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Driving food security with appropriate conformity and compliance standards across Africa and beyond

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10 months ago

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food security

Supporting agriculture on the continent using state-of-the-art testing methods and new technologies: enabling drones and satellites to map fertility, increase production and optimize fertilizers and pesticides

At Bureau Veritas we support clients to ensure agricultural productivity, food security and access to markets through a suite of services from farm to fork

CAIRO, Egypt, November 30, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Bureau Veritas (https://apo-opa.co/47xOR07), a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services and with a large global and African footprint of some 35 countries, proudly shared expertise in support of agricultural productivity and export trade at the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in Egypt which ran from on 9th to 15th November. Touted to generate $43 billion worth of trade and investment deals according to the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)-organized event drew some 1600 exhibitors from 75 countries, and pointed a sharp needle on exchange of expertise, news on developments in trade and industry on the content and the driving of foreign direct investment. Providing a platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the recently formulated African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, Bureau Veritas participated in discussions on agriculture, harmonization of standards and compliance and regulation at the event.

Discussing food security through agricultural productivity and intra-African trade, Mr. Bertrand Martin, Senior Vice-President for Bureau Veritas Africa and Chairman of the Testing, Inspections and Certifications (TIC) Council for Africa commented:

“At Bureau Veritas we support clients to ensure agricultural productivity, food security and access to markets through a suite of services from farm to fork.

  • Firstly, on the Upstream, Fertility mapping is fundamental for unexploited areas to determine suitable crops, which is important to determine which types of crops will grow best in the applicable area. This is supported through services such as soil testing.
  • Secondly, it is important to ensure Quality and quantity of production. Bureau Veritas is able to support clients through satellite crop mapping for tracing the productivity in each area. We are able to advise whether more or less water is needed, which is invaluable in the supply chain. We need to link Africa’s agricultural development to sustainable practices to ensure longevity of food security for the people. Soil, water, pesticide and fertilizer requirements and hydrology testing all point to the type of crop that can be cultivated in an area. Climate change has also impacted the fertilizer and irrigation processes. We have all the expertise available to provide support in these areas to ensure a good quality crop is produced.
  • And finally, Soil analysis is decisive in establishing the precise content of elements and nutrients in the soil. By comparing it with the plant’s needs, it is possible to establish an optimum input strategy. It defines the right dose to be applied in the right place at the right time.

Testing to meet global standards

Bureau Veritas has collaborated with Afreximbank to develop the highly esteemed African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) in Nigeria, a state-of-the-art testing laboratory, operated by Bureau Veritas, to ensure quality of agricultural products is upheld and standards for made-in-Africa products are aligned to international best practice. As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement becomes a reality, governments and businesses need to be aware of product standards and regulations to protect traders and society, creating a safe environment for the export of goods within countries in Africa and abroad. To be sustainable for the future, it is essential that agricultural products are home grown in Africa, for Africa, and exported abroad to the highest global standards. “We are particularly proud of our collaboration with Afreximbank and together we will work to ensure compliance of food and agricultural products made in Nigeria meet the required global standard,” Martin commented.

Made in Africa and the labeling of products

Panelists were unified in their support of the “Made in Africa” product being as readily respected and recognized internationally as any other brand. Furthermore, there was alignment between speakers on the need for consistency of standards across the board to ensure that consumer trust would be instilled. To this end, Bureau Veritas discussed a need to ensure products are tested to international standards to ensure acceptance in global markets.

Infrastructural development and economic corridors

The vital requirement for infrastructural development and a solid railway transportation system to provide transborder and regional integration as essentials to grow the agricultural sector was postulated, backed by the urgent need for economic corridors and Special Economic Zones to further encourage the entire value chain and supplement the farm to fork process. The necessary foreign direct investment and equity injectors were elaborated on by various speakers during the panel discussions, with a strong focus placed on the commitment to financial support for manufacturing and food sufficiency from banks.

