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Togo: African Development Bank and African Guarantee Fund unite to strengthen female entrepreneurs’ access to finance

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AFAWA

This innovative programme aims to make up to $3 billion available for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises, via guarantees to financial institutions to mitigate lending risks

LOMÉ, Togo, April 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) (https://apo-opa.co/4apZNya) have brought the curtain down on the AFAWA Finance Series Togo conference, a key note event aimed at  promoting a better understanding of the financing needs of Togolese women entrepreneurs and debunking the myth that women-run companies are risky ventures.

The three-day event, which ended on Thursday 28 March 2024, brought together some 180 leading figures responsible for policy and regulation in favour of women’s financial inclusion, and representatives of financial institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and business incubators run or owned by women.

Specific training was provided to about 30 Togolese financial institutions. The courses helped to enhance understanding of the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) (https://apo-opa.co/4cPI8Sg) initiative and its ‘guarantee’ mechanism, and demonstrated the commercial benefits of doing a better job of targeting women entrepreneurs by developing gender-sensitive ranges of products and services.

The objective was to better understand the needs of women entrepreneurs and collectively address the challenges they face in terms of access to funding, while exploring the opportunities offered by the Guarantee for Growth programme, designed by the African Development Bank Group through the AFAWA, and implemented by the AGF. This innovative programme aims to make up to $3 billion available for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises, via guarantees to financial institutions to mitigate lending risks.

Wilfried Abiola, the Bank’s Country Manager for Togo, explained the initiative challenged economic and social stereotypes.

“The AFAWA initiative is not just a financial instrument; it aims to change the narrative and general perceptions, to transform the notion that small and medium-sized enterprises run by women are risky businesses. AFAWA is working to turn these businesses into substantial investment opportunities for institutions, in particular through the Guarantee for Growth programme, which was designed by the Bank,” he declared.

We are extremely optimistic that the impact will be significant in the long term and will stimulate economic growth in Togo

According to Jules Ngankam, CEO of the AGF, “AFAWA also aims to bring together financial and public sector actors to boost human and financial capital so that women can attain their full potential and participate completely in the growth of our continent. We are extremely optimistic that the impact will be significant in the long term and will stimulate economic growth in Togo.”

The financing gap for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises in Togo is close to $45 million. Closing this gap represents a priority for the Togolese authorities, who intend to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, boost the private sector and thereby support inclusive economic growth.

“Through the government’s action, 25 percent of public contracts are now awarded to women and young people, and on the economic front, the government aims to resolve the problem of access to credit for women and girls with the establishment of the National Fund for Inclusive Finance, which has helped more than 1.2 million women,” said Koffi Gani, Principal Private Secretary for the Togolese Minister for Social Action, the Advancement of Women and Literacy.

The AFAWA Finance Series Togo conference is part of a series of events organised right across Africa to promote access to finance for businesses run or owned by women. It represents a considerable step towards accomplishing the ambitious goal of funding women-led businesses to the tune of $5 billion by 2026.

The African Development Bank, through the AFAWA initiative, has approved approximately $1.7 billion in cumulative investments and $54.5 million in technical assistance, and has partnered with 96 financial institutions in 32 regional member countries. Over 7,000 women-led small and medium-sized enterprises have now reaped the benefits of its support in Africa.

AFAWA is supported by the Women Enterpreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), the G7 countries of France, Italy, Canada and Germany, as well as the Netherlands and Sweden.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Angola Oil & Gas (AOG’25) Kicks Off to Celebrate 50 Years of Angola’s Independence and Its Leadership in the Oil Sector in Africa

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AOG 2025 returns to Luanda on September 3-4, bringing together global energy leaders on Angola’s top investment platform

LUANDA, Angola, January 29, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The sixth edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition was officially launched today, marking the beginning of a historic celebration. The event, scheduled for September 3-4, 2025, in Luanda, is the country’s largest oil and gas investment platform, bringing together industry leaders, financiers, technology providers, and both local and international service providers.

