Author: admin

President Ramkalawan Presides Over Official Handover of New SBC Headquarters

The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by Vice President Mr. Ahmad Afif, presided over the official handover ceremony of the new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) headquarters at Union Vale Yesterday morning.

Funded through a generous grant from the People’s Republic of China, construction of the state-of-the-art facility commenced in April 2019 and was carried out by Hunan No.6 Engineering Co. Ltd. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and various technical challenges, the project has been successfully completed to the highest standards.

The facility consists of three specialized blocks housing the radio station, television studios, and administrative offices, all equipped with cutting-edge technical equipment, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s media infrastructure.

A key moment of the ceremony was the symbolic handover of keys, first from Chinese Ambassador H.E. Ms. Lin Lan to the Vice President, and subsequently from the Vice President to the Chief Executive Officer of the SBC, Mr. Berard Dupres.

In her welcoming speech, Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Ms. Lin Lan, expressed her deep honour in officially handing over the SBC headquarters to the Seychelles Government. She extended her gratitude for the excellent cooperation between various departments that enabled the successful completion of the project.

“The broadcasting industry plays a crucial role in modern society by serving as a vital media tool for information dissemination, cultural heritage preservation, and social services. It is a significant driving force of social progress and cultural development,” she stated. “The official handover of the SBC project marks a new milestone between China and Seychelles in cultural communication and cooperation.”

Addressing the gathering, Vice President Mr. Ahmad Afif expressed profound gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its generosity and unwavering support. He reflected on the evolution of broadcasting in Seychelles, highlighting its steady progress and modernization over the years.

“It is a very fast-evolving sector, and we are very proud to see something so modern,” said the Vice President. He expressed confidence that the new facility will enhance SBC’s ability to fulfill its mandate and encouraged all media stakeholders to fully embrace this new asset as they embark on a new era in modern communication.

The event also featured cultural performances, including traditional songs and dances, celebrating the enduring friendship, mutual gratitude, and productive cooperation between China and Seychelles.

This landmark development marks a new chapter in the nation’s broadcasting capabilities and stands as a testament to international partnership in support of media development.

Among the distinguished guests present at the ceremony were the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Roger Mancienne; Principal Minister, Mr. Jean-François Ferrari; Member of the National Assembly, Hon. Andy Labonte; Vice-President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Mr. Yuan Mingdao and his delegation; Chairman and members of the Association for the Promotion of Friendship between Seychelles and China; as well as SBC’s CEO, Deputy CEO, and other esteemed attendees

SOURCE

STATE HOUSE

March 19, 2025

Balancing Energy Security and Decarbonization: African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Address South Africa’s Power Crisis

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 18, 2025/ — South Africa faces a critical energy challenge: securing a stable power supply while transitioning to a low-carbon future. The African Energy Chamber’s (EnergyChamber.org/) State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report provides a detailed analysis of this shift, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on coal, the slow pace of renewable energy integration and the urgent need for infrastructure investments to modernize the grid.

These insights will set the stage for key discussions at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, where industry leaders will examine how South Africa and other mature markets across the continent can balance energy security with decarbonization.

Coal remains the cornerstone of South Africa’s power generation, contributing over 80% to the energy mix. This heavy reliance has led to ongoing load-shedding – constraining industrial productivity, discouraging investment and limiting GDP growth to less than 1% annually over the past decade.

Addressing this crisis requires urgent intervention through infrastructure investment, diversification of the energy mix and policy reforms to enhance grid stability and efficiency.

This will be a key focus for stakeholders at AEW 2025, where discussions will center on accelerating the transition to a more resilient and diversified energy system, enhancing the role of renewables and gas-to-power solutions, and attracting critical investments to modernize the grid and reduce dependence on coal.

In response to the energy crisis, South Africa has embarked on integrating renewable energy sources. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program has been instrumental, with over 7.2 GW of solar PV and 3.6 GW of onshore wind capacity installed by the end of 2023, collectively accounting for over 17% of the country’s total installed capacity.