Promoting local development and inspiring the next generation

Bureau Veritas is also a proud sponsor of education and development of talent, creating partnerships with universities and initiating learning programs in many African countries to support engineers, hydrologists,  chemists, and the like, thus ensuring home grown talent and resources to support the TIC sector. An integrated approach to agriculture forms part of our agricultural transformation process and associated value chain. It forms part of our social commitment to provide local people with opportunities that will invest their futures on the continent, providing pride of place. Go local, Think global. We aspire to an international vision for compliance, quality, and harmonization of standards of products. This is how we will cultivate an environment of trust, where citizens can buy local quality food brands that are made in Africa for its people and exported within Africa and globally for international consumption,” Martin concluded. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bureau Veritas.

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Mantashe to attend major AOW energy event

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6 hours ago

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October 3, 2024

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Mantashe

Mantashe has been a regular keynote speaker at previous AOW events, and the announcement of his attendance comes as lucrative energy opportunities open across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe has committed to attend the four-day AOW energy event (https://AOWEnergy.com/) in Cape Town from 7 – 10 October.

AOW: Investing in African Energy brings together industry leaders to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa’s energy future. This year’s event will feature more than 1 600 senior delegates, 80 ministers and officials from 70+ countries and representatives of more than 760 companies.

Announcing Mantashe’s confirmed attendance, Chief Executive Officer of Sankofa Events, Paul Sinclair said that the presence of the host nation’s two most senior energy leaders confirmed that Africa was committed to taking ownership of its own energy destiny.

“We are excited to welcome Mr Mantashe to AOW, where he will share stages and attend sessions with ministers from many other countries, as well as senior players from energy businesses and multilateral forms,” said Sinclair. “We are proud to provide an environment where Africa’s energy leaders can discuss the latest industry trends, and how the continent can help to shape them.”

We are proud to provide an environment where Africa’s energy leaders can discuss the latest industry trends, and how the continent can help to shape them

Mantashe has been a regular keynote speaker at previous AOW events, and the announcement of his attendance comes as lucrative energy opportunities open across the continent – in responsible oil exploration and production, in renewable energy, and in the trade of natural gas as a high-demand future fuel.

Ongoing major oil-and-gas discoveries in the Orange basin, offshore South Africa and Namibia, have highlighted the scale and importance of these opportunities – for African governments, their people, and energy businesses.

“The world’s energy markets are in the midst of a dynamic transition,” said Sinclair. “Navigating that transition requires industry partnerships. Africa is showing that not only does it have massive resources, it also has the networks, the financial innovation and the commitment to develop those resources for Africa’s people, and all stakeholders.”

This year marks 30 years of the industry-leading AOW event. The four-day conference, exhibition and investment forum brings together governments, regulators, global operators, power producers, investors and service providers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.

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The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 Amid Exploration Drive

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7 hours ago

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October 3, 2024

By

Kinetiko Energy

The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara will participate as a speaker at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy in Cape Town this November

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

On the back of major investments from multilateral finance institution the African Development Bank, The Gambia is poised to increase its electrification rate to 70% – 50% in rural areas – by the end of the year. In the wake of the country’s burgeoning energy sector, The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, which takes place in Cape Town from November 4-8.

The Gambia represents one of Africa’s final oil and gas frontiers and the participation of Minister Juwara at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will be crucial for highlighting the immense opportunities present across the country’s upstream and downstream sectors. His participation is also poised to showcase the role hydrocarbon resources will play in addressing both the country and Africa’s energy and socioeconomic development needs.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Situated in proximity to Senegal’s 231-million-barrel Sangomar field, where a 100,000-barrel-per-day project came online in June this year, The Gambia’s offshore prospects offer significant potential for play-opening discoveries. The Gambia’s Bambo prospect reservoirs have revealed oil shows in recent years and could hold up to 1.2 billion barrels of oil. The data – acquired by independent oil and gas company FAR – has opened additional material exploration opportunities in the offshore A2 and A5 blocks.

The Gambia remains wholly committed to advancing the energy sector while leveraging its burgeoning hydrocarbon potential

Last year, The Gambia extended FAR’s permit for the blocks until September 30, 2025, with reduced annual fixed costs. FAR is now seeking farm-in partners to fund geoscience reviews and exploration wells. Meanwhile, global energy company the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and state-owned Gambian National Petroleum Corporation signed a MoU in the same year to explore and develop crude oil in the country. The agreement entails geological studies, seismic data analysis and potential drilling activities.

