Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Tenth edition of Nigeria Mining Week to feature exciting new industry forums

Published

8 months ago

on

vukagroup

The upcoming Nigeria Mining Week conference and expo will feature exciting new forums to engage mining houses, sector specialists and investors specifically on matters such as steel, gold, gemstones and power. In addition, the Kaduna State Deal Room, Quarrying Forum and Women in Extractive Industries Forum are expected to gather high-profile mining dignitaries as the event celebrates its 10th edition when it returns to Abuja from 13 to 15 October. This year’s event theme is: “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.”

The event is hosted by Ministry of Solid Mineral Development of Nigeria and organised by Miners Association of Nigeria, in partnership with PwC Nigeria and VUKA Group.

Platform for shaping conversation
Says Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner and Head, Mining Sector, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria: “Over the past decade, this annual event has served as the foremost platform for shaping the conversation on Nigeria’s mining sector—driving dialogue, building consensus and crafting solutions that position mining as a true engine of shared prosperity for all Nigerians.”

He adds: “This year’s edition, themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”, is designed to showcase the milestones achieved in Nigeria’s mining sector to both local stakeholders and the international community. At the same time, it provides a critical forum for addressing current challenges and developing actionable solutions that will unlock the sector’s full potential for growth, inclusivity and global competitiveness.”

Catalyst for progress
“The 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week is a key milestone for the industry and reflects the increasing maturity of the country’s extractive sector,” says VUKA Group Event Director for Mining Samukelo Madlabane. “The traditional 10th-anniversary gift is tin and aluminium, symbolising the flexibility and durability of a lasting relationship. How very apt that Nigeria has abundant tin reserves, primarily located in the Jos Plateau, and is a major exporter of tin ore. Moreover, the country is a significant consumer and processor of aluminium.”

“Networking and dealmaking”
“An important function of the event has always been to maximise sharing, dealmaking and networking between our attendees,” Madlabane continues “We are therefore excited to introduce several new features in the programme to enable all the different sectors and specialists to have specific gatherings to brainstorm and inspire each other.”

The new forums include the following:

– Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC) Deal Room
Nigeria Mining Week has always been a prime deal-making gathering for the industry. This year, a dedicated Deal Room, exclusively sponsored by the Kaduna Mining Development Company, will provide a private venue to connect directly with top investors, project owners and industry leaders ready to negotiate and seal transformative agreements on the spot. The Kaduna Deal Room will offer a premium, confidential space designed to spark focused conversations that turn opportunities into real business success for pre-arranged, high-impact meetings in a fully equipped, distraction-free and confidential environment.

The 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week is a key milestone for the industry and reflects the increasing maturity of the country’s extractive sector

– Gold & West Africa Forum
Nigeria’s gold sector is gaining traction as one of the most promising segments of its mining industry. With increasing private sector interest, artisanal mining reforms, and government initiatives such as the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI), the country is positioning itself as a key gold producer in West Africa.

– Power-To-Mines Forum
This one-day forum on the sidelines of Nigeria Mining Week will bring together key stakeholders from Nigeria’s power and mining sectors. The forum is a direct response to the critical interdependence of these two industries, recognising that a stable and reliable electricity supply is a precondition for Nigeria’s mining-led industrial transformation and its goal of achieving a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

– Quarrying Forum
The Quarrying Forum is a dedicated platform that will bring together key stakeholders to explore advancements in technology, sustainable practices, and investment strategies that are vital for powering the nation’s infrastructure and construction industries. It is an essential platform where owners, operators, suppliers, and policymakers come together to innovate and overcome industry challenges, ultimately building a more sustainable and robust quarrying landscape.

– Steel Forum
The Steel Forum is a strategic platform dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s steel sector as a driver of industrialisation, job creation and infrastructure development. Despite having abundant iron ore and other critical inputs, Nigeria continues to import large volumes of steel products. This forum will unpack the opportunities to accelerate domestic steel production, enhance beneficiation, and unlock partnerships that can reduce dependence on imports and make Nigeria a regional steel hub.

– Women in Extractive Industries Forum
The Women in Extractive Industries Forum celebrates the contributions of women across mining and extractives while creating space for dialogue on gender equity, inclusion, and leadership. This forum creates a roadmap for increasing women’s visibility, participation, and access to finance in Nigeria’s mining value chain.

– Gemstones Forum
Gemstones Forum at Nigeria Mining Week is designed to spotlight Nigeria’s potential as a regional and global hub for gemstone mining, processing, and trading. It will explore avenues for formalisation, certification, value addition, and export diversification, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global gemstone market.

