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ConstructAfrica Launches Industry Advisory Board to Drive Strategic Infrastructure Dialogue Across Africa
ConstructAfrica (www.ConstructAfrica.com), the leading platform for market intelligence, thought leadership, and news on construction and infrastructure across the African continent, is proud to announce the formation of the ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board (CIAB). This newly established board brings together a distinguished group of global and African leaders committed to shaping the future of infrastructure development across Africa.
The CIAB is composed of seasoned professionals from leading construction firms, national infrastructure agencies, academia, multilateral development institutions, private equity, and global finance. Its members include internationally recognized infrastructure leaders, Chief Executives, Directors, a University Vice Chancellor, academic experts, and experienced financial and investment professionals — each offering invaluable insight and extensive global networks.
The mission of the CIAB is to provide strategic guidance, promote collaboration, and support ConstructAfrica's vision of delivering trusted intelligence that enables evidence-based decision-making in Africa's infrastructure ecosystem. The board will serve as a catalyst for constructive dialogue, policy insight, investment mobilisation and innovation.
Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, appointed as Chair of the CIAB, stated:
“It is a privilege to lead the ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board at a time when Africa's infrastructure agenda is more critical than ever. This initiative brings together a powerful coalition of experience, expertise, and vision — committed to shaping a resilient, inclusive, and investment-ready infrastructure landscape. ConstructAfrica plays a vital role in equipping stakeholders with trusted, actionable intelligence, and the Advisory Board will amplify this impact by driving thought leadership, collaboration, capacity building, and strategic alignment across sectors and borders.”
ConstructAfrica's Founder & Publisher, Dr Segun Faniran, added:
“The formation of the Industry Advisory Board marks a major milestone in our growth journey. With the leadership of Dr. Ogunshakin and the collective strength of our Board members, we are poised to expand our influence and deepen our engagement with both public; Government, Multilateral institutions, and private sector; developers, client, investors, contractors, operators, technologists, and wider continental stakeholders.”
Members of the ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board (CIAB):
- Dr Nelson Ogunshakin FREng, OBE Chair, AEO Group & Board Director HS2 Ltd – UK
- Derreck Omath, DG, Infrastructure Agency, Seychelles
- Malani Padayachee-Saman, CEO MPAMOT, South Africa
- Gilbert Sassine OFR, CEO, Cranebury Construction, Nigeria
- Matthew Jordan Tank, Director, EBRD, UK
- Dr Olubukola Tokede, Senior Lecturer, Deakin University, Australia
- Rachel More-Oshodi, CEO/MD ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment Limited, Nigeria
- Eng Amanuel Hailemariam, GM, Association of Civil Engineers, Ethiopia
- Chris Campbell, CEO, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), South Africa
- Mark Worrell, CEO, Estate and Infrastructure Exchange (EIX), UK
- Professor Dr Khumbulani Mpofu, Vice Chancellor, Solusi University, Zimbabwe
- Dr Segun Faniran Founder & Publisher, ConstructAfrica, UAE
- Jenni Chamberlain, Founder & CEO, Altree Capital, Switzerland,
- Richard Stockdale, Senior Non-Executive Director, DAR Global Plc, UAE
(Complete member list and biography are published at www.ConstructAfrica.com)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ConstructAfrica.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Dr Segun Faniran
Founder & Publisher
Email: hello@constructafrica.com
Phone: +971 56 566 4792
Website: www.ConstructAfrica.com
Africa’s Top 25 Finance Leaders for 2025
African Leadership Magazine (ALM) (www.AfricanLeadershipMagazine.co.uk) is pleased to unveil its highly anticipated Top 25 African Finance Leaders 2025 list — a prestigious editorial recognition that honours excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership within Africa's financial services and economic governance landscape. This year's cohort comprises distinguished finance ministers, central bank governors, CEOs of leading financial institutions, and other influential figures who are shaping the continent's economic architecture through visionary policy direction and exemplary stewardship.
The Top 25 list is a testament to the leaders who are championing fiscal responsibility, financial inclusion, and macroeconomic stability across the continent. These individuals have demonstrated a profound ability to navigate complex economic challenges, implement forward-thinking reforms, and inspire confidence in national and regional economies. Their collective leadership has contributed to enhanced investor confidence, accelerated digital finance adoption, and strengthened institutional frameworks that support inclusive and sustainable development. As Africa continues to assert itself as a dynamic player in the global economy, these leaders are setting the standard for excellence in financial governance, demonstrating the strategic foresight and resilience required to unlock the continent's vast economic potential.
“These finance leaders have not only surmounted formidable challenges but are actively shaping a new era of economic growth, transparency, and resilience,” said Dr. Ken Giami, Publisher & CEO of African Leadership Magazine. “Their bold and visionary leadership is redefining Africa's financial narrative and positioning the continent as a rising global financial powerhouse.”
The selection process follows a rigorous two-step procedure to ensure transparency and credibility. First, nominations are gathered from a global pool of experts in the finance and banking sectors, who identify individuals making significant contributions. Then, our editorial board conducts a thorough review, evaluating candidates based on their leadership, impact, and long-term influence on the African financial landscape. This comprehensive approach ensures that we honor only the most deserving leaders, whose work is truly transforming Africa's financial sector.”
The formal recognition and celebration of these leaders will take place at the African Finance Leadership Forum, scheduled for 22 April 2025 at the United States Capitol Building, Washington D.C., USA, on the margins of the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The ALM Top 25 African Finance Leaders 2025:
- Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah – President/Chairman, African Export–Import Bank
- Mthuli Ncube – Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Investment Promotion, Zimbabwe
- Abdellatif Jouahri – Governor, Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco)
- Jeremy Awori – Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Inc.
- Situmbeko Musokotwane – Minister of Finance, Zambia
- Johnny Ohisa Damian – Governor, Bank of South Sudan
- Paul Russo – CEO, KCB Group PLC, Kenya
- Samaila Zubairu – President/CEO, Africa Finance Corporation
- Johnson Asiama – Governor, Bank of Ghana
- Olusegun Alebiosu – CEO, FirstBank Group, Nigeria
- Rindra Rabarinirinarison – Minister of Economy and Finance, Madagascar
- Mary Vilakazi – CEO, Firstrand Limited, South Africa
- Mamo E. Mihretu – Governor, National Bank of Ethiopia
- Kennedy Bungane – Group CEO, African Bank, South Africa
- Rama Krishna Sithanen – Governor, Bank of Mauritius
- Idrissa Nassa – CEO, Coris Bank Group, Burkina Faso
- Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura – Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone
- Carolina Abel – Governor, Central Bank of Seychelles
- Walton Ekundayo Gilpin – MD/CEO, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone
- Ferdinand Ngon Kemoum – Group CEO, Oragroup SA, Cameroon
- Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group
- Sheikh Diba – Minister of Finance and Budget, Senegal
- Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela – CEO, CRDB Bank Plc, Tanzania
- Khaled Al-Mabrouk Abdullah – Minister of Finance, Libya
- Hon. Henry F. Saamoi – Governor, Central Bank of Liberia
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leadership Magazine.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ehis Ayere
Group General Manager
info@africanleadership.co.uk
+44 23 9265 8276
About African Leadership Magazine:
The African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organization (UK), focuses on presenting the best of Africa to a global audience, telling the African story from an African perspective while developing solutions to challenges facing the continent today. We have committed the last 16 years to promoting impactful leadership on the continent and promoting African opportunities globally through an ecosystem of quality Afro-positive content, Africa trade facilitation and market entry solutions, Afro-centric communities and business networking platforms, as well as through public sector training and consulting.
Africa Finance Corporation Tops Us$1 Billion Revenue for First Time as Landmark Projects Unlock Growth Across the Continent
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent's leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced its strongest financial performance to date, with total revenue for the year ended 31 December 2024 surpassing US$ 1 billion for the first time in the Corporation's history.
