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  • Potential of Kings and Chiefs as Stakeholders in Development

    Last year’s historic visit by H.R.M.,the Yogbonwura(King of the Yogboun or Gonja Kingdom),Savannah Region, to the Dagbon Kingdom, Northern Region of Ghana which was reciprocated by its King,H.R.M.,the Yaa Na,tends calls for a rethinking of the position of Kings and Chiefs collectively  as potential stakeholders within the context of our national economic development paradigm

    Key Takeaways

    The benefits of the two royal visits included engendering of mutual respect and  peaceful co-existence between the two Kingdoms ,opportunity for addressing the boundary disputes between the two Kingdoms through dialogue and peaceful means .

    The call of His Royal Majesty, the Yogbounwura on the youth of the two Kingdoms to foster meaningful engagement for development was yet a most important takeaway. Granted the passion and importance the two Kings have attached to the fostering of mutual respect and  peaceful co-existence between their two Kingdoms, the issue of sustainability becomes crucial. The involvement of the youth in the two Kingdoms is the right way to go as they are the future traditional leaders.

    Annual Conference of Kings and Chiefs in Northern Ghana Proposal

    The Yogbounwura during his historic visit to Dagbon last year had  proposed the establishment of an annual conference of Kings and Chiefs in Northern Ghana to focus on the collective developments of the territory.

    That was laudable and couldn’t have come at a better time than this. That traditional rulers and their people shouldn’t rest entirely on the responsibility of central governments alone  to bring development to the Northern sector ,but should also play important  complementary roles ,cannot be overemphasized.

    To this end the people of the Northern Sector need a unified front to enable them leverage their collective strength for contributing towards addressing their  age-long common problem of the North-South poverty ,education and development gap which is a major underlying factor to the Northern youth migration to the south.

    Putting the collective strength of the people of the North to productive use for shared prosperity and development is not only in the collective interest of the people, but the cumulative impact of their collective efforts, would also impact the gross national economy most positively.

    Yogboun,Dagbon,Mamprugu,Nanun and other parts of the Northern sector collectively accounts for  a sizable chunk of Ghana’s total arable land which could be put to more productive use for commercial rice and other crops  production. This could  save the country from the needless annual rice and agricultural products bill that also contributes to putting  pressure on the local cedi.

    The putting in place of a Northern sector Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV) like is being proposed would offer multiple benefits. These could  include, internal conflict resolution as well as prevention via, fostering intra-ethnic harmony peaceful co-existence, addressing problems and  misunderstandings through dialogue rather than through needless armed conflict, that tend to periodically put the North in the news, albeit for the wrong reasons.

    To this end,the call on their Royal Majesties,Ndan Yaa Na,Mahama Abukari II,King of Dagbon Kingdom and Bi-Kunuti Jewu Soale,the Yogounwura(King of Yogboun or Gonja Kingdom) by the Savannah Regional Minister,Mr.Salisu Bi-Awuribe to use their influence to solve the long standing chieftaincy crisis in Bawku,Upper East Region ,was another most important takeaway.

    Intra-ethnic conflicts in the Northern sector has over time  given it a negative image not only in international investor circles, but also, in local investor circles and the decades  North-South  Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) parities speaks for itself.

    Harnessing the potential of Kings and Chiefs across the country to play a more  important contributive role as local development stakeholders within the context of our  national economic development agenda, ought to be taken   seriously just as we  take the contribution of our foreign development partners.

  • Dagbon King’s Reciprocal Visit to Yogbun Kingdom in Photos

  • African ministers hold strategic dialogue on visa-free movement to propel regional integration agenda for Africa’s Transformation

    African ministers hold strategic dialogue on visa-free movement to propel regional integration agenda for Africa’s Transformation

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 19, 2025/ — On the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit, African leaders discussed obstacles to the continent’s economic integration, underscoring visa-free movement to reduce illegal migration and strengthen official travel channels.

    The high-level dialogue, convened by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission alongside the AU Summit, brought together trade ministers and business leaders who pointed to Rwanda’s experience as evidence that open borders enhance, rather than compromise, security.

    African Development Bank Group Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Nnenna Nwabufo expressed the Bank’s continued commitment to supporting the acceleration of visa-free movement across the continent.

    “We do it for its promise to transform Africa and to create prosperity,” she noted. “In fact, the goals of our new Ten‑Year Strategy (2024–2033) are designed around seizing Africa’s opportunities for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and integrated continent.”

    In his keynote address, Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals at the African Union Commission, outlined four priority areas to open up the continent.

    They include liberalizing the movement of categories of people critical for trade in goods and services, implementing the Strategic Framework on Key Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa, advancing to the next stage of African economic integration, particularly the African Common market, as envisaged under the 1991 Abuja Treaty, and establishing the appropriate facilitation measures, whether soft or hard infrastructure, to facilitate free movement of persons.

    Commissioner Muchanga stressed the need to make more progress on some continental projects, such as the trans-African highways (Cairo to Cape and Dakar to Mombasa), to facilitate free movement of persons.

    Presenting the “State of play in visa-free movement in Africa,” which featured findings from the latest edition of the AfricaVisa Openness Index, AVOI, Principal Regional Integration Coordinator at the African Development Bank’s Regional Integration Coordination Office, Ometere Omoluabi-Davies, highlighted the progress made by some countries regarding opening up their borders for Africans.

