital. It will also focus on export development advisory, twinning services, and senior debt structuring.

Afreximbank is ready to support Anambra State, as it is doing in Ogun and Abia States (Enyimba Industrial City), to promote similar projects here

In an address to the summit, Mrs. Awani, speaking on behalf of His Excellency Prof Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, said that Afreximbank’s mission aligned seamlessly with Anambra’s industrialization objectives, including its vision for a smart mega city, noting that the Bank had identified the emergence of industrial parks and special economic zones as a strategic priority to accelerate Africa’s industrial infrastructure development.

“These facilities do not only optimize capital deployment but also drive economies of scale and nurture ecosystem development,” she said. “They also enable the use of otherwise inaccessible technologies and cutting-edge infrastructure”.

Noting that such projects required substantial funding, she said that innovative partnerships, including public-private partnerships, had emerged as instrumental bridges capable of closing the infrastructure gap that spanned the African continent, adding that the African private sector held immense potential to bolster a wide spectrum of public sector endeavours.

“Just as we have championed the transformative potential of industrial parks and special economic zones across Africa through public and private sector collaboration, committing over US$1.5 billion so far to the realization of these projects, Afreximbank is ready to support Anambra State, as it is doing in Ogun and Abia States (Enyimba Industrial City), to promote similar projects here,” Mrs. Awani continued. “With peace and security gradually returning to the state, with our youth beginning to realize that their future cannot thrive in an environment of widespread insecurity, we can look forward to a similar US$400 million industrial park project in collaboration with the State. It makes business sense to do so, and we have advanced discussions with Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) to implement creating over 10,000 jobs while bringing export-oriented businesses to Anambra state.

The Bank, leveraging its fundraising capabilities in Africa’s capital markets, could also raise funds that could be deployed into impactful infrastructure projects in the state using various financing instruments and mechanisms which could be explored with the state government, she added.

Ms. Awani announced that Afreximbank’s broader collaboration with Nigeria had been fruitful over the years and had seen the Bank invest over US$36 billion into the Nigerian economy since its creation in 1993. Afreximbank flagship projects currently underway in Nigeria include the US$300-million 500-bed Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja in partnership with King’s College, London, the Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre, also in Abuja, and the Africa Quality Assurance Centre in Shagamu, Ogun State, which is already operational.

She announced that the Bank was implementing AfSNET, a platform for sub-sovereign governments throughout Africa to promote economic development and encourage intra-African trade and investment by allowing collaboration between the public and private sectors, facilitating peer learning, and allowing Afreximbank to take its products and services to the grassroots, where trade and investment actually take place.

The 2023 Anambra Investment Summit  held under the theme “Laying the Foundation for a Prosperous and Smart Mega City.”

Accompanying Mrs. Awani to the summit was Eric Intong Monchu, Afreximbank Regional Chief Operating Officer, Anglophone West Africa, and a number of other senior Afreximbank officials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Çelebi Aviation Enters Kenyan Market, Accelerating Strategic Growth Across Africa

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3 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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Çelebi Aviation

The expansion into Kenya signals confidence in the region’s aviation potential and supports the company’s ambition to deepen its presence across the continent

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Çelebi Aviation (www.CelebiAviation.com) has announced its entry into the Kenyan market, marking a key milestone in its expansion across Africa and reinforcing its focus on high-potential regions.

With more than 65 years of experience in ground handling and cargo services, the company continues to operate with a strong emphasis on transparency, ethical standards, and full regulatory compliance. Its global footprint spans Europe, Asia, and Africa, where it consistently delivers high standards of safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

The move aligns with a broader strategic recalibration. Following the conclusion of its concession agreement in Tanzania, Çelebi Aviation opted not to continue operations in the country under the existing structure after a comprehensive review. This decision reflects a disciplined, value-driven approach to growth and a clear focus on markets that offer sustainable, long-term opportunities.

The expansion into Kenya signals confidence in the region’s aviation potential and supports the company’s ambition to deepen its presence across the continent. Çelebi Aviation continues to prioritize markets where it can leverage its global expertise to drive efficiency, service quality, and long-term value creation.

Operations across all existing markets remain uninterrupted, backed by a strong operational infrastructure and an experienced workforce. The company also maintains its commitment to contributing to local economies and employment in every geography it serves.

As Çelebi Aviation advances its global growth strategy, this latest step further strengthens its position as a trusted aviation services partner across emerging and established markets alike.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Çelebi Aviation.

 

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GREE Unveils 130 Products at the 139th Canton Fair, with Over 80% Featuring AI and Green Energy-Saving Technologies

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April 24, 2026

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GREE

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 April 2026 – On April 15, the 139th China Import and Export Fair (hereinafter referred to as the “Canton Fair”) officially opened. As a leading enterprise in the manufacturing sector, Gree Electric made a grand appearance at Pavilion 4.2A under the theme “GREE, Making Better Electric Appliances,” presenting over a hundred innovative products in its largest exhibition area in Canton Fair history. Amid the global wave of green and intelligent manufacturing transformation, GREE is leveraging its hard-core independent innovation and full-industry-chain capabilities to show the world the confidence and resolve of China’s intelligent manufacturing to navigate industry cycles and lead the transformation.

