PARAMARIBO, Suriname, April 1, 2026/APO Group/ –The Caribbean’s energy ambitions received a major financial boost this March as Afreximbank confirmed it is increasing its CARICOM financing capacity to $5 billion, marking a significant step toward closing the region’s infrastructure and development funding gap.

 

Speaking during the Atlantic Basin Business Forum at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, Okechukwu Ihejirika, Acting CEO for the Caribbean Office at Afreximbank, emphasized that access to capital remains the single most important factor in turning the region’s energy ambitions into reality.

“There is a lot of financing that is required in the region and no one single institution can cover that alone. With CARICOM Afreximbank, we see the establishment of a large institution that can finance projects across the region,” Ihejirika said.

Launched in 2023, CARICOM Afreximbank will scale its regional financing limit from $3 billion to $5 billion over the next four years. Ihejirika explained that the entity already has buy-in from CAPRICOM states, and that “we have commissioned advisory agencies that are working on developing the framework document. We are waiting on feedback from the advisors. Once that comes in, we will be ready to throw in funds.”

Scaling Caribbean Energy: Finance and Infrastructure in Focus

The expansion of Afreximbank’s CARICOM financing commitment signals a shift toward more locally anchored financing structures, capable of supporting energy, infrastructure and industrial projects across the Caribbean. It coincides with an accelerated push by Caribbean authorities to address infrastructure challenges, targeting strengthened logistics and regional ties.

Wandenberg Pitaluga Filho, President of the Amapá Economic Development Agency, outlined how Brazil’s Amapá state is focusing on infrastructure, regulatory reform and workforce development to position itself as a logistics and industrial hub linked to the Guyana Plateau and Caribbean energy developments.

“We are focused on three pillars: infrastructure, regulation and workforce development,” Filho said, noting that projects such as the expansion of Santana port and new gas infrastructure will be critical to supporting future oil and gas developments across the region.

Local Content Takes Center Stage

Beyond financing and infrastructure, local content has emerged as a strategic priority for many Caribbean states, with speakers at CEW emphasizing that resource development must translate into domestic economic growth. Jude Kearney, Partner at ASAFO & CO., stressed that local content policies are not simply regulatory tools but foundational components of a functioning hydrocarbon industry.

“Local content is not just a throwaway concept. It has turned out to be an incredibly important component of a working hydrocarbon industry,” Kearney said, pointing to countries such as Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea as examples of how strong but flexible local content frameworks can support both investors and domestic industry development.

From an African perspective, Ababacar Mbengue, Director of Promotion and Exploration at Petrosen E&P, outlined how Senegal has approached local content by benchmarking global markets and implementing legislation across the entire oil and gas value chain. He stated that “Petrosen is not only educating investors but supporting them from a technical side to do seismic work and exploration until they can develop [projects].”

The message from both sides of the Atlantic was clear: local content frameworks must be structured, predictable and aligned with industry realities if they are to attract investment while building domestic capacity.

Cross-Atlantic Cooperation Gains Momentum

Cross-Atlantic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean is also gaining momentum, particularly as new gas producers and emerging oil provinces look to share technical expertise, financing models and regulatory experience.

Delivering a keynote ahead of the discussion, Ibrahima Noba, Director of E&P, Ministry of Energy, Senegal, highlighted that “What we see between Africa and the Caribbean is a resurgence. Both face similar challenges and share a common vision. This creates a unique opportunity for aligned strategies. We believe the time has come for collaboration between NOCs, shared development of gas monetization strategies and stronger collaboration across the energy value chain.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 1, 2026/APO Group/ –Radisson Hotel Group has reached a significant milestone in Africa, with more than 100 hotels across the continent in operation and under development. Radisson Blu continues to anchor the legacy footprint. At the same time, the Radisson brand is the fastest riser, supported by a strong conversion engine and a concrete pipeline that continues to translate into openings. Building on this momentum, the Group has signed over 15 new hotels and roughly 2,500 rooms in the last 12 months, including new market entries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe. This week, Radisson Hotel Group is also attending FHS Africa ( www.FutureHospitality.com) in Nairobi, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence and strengthening strategic partnerships across the continent.

