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United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) (http://www.UCLGA.org) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), with the support of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the C40 Cities,  the National Treasury of South-Africa, and the European Investment Bank (EIB), concluded their second phase of the capacity-building program for Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of African cities and subnational governments in Johannesburg from May 29th to June 2nd, 2023. This collaborative effort marked a significant milestone in fostering economic and financial development in African cities.

The opening ceremony brought together key stakeholders who shared their insights on the importance of accessing capital markets and the transformative power of financial initiatives. Distinguished speakers included Honorable Peter Anyang Nyong'o, Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya; Mrs. Alice Nabalamba, Urban Division, Africa Development Bank; Mrs. Mojabeng Manthata, Development Bank of Southern Africa; Mr. Hastings Chikkoko, Regional Director for Africa, 40 Cities; and Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa.

During the first day, a round table and several sessions addressed crucial topics related to municipal finance and bond issuance.

The round Table focused on the Africa Territorial Trade and Investment Agency (ATIA) and its role in creating a conducive government policy and regulatory environment for bond issuance. Participants emphasized the need for transparent and sound regulatory frameworks to enhance investor confidence. Governor Anyang Nyong'o highlighted the challenges of raising resources for county investments in Kenya and expressed interest in utilizing ATIA as an intermediary. Mr. Eduardo Nguenha, Deputy Mayor and Councillor in Charge of Finance in Maputo, Mozambique, discussed the connection between capital market access and decentralization in Mozambique, while Mr. Kolisan Molukoalne highlighted the importance of creditworthiness and risk assessment in South Africa's borrowing framework. Mrs. Valérie White, Former Managing Director at Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P) in New York, shared insights into the municipal bond market in the United States, emphasizing the role of rating agencies and the potential applicability of tax incentives in Africa.

The first session featured experts from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the African Centre for Cities (ACC) who shared valuable insights on municipal creditworthiness, financing strategy, institutional strengthening, and the Africa Sustainable City Initiative. Mr. André Kruger and Mr. Ioannis Filopoulos from the EIB emphasized the importance of credit ratings and records of accomplishment to attract investors, while Mrs. Liza Cirolia from the ACC highlighted the need for sensible regulations and capacity assessment of subnational governments before accessing the capital market. The discussion also underscored the differentiation between social and income generation borrowing and emphasized the significance of fiscal rules, budgeting, revenue management, and expenditure management for African cities and subnational governments.

The second session focused on the legislative and regulatory framework for South African municipalities' access to capital markets. Mrs. Sandra Sekgetle from the National Treasury provided expertise on the policies, acts, and regulations governing borrowing and investment in the country at the municipal level. Representatives from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Mrs. Mojabeng Manthata, discussed municipal financing opportunities and the DBSA's role in infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on other funding sources and the potential for consultancy services.

Participants raised important questions and comments concerning the judiciary's role, the influence of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) on national governments, the significance of credit rating agencies, and the necessity for contextualized ratings in Africa. The South African legislative and regulatory framework governing capital market access, including borrowing and investment, was highlighted and discussed. The first day's discussions also emphasized the importance of UCLG Africa facilitating dialogue and knowledge-sharing on financing local governments, as well as the potential value of CEE Rating in providing insights.

During the second and third day, participants learned from practical case studies conducted in South African cities such as Johannesburg, eThekwini, and Tshwane. These case studies showcased the successful implementation of municipal bond issuance as a means for municipalities to finance infrastructure projects and other development initiatives. Participants explored topics such as rating and listing municipal bonds, as well as the crucial role played by Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in supporting municipal finance. The program provided valuable insights into the practical aspects and challenges involved in accessing capital markets for municipal financing.

The second and third day of the program proved highly informative and beneficial for participants, as they gained practical knowledge and insights into municipal financing strategies. The case studies, discussions on municipal bonds, and the role of DFIs provided participants with a solid foundation for exploring and implementing effective financial mechanisms to support infrastructure development and drive sustainable growth in their respective cities and regions.

The program for day 4 included a session and a roundtable addressing key topics related to municipal finance and bond issuance. The first session focus on the rating and listing of municipal bonds in the US, featuring Mrs. Valérie White, the former Managing Director at Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P) in New York.

The roundtable centered on the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). It included esteemed panelists such as Mrs. Harriet Kiwanuka, Senior Investment Officer at the Department of Financial Development, African Development Bank; Mr. Mohan Vivekanandan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa; and Mr. André Kruger from the European Investment Bank.

On the last day of the program, there were one session and one roundtable. The first one focused on the importance of new green and climate funding opportunities. Mr. Anton Cartwright from the African Center of Cities (ACC) led the discussion, providing valuable insights into the potential of such funding opportunities to support sustainable and climate-resilient projects.

