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Africa Finance Corporation Appoints Banji Fehintola as Executive Director, Financial Services

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Africa Finance Corporation

With over two decades of extensive experience in global markets, financial services and infrastructure finance across Africa, Banji brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at AFC

LAGOS, Nigeria, July 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, has appointed Banji Fehintola as its new Executive Director of Financial Services, effective August 1. Banji brings extensive financial expertise and leadership experience to drive AFC’s strategic initiatives to further strengthen its financial position and enhance the Corporation’s growth trajectory.

Banji succeeds Sanjeev Gupta, who completes the final term of his appointment with AFC in October of this year, following nine years of exceptional service to the Corporation. During Sanjeev’s leadership, AFC’s Financial Services division developed robust Financial Advisory and Debt Syndication teams to provide structuring and distribution solutions for the market, achieving numerous successful milestones for their clients and the Corporation. These include a fivefold expansion in borrowings from US$1.6 billion to over US$8 billion, remarkable growth of treasury assets from US$1.47 billion to US$ 5.29 billion, raising new equity  capital of approximately US$ 1 billion, diversifying its shareholder base and a significant increase of AFC’s country membership from 13 to 43 member countries; successfully solidifying AFC’s position in the market as a truly pan-African institution.

With over two decades of extensive experience in global markets, financial services and infrastructure finance across Africa, Banji brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at AFC. He joined the Corporation in 2008 and rose through the ranks to become AFC’s pioneer Treasurer. His leadership of the funding team was instrumental in securing the Corporation’s investment-grade credit rating and raising over US$ 12 billion in funding for AFC through diverse funding sources. Banji’s strategic vision, innovation and financial acumen propelled AFC’s Treasury team to global recognitions, winning awards such as “Best Supranational Treasury & Funding Team of the Year” as well as recognition for several landmark transactions.

In his new position as Executive Director, Financial Services, Banji will oversee several functions including Treasury & Financial Institutions, Financial Advisory, Syndications, and the newly created Capital Mobilization & Partnerships. His appointment will play a pivotal role in strengthening AFC’s unwavering commitment to unlock pragmatic solutions for infrastructure projects that enhance local value capture and spur industrialisation.

I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Sanjeev has laid and working with the executive management team and the Board to accelerate development impact for Africa

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, said: “We are immensely grateful for Sanjeev’s nine years of dedicated service to AFC and his significant contributions to supporting the Corporation’s growth and impact on the African continent and beyond. In the same vein, we are thrilled to welcome Banji as our new Executive Director, Financial Services. His deep understanding of the global financial landscape, coupled with his strong track record and institutional history with AFC make him a valuable addition to our Board and executive team, and we look forward to leveraging his capabilities to build on our success.”

Sanjeev commented: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve at Africa Finance Corporation for the past nine years. Our accomplishments together have been most satisfying for me and I am confident that with the appointment of Banji Fehintola, AFC is well-positioned for continued success. I wish Banji the best as he takes on this role and contributes his expertise to furthering AFC’s mission in Africa.”

Banji has had a distinguished career in the finance industry, having held leadership roles at leading multinational financial institutions. Prior to joining AFC, he worked at Citibank Nigeria within the Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities team, and at former Arthur Andersen in the Tax and Business Advisory Division. Banji is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, and he has a first-class degree in Economics and Master’s degrees in International Finance and International Business. He is also a Chartered Accountant and a CFA Charter holder and sits on the Boards of several companies including the Board of Governors of the CFA Institute.

“I am very honoured to take on this new role at AFC, an institution that is very dear to my heart and at which I have spent the largest part of my career. By playing a critical role in shaping the future of Africa’s infrastructure landscape, AFC’s mission connects directly with my personal purpose and passion,“ Banji said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Sanjeev has laid and working with the executive management team and the Board to accelerate development impact for Africa.”

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

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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