This record performance marks a significant milestone in AFC's mission to close Africa's infrastructure gap through scalable, de-risked investments that attract global capital and deliver tangible development outcomes. The Corporation posted a 22.8% increase in total revenue to US$1.1 billion and a 22.3% rise in total comprehensive income to US$400 million, up from US$327 million in 2023.
AFC's earnings growth was driven by improved asset yields, prudent cost-of-funds management and sustained traction in advisory mandates.
Further significant financial highlights include:
- Net interest income up 42.5% to US$ 613.6 million
- Fee and commission income rose to US$109 million, the highest in over five years
- Operating income climbed 42.7% to US$709.7 million
- Total assets reached a record US$14.4 billion, a 16.7% year-on-year increase
- Liquidity coverage ratio strengthened to 194%, providing over 34 months of cover
- Cost-to-income ratio improved to 17.3% from 19.6% in 2023
Throughout 2024, AFC continued to scale its impact by mobilising capital for landmark projects across energy, transport, and natural resources. These included the Lobito Corridor – a cross-border railway development spanning Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. AFC led the initiative to secure a concession agreement within one year of the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an unprecedented achievement for a project of its scale. In the DRC, AFC also invested US$150 million in the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Africa's largest copper producer and one of the most sustainable globally, thanks to its high-grade ore and renewable-powered smelter.
Other milestones transactions included financing support for the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, and continued progress on AFC-backed Infinity Power Holding's 10 GW clean energy ambition, with power purchase agreements secured in Egypt and South Africa. AFC also invested in the 15GW Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project, providing US$14.1 million to support early-stage development of a transcontinental renewable energy pipeline between North Africa and Europe.
AFC strengthened its capital base and expanded its investor network through several landmark funding initiatives. These included a US$ 1.16 billion syndicated loan - the largest in its history, a US$500 million perpetual hybrid bond issue, and the successful execution of Nigeria's first-ever domestic dollar bond, which raised US$900 million at 180% oversubscription. AFC also returned to the Islamic finance market after eight years, closing a US$400 million Shariah-compliant facility.
The year also saw strong momentum in equity mobilisation, with US$181.8 million in new capital raised from ten institutional investors. These included Turk Eximbank - AFC's first non-African sovereign shareholder - the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and several major pension funds spanning Cameroon, Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa. Ratings agencies affirmed AFC's robust credit profile, with AAA ratings from S&P Global (China) and China Chengxin International, and a stable A3 Outlook from Moody's.
“These results send a clear message that strategic investment in African infrastructure creates lasting value for both beneficiaries and investors,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “In 2024, we exceeded the billion-dollar revenue mark, delivered game-changing projects, and reinforced our financial resilience—demonstrating the scalability of our unique model that blends purpose with performance to accelerate Africa's economic transformation.”
Read the full annual report here (https://apo-opa.co/424qlmR)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org
About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC's approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa's infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.
Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 45 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception. www.AfricaFC.org
ConstructAfrica Hosts First-Ever CIAB Town Hall
ConstructAfrica (https://ConstructAfrica.com) successfully convened its inaugural ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board Town Hall Meeting today, bringing together influential stakeholders from across Africa's construction and infrastructure sectors.
The gathering marked a key milestone in the company's mission to provide thought leadership, strategic insights, and actionable intelligence, for the construction and infrastructure sectors in African.
The African construction and infrastructure market is projected to reach approximately $2 trillion in 2025, driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, improved governance and increased investment in infrastructure projects. The continent's need for infrastructure development is underscored by an estimated $130 billion annual financing gap, highlighting the critical need for strategic investments and innovative solutions.
The event featured participation from distinguished leaders across the infrastructure and construction ecosystem, including CEOs of engineering and construction firms, directors of multilateral development finance institutions, academic experts, and current and former senior executives in international finance. Participants hailed from various parts of the continent, including Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Seychelles, as well as internationally from the U.K. and Australia - underscoring the pan-African and global outlook of the board.
A key outcome of the meeting was the formation of the ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board (CIAB) - a strategic body of high-level professionals that will support ConstructAfrica's growth, guide its content and engagement strategy, and strengthen its reach and relevance across African markets.
The composition of the board will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for Africa's construction and infrastructure landscape. By collaborating with industry leaders through the CIAB, we are not just shaping policy; we are driving transformative change that will empower communities and foster sustainable growth across the continent.” said Dr. Segun Faniran, Founder & Publisher at ConstructAfrica
ConstructAfrica delivers actionable market intelligence, construction project updates, and infrastructure data through its online platform (https://apo-opa.co/4iQdKcQ). With a focus on equipping industry players, investors, and policymakers with actionable insights, ConstructAfrica plays a vital role in building a more sustainable and better-connected construction industry across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ConstructAfrica.
For more inquiries, contact:
Name: Dr. Segun Faniran
email: hello@constructafrica.com
Phone: +971 56 566 4792
ConstructAfrica
Seychelles Participates in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism led the Seychelles delegation at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, taking place from 12th to 13th February in Addis Ababa at the African Union Headquarters.
In his intervention on the Permanent Representatives Committee Report, Minister Radegonde expressed Seychelles' sincere appreciation for the donation of USD 200,000 towards the country's recovery efforts following the disasters of December 2023. The Minister touched on the importance of the blue economy for Seychelles, stating that it is more than a concept– it is a conduit for innovation and diversification, while ensuring the preservation of our rich marine environment. He also recognised that the Continent is a distance from achieving the targets set out in Agenda 2063 and that all parties need to collectively work together to maximise the impact of continental projects.
Minister Radegonde also cast Seychelles' votes during the election of four Commissioners of the African Union Commission. Representatives from the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of South Africa, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Republic of Ghana were elected.
On the margins of the Executive Council Meeting, Minister Radegonde met with H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriate Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The two Ministers discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations in key areas of cooperation, notably tourism, healthcare, investment, and trade. They agreed to pursue these endeavours through knowledge-sharing practices, capacity building and exchange of experts between the two countries.
Minister Radegonde reiterated Seychelles' strong interest in concluding the visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. He also stressed the need to conclude the negotiations for ordinary passport holders to further cement the people-to-people relations between the Seychelles and Egypt. The Egyptian Minister also took the opportunity to present, once again, Dr. Hanan Morsy, the Egyptian candidate for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for the elections to be held during the Assembly of the Union on 15th February 2025.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism - Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.
African Development Bank and Absa Unveil Multi-Billion Rand Financial Package to Expand Sustainable Capital Markets, Boost Economic Growth for Women and Youth
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and Absa Group, one of Africa's leading financial services providers, today celebrated a landmark agreement to mark the execution of a transformative financial package aimed at increasing funding for underserved segments, across South Africa and the continent. The target audience includes women-owned businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In addition to enhancing Absa's regulatory capital, the facility will promote access to finance, deepen domestic capital markets, and ensure continued access to global supply chains for issuing banks in regional member countries, including low-income and fragile states.
The financial package includes:
- A subordinated sustainability-linked (Tier 2) loan amounting to R1.7 billion, complemented by a non-financial support package of R18 million for capacity building and technical assistance targeted at SMEs, youth, and women-owned enterprises.
- Subscription of R1 billion into Absa's inaugural social (Tier 2) bond issuance, with proceeds earmarked for providing affordable housing loans to female homeowners.
- A trade finance Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) facility valued at $150 million, designed to underwrite the risks of trade transactions originated by African issuing banks, reinforcing Absa's role as a regional bank.
Several components of the package have already been executed, including the successful issuance of Absa's first Tier 2 social bond on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in July 2024. The R1 billion proceeds from this bond will be allocated towards affordable housing loans specifically targeting women, empowering them as first-time homeowners in low-income segments.