    The presentation reported that 39 African countries have improved their scores since 2016, indicating that visa openness across Africa is at its highest level since the inception of the index. Despite this inspiring trajectory, it was observed that there is still much room for progress to facilitate the unrestricted mobility of Africans within the continent.

    Rwanda Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi shared his country’s experience and economic gains from implementing a visa-free regime.

    “Rwanda does not agree with the usual excuse of security threats that accompany visa-free discussions because what is important is to invest in the systems, security, governance, monitoring,” he declared.

    “In the end, people who travel for tourism and business will always use the official channels such as the borders and airports. This means the policy itself cannot contribute to security concerns but rather solve the issue of smuggling and illegal migration.”

    The event featured roundtable discussions in which Africa’s policymakers and business leaders shared insights on implementing visa-free movement across the continent. With a resounding call to action, African Union’s Youth Envoy, Chido Mpemba, emphasized that the interconnectedness of young people through social media and the internet enables experience sharing and cross-border collaboration. She noted that this was critical for building the social and cultural integration needed to create a shared African identity.

    The session concluded with a joint announcement of the 2025 Visa-Free Roadshow by Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office of the African Development Bank Group, and Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Employment, Labor and Migration Division of the African Union Commission.

    This roadshow aims to sustain advocacy and mobilize action for visa openness and free movement within Africa’s broader regional integration agenda to deliver better results for all Africans.

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

    Contact: 
    Betty Baisiwa Dowuona-Hammond
    Communication and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org

  • The Djibouti Forum returns for its second edition:a unique platform for investment and dealmaking in Africa

    The Djibouti Forum returns for its second edition:a unique platform for investment and dealmaking in Africa

    Djibouti City, Djibouti – 19 February 2025–The second edition of the Djibouti Forum, under the theme “Unlocking opportunities for regional and global growth”, will take place from the 6th to the 8th of April 2025.

    Organised by the Fonds Souverain de Djibouti (Sovereign Wealth Fund of Djibouti), this landmark gathering seeks to positively shape the African agenda while highlighting the Horn of Africa’s pivotal role as a catalyst for growth and development in the region.

    Positioned at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, the eastern corridor of Africa is emerging as a powerhouse of innovation, trade, and development. The Djibouti Forum 2025 builds on this momentum to offer a unique platform for economic transformation.

    Through the visionary leadership of Djibouti policymakers, the Forum aims to identify and showcase investable opportunities in the region and across Africa, advance strategic partnerships and dealmaking and explore innovative solutions to drive sustainable growth across priority sectors.

    “Our Strategic Vision 2035 is to consolidate our role as a port and digital hub while diversifying our economy, promoting inclusive prosperity and strengthening our position on the international stage” stated HE Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti.

     “Djibouti is also promoting regional integration and helping to strengthen AfCFTA to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development in Africa and the Djibouti Forum stands as a critical platform for accelerating business opportunities across our region and the continent.”

    Following a successful first edition that gathered 46 expert speakers and representations from 280 institutions with a collective US$2.5 trillion in assets under management, the Djibouti Forum will return for a second time with an unparalleled network of policymakers, financiers, institutional investors, and industry leaders, to bring forward impactful dialogue and transformative opportunities.

    Bringing together key stakeholders, the Forum will serve as a gateway for dialogue, collaboration, and concrete action toward shaping the continent’s future. The objective of this strategic meeting is to deliver valuable insights and foment discussions on future megatrends and macroeconomic outlooks while tapping into new opportunities.

    Over 50 speakers will delve into critical themes shaping global markets, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), domestic resource mobilisation, and sector-specific insights spanning energy, logistics, hospitality, telecoms, technology and digitisation.

    Investors and policymakers will explore the favorable prospects offered by ports and new trade corridors in creating value chains while leveraging partnerships and alliances to further strengthen regional and continental integration.

    The Djibouti Forum connects decisionmakers, investors and developers to drive actionable outcomes and make an impact. This premier event presents a unique opportunity for high-level networking. Participants can access the full agenda and register directly on the Djibouti Forum website

    SOURCE

    The Djibouti Forum
  • More than 170 Countries to Participate in AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi Next April

    More than 170 Countries to Participate in AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi Next April

    Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 19, 2025: More than 170 countries have confirmed their participation in the AIM Congress 2025 International Exhibition, taking place as part of the congress’s fourteenth edition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from April 7 to 9.

    Under the theme “Mapping the Future of Global Investment: The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape – Towards a New Balanced World Structure”, the event aims to redefine investment trends and drive economic growth.

    AIM Congress 2025 presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs, companies, investors, and governments to showcase ambitious projects, exchange insights, and forge strategic partnerships that enhance investments across diverse sectors.

    With an expected attendance of over 25,000 participants from around the world, the congress serves as an unmatched platform for financing opportunities, business expansion, and high-level networking with key decision-makers in the global investment landscape.

    The international AIM exhibition highlights sustainable development opportunities in the UAE and globally by showcasing innovative projects and initiatives, fostering job creation, and strengthening collaboration among participants to drive balanced economic growth in an era of accelerating challenges.