Over the past five years, Radisson and Radisson Blu have ranked among the most signed brands in Africa, with one of the highest shares of cumulative openings. The last 12 months set a new benchmark with more than 2,500 rooms signed and multiple market entries. Priority growth markets remain Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria, where the Group is deepening its presence and widening its brand distribution.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Regional Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, commented: “We’ve crossed the 100-hotel mark in Africa by staying true to our plan, focusing on where we can lead, moving fast on quality conversions, and partnering with owners who share our ambition. The next phase is about depth in Morocco and Nigeria, a smarter footprint in South Africa, and a stronger resort offering that matches where travelers want to go. Our pipeline is built to open, not just to announce. That is why our conversion share is high, our time to market is short, and our brands are gaining ground in the cities and resort destinations that matter most.”

Nigeria shows the model’s resilience. The Group now holds a strong position in the country with 13 hotels in operation and pipeline, while Abuja is carrying a significant active pipeline with three hotels totaling 458 keys.

South Africa is being reshaped with priorities in Cape Town, targeted growth in secondary cities such as Durban and Pretoria, and a sharper focus on leisure corridors that include Kruger National Park, Sun City, and the Garden Route. The Group plans to enter Zanzibar and is considering lodge, safari, and affiliation opportunities across Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia to meet the rising demand for nature-led experiences.

Conversions remain a core lever for scale and speed. In the last five years, more than 15 hotels, equal to almost 3,000 rooms, joined the portfolio through conversion. This helped the Group lead openings across the continent while keeping brand standards high and owners in mind.

Recent signings show the extensiveness of this strategy, with a balanced pipeline of city hotels, resort destinations, and quick-to-market conversions. These signings span the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, including Radisson Blu Kinshasa and three Radisson hotels in Lubumbashi, Radisson Harare, Park Inn Victoria Falls, Radisson Collection Lagos Atlantic, as well as new additions in Casablanca with Radisson Blu Resort & Conference Center Bouskoura, a first Radisson brand hotel in Rabat, and further expansion in Marrakech. Key signings include:

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa
Upper-upscale flagship in Gombe

Opening late 2026. Set on Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi in the Gombe district, the hotel will offer 110 keys, including suites and a Presidential Suite. Guests can choose from a lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant, and a pool bar. Wellness includes a gym, massage rooms, and an outdoor pool with a terrace. Meetings and events feature a modern event hall with a pre-function area. The address is well connected, 32 kilometers from N’djili International Airport, 10 kilometers from N’Dolo Airport, and 6 kilometers from Gare Centrale.

Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi
Panoramic city stay in the DRC’s second city

Opening mid-2027. Located on Revolution Road Avenue, the hotel will feature 97 keys, including junior suites and a Presidential Suite. Dining spans a lobby bar, an all-day dining venue, and a rooftop bar and grill with city views. Three flexible meeting rooms and a pre-function area support business and social events. Facilities include a gym and a swimming pool. The location sits near Kipopo Lake, Lubumbashi Golf Club, and La Plage, and is 12 kilometers from Luano International Airport.

Radisson Blu Apartments Lubumbashi
Upscale apartment living in Lubumbashi’s prestigious Quartier Golf

Targeted for 2030. A 160-room property located in Quartier Golf, one of Lubumbashi’s most upscale residential districts, near Kipopo Lake and surrounded by luxury homes and key landmarks including Lubumbashi Golf and La Plage. Planned amenities include a specialty restaurant and bar, a pool bar, and a gym, offering a premium stay experience for extended-stay and leisure travelers.

Radisson Airport Hotel Lubumbashi
A strategically located airport hotel designed for ease and connectivity

Set to open in 2028, this 105-room property will be located just 6 kilometers from Luano International Airport, around a 10-minute drive, making it well positioned for business travelers, transit guests, and airline crews. Planned facilities include a restaurant, lobby bar, pool bar, meeting rooms, and a swimming pool, combining practicality with a welcoming hospitality experience close to the airport.

Egypt

Radisson Resort Ain Sokhna Groove
A large-scale Red Sea resort in one of Egypt’s growing leisure destinations

Planned for 2029, Radisson Resort Ain Sokhna Groove will offer 469 rooms, including 50 family rooms, as part of The Groove Ain Sokhna mixed-use development. Located along the Red Sea coast, around 30 kilometers south of Ain Sokhna and approximately 150 kilometers from Cairo, the resort is expected to feature private beach access, a spa, gym and fitness center, several restaurants, plus a ballroom and meeting rooms, catering to both holidaymakers and events demand.