Leila Mokaddem, Director General of the African Development Bank's Southern Africa Region, stated: “This partnership with Absa Group underscores our commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Africa. Through this financial package, we are not only fortifying Absa's capital base but also ensuring that essential funding reaches women, youth, and entrepreneurs, fostering a more equitable and prosperous continent. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our strategic priorities of supporting Africa's industrialization and enhancing the quality of life for its people. “
Absa has secured a R1.7 billion sustainability-linked Tier 2 loan aimed at general corporate business purposes while incentivizing the extension of finance products to women-owned SMEs as a key performance indicator. As part of this agreement, Absa is collaborating with the African Development Bank to enhance skills among both Absa staff and women business owners. A capacity-building training program has been launched to address the unique challenges faced by female and youth entrepreneurs, by providing mentorship and financial solutions.
Charles Russon, Absa Group interim CEO designate remarked: “The finalisation of this package concludes a three-year process that significantly enhances our capacity to fund social initiatives aligned with our commitment to being a force for good. This partnership enables us to increase funding for women and youth in South Africa while facilitating greater trade opportunities across the continent. “
“This partnership aligns with the African Development Bank's strategic objectives of advancing green, social, and sustainability instruments in the domestic capital markets, supporting African capital market development and regional financial integration,” said Ahmed Attout, Director of the Financial Sector Development Department at the African Development Bank. He emphasised that it is designed to empower Absa to effectively disburse funds for highly impactful social and sustainable economic development initiatives.
The $150 million trade finance facility will drive trade support across Africa, addressing the continent's annual trade finance gap of over $100 billion. This initiative will enhance access to financing for key sectors such as agriculture, transport, and manufacturing, while fostering financial sector development and regional integration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
African Development Bank:
Natalie Naudé,
Communication and External Relations Department,
email: media@afdb.org
Technical Contacts:
Peter Onyango,
Chief Capital Markets Officer,
Financial Sector Development Department,
Bleming Nakati,
Regional Lead,
Private Sector Operations, Southern Africa
Absa:
Carli Cooke,
Head of Media Relations,
email : prmedia@absa.afrca
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
About Absa Group:
Absa Group Limited (‘Absa Group') is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa's largest diversified financial services groups. Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.
Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. Absa also has offices in China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic.
For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.Absa.africa.
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, begun in 2014, is the flagship program of President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. In 2016, the Fellowship provided nearly 1,000 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. higher education institution with support for professional development after they return home.
Ideal candidates are self-identified leaders, aged 25 to 35, with proven accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries.
U.S.-based Activities
Academic and Leadership Institutes: Each Mandela Washington Fellow takes part in a six- week academic and leadership institute at a U.S. university or college in one of three tracks: business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, or public management.
Summit: Following the academic component of the Fellowship, the Fellows visit Washington, D.C. for a summit. During the three-day event, Fellows take part in networking and panel discussions with U.S. leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Professional Development Experience: Selected Fellows remain in the U.S. to participate in a six-week professional development experience with U.S. non-governmental organizations, private companies, and governmental agencies related to their professional interests and goals.
Africa-based Activities
Upon returning to their home countries, Fellows continue to build the skills they have developed during their time in the United States through support from U.S. embassies, Regional Leadership Centers, the YALI Network, and customized programming from affiliated partners. Mandela Washington Fellows have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, mentoring, networking and training, and seed funding to support their ideas, businesses, and organizations.
Application Information
The application includes basic information and questions about the applicant's professional and academic experience, including educational background; honors and awards received; extracurricular and volunteer activities; and English language proficiency. A résumé is also requested (with dated educational and professional background), and personal information (name, address, phone, email, country of citizenship). Additional elements, such as letters of recommendation or university transcripts, are OPTIONAL and may supplement your application.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet the following criteria:
- Are between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants ages 21-24 will be considered;
- Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States;
- Are eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa;
- Are not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, and other U.S. Government entities);
- Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (applicants who are deaf should refer to the English Language instructions on the Resources page);
- Are citizens of one of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe;
- Are residents of one of the above countries; and
- Are not Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Please note that Fellows are not allowed to have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship. The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify all information included in the application. In the event of a discrepancy, or if information is found to be false, the application will immediately be declared invalid and the applicant ineligible.
Selection Process
The Mandela Washington Fellowship selection process is a merit-based open competition. After the deadline, all eligible applications will be reviewed by independent readers. Following this review, chosen semi-finalists will be interviewed by the U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries. Selected semi-finalists will be required to participate in these in-person interviews in their home country within Africa. If advanced to the semi-finalist round, applicants must provide a copy of their international passport (if available) or other government-issued photo identification at the time of the interview. Selected Finalists are required to attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation in their home country within Africa. The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):
- A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business or entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and/or public/government service;
- A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
- The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others;
- Strong social and communication skills;
- An energetic, positive, and flexible attitude;
- A demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/Fellowship track and concrete goals for applying lessons knowledge and skills gained from the Fellowship to current and/or future work; and
- A commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills and talents to build and serve their communities.
Learn More
Application Resources
Got questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions about the Fellowship application to learn answers to common queries.
Check out our Resources page to download and learn more about:
- Instructions for the Fellowship Application
- Information for Prospective Fellows with Disabilities
- Information for Prospective Fellows Who Are or May Become Pregnant
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Namibia.
Sustainable Leadership Takes Centre Stage as Proudly South African and Southern Sun Honour Women Pioneers
In celebration of the great strides women have made in business, Proudly South African and Southern Sun have joined forces to recognise the sustainability of women’s leadership amongst thought leaders, ceiling breakers, and business leaders in the country. The Women’s Month celebration was hosted at 54 on Bath on Friday, 30 August 2024. Leanne Manas …
The Future of African Hospitality
Africa's tourism sector is poised for an exciting ascent, and it has the potential to soar if it is propelled by visionary strategies and robust investments that harness the continent's unparalleled tourist allure.
Amid the unprecedented changes of recent years, Africa's tourist appeal is greater than ever. With the right steps, it can offer more top destinations for today's tourists. The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is a pivotal platform for Africa's hospitality industry that is legendary for its dealmaking, networking, and unique insights. It takes place on 19 September 2024 at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town on the first day of the highly anticipated two-day API Summit.
This year's API Summit is themed “Impact”, and industry leaders speaking at the API Hospitality and Residences Forum highlight the key to unlocking the full potential of Africa's tourism sector to foster sustainable growth and enhance the continent's appeal to both travellers and investors includes focused investments, strategic partnerships and robust public sector involvement. The API Hospitality & Residence Forum sets the stage to catalyse and nurture these outcomes.
Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, will be among the distinguished speakers. "The pandemic had several profound effects on the tourism sector," Haddad reflects. "One of the most noticeable impacts has been the increased desire among travellers for domestic or regional trips, as well as nature-based or less crowded destinations. Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from these trends.”
Citing the latest Chain Development Pipeline report by W Hospitality, Haddad notes a 20% growth in the number of hotel rooms in Africa since 2020, reaching a total of 92,134 rooms. “This growth indicates that the supply is expanding across the continent to meet the rising demand. We are also witnessing an increase in the quality and branded hotel supply in resort destinations such as Zanzibar and national parks like Serengeti and Mara. The global demand for nature and experiential experiences presents a significant opportunity for Africa, which has much to offer in this regard."
Haddad continues, "Investing in and fostering partnerships within the tourism sector is not just beneficial but essential for unlocking its full potential in Africa.”
Such efforts can lead to comprehensive economic development, job creation, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth. He emphasises that governments, private sector players, and international organisations all have crucial roles in facilitating these investments and partnerships to ensure the tourism sector thrives and significantly contributes to the continent's development.
Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Trappler, Senior Director – Development Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), who will also speak at the event, outlines RHG's strategic plans in the post-COVID landscape. "RHG plans to capitalise on growth opportunities in key value nodes such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar, and leisure offerings in the coastal and safari segments across Southern and Eastern Africa. Within these nodes lies the opportunity to increase RHG branded supply to meet the obvious growing demand.”
Trappler highlights RHG's eagerness to expand its footprint in Cape Town's 5-star and luxury segments, which have consistently performed above the market average despite higher rates. In Victoria Falls, RHG aims to replicate the success of its Zambezi River's Zambia side, planning to introduce the upscale Radisson brand to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
"We are actively seeking partners to bring our Radisson, Radisson Blu, or Radisson Collection brands to Zanzibar, given RHG's significant presence in Eastern Europe, the largest source market for Zanzibar," Trappler adds.