    The exhibition is dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment and exploring practical strategies to attract investors to various economic sectors. It is structured around eight key portfolios:

    • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Your Gateway to Global Growth
      International investors and startups will gain insights into the latest regulations, assess the impact of geopolitical factors on capital flows, explore emerging markets, and identify new investment destinations within a highly advanced and supportive business environment.
    • Global Trade: Maximizing Profits Across International Markets
      Exporters and importers will benefit from discussions on smart supply chains, trade finance solutions, and modern customs regulations, enabling them to expand their businesses and leverage strategic partnerships.
    • Startups and Unicorns: Incubating Innovation and Expansion
      Startups and ambitious investors will have the opportunity to connect with venture capitalists and financiers, present their ideas to global investors, explore the latest funding strategies, and learn from the success stories of unicorn companies valued at over $1 billion.
    • Future Cities: Building Smart and Sustainable Communities
      Engineers, real estate developers, and policymakers will explore practical solutions for smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility, unlocking significant investment opportunities in urban planning and construction.
    • Future Finance: Preparing for the Next Financial Revolution
      Financial institutions and investors will gain valuable insights into evolving banking systems, digital financial transactions, and the future of fintech through engagement with industry leaders.
    • Global Manufacturing: Boosting Productivity with Advanced Technology
      Industrial companies and manufacturers will discover ways to enhance productivity, integrate smart manufacturing technologies, and optimize operational efficiency.
    • Digital Economy: Seizing Opportunities in the Virtual World
      The exhibition will bring together government agencies, tech firms, and investors to explore emerging trends in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and cloud services, ensuring participants remain at the forefront of digital transformation.
    • Entrepreneurs: Driving Growth for SMEs
      SMEs will have the chance to present their innovative projects to global investors, participate in educational workshops, and gain expertise in financial management, digital marketing, and international expansion strategies.

    AIM Congress 2025 continues to serve as a premier platform for fostering global investment opportunities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and driving sustainable economic development.

    For more information, please visit: https://www.aimcongress.com

     

     

  • For a successful integration, Africa needs an operating system update (By Amadou Hott)

    For a successful integration, Africa needs an operating system update (By Amadou Hott)

    DAKAR, Senegal, February 19, 2025/ — Senegal’s official nominee for the position of President of the African Development Bank, Former Minister of Economy and planning, Senegal (www.AmadouHott.com).

    Ask any traveler about their experience moving across parts of Africa, and you will likely hear about familiar challenges: high costs, indirect routes, and unpredictable schedules that can make even the simplest journeys more complicated and costly.

    These travel hurdles highlight the immense opportunity to further strengthen Africa’s integration and unlock seamless connectivity across the continent.

    The potential is undeniable. According to the World Bank, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands to be the world’s largest free trade zone, encompassing 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion USD. The African Development Bank projects that eliminating existing barriers could double intra-African trade within a decade from its current 15%; a figure that pales in comparison to Asia’s 60% and Europe’s 65%.

    Despite meaningful progress through the AfCFTA implementation led by regional economic communities, fulfilling this promise will require more efforts. Namely, Africa requires robust physical infrastructure and an operating system update to modernize institutional frameworks and encourage a new ecosystem of African-made goods and services.

    Africa’s integration challenge can be likened to building a cutting-edge computer system. Success first requires powerful hardware: the physical infrastructure forming the backbone. Currently, the continent faces an annual infrastructure financing gap between 130 and 170 billion USD to meet essential hardware requirements across transportation corridors, energy networks, and digital highways.

    While our international partners have historically played a crucial role In bridging this financing gap, the current geopolitical landscape demands a paradigm shift. Africa must take the lead in investing in its own hardware.

    The key lies in mobilizing African public and private capital first to build confidence among international partners and investors. Substantial capital can be generated within the continent through sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, high-net-worth individuals, and other sources.

    Development finance institutions like the African Development Bank must also play a transformative role by leveraging their expertise and credit ratings to channel this locally sourced capital into Africa’s development.

    The Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA), launched by the African Development Bank in partnership with Africa50 and the African Union, exemplifies this approach, mobilizing project preparation and project development blended capital to build a 10 billion USD portfolio of green infrastructure projects with private sector participation from Africa and around the world. Regional energy integration, as highlighted by Mission 300 launched recently in Tanzania, is equally important.

    Beyond physical infrastructure, Africa’s integration requires modern software upgrades: the systems, policies, and institutional frameworks that power trade across borders. Digital solutions are key to enhancing business operations across borders and reducing trade barriers.

    While discussions often focus on physical infrastructure gaps, outdated manual processes frequently limit the effectiveness of existing assets. The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) exemplifies this transformation, promising to save 5 billion USD annually by making cross-border payments simpler and more transparent.

    Moreover, pilot programs in East Africa have shown that applying blockchain technology to existing value chains could help reduce trade costs by 20%, enhance protection against fraud, and expand access to new markets for businesses across the continent.

    As African leaders convene at the AU Summit in Addis, we are at a pivotal time that requires action : the finalization of the Protocol on Digital Trade under the AfCFTA is a first step towards the bold transformation that we must operate. We must pursue economic transformation through infrastructure development and technology integration in our trade operations to evolve from a raw material exporter into an industrial and agricultural powerhouse.

