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Rwanda, Team Europe and partners pioneer an additional EUR 300 million financing to crowd in private investment and build climate resilience

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The ground-breaking partnership is part of ongoing efforts by the international community to reshape the global climate finance architecture

PARIS, France, June 23, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Building on the Resilience and Sustainability Facility with the International Monetary Fund, the Government of Rwanda, together with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB) (www.EIB.org), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), are announcing a cooperative approach to facilitate public-private partnership, scale-up climate finance and crowd in private climate investment that will mobilise an additional EUR 300 million to build climate resilience in Rwanda.

The new support complements and builds on the USD 319 million in financing accessed by the Government of Rwanda through the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The ground-breaking partnership, which was unveiled at the Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, is part of ongoing efforts by the international community to reshape the global climate finance architecture, including by moving beyond small-scale projects to significant long-term investments that leverage existing mechanisms to facilitate public-private partnerships and attract private sector investments.

Importantly, this collaborative support will bolster Rwanda’s efforts to address the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and strengthen the catalysing effect of the IMF’s RSF arrangement by attracting additional budget support from partners, initiate a programmatic approach for climate investments, and scale up Ireme Invest – Rwanda’s unique and innovative investment facility dedicated to private sector green investment – that was launched by His Excellency President Paul Kagame in November 2022 at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt.

A three-pronged approach

International partners will support Rwanda’s efforts to accelerate climate investments through action across three pillars:

  1. Policy reforms to address challenges triggered by climate change
  2. Capacity development initiatives, and
  3. Financing arrangements

Actions in these three areas are expected to strengthen and institutionalise the monitoring and reporting of climate-related spending, integrate climate risks into fiscal planning, improve the sensitivity of public investment management to climate-related issues, strengthen climate-related risk management for financial institutions, and fortify disaster risk reduction and management.

Partners have also committed to support Rwanda’s capacity development initiatives, and help attract and better manage further climate capital. As part of the collaborative approach, partners have committed to consolidate and mobilise the following climate finance resources for Rwanda:

Programmatic budget support for green public financial management

AFD is providing EUR 50 million programmatic budget support accompanied by a EUR 3 million technical assistance grant, with an initial disbursement expected in 2023. This financial contribution will be complementary and additional to the RSF-supported programme’s matrix of reforms, the greening of public investments and procurement as well as strengthening Rwanda’s Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework. The technical assistance will also support the implementation of Rwanda’s sustainable finance roadmap with a view to increase private sector mobilisation in support of climate action.

A new programmatic approach for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) investment

With its innovative lens, this partnership will maximise limited public finance to channel private capital into climate-related projects

The International Finance Corporation, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), will jointly develop long-term investment plans for climate smart agriculture and sustainable urbanisation to increase the role of the private sector in greening Rwanda’s economy.

Scaling up Ireme Invest for private sector investment

Launched at COP27, Ireme Invest is a green investment facility powered by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) and the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), and developed through technical assistance from the World Bank. BRD is currently finalising the identification of a pipeline of private sector projects estimated at EUR 400 million based on a common set of eligibility criteria, governance, and reporting mechanism with its financing contributors for Ireme Invest.

  • The Government of Rwanda will support scaling up of access to green finance for the private sector to further enable BRD to grow its lending portfolio for the private sector at affordable interest rates.
  • The European Investment Bank is expected to provide EUR 100 million supported by the European Union. This support is provided under the Global Gateway strategy: the EU’s positive offer to deliver sustainable and trusted connections with partner countries and build more resilient societies for people and planet.
  • Cassa Depositi e Prestiti – the Italian Development Finance Institution – is discussing with the Government of Rwanda and BRD joint actions to scale up climate finance bridging public and private investments.

To further underpin the creation of private green assets in Rwanda, Ireme Invest private stakeholders will also directly contribute EUR 130 million equivalent in own private equity. The creation of new green private assets also opens the door for future issuances of innovative debt instruments on the local and international markets which will further crowd in private investment.