Gas-to-power projects have also emerged as a viable solution, with the government issuing requests for proposals for 2 GW of such projects in late 2024. Concurrently, battery energy storage systems are being developed, with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy launching bid rounds totaling over 1.7 GW/6.9 GWh of storage capacity.

South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan has drawn global interest, securing $8.5 billion in commitments from partners including France, Germany, the UK, the US and the EU. However, disbursement remains a challenge, with only $1.9 billion allocated to date – primarily for grid expansion and support for coal-mining communities.

As the country navigates the complexities of a large-scale transition, key issues such as grid constraints, the integration of renewables and ensuring a stable, sustainable energy supply will be addressed at AEW 2025.

Taking place in Cape Town, AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies serves as the premier platform for South Africa and the broader African continent to tackle the critical energy challenges shaping the region’s future.

The event will highlight strategies to integrate cleaner energy sources while maintaining grid stability and affordability, as well as emphasize modernization of grid infrastructure, addressing capacity constraints and enhancing transmission networks to support a diversified energy mix.

Beyond technical solutions, securing large-scale investments will be a key priority, as Africa seeks to attract capital for sustainable energy projects that ensure both energy security and environmental responsibility.

By convening industry leaders, policymakers, financiers and innovators, AEW 2025 will drive forward collaborative solutions, policy reforms and strategic partnerships essential for unlocking Africa’s full energy potential and fostering long-term economic growth.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

SOURCE

African Energy Chamber

March 18, 2025

Africa Tech Festival Appoints Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder of APO Group, to Leadership Council

By:Mohammed Abu

The Founder and Chairman of the award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and leading press release distribution service provider,the APO Group , Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com),has been appointed as a member of the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council an official statement,said,in Cape Town,Thursday.

The Africa Tech Festival (www.AfricaTechFestival.com),the release said,is the continent’s largest and most influential tech and digital connectivity conference, featuring flagship events such as AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and the AI Summit Cape Town. The festival celebrates Africa’s vibrant tech community, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, over 450 speakers, and more than 15,000 delegates annually.

The Leadership Council of the Africa Tech Festival,it noted, is a prestigious assembly of senior leaders from across the continent, tasked with shaping the future of this premier technology event.

This select group,it added, provides strategic guidance, shares industry insights, and supports the development of the festival to ensure it remains a cornerstone of Africa’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.
Role and Expectations
In his role on the Leadership Council,the release said, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard will validate and provide feedback on the direction, themes, and features of the Africa Tech Festival, while participating in discussions to address key challenges facing the African tech industry.

“He will shape the event’s content, experiences, and strategic direction to ensure it meets the needs of stakeholders across the continent, as well as influence the format and structure of the festival to maximize its impact and relevance”the release said,adding,”He will engage in analyst-led discussions and working groups tackling critical industry challenges and network with major stakeholders in African tech to foster collaboration and innovation”

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard the release notes,brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council. His vast network across industries, governments, and institutions, combined with his deep understanding of Africa’s media and technology landscapes and extensive business experience, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the event continues to drive innovation, collaboration, and growth across the continent.

Global Advisory Boards and Committees Serving Footprint
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, a Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 and 2024, serves on multiple high-profile advisory boards and international committees.

These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, as well as the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

He is also a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society of the United Kingdom, a strategic advisor to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

APO’s International Clientele
Nicolas’ wholly-owned company, APO Group,the release is the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, providing services to 300+ clients, including Nestlé, Coca Cola, TikTok, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Canon, Microsoft, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technology, Radisson, Boeing, MultiChoice, and many more.

“I am honored to join the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council and contribute to shaping the future of this iconic event. Africa’s tech ecosystem is brimming with potential, and the festival plays a critical role in unlocking opportunities for growth and innovation.