The roundtable centered around establishing the Africa Municipal Bond (AMB) Market Community and the Centre of AMB Market Practice. Dr. Zienzi Dillion, Former Head: Public Sector: Corporate and Investment Bank: Barclays Africa ex SA and CEO of Carmel Global Market, played a crucial role in facilitating this discussion, which aimed to create a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders interested in municipal bond markets in Africa.

In addition, the FiNet Network meeting provided an opportunity to discuss activities and publications related to municipal finance. The participants engaged in networking activities, fostering connections and collaborations that would further advance economic and financial development in African cities.

The closing ceremony of the capacity-building program for CFOs of African cities and subnational governments marked a significant milestone in empowering African cities to access capital markets and drive economic development. Representatives from key organizations reiterated their commitment to supporting African cities and subnational governments in their financial endeavors. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on program achievements, outline future steps, and foster networking and collaboration among participants, further advancing economic and financial development in African cities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).

For media inquiries:
Wafae Boumaaz
wboumaaz@uclga.org
+212660128943

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has briefed Chinese President Xi Jin Ping on the African Leaders Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia. 

President Ramaphosa noted the peace plan that has been proposed by China and affirmed South Africa's and the African leaders support of initiatives that are aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict. President Xi Jin Ping commended the initiative by the African continent and acknowledged the impact the conflict has had on human lives and on food security in Africa.

The leaders also discussed their cooperation at BRICS and preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit. They both committed to work towards a successful summit. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

The Mobile Film Festival Africa unveiled the winners of its 2023 edition at a prize ceremony held on Thursday June 8 at the Renaissance cinema in Rabat, an event part of the "Rabat, African Capital of Culture" program celebrations.

Guests were able to discover all the films in this year's official selection (54 films from 21 African countries), as well as the prizes awarded by a jury chaired by Gad Elmaleh and including Samia Akarriou, Sofia Alaoui, Françoise Ellong, Rafiki Fariala and Fibby Kioria.

For its second pan-African edition, organized in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) and the Kingdom of Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture  and Communication, the Mobile Film Festival has set up production grants worth a total of $51,000. These grants will enable the winners to make a film with professional resources and support from the Mobile Film Festival. Here are the winners:

Grand Prize Africa ($ 10,000)- I Have a Dream Too by Sunday Mapya - Tanzania

Grand Prize Morocco ($ 10,000)- The Guardian of the Walls by Kamal Lougleb - Morocco

This prize is accompanied by a 10-day screenwriting training residency at ENS Louis-Lumière in Paris, offered by the Institut Français du Maroc.

French Speaking Film Award ($ 5,000)- The Peninsula Dream by Nelly Brun Elvire Behanzin - Benin

This prize, supported by TV5 Monde, is awarded to a film from a country member of the International Organization of Francophonie.

ACP - EU Culture Award (5 000 $)- PAASWAAAD (Password) by Shandra Daisy Apondi - Kenya

This prize is supported by the ACP-EU Culture program.

Best Script Award ($ 5,000)- uççş²Iا دq⁄ زي (Like a Matchstick) by Sami Iskander - Egypt

This prize is supported by Canal +.

African Female Director Award ($ 5,000)- Life in Pink by Vanessa Pellegrin - Morocco

Best Actress Award ($ 500)- Kenza Salahddine in Life in Pink - Morocco

Documentary Film Award ($ 5,000)

Blindness by Bongani Ndaba - South Africa

Best Film from the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($ 5,000)

Nature's Heroes by Gael Bolila - DRC

This prize is supported by Rawbank and illicocash.

Best Actor Award ($ 500)- Yakaru Talibé (A Beggar's Dream) by Abdoul - Senegal

Best Actor Award ($ 500)

Famille Odiri/Udo in Human Migrant - Morocco

Enthusiasm for this second pan-African edition was evident right from the call for films, with a  huge turnout (886 films from 40 African countries received), and continued throughout the online festival phase, with media coverage across the continent and internationally.

International visibility will be also ensured throughout 2023, with screenings at film festivals, associations and cultural institutions, as well as the 600 cinema screens in 31 African countries showing films from the official selection.

To make them as accessible as possible, the films are offered with subtitles in French, English, Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish.

One of the specificities of the Mobile Film Festival is its 100% digital dimension. All the films are available on all our social networks (Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).

Please, contact us for all interview requests with the directors, the festival organization and the jury members.

Press Contact:
Claudia Rodríguez Press Relations Africa
WhatsApp : +33 787 14 15 40
Téléphone : +33 140 09 89 65 Email : presse@mobilefilmfestival.com
WhatsApp for your questions: https://apo-opa.info/3N2L8ye

About the Mobile Film Festival:
The Mobile Film Festival is an international short film festival founded in 2005 based on a simple principle: 1 Mobile, 1 Minute, 1 Film. Our goal is to support, expose and mentor the upcoming talented filmmakers from all over the world, through grants and technical support to help the winners shoot a professional short film.