Since opening its new Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, RHG has set its sights on replicating the same model within Southern and Eastern Africa, capturing both the foreign market and the regional market, which prefers short travel distances for tourism needs.
“The group is developing resort offerings in various safari and coastal locations, including Masai Mara, Serengeti, the Kenyan coast, Seychelles, Mauritius and the wildlife territories in Namibia and Botswana."
Trappler underscores the critical role of investment and public sector involvement. "The contribution of tourism to GDP is evident across the region. National and local governments need to increase their awareness of the sector's potential contribution to GDP. In South Africa, where RHG aims to double its portfolio, we need to see more active interest and contributions from the public sector towards developing hotels and hospitality infrastructure."
He stresses the need for public sector initiatives driving growth in this sector, particularly in South Africa, where the sector is strong but could be a much larger contributor to GDP and employment creation.
The API Hospitality & Residences Forum is a unique pan-African event that brings hospitality-focused leaders and investors together with Africa's leading real estate community. Sponsored by industry giants like Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, HTI Consulting, JLL, and Tui Blu, the forum offers an unparalleled platform for doing business in African hospitality.
With over 500 leaders expected to attend the summit, including more than 250 hospitality delegates, in excess of 75 hotel brands, operators and owners, and 35 speakers, the API Hospitality & Residences Forum is the premier gathering of Africa's leading hospitality professions and consultants.
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Scaling up Financing Is Key to Accelerating Africa’s Structural Transformation
By Adamon Mukasa and Anthony Simpasa, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org).
Document 1: http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM
Document 2: http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm
Document 3: http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk
Document 4: http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q
Document 5: http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y
Document 6: http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0
Document 7: http://apo-opa.co/47361TE
Document 8: http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t
The calls for structural economic transformation in Africa date back to the 1960s when newly independent nations aimed to eliminate poverty through economic diversification, sustained growth, and job creation. This agenda persists today, as Africa continues to face significant developmental challenges.
Pursuing post-independence economic agendas was particularly important because, behind the euphoria (http://apo-opa.co/4dZMCVX) of independence, laid significant developmental challenges in several African countries: unskilled labor force, political and institutional fragilities, poor health conditions, rapid population growth, wide income disparities, and the legacy of colonialism and exclusion from the modern world. The establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM) in 1963 and the African Development Bank (http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm) a year later aimed to tackle these other challenges in a more coordinated and impactful manner. The African Union (http://apo-opa.co/475z3Sz), successor of the OAU, developed Agenda 2063 (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EQMu) in 2013 as a blueprint for turning Africa into the global growth pole and powerhouse of the future.
Africa's Economic Development Paradox
More than sixty years after independence (http://apo-opa.co/3AzLutK), Africa's structural transformation – the shift of workers from lower to higher productivity employment and intra-sectoral productivity growth (http://apo-opa.co/4dQj0KK) – has not progressed as quickly as hoped. Both policymakers and analysts within and outside the continent are genuinely concerned that achieving structural transformation could remain a mirage for many African countries in the absence of bold structural reforms and financing to support implementation of these policies. Why being so pessimistic? Because historical facts tend to support their pessimism. The African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4g2RATW) report, released in May by the African Development Bank, reveals that Africa's transformation has been slow and uneven. In countries showing signs of transformation, the process has been characterized by low industrialization and predominantly by employment in low-skill, low-productivity services. The agriculture sector, employing 42% of Africa's workforce, is 60% less productive than the economy-wide average. Consequently, many workers remain trapped in low-productivity, low-wage jobs, unable to escape poverty.
As a result, Africa was the only region of the world where the average real GDP per capita contracted in the 1980s and 1990s, the so-called lost decades (http://apo-opa.co/4fYqm0D).
Africa is off-track in achieving almost all SDG targets by 2030, consistently showing the lowest SDG performance globally since the 2000s (Figure 1). Without intervention, it is predicted that by 2030, nearly 9 out of 10 of the world's extremely poor will be in Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4e2weEn) and under current conditions[1], it could take African countries over a century on average to reach high-income status.
[1] This scenario assumes that real GDP per capita of each African country will grow according to its post-COVID-19 (2022–25) average growth rate as computed by the African Development Bank's Statistics Department.
But Africa is a very large, diverse, heterogeneous, region. Some countries have, over the past four decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced episodes of growth accelerations, growth spikes and failed take-offs (http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk). Cases of consistent good performance include Botswana, Seychelles, and Mauritius, routinely ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing economies globally. African countries have indeed exhibited remarkable resilience amid confounding shocks, and in 2024, 10 countries[1] in Africa are projected to be among the world's top 20 fastest-growing economies, sustaining the trend observed during the past four decades pre-COVID-19.
Importantly, over the past quarter century, thanks to strong economic reforms and macroeconomic stability, enhanced governance, relative peace and improved political environment and, public investments in soft and hard infrastructure, some African countries[2] have managed to transform their economies and recorded economic growth rates above the global average.
The role of finance in fast-tracking Africa's structural transformation
Many factors, both internal and external, could explain the relatively slow progress in structurally transforming African economies. Among them: over-reliance on commodity-led growth (http://apo-opa.co/4fZJTxI), inadequate infrastructure (http://apo-opa.co/4dV5DZE); insufficient pool of skilled workers (http://apo-opa.co/4g49x4g) and low access to affordable finance (http://apo-opa.co/47361D8); weak institutional governance (http://apo-opa.co/4e0O5LG), recurrent conflicts (http://apo-opa.co/4g49rtq), effects of climate change (http://apo-opa.co/3ABuuTU), tightening of global financial conditions (http://apo-opa.co/4fZSFvC) and rising debt vulnerabilities (http://apo-opa.co/4724oWk).
While all these factors are equally important and call for urgent actions from policymakers, financing Africa's transformation (http://apo-opa.co/4fTo1Uy) is a multi-layered overarching challenge that demands special attention and a pragmatic approach to move from billions to trillions. The cost of achieving the SDGs by 2030 in Africa is estimated at about $1.3 trillion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q) annually, equivalent to 42% of Africa's 2023 GDP. Infrastructure needs alone are estimated by the African Development Bank at $181-$221 billion per year over 2023-2030. The climate finance gap is approximately $213.4 billion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsiTo) annually through 2030.
Insufficient domestic resources (http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y), compounded by the failure of the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/471zU6K) to mobilize and at scale, affordable finance for sustainable development (http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0), have led many African countries to resort to commercial borrowing on unfavorable terms. This has resulted in increased debt vulnerabilities. Africa's Public and Publicly Guaranteed external debt has nearly tripled since 2010, reaching $656 billion in 2022, accounting for 22.4% of the continent's GDP and exceeding Africa's public revenue-to-GDP ratio of 20.4%. In 2024, African countries are expected to spend around $74 billion on debt service, up from $17 billion in 2010. Out of the projected debt service, $40 billion is owed to private creditors.
Even more concerning, debt service payments now account for about 11% of the continent's total revenues. High debt service is diverting resources from crucial investments in infrastructure, education, and health – all critical for economic transformation and long-term growth. As of April 2024, 20 African countries[3] (http://apo-opa.co/47361TE) were either in external debt distress or at high risk of external debt distress.
The AEO 2024 report estimates that to accelerate Africa's structural transformation, the continent needs to close an annual financing gap of $402.2 billion (about 13.7% of its projected 2024 GDP) by 2030. Figure 2 shows that transport[4] infrastructure accounts for the largest share of the gap (72.9%), followed by education (10.4%), energy (9.9%), and productivity-enhancing technologies (6.8%). These figures reflect decades of underinvestment in critical areas for development.