    Beyond manufacturing value-added goods and value creation, our ability to integrate essential services -financial services, transport and logistics, education, and healthcare- will facilitate seamless business operations across borders. By positioning economic transformation at the heart of our integration agenda, Africa can advance up the value chain to generate wealth and create quality economic opportunities for all Africans, particularly our youth and women.

    With Africa’s youth population set to double by 2050, the urgency of this transformation cannot be overstated. By effectively mobilizing our own resources first, driving economic transformation, and building both the required software and hardware, we can successfully integrate Africa.

    This is Africa’s moment to move beyond being the world’s largest free trade area by membership to becoming its most dynamic and innovative economic powerhouse.
    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amadou Hott, Candidate for the Presidency of the African Development Bank Group.

    SOURCE

    Amadou Hott, Candidate for the Presidency of the African Development Bank Group

  • Maximizing Gold Mining Benefits and the GoldBod Idea in Ghana

    Maximizing Gold Mining Benefits and the GoldBod Idea in Ghana

    Interview Story: By Mohammed A.Abu

    Hari Iyer, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Managing Director(MD) of the Sakthi Tading Group, a prominent international gold trade industry player, has noted that, a strict eco-friendly or sustainable mining regime is crucial for Ghana to address the significant socio-ecological costs of gold mining, such as deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation.

    By adopting sustainable practices, Mr. Iyer intimates, Ghana can protect the environment, ensure long-term economic sustainability, and improve community welfare.

    A focus on responsible mining he contends, will enhance global competitiveness, attract ethical market demand, and reduce illegal mining, adding, “The GoldBod initiative, along with stronger government regulations, can help transition the sector to a more sustainable model, balancing economic growth with ecological preservation for the benefit of future generations”.

    He was speaking in an exclusive interview with your favourite, the Economic & Environmental Africa News, magazine for his expert thoughts relating to Ghana’s government’s recent move to put in place a Ghana GoldBod.

    Regarding the initiative, he notes that GoldBod Ghana appears to be an important player in the evolution of the gold mining and trading sector in Ghana, especially given the complex challenges faced by the country in terms of artisanal mining, environmental impact, and illegal gold trading.

    Mr. Hari provided some insights on the potential significance of GoldBod Ghana as follows:

    1. Ethical Sourcing Leadership

    GoldBod Ghana has the opportunity to lead by example in promoting ethical gold sourcing. As global demand for responsible and traceable gold rises, especially from environmentally conscious buyers and investors, GoldBod could position itself as a pioneer in making Ghana’s gold sector more transparent. Their commitment to traceability, likely through innovative technologies like blockchain, can strengthen the integrity of the entire supply chain, making it more appealing to international markets that prioritize ethical sourcing.

    1. Addressing the Artisanal Mining Crisis

    Artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) is a significant part of Ghana’s gold production but often operates in unsafe, inefficient, and environmentally damaging conditions. GoldBod’s potential to provide structured support to the ASM sector, offering better mining practices, health and safety training, and access to improved equipment, could be transformative. This could lead to a reduction in the harmful effects of illegal mining (Galamsey), such as deforestation, mercury pollution, and unsafe working environments. Their involvement could directly improve the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale miners.

    1. Facilitating Sustainable Mining Practices

    Sustainability is a growing concern in the mining industry, and GoldBod Ghana’s potential to implement environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices is crucial. By introducing eco-friendly mining techniques, such as alternative mercury-free extraction methods and promoting reforestation initiatives, GoldBod can mitigate the environmental damage often associated with gold mining. This could improve the long-term viability of gold mining in Ghana and enhance the country’s reputation in global markets.

    1. Strengthening Governance and Compliance

    GoldBod’s commitment to adhering to international standards and regulations will play a vital role in strengthening governance within Ghana’s gold industry. With proper compliance and transparency mechanisms in place, GoldBod can help address systemic challenges like smuggling, corruption, and unregulated gold trade, ensuring that Ghana’s mining revenues are appropriately taxed and channeled into national development.

    1. Economic and Social Impact

    GoldBod’s focus on sustainable mining practices has the potential to contribute significantly to the economic development of local communities in gold mining regions. Beyond economic growth, their engagement in social initiatives like healthcare, education, and community infrastructure can improve the living conditions of miners and their families. As a result, GoldBod can enhance the social license to operate, which is crucial for the long-term success of mining companies in regions where mining is a central economic activity.

    1. International Partnerships and Investments

    GoldBod Ghana has the potential to attract international investments and forge partnerships with global organizations and companies that prioritize responsible sourcing. This could help them access advanced technologies, financial resources, and expertise needed to modernize the sector. Such collaborations could also enhance Ghana’s position in the global gold market, opening new export opportunities and enhancing trade relationships.

    1. Risk Mitigation in Gold Trading

    The volatility of the gold market, with fluctuating prices and risks associated with illegal trade and geopolitical instability, poses a challenge for gold trading companies. GoldBod’s adoption of cutting-edge technologies and adherence to legal and ethical standards could act as a hedge against these risks, offering stability and trustworthiness to both local and international stakeholders.

    1. Potential Challenges

    While GoldBod Ghana’s approach seems promising, challenges remain in terms of overcoming entrenched practices within the informal mining sector, securing buy-in from local miners, and navigating the complexities of Ghana’s regulatory environment. Additionally, competing with illicit gold trade operations might prove difficult, as illegal mining can often be more financially attractive in the short term.