This new engagement also aligns with my commitment to participating in changing the narrative about Africa, showcasing the continent as a hub of creativity, resilience, and technological advancement,” said APO Group’s Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard.

Other Members of the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council
Other members of the Leadership Council,the release added, include Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer of Microsoft Africa, Charles Murito, Regional Director, Government Affairs & Public Affairs, Sub Saharan Africa of Google, Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa of Orange, and Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

For more information about the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3RblJF2
For more information about the Africa Tech Festival, please visit: www.AfricaTechFestival.com

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

SOURCE

APO GROUP

March 13, 2025
Global Attention Towards Africa Sours

By: Mohammed A. Abu

The 6^th of March this year witnessed the Canadian Government’s launch of Canada-Africa Strategy-A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security.

“With this strategy, Canada is leveraging its long-standing partnerships with African countries to unlock unprecedented opportunities for prosperity and stability from which Canadians and the African people can mutually benefit for years to come,” said the Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

This comes on the back of the African Union and Japan’s expression of commitment to co-creating a Sustainable Future for Africa at a Ministerial meeting ahead of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development(TICAD) 9 Summit last year.

On the occasion of the launch, a number of stakeholders, including Canada-Africa Chamber of Business members, were invited by the Government of Canada to join a briefing with PS Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Invited Canada-Africa Chamber of Business members briefly convened for networking and information-sharing, over light refreshments, immediately preceding the briefing. “Aligned with the African Union’s continental blueprint, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, Canada’s Africa Strategy was developed over a 2-year period through extensive consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders and African partners and stakeholders,” noted Global Affairs Canada.

“PS Rob Oliphant effectively described the strategy as the basis for a work plan to which all stakeholders are invited to co-create and deliver as Team Canada,” said Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

The Chair added: “I am delighted so many Chamber members and sponsors have re-committed to their ongoing work across African markets – through economic engagement as businesses, in addition to supporting conference programs open to all Canadian companies and African counterparts. Ongoing discussions on this first-ever Africa Strategy will be included in upcoming conferences in Canada and African markets, to accelerate Canada-Africa trade and investment.”

The Chamber encourages all to get involved in the work plan process as it pertains to the role of businesses, and is committed to ongoing information-sharing, in line with our mission, to further the development of commercial ties – through networking and the exchange of best practice and innovation that enables economic prosperity for all.

As a non-partisan business organization, the Chamber also thanks and recognizes all elected leaders – from various parties and economic portfolios – both for their invitations to Chamber members to engage directly, as well as their participation in Chamber events as invited guests. Our members look forward to ongoing engagements on trade and investment, in the context of the private sector’s role in market-driven growth.

A number of Canada-Africa Chamber of Business members attended, following the briefing with their perspectives, and commitments, in support for Canada’s presence in African markets:

“We applaud the Honourable Minister Joly, Honourable Minister Ng, Honourable Minister Hussen, and Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant on the launch of Canada’s first Africa Strategy,” said Christopher Berschel, CEO of Sealion Cargo Inc, a Chamber member who was among the invitees: “This unified direction, underpinned by a long standing partnership and joint cooperation, lays out 5 key foundational pillars that Canadians and the 54 African nations can stand behind, with a joint sense of drive and pride. As the strategy turns to execution, we – together with The Canada Africa Chamber of Business – look forward to active participation in the development of new connections, new trade facilities, and streamlined trade solutions for both imports and exports.”

Over 600 attendees joined Africa Mining Breakfast and MineAfrica’s 23rd Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar

The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business 26th Annual African Mining Breakfast & MineAfrica’s 23rd Annual Investing in African Mining seminar presented by Hatch featured 56 speakers and 620 attendees throughout the morning on March 4th at the Sheraton Hotel.