At last year’s AEW conference, The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and hydrogen developer H2 Gambia Limited signed an agreement on hydrogen exploration in the country. The deal will allow for extensive research to be undertaken over a period of one year and forms part of The Gambia’s decarbonization efforts. The Gambia recently entered a new era of energy development with the inauguration of its first large-scale solar energy facility in Jambur in April 2023. Built by Chinese manufacturer Tebian Electric Apparatus, the 23 MW solar plant serves to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

“The Gambia remains wholly committed to advancing the energy sector while leveraging its burgeoning hydrocarbon potential. As a largely undeveloped energy market and situated in close proximity to major developments across the offshore MSGBC region, the country offers strategic opportunities for foreign investors active across the entire energy value chain,” states Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk.

At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Minister Juwara is expected to share his insights into the investment opportunities across The Gambia’s oil and gas value chain, engaging with global financiers and technology providers to attract capital to its untapped energy prospects. As an experienced leader in the country’s energy space, Minister Juwara’s participation aligns with the conference’s strategy to encourage private sector investment and participation while ensuring The Gambia benefits from its hydrocarbon resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Fund for Export Development in Africa and Africa Finance Corporation power ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms’ US$443 Million capital raise

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9 hours ago

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October 3, 2024

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Export Development

The funds are intended to accelerate ARISE IIP’s fast expansion and operational efficiency across its 12-country portfolio

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

ARISE IIP, a leading pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks, has announced a significant capital raise of US$443 million.

The funding includes a strategic US$300 million investment from Afreximbank’s development impact investment arm, The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), securing Afreximbank’s FEDA a significant stake in ARISE IIP. Additionally, the capital raise is supported by an additional US$143 million contribution from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). This investment builds on debt funding relationship of over 12 years between ARISE IIP and Afreximbank, during which about US$2 billion has been provided to support ARISE IIP’s investments across Africa.

ARISE IIP’s total equity capital now exceeds US$1 billion, with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) holding a majority stake, followed by Afreximbank’s FEDA and Equitane as key shareholders.

This equity partnership with Afreximbank significantly enhances our financial capacity to execute our pan-African industrial development strategy

This significant capital injection is strategically aligned with both entities’ objectives to catalyse industrial transformation across Africa. The funds are intended to accelerate ARISE IIP’s fast expansion and operational efficiency across its 12-country portfolio, that comprises key markets such as Malawi, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Gabon, DRC, Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

This investment is anticipated to strengthen Africa’s position in global value chains, aligning with Afreximbank’s mandate to promote intra-African and extra-African trade.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP said about this partnership: “This equity partnership with Afreximbank significantly enhances our financial capacity to execute our pan-African industrial development strategy. It’s a strong vote of confidence in our business model and growth prospects.”

President & Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, stated: “We are very pleased with our latest investment in ARISE IIP which is aligned with Afreximbank’s strategic pillars of promoting intra African Trade and facilitating industrialisation and export development across Africa. The capital boost will arm ARISE IIP with the financial muscle needed to drive Africa’s industrialisation, promote intra and extra-African trade, job creation and the general economic growth of our continent.”

Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), stated: “Our investment in ARISE IIP is a critical step towards fostering sustainable industrial growth across Africa. By supporting the development of high-impact industrial infrastructure, we are helping to create an environment that will drive economic diversification, boost value-added production, and position Africa as a key player in global trade.”

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC said: “I would like to thank the board and management for their unwavering support in our shared mission to transform African economies. Our journey towards capturing greater value within the continent, by converting raw materials into intermediate and finished goods, has already shown significant progress in three countries, with an expanding pipeline of projects in ten more. This success reinforces our commitment to further support and invest in this important initiative, including our latest equity investment of $143 million. We are also delighted to formally welcome Afreximbank-FEDA as a new shareholder, having previously supported us through debt financing. Their participation, alongside other prospective investors, is a testament to the strength and de-risked nature of our ecosystem value chain industrial platform. We look forward to continuing our partnership to drive industrialization and sustainable economic growth across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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