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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Unveils Strategic Partnerships to Boost Africa’s Mining Sector

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AFC

Since 2014, AFC has invested over US$1billion in Africa’s mining of precious metals and critical minerals across several countries, and the latest partnerships will further strengthen the sector by driving significant capital flow into the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 16, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading instrumental infrastructure solutions provider, has announced several strategic partnerships on the sidelines of the recently concluded 2024 Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town to boost Africa’s mining sector, ushering the continent into a new era of growth and prosperity.

Since 2014, AFC has invested over US$1billion in Africa’s mining of precious metals and critical minerals across several countries, and the latest partnerships will further strengthen the sector by driving significant capital flow into the continent.

Gécamines

AFC signed an expression of interest (EOI) with Gécamines, the largest mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to develop certain assets in the mining sector in DRC, including critical minerals. The collaboration will also focus on several initiatives for near-term co-financing of mining and infrastructure related projects for execution by the end of Q2 2024.

FG Gold

AFC announced the successful closure of a US$55 million mezzanine debt facility for FG Gold Limited, facilitating commencement of construction for the Baomahun Gold Project in Sierra Leone. The project represents a significant milestone as it is poised to become Sierra Leone’s inaugural large-scale commercial gold mine. Upon completion, it is projected to contribute approximately 10% to Sierra Leone’s GDP and generate 900 direct and indirect job opportunities within the country.

This financing builds upon AFC’s previous investment of US$45 million in 2022, which played a pivotal role in the extensive development of the project, culminating in the completion of its definitive feasibility study.

Thor Explorations Ltd

While over 30% of the world’s minerals are in Africa, less than 5% of global development funding is invested in African mining projects

Last year, Thor Explorations Ltd, through its fully owned subsidiary Newstar Minerals Ltd, obtained rights to explore over 600 square kilometers in Nigeria’s West Oyo, Kwara, and Ekiti lithium project areas, highlighting the West Oyo site as home to the nation’s most substantial lithium pegmatite occurrences. AFC has signed an EOI with Thor Exploration for the development of this project, marking the Corporation’s commitment to supporting the establishment of Nigeria’s first large-scale lithium mine. This initiative plays a pivotal role in advancing global energy transition objectives, solidifying Nigeria’s position as a key enabler of renewable energy. AFC is the largest investor in Thor Explorations, investing US$86 million towards the Segilola Gold Mine, Nigeria’s first commercial scale gold mine.

Giyani Metals

AFC signed an EOI with Giyani Metals for the financing of a high purity manganese (HPM) mine and plant in Botswana – a rare venture in Africa. HPM is a critical mineral for batteries used by electric vehicles and is central to the overall transition towards a more environmentally friendly global economy. In addition to job creation, Botswana will benefit through diversification in an economy that has largely been dependent on income from diamond exports.

Nyanza Light Metals

AFC announced the launch of the syndication process and executed the senior debt term sheet for Nyanza’s 80,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) TiO2 pigment plant in Richard’s Bay Industrial Development Zone. Valued at US$780 million, this sulphate based TiO2 pigment plant will stand as the first and only one of its kind in Africa. The launching of the syndication process follows the successful completion of the project development stage, which AFC co-financed with a US$3 million Project Development Facility.

The plant is strategically positioned to add value to the region’s abundant titanium ore, historically exported without any value addition. AFC serves as a co-developer and co-Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA) alongside Afreximbank, underlining the Corporation’s commitment to advance transformative projects in the region.

Wood Mackenzie Study

In October 2023, AFC and Solid Mineral Development Fund (SMDF) commissioned Wood Mackenzie to conduct a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility of establishing a midstream processing plant in Nigeria. Wood Mackenzie’s study focused on the viability of processing a number of critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, and manganese. The insight and outcome of the study, revealed at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, showed that establishing a processing plant in Nigeria will significantly bolster the country’s FX generation capacity through significant annual trade volumes and create thousands of local jobs.

Speaking at the signing, AFC’s Chief Investment Officer Sameh Shenouda said: “While over 30% of the world’s minerals are in Africa, less than 5% of global development funding is invested in African mining projects. Recognizing the significant funding gap in the African mining sector, AFC is committed to pragmatic solutions and supporting the sector’s growth, having invested about $1 billion across metals and critical minerals in several African countries. Through these strong partnerships with like-minded stakeholders, our goal is to open up new markets, promote a greener economy, and contribute to the overall development of African countries.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

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Global Mayors Dialogue in Wuhan focuses on urban innovation and cooperation

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September 24, 2026

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WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Global Mayors Dialogue · Wuhan and the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference, held from Sept. 18 to 21, brought together 80 international guests from 24 cities across 22 countries, according to organizers.

At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.

Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.
 




 
Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.

Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.

“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.

Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.

He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.

He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection

Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.

Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.

Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation

Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.

Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.

Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.

After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.

Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan

Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.

Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.

During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.

“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.

Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology

Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.

Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.

“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.

After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.

He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.

Turkistan: five areas for cooperation

Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.

Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.

Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.

The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.

During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.
  




 

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Binance Invests $100 Million in Circle, Expands Strategic Partnership and Renews for Five Years

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September 24, 2026

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New five-year agreement focuses on promotion of USDC globally

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com) today announced a $100 million equity investment in Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE: CRCL) and the expansion and renewal of its strategic partnership to promote USDC across Binance’s global platform. The new arrangement has a term of five years.