Radisson Serviced Apartments COY Sheikh Zayed City
Flexible extended-stay accommodation in a fast-growing hub of Greater Cairo

Expected to open in 2030, this 120-key serviced apartments property, including six one-bedroom units, will form part of the COY development in Sheikh Zayed City. With a location just 13 kilometers from Sphinx International Airport and 14 kilometers from the Great Pyramids of Giza, the development sits close to major commercial, leisure, education, and healthcare destinations. Planned amenities include a coffee lounge, bar, kiosk, and meeting and event space integrated into the wider co-working environment.

Morocco

Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Casablanc a Bouskoura
Conference-ready address beside Palm Golf

A 119-key hotel with eight suites, a rooftop restaurant, and a dedicated conference center. Event facilities include two boardrooms, while a spa and a large outdoor pool cater to leisure travelers. The hotel is located 20 kilometers from Mohammed V International Airport and next to Palm Golf Palmeraie Country Club.

Radisson Hotel & Apartments Rabat Technopolis
Dual-component hub in the capital’s innovation park
A two-building project in Technopolis, 25 minutes from central Rabat. The hotel will offer 140 rooms, four dining venues, a pool, and a meeting and events space. The adjacent serviced apartment building adds 56 units. Technopolis connects businesses with leading education and research centers, creating a strong base for corporate demand.

Radisson Blu Resort Marrakech Ben Akil
Low-rise bungalows with views of Atlas Mountains

Opening early 2028. A 17-hectare estate featuring 80 bungalow-style accommodations, each with an outdoor terrace. Larger typologies include private pools. The resort sits beside Royal Golf Marrakech and is a 15-minute drive from the city center.

Nigeria

Radisson Hotel Aba
A new internationally branded hospitality destination for Aba

Targeted for 2031, Radisson Hotel Aba will introduce 120 rooms, including six junior suites, in a prime riverside location along the Aba River near key transport corridors. The hotel will become the first Radisson-branded property in Aba and the Group’s third branded hotel in Nigeria. Plans for the hotel include a gym, swimming pool, and several meeting rooms, serving both business and local demand. Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Owerri is approximately 56 kilometers away, or a 1 hour and 10 minute drive.

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa
A conference-focused hotel in the heart of an emerging Nigerian business center

Scheduled for 2027, the property will feature 196 rooms, including 16 junior suites, four executive suites, and two Presidential Suites, in Yenagoa, a city that is steadily strengthening its role as an administrative and commercial hub in southern Nigeria. Located near government institutions, business districts, and Bayelsa International Airport, approximately 33 kilometers or 40 minutes away, the hotel is set to benefit from the area’s ongoing infrastructure and hospitality growth while meeting rising demand for accommodation, meetings, and large-scale events.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Lagos Atlantic
Refined lifestyle luxury on the oceanfront of Lagos’ leading business district

Targeted for 2029, Radisson Collection Hotel, Lagos Atlantic will feature 107 rooms, including 16 executive suites and one Presidential Suite, on a prime oceanfront site on Victoria Island. As Lagos’ main financial and commercial district, Victoria Island is home to multinational companies, corporate headquarters, embassies, and strong year-round business activity. Located approximately 33 kilometers from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, around a 45-minute drive, the hotel will mark the second Radisson Collection property in Lagos.

South Africa

Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga
A modern serviced apartment offering in the heart of Umhlanga’s business district

Planned for 2029, Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga will introduce 155 rooms in a newly built development within Umhlanga Ridge, one of the area’s most established commercial and lifestyle hubs. The property will be within walking distance of Gateway Theatre of Shopping and close to major office precincts, including Umhlanga Ridge Business Park, La Lucia Office Park, and Glass House Office Park. Comprising studios and apartments, the project is designed to meet growing demand for high-quality extended-stay accommodation in the district.

Zimbabwe

New market entry

Radisson Serviced Apartments, Harare
Prime Borrowdale address for extended stays

Targeted for end-2028. A 147-key serviced apartments project within a master development near Maxwell Road in Borrowdale. The neighborhood is known for luxury residences, upscale shopping at Sam Levy’s Village, and entertainment at Borrowdale Racecourse. Planned amenities include a café and bar, a gym with sauna, and a pool with a deck. Set to be the only internationally branded hotel apartment offering in the area.

Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Falls Resort
A resort destination near one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks

Expected to open in 2029, Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Falls Resort will offer 150 rooms, including five suites, in a setting overlooking Zambezi National Park. Located just 5 kilometers from Victoria Falls, around a 10-minute drive, the resort will be ideally positioned near one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a destination that attracts more than 350,000 international visitors each year. With year-round waterfall views, adventure tourism, and access to safari experiences in the surrounding national parks, the property will cater to both leisure travelers and tour groups. Victoria Falls Airport is located approximately 22 kilometers, or a 23-minute drive, away.

