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African Guarantee Fund Launches $5 billion Mission 300 Local Currency Guarantee Facility to Accelerate Energy Access across Africa

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African Guarantee Fund

This facility targets financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) sector

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 29, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The African Guarantee Fund (AGF) (www.AfricanGuaranteeFund.com) today announced the launch of its Mission 300 Local Currency Guarantee Facility, a groundbreaking initiative to mobilize $5 billion to support energy access projects across Africa. This facility targets financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) sector.

The facility forms a critical component of an ambitious initiative led by the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group, to provide electricity  to 300 million Africans by 2030.

Africa faces a significant energy access challenge, with approximately 600 million people lacking electricity as of 2023. The continent is estimated to require an annual investment of nearly $25 billion to achieve universal energy access by 2030.

“The Mission 300 Local Currency Guarantee Facility will encourage collaboration with African governments whilst leveraging concessional financing from the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and other development partners to scale the involvement of local banks in financing Distributed Renewable Energy solutions,” said Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulations at the African Development Bank. He is also a non-Executive Director with the Africa Guarantee Fund.

The fund has been at the forefront of bridging the financing gap facing green SMEs by steering the implementation of the Green Guarantee Facility, supported by the Nordic Development Fund and the Investment Fund for Developing Countries.

By addressing financing gaps and fostering public-private partnerships, AGF plays a crucial role in driving inclusive energy solutions

The Green Guarantee Facility has mobilized financing for green, clean, and renewable energy projects while positioning AGF as a leader in driving sustainable development in Africa. The Green Guarantee Facility mitigates risks within loan portfolios, lowering the exposure of financial institutions to defaults and enhancing their confidence in lending to distributed renewable energy  SMEs. It has also accelerated electrification efforts, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban communities.

By addressing systemic barriers such as high collateral requirements, currency mismatches, and the lack of long-term financing, AGF has been able to de-risk SME lending and mobilize significant private sector capital into Africa’s energy transition.

With its proven track record in catalyzing SME financing while leveraging innovative guarantee solutions and capacity-building programs, the AGF is best positioned to advance Africa’s energy transformation.

“AGF’s leadership in driving financial innovation for SMEs aligns seamlessly with the goals of Mission 300. By addressing financing gaps and fostering public-private partnerships, AGF plays a crucial role in driving inclusive energy solutions, accelerating the energy transition, and reducing carbon emissions across the continent,” said Jules Ngankam, AGF Group CEO. “We have successfully implemented the Green Guarantee, which has facilitated progress toward national commitments under the Africa Energy Declaration, the African Union’s Vision 2063, and the global Sustainable Development Goals, fostering inclusive growth and climate resilience.”

A recent example of AGF’s impact in the energy sector is its participation in a credit guarantee syndication for a 40 MW solar plant in Madagascar. This landmark transaction demonstrated the viability of local currency financing for renewable energy projects in the country while enhancing power sector resilience through diversification away from thermal power. The project, which provides improved electricity access to approximately 285,000 people, supports both UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) and Goal 13 (climate action) by reducing emissions by 34,000 tonnes of CO2 through the displacement of thermal power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Guarantee Fund.

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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Debate

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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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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CLG

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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ITFC

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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