The Mobile Film Festival is also 100% digital, in order to reach the largest possible audience. Since 2015, the Mobile Film Festival has received 6414 films from 157 countries, 134 million views and awarded more than €360,000 in grants to the winners.

CGLU Afrique:
The umbrella organization of local and regional governments in Africa was founded in 2005 in the town  of  Tshwane, South Africa, following the unification of three continental groups local governments, namely the African Union of Local Authorities (AULA); the Union of African Cities (AVU); and the Africa chapter of the União das Cidades e Capitais Lusófonas (UCCLA). UCLG Africa (UCLGA.org) brings  together  51  national  associations  of local and regional governments from all regions of Africa, as well as 2,000 cities and territories of more than 100,000 inhabitants. UCLG Africa represents more than 350 million African citizens. A founding member of the world organization UCLG, it is the regional chapter for Africa. UCLG Africa's headquarters are based in Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, where it enjoys diplomatic status as a Pan-African International Organization. UCLG Africa also has five regional offices across the continent: in Cairo, Egypt, for North Africa; in Accra, Ghana,  for Central Africa; in Libreville, Gabon, for Central Africa; in Nairobi, Kenya, for East Africa; and in Pretoria, South Africa, for Southern Africa.

Programme Capitale Africaine de la Culture:
The African Capitals of Culture program is supported by United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa). It aims to make culture the fourth pillar of the sustainable development of local authorities, to promote the definition and implementation of cultural policies at the territorial level, and to develop mutually beneficial partnerships between local authorities and actors and promoters of cultural activities, with a view to developing public and private ecosystems capable of making the most of culture to regenerate self-esteem and citizenship, develop decent jobs, particularly for young people and women, and contribute to the international influence of African and Afro-descendant culture.

UNESCO:
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Among many other activities, UNESCO supports the development of audiovisual production for and by young people and women in particular, especially on the African continent.

Programme ACP-EU Culture:
The ACP-EU Culture Programme is an initiative implemented by the Organisation of  African,  Caribbean  and  Pacific States (OEACP) with the financial support of the European Union (EU). This programme illustrates the   desire to stimulate the potential of the cultural and creative sector and its contribution to the socio-economic development of ACP countries. With a budget of € 40 million covering the period 2019-2026, the programme is focused on: (i) encouraging entrepreneurship and cultural and technological  innovation,  as  well  as  the participation of young people; (ii) creating new jobs and increasing the income of artists and cultural professionals;

(iii) improving the quality of ACP cultural productions; and (iv) enhancing the value of ACP cultural productions and artists on international markets. For more information, visit www.ACP-UE-Culture.EU and follow ACP-EU Culture via Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn.

France Médias Monde Groupe:
Watch and listen to the world. France Médias Monde, the group in charge of French international broadcasting, comprises the news channels France 24 (in French, English, Arabic and Spanish), the international radio station      RFI (in French and 16 other languages) and the Arabic-language radio station Monte  Carlo  Doualiya.  France Médias Monde broadcasts to the world in 21languages. Its journalists and correspondents offer viewers, listeners and Internet users comprehensive coverage of world events, with a focus on cultural diversity and contrasting viewpoints via news bulletins, reports, magazines and debates. 66 nationalities  are  represented  among  the  group's employees. Every week, RFI, France 24 and Monte Carlo Doualiya attract 244,2million contacts (2021average). Those outlets have a combined 95million followers on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram  and rose to 2.2billion views and streams in 2021. France Médias Monde is the parent company of CFI, the French media cooperation agency and also a shareholder of the French-language general interest TV channel TV5monde.

LAFAAAC:
LAFAAAC is a mobile training app where you can find high quality courses on the jobs of creative and cultural industries (audiovisual, cinema, music, fashion, video games, etc.), accessible without internet, once downloaded. LAFAAAC is a new digital university!

TV5MONDE+:
TV5MONDE, the world's French-speaking channel, is delighted to be a partner of the Mobile film festival, which celebrates the creativity of the continent's young talents. Thanks to the ease offered by digital technology, mobile phones make it possible to tell beautiful stories whose main actors are the women and men of the continent. The TV5MONDE prize will be awarded to the best Francophone film. On our sites and on our social networks, ten of  the fifty films in competition will be proposed to you. Enjoy the festival!

