Speaking ahead of the API Summit, Standard Bank’s head of real estate finance Africa regions, Niyi Adeleye, argues that key micro and macro trends and liquidity are having an effect on the broader investment case and how investors are choosing to allocate capital into the future
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 25, 2022/APO Group/ —
The way in which we live, work and play has been fundamentally re-set, comments, Kfir Rusin, the host of Africa’s leading property investor and developer gathering, the API Summit (www.APISummit) (Johannesburg, 21 & 22 September). This has transformed how occupiers utilize space; how we do business and how real estate investors are allocating capital. As we build back stronger, stakeholders across the real estate value chain have to deliver on a new set of principles driven by real returns, sustainability, resilience and affordability.
Speaking ahead of the API Summit, Standard Bank’s head of real estate finance Africa regions, Niyi Adeleye, argues that key micro and macro trends, most notably improving infrastructure supply; ESG; pending IMF deals, currency instability, and liquidity are having an effect on the broader investment case and how investors are choosing to allocate capital into the future.
“Property owners need to remain mindful of the impact of the micro and macro environment on the demand patterns of their assets. The pragmatic response is typically a conservative use of debt within a project’s capital structure to manage income volatility, should it occur. Similarly, project sponsors should pursue portfolio strategies that balances their sector exposures to manage the impact of micro and macro factors on specific assets, countries (that may be more vulnerable) and real estate sub-segments. Nevertheless, as a result of the rebasing of rents in some sectors pre-pandemic, the observation is that key sectors and a number of assets had found rental equilibrium and the observation was a trading ramp-up across a number of stabilizing assets across markets.”
Moving from funding allocation to a sector performance perspective, Adeleye highlights that in Africa (ex-RSA) broadly the most resilient and best performing has been the industrial segment followed by A-grade commercial offices spaces and a pleasing rebound by the hospitality sector.
This year’s event features a standalone Africa Hospitality Forum, the Africa Proptech Forum Event, an Awards Dinner and Cocktail function for over 400 attendees from 30 countries
Niyi Adeleye
Conversely, for him retail developments remains a concern across the continent as the sector continues to fall foul of the prevailing global macroeconomic environment. As, Adeleye says “retail is likely to feel the brunt of the current macro pressures and inflationary trends as currency volatilities continue to erode purchasing power whilst also increasing cost of imports given the relative strength of the dollar.”
And if the traditional real estate sector has provided mixed results, Adeleye shares the optimism on the growing value and importance placed on industrial, residential, life sciences and data centres segments, but cautions market players to fully understand demand in each segment and jurisdiction.
“The demand patterns, the types of user base and the mission critical nature of the required spaces to the demand profile these real estate segments suggest that the sectors will show more steady performance in the medium term. Thus, the probability of out performance is likely, however, appropriate consideration is also necessary to ensure that the demand-supply dynamics of these segments are carefully monitored to ensure that massive supply overhangs are avoided.”
It is this correct balancing and mitigation of risk associated with real estate investment and development in Africa that ESG is coming to the fore and increasingly critical to correct decision making and retaining value in assets and portfolios, says Adeleye.
“ESG considerations have become a critical component of risk assessment as the absence of these features either at an asset or portfolio levels erodes confidence around future proofing of asset demand given the importance of the theme. Similarly adapting to evolving market dynamics and urbanization trends is a reality that market participants have to continuously consider to remain relevant to their markets and demand patterns.”
In conclusion, Rusin ends that this this year’s API Summit’s diversity of speakers, companies and countries represented is evident of an African real estate sector that is moving fast and ramping up.
“The API Summit continues to attract pan African and international leaders actively pursuing deals across the continent. This year’s event also features a standalone Africa Hospitality Forum, the Africa Proptech Forum Event, an Awards Dinner and Cocktail function for over 400 attendees from 30 countries. That we are able to continue to expand and grow the event in 2022 after the Covid-19 Pandemic is testament to the value we bring to our investor community and the support of our lead sponsor Standard Bank and many others.”
The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains
CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.
Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Commenting on the transaction, Mr.Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:
Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking
“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.
The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.
Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”
Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.
He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.
DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.
Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.
Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.
The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system
The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.
With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.
“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.
“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”
The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.
EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.
The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.
A look at the numbers
The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.
Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity
Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.
These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.
Tapping into priority sectors
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’
Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’
The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.
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