The breakfast featured addresses from numerous leaders, including:
– The Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of International Development
– The Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Republic of Ghana
– Abdul Rahman Amoadu, Managing Director – Africa and Canada, Newmont
– Paul Lefebvre, Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury
– Joe Lombard, Vice-Chair, Hatch
– Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business

MineAfrica’s spotlight sessions also featured country overviews by African Mining Ministers, project updates by mining CEOs and presentations on current trends in African mining by expert advisers. MineAfrica also had 11 exhibitors (and 85 delegates) in the PDAC Trade Show.

Africa CEO Forum, Abidjan, May 11-14

The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is also partnering in the delivery of the Official Canadian Reception and concurrent program during the Africa CEO Forum, the continent’s largest annual event dedicated to the private sector bringing together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, policymakers, and influential figures from around the world in Cote d’Ivoire this year.

The Canada Program includes a welcome reception for the Canadian delegation on May 11th, bringing together the business community and other guests at the Official Residence of the Canadian Ambassador in Côte d’Ivoire. The program runs through to May 14th and will also include a networking breakfast, B2Bs, a business panel and informal networking opportunities.

Supporting the call of the Canadian Embassy to Côte d’Ivoire, the Chamber is encouraging Canadian businesses to participate in the Africa CEO Forum to access rapidly growing markets and explore strategic partnerships in key sectors such as agribusiness, clean technologies, ICT, and infrastructure. In addition to the Chamber’s support for its members in Abidjan, Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service stands ready to assist all Canadian companies attending.

SOURCE

The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business

March 12, 2025
Embracing the Evolving Landscape of AI and Digital Transformation

By: Mohammed Abu

A three-day Wealth Masters Group’s Residential Training Event-Executive Leadership Programme in AI that is being hosted on campus by the University of Kent, United Kingdom, is scheduled to take place from the 2^nd-5^th June,2025.

The event is being held against the background of today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex business environment, that leaves leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups challenged to navigate unprecedented disruption, drive innovation, and integrate cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their organizations.

To stay competitive and maintain strategic leadership, executives must not only excel in traditional leadership roles but also, embrace the evolving landscape of AI and digital transformation.

Three-Day Training Session

To this end, the 3-day immersive training is specifically designed for these leaders, providing a comprehensive understanding of leadership, business innovation, and AI integration.

Through a blend of expert insights, practical case studies, interactive workshops, and real-world applications, the program equips leaders with the skills and strategies needed to drive organizational change, foster innovation, and leverage AI for future growth.

Throughout the program, participants will engage with thought leaders, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their roles as visionary leaders driving the future of business.

Expected Output

By the end of this training, these leaders will be empowered with the tools, strategies, and foresight to lead their organizations through the next era of innovation and AI-driven transformation.

Course Programme

Day 1:

Leadership in a Disruptive World: Transformational Leadership and Adaptive Decision-Making in the Era of Disruption

Day 2:

Driving Business Innovation for Competitive Advantage: Business Model Innovation, Strategy, and Competitive Positioning in the AI Age

Day 3:

Artificial Intelligence for Business Transformation: Applications of AI in Business, Ethical Implications, and Future Trends

Course Objectives

Leadership Mastery: you will understand advanced leadership techniques to navigate disruption and lead transformation effectively.

Innovation Strategy: you will learn to design and implement innovative business models that leverage cutting-edge technology.

AI Integration: you will understand the potential and risks of AI in decision-making and business strategy.

Ethical Leadership: You will be equipped to apply ethical principles to AI adoption and business innovation.

Future Preparedness: You will possess foresight into the future of work and leadership in an AI-driven world.

Tailored for Executives: Your scheduling will become flexible and focused on high-level strategy; it’s crafted to elevate your leadership capabilities.

Expert-Led Curriculum: You will be taught by Seasoned professionals in the field and AI thought leaders. The curriculum combines practical insights with the latest research.

Certificate of Completion: You will gain certificate that highlights your expertise in leading organisations in the Age of AI

Who Can Attend?