Industry support
From 13 to 15 October, Nigeria Mining Week once again will showcase dozens of exciting mining and extractive projects in the country. The event is also expected to gather attendees from more than 20 countries, including more than 2,300 mining professionals, around 90 sponsors and exhibitors, some 180 mining operators and in excess of 137 expert speakers and VIPs.

Over the last decade, Nigeria Mining Week has become thé gathering place for many leading mining bosses and suppliers, many of whom have become longstanding partners and sponsors for the Abuja gathering. Titan Minerals Ltd is returning as the diamond plus sponsor; KMDC, Mikano Motors, Sinogrand and Xugong Nigeria Company Ltd are diamond sponsors; and SMT Nigeria is back as a platinum sponsor.

Nigeria Mining Week event dates and location:
Dates: 13–15 October 2025
Location: Abuja Continental Hotel – Meetings & Conferences (https://apo-opa.co/4nEyRRE)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Home  Facebook

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Afreximbank Posts Robust Q1 2026 Results with 25% Growth in Net Income and Improved Profitability

Published

8 hours ago

on

May 22, 2026

By

Afreximbank

The results demonstrate continued resilience, disciplined balance sheet management and strong deal execution despite a challenging global operating environment

The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate

CAIRO, Egypt, May 22, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) announced its results for the three months ended 31 March 2026. The results demonstrate continued resilience, disciplined balance sheet management and strong deal execution despite a challenging global operating environment.

 

The Group continued to expand its lending activities in Q1 2026, resulting in total credit exposure growing by 2% to reach a portfolio of US$42 billion, up from US$41 billion as of 31 December 2025. This performance reflects Afreximbank’s leading role as a Development Finance Institution (DFI) in financing trade and trade-enabling infrastructure, and its strategic contribution to economic resilience across Africa and the Caribbean.

Average loans and advances for Q1 2026 stood at US$32 billion, up 8% compared to the same period in the prior year, driving the recorded growth in interest income. The Group’s liquidity position remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents of US$5.6 billion, representing 14% of total assets, consistent with FY2025 and above the Bank’s strategic minimum.

Asset quality also remained strong, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 2.40%, broadly in line with 2.43% at FY2025 and below industry average.

Shareholders’ funds increased to US$8.6 billion at 31 March 2026, up from US$8.4 billion at FY2025, supported by internally generated capital of US$268.9 million and new equity investments received during the quarter, underscoring the Bank’s continued ability to mobilise capital from its shareholders in support of its growth and development mandate.

The Group delivered strong profitability during the quarter.  Notwithstanding declining benchmark rates, total interest income rose by 14% year-on-year to reach US$813.6 million, while net interest income increased by 24% to US$510.0 million, compared with US$411.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio remained contained at 19%, well within the Group’s strategic ceiling of 30%. As a result, Profit for the period increased to US$268.9 million, up from US$215.4 million in Q1 2025.

The Group continued to maintain a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 23% as at 31 March 2026, in line with the Bank’s long-term capital management targets.

During the quarter, Afreximbank continued to demonstrate its counter-cyclical role in response to external shocks. In March 2026, the Bank launched a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to help member countries mitigate adverse spillover effects from the Gulf crisis. The facility is designed to support liquidity, stabilise trade and payments, and address supply-side disruptions, particularly in energy, tourism and aviation, fertilisers, food and other critical imports.

The Bank also continued to deploy targeted financing and advisory support to strengthen trade flows, industrial capacity and economic resilience across Africa and CARICOM. Regional integration received further momentum following South Africa’s ratification of the Bank’s Establishment Agreement in February 2026, bringing one of Africa’s largest and most diversified economies into the Bank’s membership and giving the Bank full continental coverage.

Highlights of the results for Afreximbank Group are shown below:

Financial Performance Metrics

Q1’2026

Q1’2025
Gross Income (US$ million)

874.1

784.9
Net Income (US$ million)

268.9

215.4
Return on average equity (ROAE)

13%

12%
Return on average assets (ROAA)

2.62%

2.38%
Cost-to-income ratio

19%

16%

 

Financial Position Metrics

Q1’2026

FY’2025
Total Assets (US$ billion)

41.7

42.3
Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

33.0

33.9
Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

8.6

8.4
Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

2.40%

2.43%
Cash/Total assets

14%

14%
Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)

23%

          23%

 