RFI, une chaîne radio de France Médias Monde:
RFI (Radio France Internationale) is a French news and current affairs public radio station that  broadcasts  worldwide in French and in 16other languages*. RFI is broadcast on 152 different FM frequencies, via short wave relays, on 30 different satellite signals throughout the world and also on the internet and dedicated apps. RFI is  also broadcast across the globe via more than 1950 partner radios. It draws on the expertise of its Paris-based editorial teams and a unique global network of 400 correspondents to provide news bulletins and features offering listeners the means to better understand the world. Some 61.4million listeners around the world tune into RFI   every week, and its digital platforms attract an average of 21.2million visits a month (2021 average) while 29.4million followers stay connected via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. *Brazilian, Cambodian, Chinese, English, Fulfuldé, Haitian creole, Hausa, Mandinkan, Persian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swahili,Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

France24, une chaîne de télévision de France Médias Monde:
France 24, the international news channel, broadcasts 24/7 to 481.4million households around the  world  in  French, Arabic, English and Spanish. The four channels have a combined weekly  viewership  of  97.8million  viewers. France 24 gives a French perspective on global affairs through a network of 160 correspondent located    in nearly every country. It is available via cable, satellite, DTT,  ADSL, on mobile phones, tablets and connected   TVs, as well as on YouTube in four languages. Every month, France 24's digital platforms attract 23.2million visits, 132.8million video views (2021 average) and 59.9million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MCD, une chaîne radio de France Médias Monde:
Monte Carlo Doualiya is a French radio station that broadcasts in Arabic from Paris to the Middle East, Mauritania, Djibouti, and Sudan, on FM, via satellite and via partner radio stations. It provides news bulletins and magazines, with a strong focus on culture, live broadcasts, conviviality and interaction. Its editorial team and  worldwide network of correspondents provide coverage of world news to 10.4million listeners every week. Monte Carlo Doualiyais a radio station based on the values of universalism and freedom for listeners of all ages.The station is also accessible via its website, which is one of the most modern of all Arabic-language sites, and via its app and through a range of cable and satellite packages. MCD attract 1.9million visits to its digital platforms every month (2021 average) and 4.6million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Jawjab:
Jawjab is a creative studio, a production company and a place for creation of all sorts. This subsidiary of Ali n' Productions was founded by Nabil Ayouch in 2016, and has distinguished itself by the originality of its content, the diversity of its know-how and the values it holds. Through its platforms, the studio aims to promote the values of gender equality, inclusion and freedom of speech, and is committed to opening up  discussion  on  the  issues specific to Moroccan society, with humility and kindness. A desire that crystallized with the launch of JATWJABT     in 2022, the country's first feminist and inclusive media, which highlights topics related to women and minorities rights.Jawjab focuses its efforts on creating strong concepts, driven by the creativity and expertise of its teams, to birth unique productions that contribute to the development of the Moroccan audiovisual field. Jawjab was rewarded in 2019 with the Samir Kassir prize, awarded by the European Union for the best audiovisual production of the year.

HIT RADIO:
HIT RADIO S.A. is an independent Moroccan Media Group that started its activities with the launch in 2006 of a music radio for Moroccan youth. It was the first radio to broadcast news flashes in Darija the moroccan slangs, to expose the new Moroccan music scene and to launch a "Free Antenna" in Morocco. HIT RADIO is actively participating in the improvement of the national media landscape in a innovative and independent spirit.

With a positioning focused on music, entertainment and freedom of expression, HIT RADIO is listened nowadays by more than 3.4 million daily listeners in Morocco and more than 2 millions per month abroad through the digital audio streaming. Since 2012, the HIT RADIO concept was extended to 9 sub-Saharan countries: Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Congo, Togo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Chad and Niger.

La Tribune: le média de la transformation et des territoires:
Faced with the acceleration of major digital, ecological and societal transitions, La Tribune is asserting itself in the French media landscape as "the newspaper of the changing world". As a reference media in the economy and finance sector, La Tribune relies on a heritage of 30 years of innovation and sectoral presence in all territories. As a local economic newspaper, its editorial expertise is based on a network of journalists in touch with  the  real economy in the regions and in the major cities.

In a world saturated with information, La Tribune's vocation is to provide a rich and useful expertise. Far from  being exhaustive in its treatment of current events, its editorial staff strives to decipher the subjects at the heart of its editorial line, subjects that are forward-looking and offer solutions in a cross-cutting theme such  as:  the  industry of the future, finance, technological revolutions, entrepreneurship, energy transitions, aeronautics, space and air transport, and the intelligent city in all its components (mobility, commerce, housing, etc.).

CANAL+:
CANAL+ Group is a leading media company and pay-TV operator. CANAL+ Group has a wide  international  footprint with a presence in Europe, Africa and Asia. CANAL+ Group totals 23.7 million subscribers worldwide, including 9 million in mainland France. With STUDIOCANAL, CANAL+ Group is also a European leader in the production, acquisition and distribution of feature films and TV series. It is also a leading player in free-to-air television with a pole of several channels, as well as an ads sales agency. CANAL+ Group is wholly-owned by worldwide integrated content, media and communication group, Vivendi.