Senior Executives and Business Leaders, Mid-Level Managers

Entrepreneurs and Founders Professionals in Technology and Strategy Roles. Anyone Interested in Leading in the Age of AI

Registration Fees & Deadline

Early bird registration – until 30 April 2025 = £1,786.25

From 1 May = Registration Fees = £2,159.38

Your registration fee includes:

4 Nights Ensuite Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch & Tea/Coffee

All presentation Notes / Course Materials

Program Certificates & Evening Reception with Drinks

Tour around Kent

The final deadline for registrations is Friday 23 May.

Accommodation

Four nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation in a single en-suite bedroom, is included within your registration

Payment

All registrations must be paid in full at time of booking by debit or credit card. We do not have the facility to accept purchase orders or invoices for payment.

Contact Information

For payment, registration or accommodation queries please contact eventregistrations@kent.ac.uk

For conference content queries, please contact Benjamin Acheampong: benjamin@wealthmastersgroup.com

Wealth Masters Group Website: http://www.wealthmastersgroup.com

Post Training Session Exploration of Garden of England

Participants are encouraged to take some time off after the session and explore the Garden of England. Kent and Canterbury offer diverse tourism attraction sites covering eco and monumental tourism.

March 8, 2025
ARISE IIP secures $450 million Afreximbank facility for industrial parks, Special Economic Zones development

In a significant move aimed at boosting industrial development across Africa, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) signed a US$450 million global credit facility with ARISE IIP, the leading pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks.

This financing will support the development of industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), while also providing crucial trade finance support to businesses operating within the ARISE IIP ecosystem.

The US$ 450 million, granted in the context of Afreximbank’s strategic objective of promoting, facilitating, and supporting Africa’s industrialisation ecosystems, is part of a proposed US$ 800-million facility to support ARISE IIP in developing Industrial Parks (IPs) and SEZs in such countries as Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Malawi, among others.

Under the terms of the facility agreement, ARISE IIP will deploy US$ 300 million to finance working capital requirements for its operating Industrial Parks (GDIZ-Benin, PIA-Togo, LAHAM TCHAD-Chad, PEIA-Cote d’Ivoire and BSEZ-Rwanda) and for capital expenditures for the development of new industrial parks in DRC, Kenya, Chad, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.

ARISE IIP will deploy the remaining US$ 150 million to develop an industrial park in Lilongwe, Malawi, and as trade finance for the activities of its export trading company in Malawi under Afreximbank’s Export Agriculture for Food Security initiative.

Signing the agreement on behalf of ARISE IIP was Arvind Arora, the Chief Treasury Officer, while Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, signed on behalf of Afreximbank.

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank said: “The facility reflects Afreximbank’s ongoing commitment to mobilising financial and technical resources towards the promotion of industrialisation across Africa. This is our way of supporting value addition and structural transformation of African economies.

We remain eager to collaborate with key stakeholders to build trusted partnerships and to industrialise African countries. Afreximbank strongly believes that IPs and SEZs are veritable tools that Africa can deploy to fast-track industrial infrastructure development and to promote intra-African trade and export development.

With ARISE IIP as an established developer and operator of IPs and SEZs on the continent, we are confident that this facility will contribute to supporting the continental industrialisation agenda.”

Arvind Arora, Chief Treasury Officer of ARISE IIP remarked: “The US$450 million facility represents a major step forward in supporting Africa’s industrialisation efforts. This financing covers critical working capital and capital expenditure needs across various countries, addressing the diverse requirements for industrial development. Africa’s infrastructure investment gap, currently exceeding US$100 billion annually, significantly impacts the continent’s living conditions and its global competitiveness. At ARISE IIP, we are committed to working with strategic partners around the world to bridge this gap and accelerate industrialisation across the continent.”

The development of the new IPs and SEZs, along with the expansion of activities in the existing IPs, is expected to result in the attraction of 230 tenants, bringing in an estimated investment of US$ 1.7 billion over the next five years, while total exports from the new IPs and SEZs, once in operation, would reach US$ 5 billion over the five-year period, with domestically-sourced goods and services reaching US$ 3.4 billion.