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

“Against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty, heightened geopolitical risks and tight financial conditions, the Group delivered a resilient first-quarter performance, underpinned by disciplined balance sheet management, sound asset quality and strong capital and liquidity buffers. The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate. Our swift launch of the US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme further underscores Afreximbank’s counter-cyclical role in supporting member countries during periods of disruption. We remain focused on stabilising trade flows, easing liquidity pressures and advancing the industrial and economic transformation of Africa and the Caribbean.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Continue Reading

Business

Via Licensing Alliance Expands Voice Codec Program with New Licensee, New Licensors, Publishes Comprehensive Pool Rate Structure

Published

13 hours ago

on

May 22, 2026

By

Via Licensing Alliance

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Via Licensing Alliance (Via) today announced continued momentum for its Voice Codec patent pool, including the addition of a new unnamed licensee and new licensors, NovaVoice Limited and Cordial IP, further growing the program’s patent stack and market penetration from its initial five, large global licensors.

The addition of the new licensee, unnamed at this time, reflects growing industry adoption of the collaborative licensing pathway Via’s Voice Codec program creates for accessing IP rights to critical voice technologies. This addition reflects a growing market uptake of advanced voice technologies, including EVS and IVAS, driven by rising demand as 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies are adopted worldwide.

Additionally, Via continues to prioritize transparency and has published its full rate structure for the Voice Codec pool, providing further clarity and predictability for implementers and to the broader market. For implementers, the full rate structure allows for complete visibility as they consider the appropriate royalty structure to choose from to meet their product level costs, evaluate future growth paths for their product lines, or plan their geographical expansion plan needs. This level of disclosure not only reduces uncertainty in licensing decisions but also enables more consistent benchmarking, reinforcing confidence in fair, market-aligned SEP licensing practices. The program’s royalty rates are listed on Via’s website at https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#license-fees.

The addition of the new licensors indicates increased interest from patent holders in licensing their voice technology SEPs through highly efficient, aggregated licensing vehicles such as patent pools. Future growth in both the licensor list and the number of patents consolidated through the pool license will continue to enhance the value of the Voice Codec License for implementers. Via’s Voice Codec program licensors are listed here: https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#licensors.

Via’s Voice Codec pool covers Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), which supports voice communications across more than one billion and growing active devices globally, as well as Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS), which will play a central role in next-generation voice and spatial audio applications.

“We are pleased to welcome these new entrants to our pool, which signal continued growth and momentum our Voice Codec program,” said Kevin Mack, President of Via Licensing Alliance. “This pool license offers strong value relative to other market options and represents the only collaborative licensing solution for EVS and IVAS technologies, making it a smart and efficient pathway for companies seeking to license critical voice capabilities.”

EVS remains a foundational technology for high-quality voice communications in 5G and 5G-Advanced networks, with adoption continuing to expand as 5G, 5G-Advanced and future network iterations reach global scale. As spatial audio and advanced voice technologies expand into 6G and a broader range of non-cellular devices, the importance of IVAS technologies is expected to increase, with Via’s pool offering an early and effective licensing pathway.

For more information about the Voice Codec patent pool, including information for prospective licensees, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

About Via Licensing Alliance:
Via Licensing Alliance is the collaborative licensing leader, dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies. Via is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. For more information about Via, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Joint statement welcoming the Republic of Togo’s announcement on Visa facilitation for African nationals

Published

15 hours ago

on

May 22, 2026

By

Togo

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank commend the Government and people of the Republic of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their continued commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda

LOMÉ, Togo, May 21, 2026/APO Group/ –The AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) welcome the announcement by the Government of the Republic of Togo, under the leadership of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, regarding measures to facilitate visa-free entry for all nationals of African States holding valid passports, as announced by the Minister of Security on 18 May 2026.

The announcement was made in Lomé on the sidelines of Biashara Afrika 2026, the continent’s premier trade and business platform, which has brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, and stakeholders from across Africa to advance dialogue on intra-African trade, investment, and regional integration.

Throughout the engagements, participants underscored the importance of facilitating the movement of African citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors as an important enabler of intra-African trade and economic cooperation. Against this backdrop, the announcement reflects the growing continental momentum towards strengthening connectivity and deepening African integration.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank, to which Togo is a State Party and a Member State, envision a continent where goods, services, capital, and people move more freely across borders in support of an integrated African market. Measures that facilitate mobility and connectivity continue to contribute towards advancing the broader mandate of both institutions; the attainment of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank commend the Government and people of the Republic of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their continued commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Continue Reading

Trending