Leading with the most diverse footprint across the continent, with presence in more than 30 African countries, Radisson Hotel Group blends depth in focus markets with selective entry into new destinations each year.

DAKAR, Senegal, March 31, 2026/APO Group/ –Following the 150^th ordinary meeting of its Board of Directors held on 25 and 26 March in Dakar, under the chairmanship of Mr. Serge EKUE, the WAMU Council of Ministers, at its meeting held on Friday 27 March, formally approved all of the institution’s strategic proposals. This dual approval confirms the Bank’s financial strength and officially launches its new 2026–2030 development cycle. The financial year ended 31 December 2025, reflects the Bank’s growing momentum, with significant growth across all key segments.

 

Indeed, total assets stood at XOF5,363 billion compared to XOF3,893 billion at the end of the FYE2024, representing a 38% increase. BOAD reported a net profit of XOF42.476 billion, compared to XOF39.402 billion at the end of 2024, representing an increase of approximately 8%. This profit further strengthens the institution’s equity and the special funds established in its books to support member countries. This strengthening of equity improves the Bank’s solvency ratios and increases its capacity to finance projects for the benefit of member countries. The Bank has maintained a solid and balanced financial structure, notably with effective equity amounting to XOF1,780.546 billion, representing 33.20% of the total balance sheet.

Building on its international reputation, the Bank continues to enjoy the full confidence of its partners and investors, thanks to the quality of its credit ratings. These Baa1 and BBB ratings, classified as “investment grade,” remain unchanged and have been confirmed by Moody’s and Fitch Ratings.

As part of the effort to consolidate the achievements of the plan Djoliba, the Council of Ministers has approved the new five-year strategic plan, “Djoliba… the next step” which calls for an unprecedented acceleration with a funding target of XOF6.5 trillion for the 2026–2030 period—nearly double that of the previous plan.

To support this ambition, BOAD specifically plans for:

• The mobilization of XOF2.65 trillion in loans;
• A securitization program of XOF1.1 trillion;
• The transformation into BOAD Group incorporating specialized entities.

During the ordinary meeting held on 25 and 26 March 2026, the Board of Directors reviewed and approved several important matters pertaining to the Bank’s institutional life and approved 17 new projects totaling XOF501.568 billion, bringing the total amount of BOAD financing (all transactions combined) to XOF10,387.2 billion, since commencement of operations in 1976.

The Board approved the reappointment of the Audit Committee members and issued a favorable opinion on the institution’s 2025 annual report. The Board further approved the 2025 CSR annual report, the statement of recovery of BOAD loans as at 28 February 2026 and overall recovery situation as at 31 December 2025, the summary of impact assessments of BOAD’s operations carried out under the Plan Djoliba, and finally, the report on the implementation status of projects financed in Burkina Faso (2009–2024).

ITEMS FOR APPROVAL  

Strengthening governance, institutional support, and initiatives to support the Bank’s activities

Anti-corruption framework: policy for preventing and combating corruption (PPLCF), whistleblower protection policy (PPLA), policy for sanctioning wrongful practices (PSPR). The Board also strengthened the institution’s ethical framework by approving a new anti-corruption framework aligned with ISO 37001, affirming a “zero-tolerance” policy towards wrongful practices.

Third facility from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to BOAD: a credit facility   to finance agricultural campaigns, including the purchase of agricultural inputs and the production and marketing cycles of cash crops, as well as the import and distribution of hydrocarbons in WAEMU member countries. Approved amount: €200 million euros, or XOF131.2 billion.

Grant from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to BOAD to strengthen the mainstreaming of gender and climate components into the Bank’s operations, through the development of e-learning modules, training for staff and clients, and the implementation of a tool for monitoring key gender indicators. Approved amount: up to US$299,167 or approximately XOF166.8 million.

Development projects for the West African sub-region

The approved loans are meant to partially finance the following projects:

Wassoulou Project (PDIW) – Côte d’Ivoire: to promote food security and cross-border trade between Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea, through the construction of two dams and the development of 800 hectares of irrigated land. Approved amount: XOF29.7 billion.

Label d’Or SA – Togo: modernization of shea processing to benefit 33 women. Approved amount: XOF6 billion.