The level of financing gap in transport infrastructure reflects the continent's shortfall explained by decades of public underinvestment to upgrade existing road infrastructure or open new roadways, to match the growing population and economic dynamism across the continent. For instance, Africa's median road density is about 12 km per 100 km2, compared with 42.5 km in high-performing developing countries and 136 km in high-income countries. Only about 27% of African roads are paved, far behind the rest of the world (about 49%) and other developing countries (35.4%).
[1] Niger, Senegal, Libya, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Benin, Djibouti, Gambia, and Uganda
[2] Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, eSwatini, Lesotho, Libya, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, and Tunisia
[3] Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
[4] Proxied by roads as road transport is the most frequently used means of transporting goods and people across the continent, carrying at least 80 percent of goods and 90 percent of passengers.
On education, vital for equipping the current and future workforce with the required skillset for structural transformation, African countries' median SDG index score was only 51.5 (out of a maximum of 100) in 2022, while other low-income developing countries reached a median score of 87. In addition, according to World Bank's World Development Indicators (http://apo-opa.co/3AGXw4N), African governments currently spend on average $312 annually per student in primary education, $473 on secondary education, and $2,227 on tertiary education, or about, respectively, 3, 2.3, and 1.1 times lower than high-performing developing countries on SDG 4. On energy, Africa's median SDG 7 index score was 38.8 in 2022, suggesting that a typical African country was 61.2% further away from achieving the best possible outcome on SDG 7 targets. Despite its vast energy potential, electric power consumption per capita in Africa is still the lowest in the world, estimated at 638.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2021, versus 2,056 kWh in other developing countries. Due to poor energy infrastructure, over 600 million Africans have no access to electricity http://apo-opa.co/46YZuJT and this is despite progress in recent years[1]. On productivity-enhancing technology and innovation, the continent lags other regions too. This impedes its ability to either innovate and introduce new products, technologies, and/or services that could support its structural transformation. African countries' average Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) represents about 0.4% of their GDP (against about 1% in the rest of the world) and they spend on average $10.7 per capita on GERD (compared to $403.2 per capita in other regions of the world). Furthermore, the continent displays the lowest concentration of researchers in R&D, with an average of 221 researchers per million people, against 742 researchers in other developing countries.
The financing gap varies significantly across countries. The cross-country heterogeneity is mainly explained by differences in current SDG performance related to structural transformation as well as differences in demographics (current and projected population size and composition, land size, and the like) and socioeconomic characteristics (current and projected GDP per capita, and spending on education, infrastructure, and so on). As shown in Figure 3, the estimated annual financing gap represents at least 10 % of 2024's projected GDP in 36 African countries, and in nine of these, at least 50 % of GDP. For such countries, closing the financing gap by 2030 is, therefore, realistically impossible.
[1] For instance, the average share of people with access to electricity increased from about 38 percent in 2000 to about 59 percent in 2022. In 28 African countries, the percent of people with access to electricity has more than doubled between 2000 and 2022, out of which it has increased at least fivefold in 8 countries (Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda).
Note: COG: Congo; CPV: Cabo Verde; GHA: Ghana; CIV: Cote d'Ivoire; GAB: Gabon; GNQ: Equatorial Guinea; MUS: Mauritius; SYC: Seychelles; ZAF: South Africa. Source: Authors' computation based on the African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 database
A more realistic approach would be to allow for a gradual but steady transformation process over a longer period, aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063. This would enable countries to mobilize more resources domestically and externally, without jeopardizing debt sustainability.
What next?
Scaling up finance to accelerate Africa's structural transformation should be a key priority for policymakers. While implementing structural reforms is crucial for sustainable growth, success depends on the availability, timeliness, and scale of long-term development financing and enhancing spending efficiency. African countries should therefore, inter alia, focus on: i) scaling up investment to build requisite human capital suited to local realities, circumstances, and development priorities; ii) boosting domestic resource mobilization and improving efficiency of public finance management; iii) creating targeted and streamlined incentives to attract private capital for key transformation sectors; and iv) launching ambitious national infrastructure programs with assured positive returns to attract affordable financing.
The international community should reform the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t) to facilitate African countries' access to long-term, concessional development financing at scale, complementing domestic resources.
By addressing these financing challenges and implementing targeted reforms, Africa can accelerate its structural transformation and move closer to achieving its development goals as espouses in Agenda 2063.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
The RMB Where to Invest in Africa 2024 report highlights Africa’s top investment economies
RMB (www.RMB.com) has released the highly anticipated 2024 edition of its Where to Invest in Africa report, a comprehensive analysis of the top investment destinations on the continent. The report, which has been developed in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), leverages a robust methodology that has been updated to reflect new data sources, taking into account a variety of factors that have been proven to determine a country's progress and therefore its investment potential.
“Africa is not a country, but a vast, diverse and complex continent with different cultures, economies and investment potential. Our report therefore is not a definitive guide, but rather it is designed to provide insight to uncover the underlying drivers of a country's performance that inform its ranking. This offers invaluable insights for investors, policymakers, and business leaders looking to navigate Africa's dynamic economic landscape,” says Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at RMB.
Expanded data, extended granularity
Investment decisions need to be viewed through both an economic performance lens and an operating environment lens. As a result, the methodology used for this edition of the Where to Invest in Africa report builds and expands on previous editions, taking into account new data sets as well as changing geopolitical and macroeconomic climates.
The scorecard for the 2024 issue highlights 31 countries that collectively represent 92% of the continent's economic activity (measured by GDP), and more than one billion people (three quarters of the continent's population). It draws on publicly available data sets from global institutions, including the World Bank, the IMF, the African Development Bank, the United Nations, and the International Labour Organisation.
The model is constructed from 20 metrics across four measurement pillars: economic performance and potential; market accessibility and innovation; economic stability and investment climate; and social and human development. Each metric is weighted, which translates into a weight for each pillar, and based on these metrics a standardised scorecard is produced, with rankings that enable effective comparison across Africa's complex and heterogeneous environment.
Africa's top five investment destinations
Combining these elements results in a ranking across the 31 countries measured. The results of the report show that the two small island economies of Seychelles and Mauritius rank first and second as the most attractive investment destinations on the continent, while the significantly larger economies of Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco rank in third, fourth and fifth places respectively.
Seychelles leads the rankings thanks to high levels of personal freedom, human development, and a stable economic environment. Seychelles offers a unique and attractive investment climate. Despite scoring lower on economic size and potential, Mauritius is known for innovation, economic freedom, and high GDP per capita. It continues to be a top destination for investors seeking stability and growth opportunities in a well-regulated environment.
Egypt represents Africa's largest economy by GDP (2023), offering a substantial market with diverse opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services. Its strategic location and economic complexity further enhance its attractiveness. Despite facing significant challenges, South Africa remains a crucial hub for investment in Africa. Its robust financial sector, diverse economy, and potential for infrastructure development make it a key player. Finally, Morocco's strong performance in connectedness, innovation, and economic stability positions it as a top investment destination. Its strategic proximity to European markets adds to its appeal.
Distilling diversity – investment archetypes explained
Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, and no two markets are the same, which means there is no such thing as a universal success story. However, when we zoom out and view nations through the lenses of size and the relevant investability score, it becomes apparent that they fall into distinct groupings with shared traits. The 2024 edition of Where to Invest in Africa suggests five potential investment archetypes based on shared characteristics revealed through the four measurement pillars.
‘Highflyers' represent the large, well-established economies that offer stability and a range of investment opportunities, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. Those ‘Cleared for Take-off' are countries with high economic growth and innovation potential thanks to factors like a young population and abundant resources, including Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. ‘People Potential' are markets with a young and growing demographic, creating a sizeable consumer base and a future workforce, such as Kenya, DRC and Uganda. ‘Global Connectors' are more advanced economies with a strong international presence, such as Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia and Seychelles. ‘Low-Base Boomers' are smaller markets with high potential for explosive growth but a corresponding higher degree of risk, including Rwanda, Mozambique, and Benin.