    Investment Opportunities GoldBod Offer Sakthi Trading

    On what business Prospects the GoldBod idea has for the Sakthi Trading Group in Ghana, he responded thus,” For Sakthi Trading Group, the establishment of Ghana’s GoldBod offers several promising investment opportunities within the mining and production management value chain”:

    1. Gold Mining & Extraction Investments

    Sakthi Trading Group could invest in gold extraction operations, either through direct involvement or by partnering with licensed small-scale miners. As GoldBod becomes the sole buyer of gold from legal miners, there’s a guaranteed market for the mined gold, which reduces risk and ensures steady revenue streams.

    1. Gold Refining & Value Addition

    GoldBod’s focus on refining and value addition presents an opportunity for Sakthi Trading Group to invest in refining infrastructure or establish partnerships with refining operations. They could integrate these activities into their supply chain, adding value to raw gold and enhancing profitability through higher-grade gold products for both local and international markets.

    1. Gold Export & Marketing

    With GoldBod serving as the sole exporter of gold from the legal small-scale sector, Sakthi Trading Group could tap into international markets by partnering with GoldBod for the export of refined gold. This also allows the group to leverage global demand for responsibly sourced gold, enhancing its position in international markets and contributing to Ghana’s foreign exchange accumulation.

    1. Gold Assaying & Quality Control

    Given that GoldBod will be the sole assayer of gold, Sakthi Trading Group could invest in or collaborate with assaying facilities to support gold testing and certification processes. Establishing a presence in the assaying segment of the supply chain provides an opportunity for Sakthi to ensure that their gold meets international standards, fostering trust and marketability.

    1. Supply Chain and Logistics

    As the GoldBod framework establishes a structured system for sourcing, refining, and exporting gold, Sakthi Trading Group can invest in the supply chain infrastructure, including logistics and transportation. With GoldBod centralizing the process, the group could play a key role in ensuring efficient movement of gold from mining sites to refineries and international markets.

    1. Local Economic Growth and Stabilization

    Sakthi Trading Group’s involvement in the GoldBod framework also allows it to contribute to the economic stabilization of Ghana. As the GoldBod aims to reduce gold smuggling and stabilize the local currency, Sakthi can benefit from an improved business environment and increased stability in the gold sector, making it a more attractive long-term investment.

    1. Technological Integration

    There is an opportunity to invest in technology that enhances the mining, refining, and marketing processes. GoldBod’s push for more transparent, efficient, and legal operations opens the door for Sakthi Trading Group to integrate advanced technologies such as blockchain for traceability, AI for market forecasting, or automation in refining processes.

    Through strategic investments in mining operations, refining, logistics, and technology, Sakthi Trading Group could capitalize on the GoldBod initiative to expand its footprint in Ghana’s gold sector. By aligning with the government’s vision of formalizing and improving the gold value chain, Sakthi can enhance profitability while contributing to the economic growth and stability of Ghana.

    Role and Responsibilities to Sakthi Trading Group

    On what is the exact role he plays as the CEO/MD of the group for the past 08 yrs, Mr.Iyer  said his roles are the following:

    Strategic Leadership: identifies growth opportunities, and ensures compliance with global gold trading standards.

    Business operations and Risk management:  oversees gold procurement, logistics, and sales, manages supply chain relationships, and implements risk management strategies for market and security risks.

    Financial Oversight: manage financial health, secure funding, and oversees hedging strategies to mitigate price volatility risks.

    Regulatory: Ensure AML and KYC compliance, upholds ethical sourcing, and engages with regulators.

    Brand: builds partnerships, explores new markets, and strengthens brand reputation in the gold industry.

    Technology: leverages blockchain, AI, and digital transformation to enhance transparency, efficiency, and customer engagement.

    Team leadership: leads the executive team, fosters corporate culture, engages stakeholders, and drives talent development.

    Flashback-Global Gold Dore Forum, Accra,2017

    Sakthi Trading Group was the title sponsor of the first ever Global Gold Dore Forum, held in Accra in January 2017. As CEO/MD of Sakthi Trading Group, I emphasized the importance of transparency and responsible conduct in the gold market.

    • “Sakthi Trading Group firmly believes that responsible business is the only sustainable business.”
    • We seek to understand various initiatives led by both government and non-government entities in Africa and aim to contribute to solutions wherever possible.

    Commitment to Collaboration and Partnerships

    Sakthi Trading Group is dedicated to working with organizations that share its values and adhere to regulations. Through strategic collaborations, the group strives to promote responsible gold sourcing and support a more sustainable future.

    Supporting Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector Reform

    Flashback-Global Dore Forum,Accra-2017

    At the Global Gold Dore Forum conference,held in Accra in 2017,Sakthi Trading Group was not only a Lead Sponsor,but also expressed its commitment to participating in the reform of Ghana’s artisanal small-scale gold mining sector. This initiative reinforces the company’s dedication to ethical gold sourcing and industry sustainability.