In addition, the new investments in the IPs and SEZs are expected to contribute to the creation of 32,000 direct jobs and 138,000 in-direct jobs.

Afreximbank has been working with ARISE IIP as a strategic partner, focusing on industrialisation initiatives across Africa. The collaboration has seen the Bank and Arise working together on various projects including a USD 5 Billion Africa Textile Renaissance Plan, which intends to create 500,000 MT of African cotton transformation capacity and 500,000 jobs.

The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), Afreximbank’s development impact investment arm, invested USD 300 million in the latest fundraising round, which concluded in October 2024. During this round, Arise IIP raised a total of USD 443 million.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Contact details:
Vincent Musumba
Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations) – Afreximbank
press@afreximbank.com

March 8, 2025
Resetting Ghana’s Economy to break the Loans and Aid Dependency Jinx

By: Mohammed Abu

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama in Accra,Thursday,emphasized the importance of backing up good policies with proactiveness on the part of the part of all national stakeholders in other to realise the much desired change in the economic situation of the country.

“This is a defining moment, but policies alone, no matter how well-couched, will not change our reality—action will” adding, “As your president, I am taking the necessary actions to create growth opportunities and enhance our economic independence”

President Mahama was delivering his speech to mark the 68th Independence Anniversary Celebrations at the Office of the President this year instead of holding the event at the Independence park or Black Star Square.

This, President Mahama explained, was intended to save cost in holding the annual most important and celebrated event given the economic circumstances the country currently finds herself.

President Mahama called on young Ghanaians to step up, seize opportunities being created by his administration and contribute to building a self-sufficient nation as Ghana’s economic future is in their hands.

Proclaiming self-reliance President noted, while marching straight to the doors of donor agencies, begging bowl in hand, is meaningless.

His administration he said, is formulating policies based on fiscal discipline and living within our means to break this cycle of dependence and reset our economy while also striving to expand the country’s economy to yield prosperity for all.

“We are working to implement the 24-hour economy program to ensure that our economy never sleeps. This will allow us to create the necessary job expansion, boost productivity, increase our export capacity and trade footprint, and reduce our need for foreign aid”.

Opportunities

USD10 Billion Big Push Fund.

The US$10 billion Big Push Initiative President Mahama disclosed, will also modernize infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate local industries, ensuring that our development is driven from within rather than funded from outside.

Agriculture

Agriculture, President Mahama noted, remains our biggest opportunity to reduce import dependence. With over US$2 billion spent annually on food imports, the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) is structured to strengthen local agribusiness and ensure food security.

Local Food Production Self Sufficiency Interventions

The Feed Ghana Programme he further noted,will drive mass food production and stabilize prices. At the same time, the Poultry Farm-to-Table Initiative will boost domestic production and processing to directly address our 95% reliance on imported poultry.

‘The success of these policies depends on active citizen participation, particularly from young people. The AgriNext Programme will equip 30,000 youth with land, training, and agribusiness opportunities”.

Farming Inputs and Logistics Support

Farmer Service Centres in every district President Mahama said ,will provide access to mechanization, quality seeds, and fertilizers to boost local food production.

March 7, 2025
Ghana’s National Economic Dialogue ends in Accra with Key Policy Recommendations

Story: Mohammed Abu

Ghana’s two-day National Economic Dialogue has ended in the country’s capital City of Accra with recommendations bordering on a number of key issues

Monetary Policy

In other to strengthen monetary policy operations and effectiveness, it was recommended that coordination between the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Ghana be enhanced so as to ensure fiscal and monetary policy alignment. Then also, the Bank of Ghana should work with key stakeholders to integrate Fintech/liquidity transactions into overall banking sector liquidity system.

Foreign Exchange Markets

In other to improve the operation of foreign exchange markets, a review of the foreign exchange regime to support exchange rate stability as well as well as, strengthening the regulation of forex bureaus and eliminate illegal foreign exchange markets were recommended.