Additional insights unpacked
The report also highlights a number of trends across the various markets, and the role of innovation and economic complexity in driving growth is a central theme. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana are noted for their strides in technological innovation and diversification of their economic bases, making them attractive destinations for investment.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) holds significant potential for boosting intra-African trade, enhancing economic integration, and creating a more competitive continental market. Effective implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to drive economic growth and development across the continent. Africa's young and rapidly growing population also presents a unique opportunity for economic growth, with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda poised to benefit from this demographic dividend, provided they can create sufficient employment opportunities and foster a conducive environment for economic participation.
In addition, there are a number of emerging markets with significant growth potential, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and infrastructural deficits, these countries offer substantial opportunities due to their large and youthful populations, improving business climates, and diversification efforts. Africa's vast natural resources, including minerals and arable land, are pivotal for sustainable economic growth. However, the report cautions against the "resource curse" and underscores the importance of good governance and strategic management. Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are highlighted for their rich resources and potential for sustainable development.
One area that requires critical attention across the continent is the need for infrastructure investment. Improved transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure are essential for unlocking Africa's economic potential, and South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are identified as key markets where infrastructure development could yield significant returns.
Beyond the rankings – a deeper look at African investment
Looking beyond metrics and scorecards, Africa holds massive potential but equally faces numerous challenges. The continent is rich in natural resources, which can be a major driver of economic growth, but they also present challenges in the form of corruption and environmental degradation. Increased activity around trade agreements can open new markets for foreign investors and boost economic activity, but lack of adequate infrastructure is a major hurdle for many African economies. Investment in this space will improve connectivity and create new opportunities, while rapid and increasing urbanisation will prove attractive to investors in consumer goods, retail, and financial services. Finally, countries in Africa are embracing new technologies, leapfrogging traditional development stages and creating new investment opportunities in the tech sector.
“The richness of Africa's diversity makes fully analysing its nuance and contrast a challenging task, but an important one when it comes to understanding the varied markets that make up this vast regional economy. The 2024 RMB Where to Invest in Africa report aims to develop a balanced, robust and actionable view of the drivers, challenges and opportunities that characterise each of the 31 African markets included in the analysis,” Mhlanga concludes.
Download the full report here to uncover the insights and drive more informed investment decisions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.
World Bank Group Executive Directors note progress and re-affirm support to South Africa and Namibia
A delegation of the World Bank Group's (WBG) Board of Executive Directors (EDs) noted South Africa's and Namibia's progress in achieving their development goals and re-affirmed World Bank Group's commitment to providing support. The 11 EDs and Alternate EDs were hosted by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) country offices during their recent visit on July 7-13.
The visit provided a platform to assess progress with projects and engage on the evolution of the World Bank Group's relationship with the countries, from a knowledge-focused to a broader knowledge and financing partnership. EDs met government and business leaders, local stakeholders, and project beneficiaries, and experienced first-hand how the countries manage development priorities and challenges. South Africa and Namibia have common challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Throughout the visit, the delegation discussed the ongoing and future support from the World Bank Group to boost inclusive economic growth and job creation.
In South Africa, over the past three years the country has shifted from being a non-borrowing client to borrowing over $1 billion per year from the World Bank. South Africa also constitutes the largest IFC portfolio in Africa and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency's (MIGA) second largest on the continent.
In Namibia, the World Bank Group is preparing a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the government that will strategically guide its support as the engagement continues to grow. The World Bank recently approved a $138.5 million renewable energy and transmission loan to NamPower, after 15 years without borrowing.
Key highlights of the visit included:
- In South Africa, the delegation met with the Minister of Finance Honorable Enoch Godongwana, and the Minister of Electricity and Energy Honorable Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. EDs visited two IFC clients and two World Bank projects which showcased support for key government priorities and demonstrated how these projects link to global issues and corporate initiatives such as the just energy transition, health, urban development, and subnational government engagement. The delegation toured and engaged with stakeholders at the Komati power station – the site of the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project; the Addo Elephant Park that houses the innovative Wildlife Conservation Bond; and the IFC-supported Trust for Urban Housing Finance and BioVac Institute that manufactures vaccines locally.
- In Namibia, the delegation met with Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Honorable Ipumbu Shiimi and key stakeholders, including development partners and the private sector. The delegation visited informal settlements near Windhoek to gain insights on housing related issues, a sector where IFC is investing and which the government has identified as a priority for World Bank Group engagement.
Matteo Bugamelli, the World Bank's Executive Director who represents the constituency of countries including Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste, expressed optimism about the countries' progress. He emphasized the World Bank Group's commitment to helping South Africa and Namibia address unemployment and inequality challenges. He particularly welcomed the increased financing to support the implementation of much needed reforms.
About the World Bank Group's Board of Directors: The Board of Executive Directors is responsible for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank, making decisions on loans, credits, grants, policies, and financial matters. The Board consists of 25 members who represent the 189 member countries, providing guidance for the institution's development activities.
Visiting Board Officials: The delegation included Mr. Abdulaziz E A Almulla (Executive Director for Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Republic of Yemen); Mr. Matteo Bugamelli (Executive Director for Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste); Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo (Executive Director Angola, Nigeria, South Africa); Mr. Floribert Ngaruko (Executive Director for Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe); Ms. Katharine Rechico (Executive Director for Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Vincent & the Grenadines); and Mr. Tauqir Shah (Executive Director for Afghanistan, Algeria, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia.
Visiting Alternate Executive Directors: Mr. Louis Albisson (Alternate Executive Director for France); Mr. Felice Gorordo (Alternate Executive Director for the United States), Mr. Koji Uemura (Alternate Executive Director for Japan); Ms. Kerstin Sumana Wijeyewardene (Alternate Executive Director for Asia and the Pacific Constituency) and Mr. Weifeng Yang (Alternate Executive Director for China).
Included in the delegation was Ms. Mercy Tembon, World Bank Vice President and Corporate Secretary.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
Exciting New Leadership Appointed at Minor Hotels in Zambia and Mozambique
New Hotel Managers and Executive Chef set to enhance guest experience Africa, June 2024: Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional new Hotel …
Hammarsdale based Mathe Group & Van Dyck damps down the sound in London gyms
The sound of a heavy barbell hitting the ground or a kettlebell or medicine ball slamming onto a floor, the thump in a gym and bodyweight training and the drone of dance tracks and screeching trainers during fitness and spinning classes have created a whole new class of noise pollution. Add vibrations from equipment and …
African Ministers Discuss Infrastructure Cooperation at Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA) Leaders Meeting
South African and regional ministers convened to pinpoint key infrastructure priorities both within South Africa and across the continent during a Leaders Meeting at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA) 2024 on March 18 in Cape Town.
The discussion, which was led by South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, underscored the importance of project preparation, engagement from both the public and private sectors, maintenance and the implementation of sustainable facilitation methods as crucial elements in fostering investment and promoting regional harmonization within the infrastructure sector.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit www.SIDSSA.org.za..
“The purpose of this forum is to identify areas of priority on infrastructure and ensure that we integrate efforts to implement those projects,” Minister Zikalala stated.
The establishment of Infrastructure South Africa aims to serve as a point of entry for infrastructure planning in the country. The organization is a one-stop shop that catalyzes the country's infrastructure target set out in South Africa's National Development Plan, providing best practices in project preparation, planning and technical and financial support for projects.
“We have been established as a bespoke infrastructure development agency in the country,” stated Infrastructure South Africa Head Mameetse Masemola, adding, “We deal with matters around private sector-led infrastructure projects, which require authorizations, permits, licenses and normal bureaucracy around getting projects to be implemented. We unlock these restrictions.”
Meanwhile, it was noted that cross-border collaboration between countries in Africa is a requisite to creating the conditions conducive for the private sector to participate in the continent's infrastructure development. A number of MoUs between South Africa and its neighboring countries – including Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe – have served to promote regional integration in the infrastructure sector.
“Our main role for the continent is to ensure that we invest in critical infrastructure so that we put in the building blocks that ensure that our nations prosper and that we grow together,” stated South Africa's Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille.