    The position of Sakthi Trading Group is the beginning of a privately-owned investment holding company for the group- IDM Global Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited focusing on investments in to international mining, production management and full mining services companies based in West and East Africa.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Islamic Finance Expands Africa’s Energy Investment Landscape, Strengthening Arab-African Cooperation

    Islamic Finance Expands Africa’s Energy Investment Landscape, Strengthening Arab-African Cooperation

    PARIS, France, February 17, 2025/ — Africa’s energy sector is seeing growing interest from Islamic financial institutions, as demonstrated by the recent $400 million Murabaha financing secured by Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
    This transaction not only underscores the growing role of Islamic finance in Africa’s infrastructure development, but also highlights significant opportunities for deeper financial cooperation between Arab and African nations in the energy sector.

    The strong demand for AFC’s facility, which attracted 11 Islamic financial institutions – including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Rajhi Bank and Emirates Islamic Bank – signals growing appetite among Middle Eastern banks to engage in Africa’s development.

    The facility, upsized from an initial $300 million due to high investor interest, reinforces AFC’s strategy to diversify its funding base and aligns with broader efforts to expand energy investment partnerships between Arab and African countries.

    Islamic finance is emerging as a key source of funding for Africa’s energy sector, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects. The Murabaha financing structure used in AFC’s deal aligns with Sharia principles, offering an attractive and ethical investment vehicle for Middle Eastern and North African financial institutions seeking exposure to African markets.

    This move complements AFC’s recent $500 million hybrid bond issuance and the corporation’s ongoing efforts to attract diverse capital sources, including potential Panda bonds in China.

    Opportunities for Arab Investment in Africa’s Energy Future

    The increasing participation of Islamic banks and financial institutions presents a strategic opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to play a larger role in Africa’s energy transition.

    Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have well-capitalized financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds that can accelerate Africa’s energy infrastructure expansion, particularly in natural gas, renewables and power generation.

    Arab nations already have a growing footprint in Africa’s energy sector. The UAE’s Masdar has been investing in renewable projects across North and sub-Saharan Africa – committing $10 billion to deliver 10 GW of clean energy capacity in Africa by 2030 – while Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power has been involved in developing solar and desalination projects across the continent.

    QatarEnergy has been actively advancing hydrocarbon exploration in Africa, expanding its interests in Namibia’s offshore Orange Basin, while ADNOC has strengthened its footprint by acquiring a 10% stake in the Area 4 concession of Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin.
    However, there remains significant untapped potential for Arab-African cooperation, particularly in financing LNG terminals, gas-to-power projects and oil and gas exploration. Countries like Egypt, Algeria and Libya, which straddle both regions, can serve as financial and logistical bridges between Middle Eastern investors and African energy markets.

    The Role of Energy-Focused Islamic Finance

    The AFC’s Murabaha financing comes at a time when global Islamic finance is experiencing sustained growth, with assets expected to see high single-digit expansion through 2025, according to S&P Global Ratings.

    This growth is supported by strong balance sheets, high profitability and increasing regulatory backing. The surge in Islamic finance presents a timely opportunity for African energy projects, which require significant capital investment to meet the continent’s growing energy demand.

    One of the major advantages of Islamic finance is its alignment with sustainable investment principles, making it particularly attractive for funding Africa’s energy transition.

    In addition to AFC’s investment in renewable energy ventures such as Xlinks’ renewable energy initiative and the expansion of Lekela Power’s 3 GW capacity target, Islamic financial institutions could extend their involvement to Africa’s gas sector, which is viewed as a transitional fuel to bridge the energy gap.

    Strengthening Arab-African Partnerships at IAE 2025

    The increasing role of Middle Eastern finance in Africa’s energy sector will be a critical focus at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May.

    Serving as the premier African energy project showcase outside of the continent, IAE 2025 provides a space for African governments, investors and key financial players from the Middle East to explore new partnerships and drive investment in gas, LNG and broader energy infrastructure projects.
    By tapping into Islamic finance, African countries can secure critical capital to accelerate its energy development. At the same time, Arab nations stand to benefit from deeper economic integration with Africa, gaining access to new markets and resources. The AFC’s successful Murabaha financing serves as a strong indicator that the time is ripe for greater energy sector collaboration between Africa and the Middle East.

    IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/4hC0kAA) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

    SOURCE

    Energy Capital & Power

  • Wa Gold Project, Upper West Region, Ghana gets a Booster

    Wa Gold Project, Upper West Region, Ghana gets a Booster

    Report: Mohammed A.Abu

    A quite impressive mineralisation encountered at the Kpali Gold Prospect  under the Wa Gold Project announced recently by Castle Minerals comes as a further boost to the Upper West Region’s image as an emerging gold province

    The project with multiple prospects is the single largest commercial gold concession in the entire Northern sector that promises to offer a maiden  commercial mining operation in the region.

    Castle Executive Chairman, Stephen Stone, commented “The Kpali Gold Prospect is developing into a robust discovery and is a strong indicator that we may be dealing with a new West African gold mining camp in Ghana’s emerging northern region.

    “The latest intercepts include some very decent widths and grades at shallow depths with good continuity which can have considerable positive impacts should mining be considered.

    “We have intersected a very impressive 12m at 8.29g/t Au from 25m, including 6m at 11.60g/t Au from 31m and a peak 1m intercept of 20.43g/t Au at 36m in a ‘hangingwall’ lode, and also 4m at 4.16g/t Au from 95m in a lower ‘footwall’ lode. Apart from these standout results, very strong mineralisation has been encountered within most holes drilled, implying that with additional drilling we may be able to delineate a decent high value deposit.