Zhu Lei, CMO of Gree Electric, stated that Gree has participated in the Canton Fair for 31 consecutive years. This year, GREE brought 130 products to the event. Facing the global market, GREE strives to fully meet the practical needs of consumers from different regions worldwide. Notably, the majority of these products are originally manufactured in and exported from China, reflecting the dedication and ingenuity of GREE’s Chinese craftsmen.

It is reported that at this year’s Canton Fair, GREE has created a full-industry-chain exhibition space ranging from core components to scenario-based solutions. To date, buyers from over 50 countries and regions have scheduled visits and business negotiations, marking a 21% year-on-year increase.

Currently, the global home appliance industry is undergoing a dual transformation. On one hand, an energy efficiency revolution driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals makes the transition to eco-friendly refrigerants an urgent priority; on the other hand, an experience revolution spurred by consumption upgrades has made quietness, health, and smart features the core demands of users. GREE’s SilenzX series ultra-quiet air conditioners, showcased at the event, serve as a precise response to this trend. Equipped with a self-developed rotary four-cylinder compressor, the SilenzX series reduces the minimum sound pressure level of the outdoor unit to a mere 29 decibels—far below the industry average of 42 decibels. Backed by 137 invention patents, the product recently won a Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, signaling that Chinese enterprises have shifted from being “followers” to “leaders” in the realm of comfort technology.

A deeper layer of competitiveness stems from GREE’s long-term bet on a green future. Among the products showcased at this Canton Fair, over 80% are equipped with AI, green energy-saving, and other advanced technologies. GREE has comprehensively implemented R290 eco-friendly refrigerant technology across its entire product matrix, including split units, window units, and water heaters. Furthermore, its world-first photovoltaic air conditioning system has achieved a systemic breakthrough of “zero carbon emissions, zero electricity bills, and zero waste.” The AI dynamic energy-saving technology also utilizes intelligent algorithm optimization to boost annual energy efficiency by 15.8% and reduce power consumption by 13.6%. Rather than isolated technological features, these represent comprehensive green solutions that cover the entire chain of energy production, transmission, and consumption, providing the industry with a leapfrog path from “low-carbon compliance” to “zero-carbon leadership.”

Behind this systemic innovation capability lies a full-industry-chain competitive moat forged through 35 years of independent R&D. At this Canton Fair, Gree introduced three major compressors—G-Boost, G-Storm, and G-Hyper—which have successfully overcome industry challenges such as ultra-high-temperature cooling and ultra-low-temperature heating. Its star product, the GMV 9 series, is capable of operating in an ultra-wide temperature range from -35°C to 60°C, marking GREE’s achievement of full-stack technological autonomy from core components to system integration.

This strategic resolve is yielding substantial returns in GREE’s global layout. As one of the first Chinese home appliance companies to venture overseas, GREE has built a network covering more than 190 countries and regions. Independent brands now account for 70% of its total export volume, and this figure exceeds 85% in Belt and Road countries. This marks a highly successful, high-quality transformation from a traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model to an independent brand-led enterprise.

From core technological breakthroughs to a green and low-carbon transition, GREE remains rooted in technology and centered on quality. Its presence at the Canton Fair serves as a vivid microcosm of the transformation and upgrading of China’s manufacturing sector, demonstrating the powerful potential and dynamic momentum of “Made in China.”

 

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Sierra Leone Signs Offshore Petroleum License with Marginal Energy

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3 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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Sierra Leone

The deal marks a new step in positioning Sierra Leone as an emerging upstream destination with over $225 million in committed exploration investment

PARIS, France, April 23, 2026/APO Group/ –The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a new offshore petroleum license agreement with Nigerian-based independent energy company Marginal Energy, advancing efforts to attract upstream investment and unlock the country’s hydrocarbon potential.

 

The agreement was formalized on April 23 at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s growing profile among frontier exploration markets.

Signed through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), the license grants Marginal Energy exclusive rights to explore, develop and produce hydrocarbons across five offshore blocks – G-Blocks 145, 146, 147, 160 and 161 – covering approximately 6,800 KM2.

The deal establishes a full-cycle upstream program, spanning exploration through to potential production, under a fiscal and regulatory framework designed to balance investor returns with national value creation.

According to details released by PDSL, the agreement includes a structured exploration period of up to seven years, alongside a minimum work program incorporating 3D seismic acquisition, advanced geoscience studies and drilling commitments. The company has committed to invest more than $225 million during the exploration phases.

In a statement released by PDSL, President Julius Maada Bio said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to “responsibly harnessing Sierra Leone’s natural resources for sustainable economic transformation,” adding that partnerships with capable investors will help accelerate development of the country’s petroleum sector.

PDSL Director General Foday Mansaray described the deal as “an important step in unlocking Sierra Leone’s offshore potential,” emphasizing the country’s focus on transparency and competitiveness. The agreement also includes provisions for local content development, technology transfer and environmental management, aligning with Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to ensure long-term economic benefits from resource development.

For Marginal Energy, which brings over two decades of experience in the Niger Delta, the agreement represents an entry into a largely underexplored basin with significant upside potential. The company said it is committed to deploying its technical and financial capabilities to advance exploration while maintaining high standards of environmental and operational performance.

The signing comes as African governments continue to position their upstream sectors to attract capital amid shifting global energy dynamics. It also follows a reconnaissance permit agreement signed by PDSL with Shell at the forum a day earlier, enabling Shell to conduct advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple offshore blocks.

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

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