Under the theme “Turning Dialogue into Business,” AOG 2025 promises to be the biggest edition yet, standing out for its B2B networking, promotion of strategic collaboration and support for signing agreements among key industry decision-makers. The conference also commemorates 50 years of Angola’s independence and five decades of growth in the oil and gas industry, which has been achieved through factors such as transparent cooperation with major global operators, consistent investment, collaboration among industry stakeholders and continuous innovation.

According to José Barroso, Angolan Secretary of State for Oil and Gas, “the sixth edition of AOG 2025, organized this year as part of the celebration for the 50th anniversary of our independence, comes at an important time for Angola and the national oil and gas sector,” he said, adding that “Angola’s oil and gas sector marks 50 years of resilience and growth, offering a compelling investment opportunity for international partners and reaffirming its position as a hub for global industry leaders.”

He further stated, “As Angola’s oil and gas sector celebrates 50 years of growth, we’re showcasing its profitability to foreign investors. Events like AOG 2025 play a crucial role in boosting the sector, promoting Angola globally and attracting investment, ultimately driving economic and social progress.”

Meanwhile, Barroso highlighted that oil production was averaging over one million barrels per day, and that the country seeks to further increase output through a multifaceted investment approach, including the launch of its 2025 licensing round which will offer new blocks in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins, in addition to new opportunities in marginal fields.

Angola’s licensing round, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, includes blocks 22, 35, 37, 38, and 36 in the Kwanza Basin, and blocks 40, 25, 39 and 26 in the Benguela Basin. Meanwhile, the available marginal fields cover areas in blocks 4, 14, 15, 17/06, and 18. The Incremental Production Initiative, which offers more attractive fiscal conditions, has been a key tool to maximize production from existing assets.

Events like AOG 2025 play a crucial role in boosting the sector, promoting Angola globally and attracting investment, ultimately driving economic and social progress

In the natural gas sector, Angola is also striving to position itself as a major exporter, increasing the share of gas in the energy mix to 25%. The government is attracting new investments and technological innovations, with strategic projects such as Angola LNG.

Among recent developments, Chevron launched the Sanha Lean Gas Connection Project in December 2024, while the New Gas Consortium expects to start producing non-associated gas by late 2025 or early 2026. Angola also presents investment opportunities in gas-to-power, LPG, and distribution projects, making it an increasingly attractive market for investors. In the downstream sector, the Cabinda Refinery is expected to begin operations in 2025, with an initial capacity of 30,000 barrels per day. Additionally, the Lobito and Soyo refinery projects are under development, with Angola seeking investors to accelerate their completion.

Bráulio de Brito, President of AECIPA, emphasized the role of this initiative “in developing local content, particularly in training national staff, implementing innovative and robust equipment and technology in Angola and Angolan companies, as well as in the growing openness of national banks to seriously consider projects and national entrepreneurs in the sector.”

The President of AECIPA also stated that “I hope the sixth edition of Angola Oil & Gas will break all records for business and professional participation, both international and national, and that it will be a moment to celebrate the country, the industry, and all those who, at the governmental and business levels, make it happen in Angola.”

Meanwhile, Luís Conde, Conference Director at Energy Capital & Power, summed up the spirit of the event by stating, “In honor of this golden jubilee, the Angola Oil & Gas 2025 Conference will celebrate Angola’s legacy as one of the undisputed leaders in the oil and gas sector in Africa, while looking toward a future filled with opportunities. The event will transform today’s conversations into partnerships, investments, and key contracts for the next 50 years.”

Registrations for AOG 2025 are now open. To secure your spot and learn more about the event, visit: https://AngolaOilAndGas.com/.

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

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Apply NOW for $5000 in the 2025 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme!

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The flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to all entrepreneurs across Africa with innovative business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years

LAGOS, Nigeria, January 29, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) (www.TonyElumeluFoundation.org), Africa’s leading champion of entrepreneurship, is pleased to announce that applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes are now open. Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs from across Africa are invited to apply for a chance to receive world-class training, expert mentoring, and non-refundable seed capital funding to scale their businesses.