The coordinated initiative to scale up climate financing, combined with the policy reforms envisaged under the IMF’s RSF arrangement and capacity development support from the IMF will allow Rwanda to better withstand economic shocks and adapt to a changing climate. This unique collaboration between the Government of Rwanda and international partners exemplifies the power of partnerships in tackling pressing global challenges. It sets a precedent for other nations and financial institutions to explore innovative financing mechanisms and join forces in the pursuit of a sustainable and climate-resilient world.

It also adds to the substantial financial and technical support provided by the World Bank (IDA) to support Rwanda’s efforts to enhance its climate resilience and secure its natural assets – especially in vulnerable communities – unlock private investments and promote green finance and trade, as well as financial contributions by the Governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark towards Rwanda’s NDC climate action plan objectives.

Quotes

“The partnership we have announced represents a transformational shift in the provision of climate finance and is a vote of confidence in Rwanda’s long-term climate action strategy. This is an important milestone in our journey to achieve our Nationally Determined Contributions that are estimated at USD 11 billion by 2030. We thank all the partners that have joined this initiative and we will be working together to make it a reality.” – The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Edouard Ngirente.

“The announcement is a testament of Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability, which has been widely recognised and applauded on the global stage. It also shows how close collaboration among international and domestic partners in the context of strong climate reforms under the RST can amplify climate financing, providing a model for accelerating investment to deliver a greener and more prosperous future around the world.” – Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

“The agreement with Rwanda illustrates how joining forces in international partnerships is the only way forward in addressing the climate crisis. The European Union and its Member States are the world’s largest provider of public climate finance, and we remain committed to a multilateral approach. Through Global Gateway and together with our allies, we strive to bridge the investment gap and support partner countries, in particular in Africa, to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Our ambition is a green transition that is fair to the most vulnerable.” – Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships.

“The close cooperation between the Government of Rwanda, IMF, international financing partners and the EIB is harnessing the potential of Special Drawing Rights to advance climate action. The strategic use of SDRs will significantly amplify the impact of climate action investments in the country, paving the way for a greener and more prosperous future. This initiative represents the EIB’s strong commitment to combating climate change and supporting sustainable development in Rwanda and beyond.” – Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank.

“With its innovative lens, this partnership will maximise limited public finance to channel private capital into climate-related projects. IFC will work with the government of Rwanda to develop an investment pipeline to build a resilient, low-carbon economy among the most vulnerable communities, with a focus on sustainable cities and climate-smart agriculture.” – Makhtar Diop, IFC Managing Director.

“In very few years, AFD and actors of the Rwandan financial ecosystem have engaged in a solid cooperation on climate finance on the country’s vision to align its public and private investment flows with its ambitious climate change strategy.” – Remy Rioux, Director General Agence Française de Développement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Investment Bank (EIB).

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Africa’s Lithium Pipeline Gains Momentum as Global Supply Deficits Loom

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7 hours ago

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April 9, 2026

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Energy Capital

The upcoming African Mining Week 2026 – taking place from October 14-16 in Cape Town – will connect global investors with prospects within the lithium industry amidst an anticipated resource supply deficit by 2028

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Rising demand for lithium is positioning Africa to attract foreign investment, accelerate local beneficiation and strengthen its role in securing the global battery supply chain. A recent forecast by Wood Mackenzie projects that global lithium demand could exceed 13 million tons by 2050 under an accelerated energy transition scenario. This surge is expected to place significant pressure on supply, with deficits emerging as early as 2028. Without substantial new investments, existing lithium projects will struggle to meet demand beyond the mid-2030s.

 

Against this backdrop, Africa’s growing pipeline of greenfield and development-stage lithium projects positions the continent as an increasingly important contributor to global supply security. In 2025, Africa ranked as the largest source of new lithium supply globally, with new output from the region exceeding that of the rest of the world combined. This milestone underscores the continent’s potential to scale production and strengthen its role in the global battery minerals market.