Banking and Financial System

For strengthening the banking system and financial intermediation, recapitalization of the Bank of Ghana, conduction of feasibility study and development of the regulatory framework for non-interest banking (Islamic financing), prioritization of the improvement of Ghana’s sovereign rating, the improvement of the efficiency of institutions relevant for perfecting collaterals and the limitation of political interference in the operations of the banks, were recommended.

President John Dramani Mahama in a Keynote address to open the two-day event on Monday, assured that he has the political will to see through all the reforms that would be proposed at the end of the National Economic Dialogue underway in Accra.

President Mahama said consensus building and consultation would be the hallmark of this administration because “I believe that all of us as Ghanaians have a role to play in the development of our dear nation”.

President Mahama said it was time to collectively build a resilient, competitive and robust economy that worked for all citizens.

“The time for transformation is now. Let us embrace our economic transformation and unlock the full potential of our beloved country. Let us work together to build a resilient, competitive and a prosperous Ghana,” President Mahama stressed.

Led by the President and held under the theme, “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together.” discussions centered on macroeconomic stability, economic transformation, infrastructure development, structural reforms, private sector growth, and governance.

President Mahama also stressed the importance of transparency in government procurement, calling for an end to the overuse of single-source contracts.

“Single-sourced procurement must be rare, not the norm,” he declared, signaling a policy shift towards competitive bidding and fiscal accountability.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on his part, warned that, Ghana’s economic crisis is still unfolding and will require significant sacrifices from all citizens.

“The full length of the crisis is still unravelling by the day. The situation requires significant sacrifice from all of us,” he noted.

Dr. Forson also disclosed that almost all state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are in financial distress, from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).

The presenters, line-up included, Mr. Leslie Dwight Mensah, Prof. Ebo Turkson, Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku, Mr. David Ofosu-Dorte, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, and Mr. Franklin Cudjoe, who shared insights and policy recommendations.

The discussions were guided by expert moderators, including Governor of the Bank of Ghana under the erstwhile Kufour administration Dr. Paul Acquah, Dr. Edward K. Brown, Mr. Joe Mensah, Mr. Felix Addo, Prof. K. K. Sarpong, and Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey of Institute for Democratic Governance(IDEG).

Aimed at ensuring that diverse voices from the public and private sectors contribute meaningfully to shaping the country’s financial future, the dialogue centered on crucial thematic areas, including, Achieving Sustainable Macroeconomic Stability, Promoting Economic Transformation, Advancing Infrastructure Development Implementing Structural Reforms, Ensuring Private Sector-Led Growth and Restoring Good Governance and Combating Corruption

March 4, 2025
Gloom as oil price drops; more uncertainty looms-By Emeka Eke Editor-in-chief, GlobalFocus Media

Crude Oil future continues to fluctuate even as President Donald Trump looks set to impose higher levies on two of the United States’ biggest suppliers; Canada and Mexico!

With China gearing up for countermeasures if the United States implements its planned threat to increase tariffs on Chinese imports, the battle for superiority and dominance is only just getting started!

As the US relies majorly on oil imports from Canada and Mexico for its refineries, the potential tariffs may have a complex effect on crude prices which by extension, may affect some oil-dependent economies including in Africa.

Attempts to broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war added a different twist to the market last Friday, after Trump’s highly anticipated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ended with a tense exchange! The two leaders failed to sign a deal that was set to make the US a major partner in extracting Ukraine’s oil and gas, as well as rare earth minerals.

March 4, 2025
A New Dawn for African Sports: Unlocking Transformational Investment in Community Sports Infrastructure

LAGOS, Nigeria, March 4, 2025/ — The Sports Africa Investment Summit 2025 has marked a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey toward sports industrialisation and economic transformation.

