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Conference of the Parties (COP28): African Development Bank President invites business leaders to invest in Africa to accelerate decarbonization

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COP28

Africa is a very reliable destination for investment,” since the continent has a “dominant position in terms of green metals, the critical metals that will support storage and energy systems

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 7, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The President of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), Akinwumi Adesina, called on African business leaders to take advantage of investment opportunities in Africa and decarbonize their industries more quicky during the COP28 global climate conference in Dubai.

“Africa is a very reliable destination for investment,” since the continent has a “dominant position in terms of green metals, the critical metals that will support storage and energy systems,” Dr Adesina said on the third day of the conference.

The continent also has a green hydrogen market that is set to increase from around USD 5 billion in 2022 to USD 134 billion in 2032, an electric vehicles market estimated to reach USD 7,000 billion by 2050, and manufacturing capacity for non lithium-ion batteries that is three times less expensive in Africa than in the United States, Poland or China.

“We have 11 terawatts of solar energy, 350 gigawatts of hydroelectricity, 110 gigawatts of wind energy and 15 gigawatts of geothermal resources. There is absolutely no reason why we cannot have 100 percent electricity in Africa,” he continued, pointing out that this should be “enough to trigger an energy revolution and transform the continent”.

“Now, in order to exploit this potential and accelerate its own transition towards net zero emissions, Africa must increase the pace of its investments in green infrastructure,” said Dr Adesina. He was speaking at a session organized by the United Nations Global Compact and the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) on “Driving Accountable and Actionable Climate Solutions in Africa”.

Several African business leaders, representatives of multinationals, investors and delegates from financial and development institutions took part in the session on 2 December, in which senior managers from companies such as DP Word explained their commitment to decarbonization, or the huge investments they were making to develop renewable energies in Africa.

We are seeing competition rather than collaboration, because there are not many opportunities for young people

Outside the COP, the Norwegian company SCATEC has entered into an agreement with Egypt to develop a 1,000 megawatt photovoltaic system, backed by a 200 MWh battery-based energy storage system. The Bank has committed to supporting this project, which in the long term, will offer the lowest price on the continent for solar systems and battery-based energy storage systems.

“We are working hard when it comes to creating a pipeline of bankable investment projects in the context of the Glasgow Finance Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), for which I chair the African network. We are working on carbon markets at the national level and are strengthening the standards for the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI),” said Mahmoud Mohieldin, the United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda and a climate champion for Egypt.

Mr Mohieldin called on businesses to make more space for young people in terms of climate investments. “We are seeing competition rather than collaboration, because there are not many opportunities for young people,” he observed.

“That said, I think it is very important to invest more in young people. While we know that it sometimes involves more risk from a commercial perspective, we can also mitigate that risk by making things easier for young people, offering them a helping hand, connecting them to mentors and examining how to offer them opportunities in the system and the value chain,” he said.

Dr Adesina said Africa can achieve wealth creation through a green transition. “It is essential that Africa should not be rich in natural resources and then suddenly poor in monetary terms,” said Mr Adesina.

He said investors had every reason to look at opportunities in Africa, since “in agriculture, (the continent) has 65 percent of all uncultivated agricultural land, 600 million people lack access to electricity and there are 900 million people, women (who) do not have access to their own kitchen. It’s a commercial opportunity,” he stated.

Business leaders were reminded that Africa is suffering enormous financial losses due to climate change, although it is only responsible for 3 percent of global CO2 emissions. Losses are estimated at between USD 7 and 15 billion per year.

“Africa has no choice. It has to adapt to climate change. It’s the only option we have,” he said.

To achieve this, Dr Adesina invited business leaders to “develop the carbon market in Africa at both the national and regional level, while avoiding a ‘carbon grab’ in African countries comparable to a ‘land grab, which is not a good thing.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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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