Emerging Lithium Producers Strengthen Africa’s Supply Pipeline

Even under a slower energy transition scenario, Wood Mackenzie projects that lithium markets will remain adequately supplied until 2037, before entering deficit. This outlook reinforces Africa’s strategic role as new projects across Mali, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Namibia advance toward production.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zijin Mining, AVZ Minerals and KoBold Metals are expected to begin operations at the Manono lithium project in mid-to-late 2026, marking the country’s first lithium output. Ranked among the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits, Manono is expected to begin exports shortly after commissioning, diversifying DRC’s mineral output while strengthening the continent`s contribution to the global electric vehicles and battery supply chain.

Mali Emerges as a Regional Lithium Hub

Mali is also rapidly positioning itself as a key lithium producer. The Bougouni Lithium Project, commissioned in 2025, currently produces approximately 125,000 tons per annum of concentrate, with Phase Two expansion plans underway that could nearly double production capacity.

Meanwhile, the Goulamina Lithium Project, one of the largest spodumene deposits globally, is producing around 506,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually, with expansion plans targeting one million tons per year. Together, these projects are expected to significantly strengthen Mali and Africa’s position within the global lithium market.

Ghana and Zimbabwe Expand Lithium Production and Value Addition

In Ghana, the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, developed by Atlantic Lithium, is set to become the country’s first lithium-producing mine, with production targeted for late 2027. The project is expected to produce 3.58 million tons of spodumene concentrate grading 6% and 5.5%, alongside approximately 4.7 million tons of secondary product, further strengthening Africa’s contribution to global lithium supply.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe – currently Africa’s largest lithium producer – is accelerating efforts to move up the value chain. Government policies restricting the export of raw lithium are encouraging investment in local processing and beneficiation facilities, supporting the production of higher-value lithium products and positioning the country as a key supplier to the global battery materials market.

Investment Momentum Builds Ahead of African Mining Week

With an estimated $276 billion in new investment required to avoid the forecast supply deficits beginning in 2028, Africa’s lithium-rich countries are well positioned to attract the capital needed to expand production and downstream processing.

In this context, African Mining Week 2026 – scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town – will serve as a key platform for global investors, project developers and policymakers to engage on opportunities within Africa’s lithium sector. As the continent’s premier mining investment event, the conference will feature high-level discussions, project showcases and strategic networking sessions aimed at accelerating partnerships across the lithium value chain.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Business

Afreximbank delivers strong FY2025 results; with a total assets and contingencies base of US$48.5 billion

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7 hours ago

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April 9, 2026

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Afreximbank

Total assets and contingencies rose by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion as at 31 December 2024, underscoring the Bank’s consistent growth trajectory

The Group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality

CAIRO, Egypt, April 9, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) has announced strong results for the year ended 31 December 2025, underscoring sustained financial resilience, increased market confidence and strategic execution.

 

Total assets and contingencies rose by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion as at 31 December 2024, underscoring the Bank’s consistent growth trajectory.

Net loans and advances for the Group closed the year at US$33.5 billion (FY’2024: US$29.0 billion), an increase of 16%, supported by continued disbursements across the continent and the Caribbean through various product offerings. The Group funded strategic priorities areas such as manufacturing, infrastructure, food security and climate adaptation.

The Group’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained stable at 2.43% (FY’2024: 2.33%), demonstrating consistent portfolio quality.

The Group’s liquidity position remained robust, with cash and cash equivalents at US$6.0 billion (FY’2024: US$4.6 billion). Liquid assets accounted for 14% of total assets, above the Bank’s strategic minimum level of 10%. Shareholders’ funds grew by 17% to US$8.4 billion as at 31 December 2025, driven by net income of US$1.2 billion, and new equity inflows of US$299.4 million raised under the General Capital Increase II.

Gross Income increased by 6.06% reaching US$3.5 billion in FY’2025 from US$3.3 billion achieved in FY’2024.

Operating expenses increased to US$459.2 million (FY’2024: US$367.7 million), reflecting strategic staff expansion, and inflationary pressures with the Group maintained strong cost efficiency resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 21% (FY’2024: 18%) well below the strategic ceiling of 30%.

Contrary to concerns raised by some rating agencies during the year, the Bank accessed international bond markets by successfully raising over US$800 million from Japan and China, courtesy of the Samurai and Panda bonds in 2025. This demonstrated the Group’s fund-raising capabilities and the solid nature of the Bank’s DNA as a pan-African multilateral financial institution committed to ensuring that Africa’s full and sustainable self-reliance remain firm.

