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).

The 8th edition of MAKTEK AVRASYA will take place at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul from September 30 to October 5, 2024

ISTANBUL, Türkiye, July 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

MAKTEK AVRASYA, dubbed “the fair of machine-making machines” is set to return for its eighth instalment at the Istanbul TÜYAP (www.TÜYAP.com.tr) Fair and Congress Center from 30 September to 5 October 2024. Centred around the concept of Digital Transformation, this year’s eagerly awaited event will include a Digital Transformation Experience Area and a Start-up Zone, highlighting the latest innovations in the industry. Additionally, the fair will feature an award ceremony for the industrial design competition, themed “Designing for Sustainable Industries”.

The 8th edition of MAKTEK AVRASYA will take place at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul from September 30 to October 5, 2024, bringing together the world’s leading companies and the most important brands in the machinery industry.

MAKTEK AVRASYA, short for the International Machine Tools, Metal – Sheet Metal Processing Machinery, Holders – Cutting Tools, Quality Control – Measurement Systems, CAD / CAM, PLM Software and Production Technologies Fair, has already completed 99 percent of booth sales. Currently, there are more than 1,000 companies and company representatives participating.

Unlocking new market opportunities in Türkiye

The benefits of participating in MAKTEK AVRASYA are evident from the previous fair in 2022, where 51 percent of exhibitors strengthened existing business contacts and 56 percent gained new potential customers from Türkiye. This year, they aim to exceed these impressive numbers. With over 85,000 visitors expected from 90 countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, North Africa, Russia, Germany, Italy, Poland, Canada, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands, exhibitors will have unparalleled opportunities to expand their reach. Special invitations and a buyer delegation program organized by Tüyap’s foreign offices will further attract numerous industry professionals, enhancing networking and business opportunities.

This year’s theme, “Digital Transformation”, will feature a Digital Transformation Experience Zone where visitors can explore new technologies and advancements in the manufacturing industry. The Start-up Zone will provide a platform for new players in the sector to meet international leaders and pursue new collaborations, helping them advance their initiatives. The fair will also host the “Open Design Istanbul Design Competition”, organized by TIAD.

Fostering innovation with awards

Exploring the concepts of “Designing for Sustainable Industries” and the “Robotic Loading/Feeding System Design for CNC Machine Tools”, the competition encourages cooperation between industrial designers and industrialists. Awards will be presented on the first day of the fair, September 30, 2024, and the finalists’ designs will be displayed in a special digital showroom area in Hall 12A.

Visitors can obtain free online tickets from http://apo-opa.co/4cJ750U until July 15. After this date, online tickets and on-site registration will incur a fee. The fair will be open from 10:00 to 19:00 on the first five days and from 10:00 to 18:00 on the final day.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TÜYAP.

With two conference tracks comprising over 40 sessions, delegates will have access to industry leaders’ unique perspectives on critical issues in the energy sector

KIGALI, Rwanda, July 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Informa Markets (www.InformaMarkets.com), organisers of the first edition of the Africa Energy Expo (AEE), have confirmed that government Ministers from three African countries will join the line-up of speakers at the landmark energy event, taking place from 4 to 6 November 2024 at the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda.

Delegates can look forward to hearing from Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure, H.E. Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore; Malawian Minister of Energy, H.E. Hon. Ibrahim Matola; and Namibian Minister of Energy and Mines, H.E. Hon. Tom Alweendo. They join a stellar group of experts from across the continent for what promises to be three days of thought-provoking discussions and valuable insights aimed at reshaping how role-players navigate Africa’s evolving energy landscape.

With two conference tracks (the Technical Seminar and the paid-for Leadership Summit) comprising over 40 sessions, delegates will have access to industry leaders’ unique perspectives on critical issues in the energy sector, as well as the opportunity to engage in by-invitation investment and hosted buyer programmes.

“AEE 2024 is the ideal platform for engaging with energy sector stakeholders, emphasising youth involvement in the energy transition, and building lasting partnerships to promote sustainable energy in Africa. It will play a key role in accelerating Africa’s energy transition by facilitating dialogue, networking, and collaboration between governments and the private sector. We look forward to connecting with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers dedicated to advancing clean energy in Africa,” said Mohamed Alhaj, Founder and Managing Director, Terra Energy. 

The exclusive Africa Energy Leadership Summit aims to create partnerships and opportunities that will accelerate targeted interventions and achieve the objectives and pillars outlined in the Africa Power Vision to Action initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3XZVhTP), and by extension the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) (https://apo-opa.co/4da8mhJ) for a just, fair, and equitable energy transition.

Topics under discussion include universal electrification and a policy framework to leverage the African single electricity markets; financing energy access in Africa and mitigating the risks associated with energy infrastructure projects; the role of innovation in driving last-mile rural electrification with decentralised renewable energy; carbon market mechanisms to drive investment; green hydrogen; and gas-to-power infrastructure, amongst others.

“AEE 2024 covers key touchpoints in Africa’s energy transition journey, bringing together stakeholders in the continent’s energy sector to share insights and experience, build and foster relationships, and lay the groundwork for much needed partnerships and investment,” said Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director – Energy, Informa Markets. 

We look forward to connecting with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers dedicated to advancing clean energy in Africa

The Africa Energy Leadership Summit, a paid-only conference themed ‘Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance to fuel the energy transition,’ brings together over 70 speakers and senior decision-makers engaged in closing the continent’s energy and power infrastructure gap, fostering partnerships and opportunities to accelerate targeted energy and power initiatives.

The following speakers have also confirmed their attendance at AEE 2024:

• Abdellatif Bardach, President, National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE), Morocco 
• Armand M. Zingiro, CEO, Rwanda Energy Group 
• Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Co-Founder and Deputy Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Limited  
• Ernest Sipho Mkhonta, Managing Director, Eswatini Electricity Company, Kingdom of Eswatini 
• Dr. Geoffrey Aori Mabea, Executive Secretary, Energy Regulators Association of East Africa  
• Eng. Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, Managing Director, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) 
• Kweku Awotwi, Chairman, United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Ltd. 
• Marlene Ngoyi, CEO, Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) 
• Muyangwa Muyangwa, Director General, National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), Zambia  
• Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, Executive Secretary, Energy Commission, Ghana  
• Pat Thaker, Editorial and Regional Director, MEA, The Economist Intelligence Unit  
• Eng. Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director, SAPP (Southern African Power Pool Coordination Centre)
• Dr. Sydney Gata, Executive Chairman, ZESA Holdings 
• Eng. Victor Mapani, Managing Director, ZESCO – Zambia  

Other key features of AEE 2024 include:

• over 150 exhibitors from five product sectors: renewable and clean energy, transmission and distribution, energy consumption and management, back-up generators and critical power, and smart solutions; 
• a Technical Seminar aimed at sharing cutting-edge innovations and technologies, and serving as a knowledge hub where delegates have the opportunity to learn and share industry best practices and scientific developments;
• an Entrepreneurs Bootcamp that is open to entrepreneurs and youth, to develop essential business skills and knowledge, and build a network in the utilities sector; and
• investor matchmaking, which is a meeting facilitation service supporting Africa’s PPP development, connecting equity investors with energy project companies in person at AEE 2024.

Join more than 5,000 stakeholders, industry experts, and enthusiasts for the inaugural Africa Energy Expo 2024 and play a role in shaping the future of energy in Africa.

Register for free as a visitor: https://apo-opa.co/4cy2wGN

Book your delegate pass: https://apo-opa.co/4cy2wGN

Visit the event website: www.Africa-EnergyExpo.com/  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Informa Markets: Energy.