Cotton sector – Burkina Faso: purchase of 120,000 tons of agricultural inputs for the 2026–2027 cotton season.  Approved amount: XOF50 billion.

Cotton sector – Mali: partial funding of the 2025-2026 cotton season for the Compagnie Malienne pour le Développement des Textiles (CMDT) SA to collect and gin approximately 433,700 tons of seed cotton into lint. Approved amount: XOF25 billion.

Ouidah-Hillacondji road: widening of the Agonkanmey-Hillacondji corridor to reduce travel time by 50% and the number of accidents by 60% upon completion in 2030. Approved amount: XOF30 billion.

Yabayo-Buyo–Côte d’Ivoire Road: improving access and enhancing road safety. Approved amount: XOF30 billion.

Air Côte d’Ivoire Aircraft Maintenance Center (MRO) – Côte d’Ivoire: construction of a regional aircraft maintenance center in Abidjan to service its fleet and those of airlines operating in West and Central Africa. Approved amount: XOF35 billion.

Digital transformation of public services – Senegal: modernization of data centers and the SHARE submarine cable. Approved amount: XOf30.9 billion.

Koudougou Solar Photovoltaic Center by SONABEL – Burkina Faso: expansion to 40 MWp with a 10 MW/30 MWh battery storage system, to improve access to electricity and reduce CO2 emissions. Approved amount: XOF16.468 billion.

Energy security by the Société Nationale Burkinabè d’Hydrocarbures (SONABHY) – Burkina Faso: import of approximately 500,000 m³ of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. Approved amount: XOF45 billion.

Northern segment of the gas pipeline – Senegal: construction of an 85-km pipeline to ensure energy sovereignty. Approved amount: XOF50 billion.

Construction of a 50 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant and a 30 MW/90 MWh storage system in Linguère by SENELEC – Senegal: to better meet electricity demand and increase the share of renewable energy in Senegal’s energy mix. Approved amount: XOF41.5 billion.

Construction of 4,300 social and affordable housing units in Côte d’Ivoire – Phase 4 of 840 housing units at Bouaké: to help improve living conditions and reduce poverty. Approved amount: XOF42 billion.

Construction and equipment of six (6) vocational high schools in agriculture and agri-business (LPAA) – Phase 2 – Senegal: at Louga, Tambacounda, Kolda, and Matam to strengthen the range of national vocational training courses by developing skills tailored to market needs. Approved amount: XOF30 billion.

Construction and operation of a 4-star Mövenpick-branded hotel by Africa Hospitality Development (AHD) SA at Assinie, Côte d’Ivoire: to develop the coastal tourism sector. Approved amount: XOF10 billion.

Refinancing facilities for CORIS Bank International (CBI) SA – Burkina Faso: to promote access to renewable energy and support the cash flow needs of the National Security Stock Management Company (SONAGESS) for the establishment of food stocks for the 2025/2026 season. Approved amount: XOF20 billion.

Refinancing facility for CORIS Bank International (CBI) – Senegal: to expand its medium-term financing activities for productive investment projects in support to SMEs and SMIs, to accelerate its development and contribute to Senegal’s economic growth. Approved amount: XOf10 billion.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

The Board took note of the following items submitted for information:

• Minutes of the 53^rd meeting of BOAD Audit Committee
• Implementation of the 2021–2025 strategic plan DJOLIBA: review at the end of the 5^th year
• Review of the 2020-2024 CSR Strategy
• Status of BOAD’s operations per country as of 31 December 2025
• Status of the utilization of resources mobilized by BOAD as at 31 January 2026
• Report on the execution of BOAD’s sixth bond issue on the international financial market in October 2025
• Review of the implementation of BOAD IT Blueprint (2021-2025)
• Grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to finance the Grand Nokoué greening program in Benin
• Grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to finance the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Project (PAREC) in Mali
• Grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to finance the Climate Adaptation and Resilient Agriculture Project in the Central Plateau (PACAR) in Burkina Faso
• Implementation report on the 2025 annual tranche of BOAD’s 2025-2027 programme-budget
• Compendium of recommendations and decisions adopted at BOAD Board meetings held in 2025
• Minutes of the regular meeting of the WAMU Council of Ministers held on 29 December 2025 in Cotonou, Benin.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors expressed his gratitude to the Senegalese authorities and the technical teams for all the commodities and facilities provided for the organization of the meeting under congenial conditions.