Net income increased by 19% to US$1.2 billion in 2025, up from US$973.5 million in the prior year. These results were achieved through the expanded delivery of tailored financial and advisory solutions that supported trade, fostered industrialisation and enhanced economic self-reliance.

Highlights of the results for Afreximbank Group are shown below:

Financial Performance Metrics

FY’2025

FY’2024
Gross Income (US$ billion)

3.5

3.3
Net Income (US$ million)

1,156.8

973.5
Return on average equity (ROAE)

15%

15%
Return on average assets (ROAA)

3.04%

2.96%
Cost-to-income ratio

21%

18%

 

Financial Position Metrics

FY’2025

9M’2024
Total Assets (US$ billion)

42.3

35.3
Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

33.9

28.1
Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

8.4

7.2
Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

  2.43%

2.33%
Cash/Total assets

14%

13%
Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)                                                                         23%

24%

 

Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

 

“Despite continuing global geopolitical challenges and disruptions caused by some rating actions, the Group delivered excellent financial performance in 2025, a fitting tribute to a decade of consequential leadership under Professor Oramah, with total assets and contingencies reaching $49 billion. Pleasingly, the Group is way ahead on most of it targets in delivery on its 6th Strategic plan that ends on 31 December 2026. With recently established subsidiaries such as FEDA and AfrexInsure becoming profitable, Net income grew by 19% to stand at US$1.2 billion, underpinned by a strong capital base of US$8.4 billion. The Group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality. These results are a testament to the unwavering execution by the Group’s hard working human capital. We entered 2026 financial year with significant momentum, ready to scale the Group’s impact, accelerate trade integration and value addition across Global Africa, and deliver greater value to our shareholders.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Events

Chinese Mainland’s Largest Conference on Chest Pain Centres Goes Global in Hong Kong

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11 hours ago

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April 9, 2026

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Hong Kong

With robust lineup of medical conventions in 2026

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Marking yet another milestone as the World’s Meeting Place, Hong Kong became the first city outside Chinese Mainland to host the nation’s largest conference on chest pain centres – the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress (CCPCC 2026), thanks to the effort of Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Together with two other high-profile and hugely successful medical congresses – the 41st Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress in February and the 17th Asian Congress of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in March, Hong Kong’s medical science events space was off to a strong start in 2026.

Ms Marilyn Tham, General Manager of Mega Events, MICE & Cruise of the HKTB said, “Hong Kong’s leading edge in medical sciences coupled with the city’s world-class venues and destination appeal have enabled notable success for internationally significant medical events. CCPCC 2026 is one of the large-scale medical conventions confirmed for 2026. Such robust lineup reflects event organisers’ confidence in Hong Kong as a premier hub for advancing global exchanges on medical sciences.”

Over 10 medical conventions have secured a spot in Hong Kong this year, spanning diverse disciplines, from cytology to oncology, antimicrobial resistance and more (see full list below). The breadth and depth of the events reflects Hong Kong’s growing appeal as the premier convention hub where global medical minds meet.

Globalising Chest Pain Leadership from Hong Kong

Held on 3-4 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with a concurrent venue in Shenzhen, CCPCC 2026 converged 3,000 healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses, researchers, policymakers and industry experts from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the Belt and Road countries and beyond. The rich topics explored across two days encompassed cutting-edge healthcare innovations, AI-assisted clinical decision-making, intelligent emergency response systems and international accreditation standards.

Co-organised by Hospital Authority (HA) of Hong Kong, the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, the Guangdong Chest Pain Centers Association, the Chinese Cardiovascular Association (CCA) and Oriental Huaxia Cardiovascular Health Research Institute (OHCHRI), Suzhou Industrial Park, CCPCC 2026 showcased conducive partnership.

Mr. Wenming Zeng, Secretary-General of OHCHRI, remarked, “The global influence of CCPCC has been growing over the years. Thanks to Hong Kong’s strategic location, leading medical standing and its unique role bridging Chinese Mainland and the world, this year’s congress has drawn even wider global participation, giving the event greater international significance. Hong Kong has helped showcase our event to the world, taking cardiovascular emergency intervention to a new height globally.”