    “We are very keen to get back drilling and to extend the Kpali Gold Prospect discovery as well as to follow-up historical drilling at the nearby Bundi discovery, 4km north. There are also several other enticing prospects in the broader Kpali Gold Project area.

    “These drilling results follow excellent recent results from four holes at the Kandia Prospect, a second and separate gold discovery associated with a relatively underexplored 16km prospective contact between Birimian metasediments and a granite intrusion.

    “Recent intercepts at Kandia included 7m at 3.36g/t Au from 149m within 24m at 1.78g/t Au from 139m and 5m at 3.49g/t Au from 82m within 11m at 2.26g/t Au from 79m.

    “These deposits lie in a classic setting for major gold deposits in West Africa and in particular northern Ghana which hosts the Cardinal Resources 5.1Moz gold Namdini deposit and the Azumah Resources 2.8Moz gold Black Volta Gold Project.

    “The latter’s high-grade Julie deposit is immediately along strike from Kandia. West Africa is where big gold discoveries can be and are still being made. With the gold price now at a level I could only dream of when starting my career, it’s the perfect time to be exploring Castle’s two new discoveries in the very stable, safe and mining friendly jurisdiction of Ghana

    “Castle Minerals Limited (“Castle” or the “Company”) advises that a recently completed eight-hole, 1,106m RC drill programme at its Kpali Gold Prospect in Ghana’s Upper West Region (“Project”, “Kpali”) has intersected mineralisation in all holes including 12m at 8.29g/t Au from 25m including 6m at 11.60g/t Au from 31m and a peak 1m intercept of 20.43g/t Au at 36m in an interpreted ‘hangingwall’ lode and then 4m at 4.16g/t Au from 95m in a lower “footwall” lode (24KPRC010).

    “Additional intercepts included 7m at 2.23g/t Au from 35m(24KPRC011) including 11m at 2.24g/t Au from 50m, 5m at 3.6g/t Au from 78m (24KPRC012), 9m at 4.81g/t Au from 107m (24KPRC015) and 3m at 3.08g/t Au from 78m (KPRC017).

    “These results confirm the Kpali Gold Prospect, just one of several prospects within the broader Kpali Gold Project, as a robust discovery in a completely new district within Ghana’s emerging Northern Region exploration frontier.

    “With several other high conviction prospects yet to be evaluated in the area, including the nearby Bundi, Kpali East, Wa South East and Wa South West prospects, there appears to be present all the hallmarks of a new West African mining camp and the possibility of a considerable gold endowment.

    “The Kpali Gold Prospect lies within a mineralised corridor associated with a 30m to 50m wide zone of structural deformation immediately west of a granite intrusion.

    “Three drilling programmes have identified near-surface, shallow plunging high-grade lode-style mineralisation to a depth of at least 100m. Multiple, closely-spaced mineralised lodes have been identified over at least 650m strike.

    “Overall, the geological setting at the broader Kpali Gold Project is of typically structurally-controlled, orogenic style mineralisation within Birimian terrane. This is a similar setting as that hosting several worldclass gold mining operations in Ghana and West Africa generally. Orebodies with these characteristics can often extend to considerable depth.

    “This latest drilling programme focused specifically on extending zones of high-grade, lode-based mineralisation that appears to plunge to the north. Better intercepts (>1g/t Au, max 2m internal dilution) from the eight holes completed included: • 12m at 8.29g/t Au from 25m (24KPRC010) incl. • 6m at 11.60g/t Au from 31m and • a peak 1m intercept value of 20.43g/t Au at 36m and • 4m at 4.16g/t Au from 95m among others

    “These latest results enhance the confidence obtained from the two prior programmes which included 4m at 3.66g/t Au from 26m, 3m at 5.20g/t Au from 125m, 28m at 2.26g/t Au from 81m including 5m at 8.41g/t, 10m at 2.01g/t Au, 5m at 4.53g/t Au, 11m at 1.86 g/t Au from 143m and 3m at 5.20g/t Au from 125m

    “Northern Ghana and the Kpali Gold Project A compelling driver for exploring Northern Ghana’s Kpali Gold Project is its advantageous location at the convergence of two major greenstone belts (Bole-Bolgatanga and Wa-Lawra/Boromo) and three regional-scale structures.

    “These are all associated with gold deposits. This supports the thesis that the region provides a large and prospective “search base” for the discovery of a major new West African mining camp. Northern Ghana has more recently seen two of West Africa’s better discoveries and success stories.

    “The 5.1Moz Namdini gold deposit, discovered by Cardinal Resources Limited prior to its takeover by Shandong Gold Limited in 2020, has just been commissioned and lies on the same Bole-Bolgatanga Birimian greenstone belt as Castle’s Kandia discovery.

    The Azumah Resources Limited owned 2.8Moz Black Volta Gold Project (“BVGP”) is earmarked for development in 2025. A majority of this gold was discovered by Castle’s Executive Chairman, Stephen Stone, under his former stewardship of Azumah. Castle’s Kandia mineralised trend is immediately along strike of the BVGP’s high-grade Julie deposit.