Programmes Open for Application:

  1. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme: the flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to all entrepreneurs across Africa with innovative business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years. This year, there is a special emphasis on businesses leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and green initiatives. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  1. Aguka Ideation Programme:  The Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme is a partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNDP Rwanda and the Rwandan Ministry of Youths and Arts to support young Rwandan entrepreneurs between 18 -30 with business ideas with a seed capital of $3000, with the aim of nurturing and developing innovative concepts into viable enterprises.
  1. TEF Entrepreneurship Programme for Google: The Tony Elumelu Foundation has renewed its partnership with Google.org to empower African entrepreneurs with AI-integrated business training, in addition to mentoring and seed capital, to shift their perception towards embracing and adopting AI tools in their business operations.

Application Details:

          •        Platform: Applications are to be submitted through TEF’s proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect.

          •        Application Period: January 1, 2025 – March 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications well ahead of the deadline.

          •        Eligibility: Open to African entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

To learn more about the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s transformative work and the success of our African entrepreneurs. Explore our:

          •        Impact Report (apo-opa.co/3WzjuPi), which highlights the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s achievements and contributions to Africa’s economic growth.

          •        African Entrepreneurs’ Success Stories (apo-opa.co/3EeXxi5), showcasing the inspiring journeys of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs.

          •        Annual Reports (apo-opa.co/3WznQ91), offering insights into the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s strategies and outcomes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

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African Energy Meets Mining: Top 5 Reasons to Attend African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

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African Mining Week

African Mining Week will take place from October 1-3, 2025 in Cape Town, alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 29, 2025/APO Group/ — 

African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – held under the theme, From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth – will highlight the continent’s focus on advancing local beneficiation and industrial development. Organized by Energy Capital & Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com), AMW brings together global mining and energy stakeholders to explore and maximize the opportunities arising from the energy-mining nexus within Africa.

Explore Africa’s Mining Potential

Africa is home to 30% of the world’s critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt and copper, along with a significant share of traditional minerals such as gold, diamonds and iron ore. This makes the continent an unparalleled destination for investors, manufacturers and developers. AMW 2025 will offer insights into recent mineral discoveries, available exploration basins and innovative infrastructure projects designed to strengthen Africa’s position in global supply chains. From exploration to processing and manufacturing, AMW will demonstrate Africa’s capacity for sustainable economic growth through value addition.

Connect Energy and Mining Stakeholders Under One Roof

Held concurrently with the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference, AMW 2025 will emphasize the crucial link between the energy and mining sectors. By bringing these stakeholders together, AMW will showcase how both industries are leveraging traditional and emerging energy solutions to enhance mining operations. Discussions will focus on how the synergy between energy and mining can unlock new opportunities for the development of local and regional economies, as well as share insights into energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy solutions. 

Gain Exclusive Insights and Opportunities

AMW 2025 will feature country spotlights, mineral showcases and technology displays, providing attendees with the latest information on exploration opportunities and available basins in Africa. The event will also include a Ministerial Forum and an Investment Forum, offering firsthand access to African ministers, investment banks and project developers. This will give delegates the unique chance to discuss strategic projects and collaborations directly with key decision-makers.

Forge Strategic Partnerships

With countries such as Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali securing new investments, AMW 2025 will serve as an ideal platform for these markets to build on the increasing investment flow. Focused on unlocking Africa’s mineral wealth and capital influx, AMW 2025 provides a prime setting for deal signings and the formation of new partnerships. Delegates will be able to network with a wide range of industry leaders and innovators, creating opportunities for cross-sector collaborations.

Discover Cutting-Edge Technologies and Innovations

AMW 2025 will feature a variety of technological showcases and discussions highlighting the latest innovations in mining and energy. Attendees will have the chance to explore advancements in mining equipment, automation and energy-efficient technologies that are transforming the industry. By engaging with technology providers and solution developers, participants will gain a competitive edge in understanding how these innovations can be applied to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2025 conference (www.AECWeek.com) from October 1 -3. in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@EnergyCapitalPower.com

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

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