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African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) Hosts Deep Dive Webinar on Development Insurance and Shapes the Future of Risk Mitigation in Africa

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ATIDI

The pan-African development insurer is set to host its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Investor Roundtable in Luanda, Angola, from 18 to 21 June

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 4, 2025/APO Group/ — 

In an effort to promote the growing need for effective risk management in Africa, ATIDI (www.ATIDI.Africa) hosted a webinar focused on the role of development insurance. The session brought together media stakeholders from across the continent – to understand how innovative insurance solutions are driving sustainable development, mitigating risks and fostering economic growth. With a special emphasis on the African market, the session provided a deep dive into strategies that are transforming the landscape of development insurance.

Download presentation: https://apo-opa.co/3ColzGY

Development insurance plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth by providing investment, trade and political risk-mitigation covers designed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into development projects. Unlike traditional insurance, development insurance is a specialized field focused on creating a secure environment for investors by addressing unique risks.

ATIDI exemplifies this approach by offering tailored solutions that mitigate risks and provide investors with an added layer of security and confidence. This assurance enables them to engage in critical development projects, knowing their capital and interests are safeguarded against unforeseen challenges such as political instability, currency inconvertibility and default risks. Through its innovative and specialized products, ATIDI is not only facilitating FDI but also driving sustainable development across Africa, transforming perceived risks into opportunities for economic advancement.

ATIDI, legally known as the African Trade Insurance Agency, was founded in 2001 by African States and with technical and financial backing from COMESA and the World Bank, to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. At that time, the continent attracted a bleak USD47 billion dollars of FDI, due in part to perceived or actual risk for interested investors. Though this figure has improved, Africa’s financing gap remains abysmal, with USD200 billion in additional investment needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030 [1].

ATIDI has grown to 24 Member States (https://apo-opa.co/3CKjViM) and 13 institutional shareholders. The organization aspires to eventually have all African countries as members. In pursuit of this goal, ATIDI has established and strengthened strategic partnerships with leading development and financing institutions, including the African Union, the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group, the European Investment Bank, KfW and Norad. ATIDI has earned an A2 rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s and an A rating with a stable outlook from S&P, reflecting its financial strength and credibility.

ATIDI has demonstrated resilience amid challenging market conditions, achieving profit growth while strategically managing its risk and exposure. The organization continues to support trade and investment across Africa with a portfolio of over USD85 billion since inception. ATIDI is implementing an ambitious 2023-2027 corporate strategy, targeting capital of USD1 billion and membership increase by 25%, while optimizing it processes and systems.

By providing tailored risk solutions, we empower African economies, improve livelihoods, and contribute to long-term development, all while fostering greater trade and investment

ATIDI has supported several flagship projects across Africa, showcasing its commitment to sustainable economic growth and financial stability. The 20 MW Ituka West Nile Uganda Ltd solar project (https://apo-opa.co/42Ig94m) promotes renewable energy access. In Benin and Togo, ATIDI supported the refinancing and re-profiling of existing loans (https://apo-opa.co/4hzGBkK), underscoring ATIDI’s commitment to supporting financial stability and economic reforms. Furthermore, ATIDI has been supporting key infrastructure transactions, including road and irrigation projects in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, and Senegal among others. In all these countries, ATIDI’s comprehensive credit risk insurance enabled access to longer debt tenures, and a reduced all-in interest rate. In collaboration with MDBs, ATIDI has provided cover for blended finance transactions such as in the BITA Water Project in Angola (World Bank), improving access to clean water and sanitation and an SDG loan in Benin (AfDB). Furthermore, ATIDI’s Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF) (https://apo-opa.co/4hKkgRo) enhances bankability by providing risk mitigation for development initiatives in renewable energy.

The pan-African development insurer is set to host its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Investor Roundtable in Luanda, Angola, from 18 to 21 June.

Quote from Manuel Moses, CEO, ATIDI

“ATIDI is at the center of the solution to Africa’s development agenda. Our unique risk-mitigating solutions are essential to enable transformational projects benefiting African countries and their citizens. We are well on our journey to one day count each African country as a Member State and fully realize the noble vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As we work towards this goal, we strive to preserve the support of our Member States in upholding our Preferred Creditor Status, to leverage collaboration with other actors in our industry and to strengthen our bond with our strategic partners”

Quote from Benjamin Mugisha, Chief Underwriting Officer, ATIDI

“Business trends are rapidly evolving, and at ATIDI, we are continuously adapting our product line-up to meet the changing needs of our clients. One key focus has been the development of innovative solutions tailored specifically for SMEs. These businesses play a crucial role in driving economic growth, particularly in Africa, and we are committed to providing them with risk management tools that they need to thrive. By providing tailored risk solutions, we empower African economies, improve livelihoods, and contribute to long-term development, all while fostering greater trade and investment opportunities across the continent.”

Quote from Dr. Anthony Ehimare, Chief Risk Officer, ATIDI

Investing in Africa comes with the risks, among which figure debt distress, political volatility, lingering insecurity or again persisting gaps in governance. But recent global crises demonstrate that volatility and uncertainty may be the new norm in international business. ATIDI’s track record has proven that our unique market insight, our solid partnerships, our risk assessment and adapted mitigation mechanisms provide investors with the comfort level they need to further engage in Africa. We remain committed to continue providing this superior quality to our partners and clients.


[1]: UNCTAD Global Investment Trends Monitor, No. 46 (https://apo-opa.co/3CCKNkQ)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI).

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Business

Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Business

Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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