Together, we see incredible opportunities to leverage USDC to expand dollar access, support savings and investment with innovative digital asset products

Under the expanded partnership, Binance will promote USDC across its global platform, especially in emerging markets. Circle will provide the infrastructure services that support holding and using USDC.

 




  

In connection with the partnership, Binance purchased $100 million worth of shares of Circle Class A common stock, through a private placement at a purchase price reflecting a five percent discount to the market price of CRCL prior to closing.

“Circle has earned its place as one of the most credible issuers in the world spanning USDC, Arc and the infrastructure reshaping how value moves across borders. Our $100 million investment and five-year commitment represent long-duration conviction,” said Richard Teng, co-CEO of Binance. “We are helping to build a more inclusive, transparent, and compliant digital economy. A stable, trusted digital dollar should not be a privilege–it should be available to anyone with a phone. That’s the future this partnership is designed to deliver.”

“Binance has built one of the largest and most dynamic platforms in the world for using digital currency, creating the internet’s largest financial super app, and becoming the most widely used wallets in the world for dollar stablecoins,” said Jeremy Allaire, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Circle. “Together, we see incredible opportunities to leverage USDC to expand dollar access, support savings and investment with innovative digital asset products, and reach people and businesses throughout global emerging markets.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

 

 




 

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Supports Successful Close of ₦729 Billion Series 2 Bonds to Advance Nigeria’s Power Sector Reforms

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September 24, 2026

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Working in partnership with CardinalStone Partners as co-Financial Advisers, the transaction reflects AFC’s deep local market expertise and its continued commitment to delivering complex, high-impact policy advice and financial solutions that catalyse sector-wide reform

ABUJA, Nigeria, September 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (https://www.AfricaFC.org/), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced its critical role as Co-Financial Adviser on the successful close of the ₦728.9 billion Series 2 power sector bond transaction by NBET Finance Company Plc, under the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme (PPSFRP). The programme is designed to resolve over a decade of legacy debt obligations within the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

 




  

This issuance follows the ₦501 billion inaugural Series 1 transaction completed in January 2026, where AFC played the same role of Co-Financial Adviser. The Series 2 close, which brings the cumulative issuance under the Programme to approximately ₦1.23 trillion, marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the ₦4 trillion Power Sector Multi-Instrument Issuance Programme..

The Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Committee (PPSDRC) oversees the Programme, with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Power provides technical leadership, implementing through the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET)’s special purpose vehicle, NBET Finance Company Plc. Proceeds from the Series 2 issuance will continue to enable the process of settling verified, overdue receivables owed to Power Generation Companies (GenCos) for electricity supplied between February 2015 and March 2025, further extinguishing legacy claims and injecting liquidity into the electricity industry.

Closing the second issuance within eight months of the inaugural series shows the Programme is working as designed

Building on its critical role in Series 1, AFC provided comprehensive financial advisory services to the Federal Government of Nigeria on the Series 2 transaction, including support in negotiating and executing Settlement Agreements with additional GenCos, structuring of the Series 2 cash and non-cash tranches, and investor engagement ahead of the offer. Working in partnership with CardinalStone Partners as co-Financial Advisers, the transaction reflects AFC’s deep local market expertise and its continued commitment to delivering complex, high-impact policy advice and financial solutions that catalyse sector-wide reform.

Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head, Financial Services at Africa Finance Corporation, said, “Closing the second issuance within eight months of the inaugural series shows the Programme is working as designed- verified legacy obligations are being converted into transparent, investable instruments, and domestic investors are backing that approach. AFC is proud to continue supporting the Federal Government in delivering reforms that restore liquidity to the power sector and lay the foundation for new investment into Nigeria’s generation capacity.”

The Series 2 transaction comes on the back of the full and timely payment of the first coupon and principal instalment on the Series 1 Bonds in July 2026, demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to honouring its obligations under the Programme and reinforcing the credibility of the capital-markets approach to resolving legacy sector debt. The issuance, which was oversubscribed, attracted strong demand from pension fund administrators, banks, sovereign wealth funds and asset managers, further mobilising domestic long-term capital for critical electricity infrastructure in Nigeria.

When completed, the Programme will impact approximately 5,398MW of electricity generation capacity by Nigerian GenCos, effectively finalising settlement of payments for 290,644.84GWhr of electricity billed since February 2015 and providing a strong foundation for new investments into capacity enhancement and expansion by companies serving 12 million active registered customers across the country.

Mr. Akin Odeyemi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc. said, “For too long, verified receivables have sat on GenCos’ balance sheets, limiting their ability to pay gas suppliers, maintain plants and invest in new capacity. With Series 2, we are turning more of those arrears into liquidity across the electricity value chain. We thank our investors, the participating GenCos, our advisers and the regulatory authorities whose support made this issuance possible.”

Nigeria’s Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme forms a fundamental aspect of the energy sector reforms by the government, alongside significant ongoing investments in consumer metering and transmission infrastructure, and a transition to bilateral electricity trading between wholesale counterparties based on market-reflective pricing. Together, these reforms are aimed at ensuring the evolution of a viable and sustainable electricity market in Nigeria to support long-term industrial growth and development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

 




 

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