    The discovery of mineralisation at the Kpali Gold Project’s Kpali, Bundi, Kpali East, Wa South East and Wa South West prospects are essentially “blind” discoveries in that the bedrock hosting mineralisation is largely obscured by extensive but generally shallow soils and alluvium.

    This explains the lack of artisanal mining activity which often leads explorers into a new area. Castle’s structured and systematic approach to exploration in this environment is proving highly effective across its extensive tenure.

    What’s next at Kpali?

    The enormous encouragement from this latest drilling campaign at the Kpali Gold Prospect, and the presence of several other high conviction targets within the Kpali Gold Project, the announcement continues, reinforces Castle’s belief that one or more material discoveries could be made.

    “Once the information provided by this latest round of drilling has been fully processed, integrated with existing data and fully interpreted, a follow-up drilling campaign will be designed and implemented.

    “Kandia and other Wa Gold Project prospects The Company’s Wa Gold Project comprises extensive tenure prospective for gold within Ghana’s Upper West Region. As well as the Kpali Gold Project and the Kandia Project, there are many other targets worthy of investigation on a prioritised basis.

    “Recent intercepts at Kandia included 7m at 3.36g/t Au from 149m within 24m at 1.78g/t Au from 139m and 5m at 3.49g/t Au from 82m within 11m at 2.26g/t Au from 79m (refer ASX release 28 Jan 2025 ‘Excellent Gold Intercepts from Drilling at Kandia Prospect’).

    West Africa is one of the world’s premier regions to be exploring for gold, delivering an enviable fifteen discoveries of over two million ounces each since 2012. Ghana’s northern region is now considered one of the best areas to find more of these. Ghana is rated one of Africa’s most preferred jurisdictions for exploration and mining.

    It is Africa’s number one gold producer at over 5Moz in 2024 and is the sixth largest gold producer in the world. It is host to several massive deposits operated by Tier-One companies such as Newmont, AngloGold-Ashanti and Zijin, which recently paid Newmont US$1 billion for its Akyem mine

     

     

     

  • Trump’s ‘electroshock’ on Ukraine ends the debate: Europe cannot rely on the US for its security-By Browen Maddox

    Trump’s ‘electroshock’ on Ukraine ends the debate: Europe cannot rely on the US for its security-By Browen Maddox

    Independent Thinking Expert comment   Published 14 February 2025

    Director and Chief Executive,Chatam House

    The Munich Security Conference begins today with European leaders in a state of shock, following the news that President Donald Trump has spoken directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a 90-minute phone call. Trump evidently did so without consulting Ukraine or NATO allies.

    He announced the call after the fact, along with the news that direct negotiations to end the war in Ukraine would begin ‘immediately’. He proposed a summit in the near future in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    With his actions the president has unilaterally lifted Putin’s diplomatic isolation and provoked astounded reactions across Europe. When the initial shock subsides, the significance of the change in US policy that this represents will sink in. The conference has much to consider – but at least certain truths are now painfully clear.

    Walking back

    Trump’s credentials as a dealmaker are now unquestionably damaged. This week, before any negotiations have commenced, his administration has publicly vowed that Ukraine will not be part of NATO, implied that Russia could keep territory it has taken in its war, and firmly stated that no American troops will defend Ukraine.

    Boris Pistorius, Germany’s defence minister, was the first to make the point that there is no art in any deal that makes the most important concessions before negotiations even begin. Among other defence ministers and intelligence chiefs gathering for the conference, ‘appeasement’ is the term being exchanged, in deliberate recognition of its historical resonance here in Munich.

    Yet even that fails to capture the full significance of President Trump’s actions. Trump has made clear that friends and allies count for nothing. He has fundamentally undermined European confidence in US commitment to NATO and the principle of mutual defence – the underpinning of peace and security in Europe for over 75 years.

    And he has jettisoned the notion that the US should try to set the principles by which the world is ordered. President Trump has made clear that the pursuit of what he sees as immediate US interest is more than a campaign slogan, it is his resolved policy.

    As was the case following Trump’s Gaza proposals, US officials attempted to walk back or reframe certain elements of the president’s language: the US might still help contribute to a security guarantee for Ukraine, it was stated. Europe’s leaders will be far from convinced. The damage has been done. Even after the president leaves office it could take years, even decades to repair.

    Europe’s response

    EU countries and the UK now have immediate, difficult decisions to make: how to support Ukraine; how to defend the European continent; and what form US relations should now take.

    On Ukraine, European countries have a few cards to play. They hold most of the frozen Russian assets which presumably will form part of a negotiation with Putin. They have also been a prime customer for Russian gas. Even if the pressure to buy this cheap energy again is rising (it is an audible issue in the German election campaign), it remains a bargaining point.

    the us has made clear that it does not intend to help defend a line of cessation of fighting between Ukraine and Russia.

    But any durable peace requires a convincing security guarantee for Ukraine. That is now imperilled. Besides ruling out NATO membership, the US has made clear that it does not intend to help defend a line of cessation of fighting between Ukraine and Russia, stating that any such defence will have to come from European countries.

    In practice, that is likely to mean a military presence deployed by the UK, France and Poland. But any useful commitment would absorb almost all of the UK’s diminished armed forces. And it is hard to see how any purely European defence of Ukraine could be effective without support from US airpower and missile technology. (The Trump team has hinted this might be available).

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