A number of efforts introduced by South Africa's Department of Transport have worked to facilitate the ease of movement from the country's ports and air space. By liberalizing the continent's air space and maritime territories, Africa will be able to harmonize the implementation of favorable regulatory frameworks that promote integration.
“We have introduced a number of efforts in trying to bring about this harmonization between our countries,” stated South Africa's Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, adding, “For instance, in South Africa, we have introduced Cross Easy, which ensures that when a truck arrives at a port, it is already processed and reduces its travel time.”
The participation of the Premiers of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces showcased how South Africa can further integrate the country's infrastructure systems. It was noted during the discussion that South Africa's economy relies on the efficiencies of its ports, rail network and aviation network and that it is imperative for the rest of the continent to benefit from the modernization of the country's infrastructure industry.
“We share borders with countries such as Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, amongst others, and this puts us in a strategic position in terms of ensuring our infrastructure planning and the integration of our infrastructure maximizes the potential of the African continent in terms of moving goods,” stated KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
International ministers from Liberia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Seychelles and Equatorial Guinea also participated in the Leaders Meeting, making a case for investment in their respective countries' infrastructure space.
“We have come to share with you, to learn with you and to communicate with you. We find that rapid technological advancement is significant and cannot be overstated,” stated Liberia's Minister of Ports and Telecommunications Sekou M. Kromah, adding, “As we experience the competitiveness of the digital age, it is imperative that our digital infrastructure is able to meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape.”
“The heads of infrastructure departments must always gather to discuss and help other countries that haven't been developed yet,” concluded Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Public Works, Housing and Town Planning, Don Pascual Ondo Nze Oyana.
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2024 Dubai™: Watch every games live on FIFA+
FIFA+ (www.FIFA.com) will stream all UAE 2024 Dubai games; Tournament takes place from 15-25 February; Find out how you can follow the action live.
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™ kicks off on Thursday 15 February – and the tournament is being streamed live on FIFA+!
Takuya Akaguma, Catarino, Chiky, Edson Hulk, Marco Giordani, the Martins twins, Raoul Mendy, Moslem Mesigar, Walid Mohammad, Ozu Moreira, Lucas Ponzetti, Rodrigo and Heimanu Taiaru are among the stars who are looking to light up the tournament, with this year's edition again set to showcase the very best that the discipline has to offer.
Click here to access FIFA+ (https://apo-opa.co/496Sef7)
All matches will be available on FIFA+ web, the FIFA+ app and connected TV devices. Full details of the territories where FIFA+ live streams and full match replays are accessible can be found below. Two-minute highlights on all matches will also be available.
Territories with FIFA+ live streaming access
Africa
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Congo-Kinshasa, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Americas and the Caribbean
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire Sint Eustatius and Saba, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands.
Asia
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China PR, Hong Kong, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Macau, Mongolia, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam.
Central and South America
Brazil
Europe
Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Oceania
American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribat, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
Click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Sy1CRK) to visit the FIFA match centre and find out where you can watch the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™ in your location.
* Territories' live streaming access is subject to change
A full match schedule can be downloaded here (https://apo-opa.co/3UMG3jr).
Tournament tickets are available via https://apo-opa.co/3wk8D1n to purchase.
Visa, Worldwide Partner of FIFA, is the preferred payment method for fans buying tickets for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
Strengthening Macro-fiscal and Budgeting Functions in Southern Africa
Being a budget director, or the head of a macro-fiscal unit (MFU) of a ministry of finance, is a demanding job. So, it was an impressive combination of logistical ingenuity and good timing that brought together heads of budget and macro-fiscal functions from 11 Southern African countries for a regional workshop on ‘Strengthening the macro-fiscal function in ministries of finance'. The event was organized by the IMF's Regional Technical Assistance Center for Southern Africa (AFRITAC South). The countries participating were Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The objective of the workshop was to equip these senior officials with strategies for effectively managing macro-fiscal functions and integrating these strategies with the budgeting process. It aimed to build networks, share experiences, and identify good practices. Topics discussed included macro-fiscal forecasting and analysis, medium-term fiscal frameworks (MTFFs), efficient organizational arrangements that improve decision-making within finance ministries, nurturing effective working relationships with other stakeholders, and building teams of motivated and capable technical staff.
Whilst each of the 11 countries faces its own unique set of challenges, some common themes emerged:
- The need to strengthen the analysis and publication of information on fiscal risks.
- Countries' fiscal objectives are often considered either ineffective, unclear, or entirely missing.
- Several of the countries are seeking to improve the quality of their MTFFs and, generally, introduce a more strategic approach to fiscal policy-making and annual budgeting.
- Coordination within the finance ministry and with other ministries (including a planning ministry in some cases) is often difficult.
- Staff training and high turnover rates are frequently a cause of concern.
- Whilst many countries can generate good quality policy analysis and advice, communicating that advice to politicians and top management and influencing decisions can be a challenge.
On staff training, the most cited skills gaps relate to problem solving, quantitative analysis and report writing. A few participants shared positive experiences about partnering with local universities to help build skills, making use of free online training for staff and promoting staff development programs as a non-monetary incentive to retain them. The use of training needs questionnaires and staff training plans was also encouraged. Many countries included the need for more formalized staff training plans and including managerial and soft skills development in those plans.
High levels of staff turnover are a concern for many countries. Coping mechanisms include documenting processes and encouraging ‘twinning' arrangements to minimize situations where only one staff member understands a model or technical process that underlies macroeconomic forecasting and fiscal analysis. Specific induction training and mentoring processes can be useful. An alternative to writing lengthy user manuals (for which there is rarely the time) is to ask staff to record “how to” videos that describe how a forecasting model or other technical process works. These videos can be stored on a private YouTube channel for new staff to watch.
To help improve macro-fiscal and budgeting functions, participants prepared plausible action plans and presented them on the final day of the workshop. Suggestions included:
- Establishing long-term fiscal frameworks to assess fiscal sustainability based on demographic changes.
- Introducing clearly defined and monitorable fiscal objectives and targets.
- Institutionalizing work on fiscal risks and scenario analysis.
- Using analytical tools to promote evidence-based macro-fiscal policy decision making.
- Creating Macro Working Groups to improve coordination and information sharing for preparing macro-fiscal forecasts.
Participants committed to maintaining the network with counterparts to continuously exchange knowledge and the sharing of experiences.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The rise of the mass affluent in Africa and how banks can best respond to their needs
By Margaret Soi, Head of Offshore Banking - Mass Affluent Offshore
The purchasing power of Africa's middle class is expected to grow significantly in the coming years: the continent's middle class is expected to spend US$2.1 trillion by 2025 and US$2.5 trillion by 2030, thus creating a further upward momentum in the demand for goods and services.
In sub-Saharan Africa alone (excluding South Africa), a 2018 estimate reported over 100 million middle-class individuals with a total purchasing power of over US$400 million per day – with financial services, especially around wealth management and investments, expected to receive a boost from the massive growth in disposable incomes.
Surprisingly then, Capgemini's 2022 wealth management executive survey found that only 27% of wealth management firms currently serve mass affluent clients, and only 36% firms are even exploring mass affluent services. No wonder then that banks believe that the mass affluent segment, representing those with investable assets more than US$50,000 and less than US$5m in wealth, is both undervalued, underinvested and underserved.
What does a typical mass affluent customer look like?
At the outset, it is important to note that this segment is financially and digitally savvy, is fee-sensitive, and likes to shop around for various options, not hesitating to spread their assets across providers. Apart from these generic characteristics that are true of the mass affluent in all parts of the world, Bank One's experience of sub-Saharan Africa's mass affluent segment shows us that a broad customer profile spans across any one or a combination of the following characteristics:
- An individual who has bought properties and secure, low-yield assets such as treasury bonds within their shores, but now wishes to diversify their investments across other jurisdictions;
- An individual who has children studying abroad or family living overseas and wishes to obtain a return on assets in such economies that offsets their expenses in the same jurisdictions;
- An individual at a C-suite or senior management level in a company in Africa – who could currently be in Mauritius but might find themselves looking at a next posting in Kenya or Nigeria - and needs an offshore account that can move with them;
- Such an individual could also be a business owner in a part of Africa that exports to different geographies across the region and is eying investments in those locations to offset expenses in these jurisdictions;
- An individual who works in jurisdictions like the DRC or Nigeria where there are constraints on movement of foreign currency and who would prefer to invest in a jurisdiction where foreign currency can move more freely.
