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West African Development Bank (BOAD): strong growth in financial indicators, XOF501 billion of funding granted and launching of the new strategic plan “Djoliba… The next step”

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African Development Bank

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”

DAKAR, Senegal, March 31, 2026/APO Group/ –Following the 150th 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 53rd meeting of BOAD Audit Committee
  • Implementation of the 2021–2025 strategic plan DJOLIBA: review at the end of the 5th 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.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

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Enlit Africa seeks contributions that move the conversation from strategy to execution: ensuring a Future Fit Africa

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4 hours ago

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September 25, 2026

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Africa

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Speaker submissions are open for Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), as it returns to the CTICC, Cape Town from 11–13 May 2027.

Do you have a project, lesson, strategy or innovation that Africa’s energy sector should hear about?

 




  

We invite utilities, project owners, developers, IPPs, commercial and industrial energy users, municipalities, policymakers, regulators, financiers, researchers and industry practitioners to submit abstracts sharing practical experience, case studies, research, projects and lessons from across Africa’s changing energy and water sectors.

What are we looking for?

We particularly encourage non-vendor speakers to submit contributions across:

  1. Enlit Africa Main Stage – From Strategy to Execution
    Policy, market reform, investment, leadership and the decisions required to turn Africa’s energy ambitions into implementation.
  2. Generation
    New capacity, generation technologies, energy security, operating performance and Africa’s evolving energy mix.
  3. Transmission & Distribution
    Grid expansion, modernisation, open access, system operation, cross-border interconnection, digitalisation and infrastructure investment.
  4. Municipal Forum:Municipal management, with an emphasis on electricity and water – with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
  5. Power Hub:Technical advancements in power generation, transmission, distribution and more. Technical presentations encouraged.
  6. Water Hub:Technical insights into water management and solutions.
  7. Water Security Hub: Strategy, finance, management and technology application for water security.
  8. Project & Investment Hub: Project developments, country roundtables, project briefings, finance, and innovative financing models (including M300).
  9. Renewable Energy & Storage:Covering both technical and strategic applications of renewables and storage.

What makes a strong submission?

We want to hear about what is happening on the ground.

Tell us about:

  • A project being implemented or developed
  • A challenge your organisation has solved – or is still trying to solve
  • Lessons from implementation
  • New research or industry findings
  • Innovative financing or commercial models
  • Technologies being deployed in real operating environments
  • Policy or regulatory changes and what they mean in practice
  • Approaches that could be replicated elsewhere in Africa

Preference will be given to submissions that provide practical insights, measurable outcomes and lessons that the wider industry can apply.

Why present at Enlit Africa?

Africa does not need another conversation about what should happen. Help us explore how we make it happen and how we ensure Africa is future fit.

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment.

Submission details

Abstract length: 300–500 words
Submission deadline: 29 January 2027
Speaker feedback: 7 December 2026 – 5 February 2027

Visit the Enlit Africa website to submit your speaker abstract: https://apo-opa.co/4d2TTq2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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CEM Africa Awards 2026 set to recognise Africa’s leading Customer Experience (CX) talent and innovation

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4 hours ago

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September 25, 2026

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CEM Africa Awards

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners

The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent

 




 
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Customer experience professionals, teams and organisations across Africa have just days remaining to enter the 2026 CEM Africa Awards, with free applications closing on 30 September 2026.

 

Taking place on 10 November 2026 at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the Customer Experience Africa Awards form part of the CEM Africa platform and recognise the individuals, teams, technologies and initiatives raising the standard of customer experience across the continent.

For organisations considering whether to enter, the company they could be keeping provides a compelling indication of the calibre of the awards.

A growing roll call of African CX leaders

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners. Finalists represented organisations spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, retail, insurance, public services and social impact.

Among them were Absa, Capitec Bank, Santam, Telesure Investment Holdings, Equity Bank, Takealot.com, NTT DATA, Frogfoot, Telviva, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.

The 2025 winners included Serisha Iyer of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, named Rising Star in CX; Alma Angela Olela of Jubilee Health Insurance, named CX Leader of the Year; and Franco Cotumaccio of Shadow Global, winner of Breaking Barriers in CX.

Corporate winners included Telesure Investment Holdings for Best Overall CX Solution, Krisp for Best Use of AI, Telviva for Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for Best Customer Experience Team of the Year and the University of Pretoria for Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

That follows a 2024 edition in which winners included NCBA Bank, MultiChoice, Digital Solutions Group, Absa Bank and Telviva, alongside individual CX leaders from across the continent.

More than a trophy

For entrants, recognition through the CEM Africa Awards puts their work in front of a wider African CX community and an independent judging panel drawn from across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel includes global CX specialist Ian Golding; Andrew (Dré) Enebeli, Head of CX & Engagement at Access Bank; Dr Oliver Museka, President and Founder of IRDM College Eswatini; Jonathan Daniels, Managing Director of CX Centric; Joven Pillay, Partner and Head of Customer Consulting at KPMG; and Qaalfa Dibeehi, Managing Partner at Human2Outcome.

This year’s awards recognise excellence across four broad pillars – People, Innovation, Transformation and Government – covering categories including CX Leader of the Year, Rising Star in CX, Breaking Barriers in CX, Best Overall CX Solution, Best Use of AI, Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Best Customer Experience Team of the Year, Best Digital Transformation in Public Services and Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

“The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent. These awards give that work a platform. Whether it is a major transformation programme, an innovative use of technology or an individual changing how their organisation thinks about the customer, we want to make sure Africa’s best work is being seen and recognised.”

  • Briteny Price, Event Manager and CEM Africa Awards Director

Final opportunity to enter

Applications for the 2026 CEM Africa Awards are free and remain open until 30 September 2026. Finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November at the NH Hotel, Sandton.

Organisations, teams and individuals working to improve customer and citizen experience across Africa are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline.

Apply for the CEM Africa Awards 2026 by 30 September 2026

Submit your application (https://apo-opa.co/4hdcimx)

Explore the CEM Africa Awards

Visit the CEM Africa Awards website (https://apo-opa.co/4iNXzzM)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




  

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Emirates to bring the A350 to Nairobi, introducing next-generation cabin experiences

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5 hours ago

on

September 25, 2026

By

Emirates

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • From 25 October, Nairobi becomes the 32nd destination to be served by the Emirates A350
  • Latest-generation aircraft introduces Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins
  • Deployment reinforces Emirates’ continued investment in Kenya and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience across its Africa network

 




  

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350 (https://apo-opa.co/47hy1nv). From 25 October 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.

 

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.

 

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

 

 

What passengers can expect from the A350

The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey.

 

Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many airlines. The cabin is spacious with leather reclining seats that feature a generous pitch, adjustable headrests and more legroom. Customers can enjoy in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route – and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin

 

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment for both work and relaxation. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

 

Economy Class features an all new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. Each seat features the airline’s upgraded ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while generous seat pitch and leather headrests provide support, comfort and extra legroom.

 

 

Continuing to raise the bar in Kenya

The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the Emirates customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.

 

Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/4yeI34C) store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service.

 

Earlier this year, Emirates introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution (https://apo-opa.co/4xLYG6R) that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.

Tickets can be booked now on Emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates World Store (https://apo-opa.co/46Kglkc) in Nairobi. Emirates continues to offer flexible booking policies for added peace of mind while travelling. Every ticket booked after 10th August 2026 comes with free unlimited dates changes to Dubai and one complimentary date change to anywhere else in the world, in addition to significantly reduced refund fees across all cabins and fare types, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans with minimal penalties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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