A Launchpad for Mainland-spearheaded International Standards

Capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as a super-connector for fostering globalisation, CCPCC 2026 released for the first time the “International Standards on Chest Pain Center Construction and Accreditation”, marking Mainland’s global leadership in cutting-edge cardiovascular emergency intervention. Leveraging Hong Kong’s internationalisation, the efforts to foster global policy support and implementation of the standards will contribute to fair, accessible and timely intervention for cardiovascular emergencies around the world.

Another Significant Win for HKCA Programme on its 5th Anniversary

As a HKTB-appointed HKCA, Prof Lu Shi-Juan, who is a Member of Hainan Medical Association Cardiovascular Professional Committee, played an instrumental role in bringing CCPCC 2026 to Hong Kong. This marked the latest success story of the HKCA programme, as HKTB celebrated the programme’s milestone 5th anniversary with a HKCA Networking Cocktail Event on 31 March, 2026.

Prof Lu noted, “As a Hong Kong International Convention Ambassador, I have worked closely with the HKTB to bring CCPCC to Hong Kong, which is a gateway to the global stage. Hosting the conference here showcases how Hong Kong can elevate Mainland conferences internationally, foster cross‑border knowledge exchange and help shape the future development of the broader medical and professional community.”
The HKCA programme bands together over 170 local and mainland sector leaders of 13 industries and academics to champion Hong Kong as the World’s Meeting Place. Their initiative and connections have helped Hong Kong secure 50 convention wins that have brought in nearly 100,000 high-value overnight MICE visitors.

Strong Medical Events Lineup in 2026

Over 10 medical conventions will be held in 2026 across various disciplines, including ophthalmology, oncology, antimicrobial resistance and cytology.

Event

(*first-ever in Hong Kong)

 Date / Venue Highlights
The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2026 5-8 Feb,

HKCEC

 The largest and most authoritative ophthalmology congress in APAC, returning to HK for the fifth time, with record-breakingattendance of 11,000+ participants from 111 countries and regions.
The 17th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2026 27-29 Mar,

HKCEC

 Held in Hong Kong for the second time, bringing together internationally acclaimed speakers, globally renowned experts and young surgeons to foster academic exchange and professional development.
The 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress 3-4 Apr,

HKCEC

 Chinese Mainland’s largest conference on chest pain centres, hosted for the first time outside Chinese Mainland.
*Asian Federation of Cytology Societies Conference 2026 8-10 May,

Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital

 First edition in Hong Kong, bringing together regional and international cytology experts for academic exchange and collaboration.
International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance 2026 12-14 Jun,

HKCEC

 A key international platform for academic exchange on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
European Society of Medical Oncology Targeted Anticancer Therapies Asia 2026 12-14 Jun,

Kerry Hotel

 A key Asia-Pacific platform for showcasing the latest advances in early-phase oncology drug development, targeted therapies and precision oncology.
Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Conference 2026 10-13 Aug,

Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, The University of Hong Kong

 A major regional scientific meeting in biochemistry and molecular biology, bringing together researchers, educators and professionals from across Asia and Oceania for academic exchange and collaboration.
* 2026 World Cancer Congress 24-26 Sep,

HKCEC

 A leading global forum advancing cancer control and research.
2026 Asia-Pacific Longevity Medicine International Summit 1-4 Oct,

TBC

 A leading international platform and regional collaborative hub dedicated to longevity medicine and innovation, attracting top longevity scientists, medical experts, cross-industry entrepreneurs and investors from over 50 countries.
10th Asia Cornea Society Scientific Meeting 2026 11-13 Dec,

TBC

 A key regional forum for cornea specialists to exchange the latest clinical insights, diagnostics and treatments, and to strengthen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific ophthalmology community.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Conference 2026 7-9 Dec,

Henry Cheng International Conference Centre, CUHK

 Third time in Hong Kong, convening leading academics, policymakers and practitioners to address critical global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

 

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