Over two electrifying days in Lagos, the summit, hosted by Sport Nigeria Ltd/Gte (www.SportNigeria.ng) in partnership with the Office of the Presidency and the National Sports Commission, brought together a powerful coalition of stakeholders—government representatives, UNESCO, AFREXIM Bank, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), investors, and sports industry leaders—all united by a shared vision: to unlock the immense potential of sports as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and community development across Africa.

At the heart of this historic gathering was the signing of a groundbreaking technical agreement between the Abia State Government and Sport Nigeria Ltd/Gte, paving the way for Africa’s first-ever Sports Special Economic Zone (SSEZ).

This visionary initiative will transform Abia State into a global hub for sports goods manufacturing, leveraging Aba’s legendary craftsmanship, entrepreneurial spirit, and industrial excellence.

Aligned with Nigeria’s Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the SSEZ is poised to become a beacon of innovation, trade, and industrialisation, creating thousands of jobs and empowering local businesses.

According to Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports, Abia State, “The Special Sports Economic Zone is a game-changer for Abia State and Nigeria at large. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR we are committed to driving a collective agenda that will transform Abia into the premier hub for sports goods manufacturing and infrastructure development.

This project is a bold step toward job creation, youth empowerment, and economic diversification, and we will work tirelessly to ensure its full realisation with our partners, Sports Nigeria.”

The summit’s robust discussions underscored the pressing need for innovative financing models, capacity-building initiatives, and diaspora engagement to sustain long-term development.

According to Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, Chair of the Abia State Investment Office, “The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a transformative journey to attract global investments and build an ecosystem where sports, commerce, and industry thrive together. We are dedicated to fostering strategic partnerships that will actualise this vision and create lasting economic impact.”

The summit also saw the formal launch of Spaces 4 Sports, Sport Nigeria’s flagship initiative designed to address Africa’s sports infrastructure deficit at the grassroots level.

This cluster-based model will integrate community sports hubs across the continent, providing accessible facilities that encourage mass participation in sports, particularly within the education sector.

By embedding sports into daily life, Spaces 4 Sports aims to achieve a 50% increase in mass sports participation, enhance youth engagement, and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union Agenda 2063, using sports as a catalyst for education, health, and gender inclusivity.

The message from the summit was clear: Africa’s sports economy is ready to take off, but it will require bold investments, visionary leadership, and strategic partnerships to realise its full potential.

This point was emphasised by Ms. Nkechi Obi, CEO of Sport Nigeria Ltd, “Sports is more than entertainment—it’s an industry, a business, and a force for economic transformation. Abia’s Sports Special Economic Zone is the first of its kind, but it won’t be the last. We are setting a precedent that others will follow.”

The private sector has a critical role to play in bridging the infrastructure gap and unlocking the industry’s potential. With sports serving as a multi-billion-dollar industry globally, Africa is uniquely positioned to harness its youthful population, raw talent, and market demand. Strategic investment in sports infrastructure will not only drive economic growth but also create employment, boost tourism, and elevate Africa’s global sporting competitiveness.

Mr. Yahaya Maikori, Vice Chairman of Sport Nigeria, notes that “We don’t need more talk—we need action. This SSEZ is our action plan. The world is watching, and investors are ready. Now is the time.”

The foundation has been laid. The partnerships are forming. Now is the time for investors, DFIs, and Africa-focused development organisations to step forward and seize this unprecedented opportunity. The future of African sports is not on the sidelines—it’s in the factories, the training centers, the research labs, and the boardrooms.

The call to action is clear: Invest in Africa’s sports future. Build the infrastructure. Empower the youth. Transform communities. Together, we can change the game.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sport Nigeria Ltd.

For investment inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Sport Nigeria Ltd/Gte
Email: sais@sportnigeria.ng ; info@sportnigeria.ng
Website: www.SportNigeria.ng

Media Contact:
Sport Nigeria Communications
Email: sais@sportnigeria.ng
Phone: 0706 203 8705

SOURCE
Sport Nigeria Ltd

March 4, 2025