Needless to say, an individual who identifies with the above descriptions and aspirations would be considering banks in jurisdictions that support offshore banking, be it Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong at a global level or a Mauritius and Seychelles at a regional level.
Why Bank One is in a prime position to serve the banking needs of the mass affluent?
While traditional banks in sub-Saharan Africa do see the promise of this emerging segment, they are simply not sure how to approach it. At Bank One, we have already crossed the first hurdle – that of definitively acknowledging that this segment exists in our region of operation – and have moved on to carving out a value proposition around their specific needs for banking services that Bank One is uniquely positioned to meet.
Indeed, Bank One considers itself to be in a prime position to deliver such services from our headquarters in Mauritius. We have rolled out our offerings for the mass affluent segment in the East African market since 2020 – taking advantage of the significant presence of our shareholders, I&M Holdings PLC and CIEL Group – and are currently targeting the Western and Southern African territories based on our acquired experience from East Africa. As the business grew, we decided to set up permanent resources in Kenya and Uganda alongside our seamless digital onboarding process, in adherence to the prevailing legal and regulatory requirements, which has endeared our solutions and made them more accessible to our clients.
We understand that we need to be proactive in serving the everchanging needs of mass affluent clients by providing banking solutions that resonate with their phase of life whilst helping them safeguard, invest and grow their assets.
With their rapid adoption of digital-first channels and self-service capabilities, this segment embarked on their first financial journey with FinTech firms that are thriving across the region. Hence, the mass affluent expect firms at a more mature stage of their financial planning, such as traditional banks, to offer personalised solutions and unique insights in order to see the value in such services. It is also evident that financial planning is of critical importance for this segment that also shows a keen response to incentives to bring about a holistic relationship – for example, offering better rates on mortgages if they maintain a certain threshold in assets under management with the same bank.
Finally, this segment values, above all, a consolidated and insightful view of their end-to-end financial situation, with technology touchpoints providing data-backed advice on how their assets should be managed. As a bank that wants to be successful in providing solutions and proactively managing clients in this market, these key considerations are cemented into our business strategy and ably executed by trusted advisors in the form of our dedicated relationship managers.
At a more holistic level, we recognize the importance of a customized approach to successfully provide banking and wealth products to mass affluent clients. Indeed, such value add could be as simple as helping them to understand how our offerings bring certain key benefits in their wake, which can help them achieve, and exceed, their financial goals – and acting as a partner in achieving their aspirations that are in turn fuelling the growth of the region at large.
As a self-described ‘From Africa, For Africa' banking institution, Bank One aims to unlock a world of opportunity for such upwardly mobile clients. For instance, our mass affluent clients are now able to access personalised offshore banking services – which was an offering previously available exclusively to HNWIs until recently. We have also proudly opened our doors to support such individuals in gaining access to global investment markets.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bank One Limited.
Amid rising corruption, most Africans say they risk retaliation if they speak up
A majority of Africans say that corruption in their country is rising, that their government is failing in its efforts to fight it, and that ordinary citizens risk retaliation if they report corruption to the authorities, Afrobarometer's (www.Afrobarometer.org) latest Pan-Africa Profile (https://apo-opa.co/41k8N4i) reveals.
Download document (1): https://apo-opa.co/3NmOey6
Download document (2): https://apo-opa.co/3RDm193
Released ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day (9 December), the Afrobarometer report is based on nationally representative surveys in 39 African countries.
Findings show that among key public institutions, the police are most widely perceived as corrupt. In substantial numbers, citizens report having to pay bribes to obtain police assistance or avoid problems with the police, as well as to get government documents and services at health facilities and schools.
Citizens' assessments vary widely across countries, with Gabon, South Africa, Nigeria, Liberia, and Uganda among the worst-performing countries when it comes to perceived corruption in key public institutions, while Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Tanzania, and Mauritius turn in the best performances.
Key findings
- On average across 39 countries, a majority (58%) of Africans say corruption increased “somewhat” or “a lot” in their country during the preceding year (Figure 1).
- Compared to 2014/2015, 12 countries recorded double-digit increases in perceptions of worsening corruption, including a surge of 39 percentage points in Senegal, while decreases reached a remarkable 61 points in Benin.
- More than two-thirds (68%) of citizens say “some” or “a lot” of the resources intended to address the COVID-19 pandemic were lost to corruption.
- Almost half (46%) of Africans say that “most” or “all” police officials are corrupt, the worst rating among 11 institutions and leaders the survey asked about. Tax officials, civil servants, and officials in the Presidency tie for second-worst, at 38% (Figure 2).
- Among citizens who sought selected public services during the previous year, substantial proportions say they had to pay a bribe to obtain police assistance (36%), to avoid problems with the police (37%), to get a government document (31%), or to receive services at a public medical facility (20%) or a public school (19%) (Figure 3).
- Self-reported bribe-paying varies widely across countries. For example, obtaining a government document required a bribe from 68% of applicants in Congo-Brazzaville, compared to 1% in Cabo Verde and Seychelles.
- Two in three Africans (67%) say their government is doing a poor job of fighting corruption (Figure 4).
- Only one in four Africans (26%) say people can report corruption to the authorities without fear of retaliation (Figure 5).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Iberi
Afrobarometer communications officer for East Africa
Email: diberi@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +254725674457
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Afrobarometer surveys:
Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 9 surveys (2021/2023) cover 39 countries.
Afrobarometer's national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice with samples of 1,200-2,400 adults that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-3 to +/-2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Two NBA Stores to Open in Cape Town and Durban, South Africa
New NBA Stores at Gateway Mall in Durban and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town Will Feature Extensive Range of Officially Licensed NBA Merchandise, Including Nike Jerseys, Apparel, Memorabilia and More;Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler to Attend Store Launch Events in December and Engage with Local Fans; NBA Fans in South Africa and Other Select African Countries Can Continue to Shop Online at NBAStore.Africa (https://NBAStore.Africa/).
NBA Africa and Shesha, a premium retailer of exclusive and limited-edition footwear, apparel and accessories, today announced that two new NBA Stores will open in Durban and Cape Town, South Africa. The NBA Store in Durban will be located at Gateway Mall and open on Friday, Nov. 24, while the NBA Store in Cape Town will be located at V&A Waterfront and open on Friday, Dec. 1.
The new stores build on NBA Africa's existing merchandise offerings, including the first NBA Store on the continent located in Sandton City, Johannesburg and the league's first e-commerce (https://NBAStore.Africa/) site dedicated to fans in Africa, which provides fans in select countries with the widest selection of official NBA merchandise ever available on the continent. To celebrate the new store openings, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler will engage with fans at launch events in Cape Town on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and in Durban on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Both stores, which will be operated by Shesha, will feature an extensive range of officially licensed NBA merchandise for youth and adults, including current and former player jerseys, apparel, headwear, footwear, sporting goods, toys and collectibles from major brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era and Wilson. The stores will also feature a customization area where fans can personalize NBA jerseys.
“We are excited to expand our merchandise offerings in Africa as part of our multiyear collaboration with Shesha,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. “There is tremendous demand for official NBA merchandise from fans in South Africa and across the continent, and these beautiful new stores will allow fans in Cape Town and Durban to more easily represent their favorite teams and players.”
“Following the launch of Africa's first NBA Store in Johannesburg last year, we are excited to also deliver the NBA Store experience to fans in Durban and Cape Town,” said Shesha CEO Nirmal Devchand. “The launch of the new NBA Stores will provide more fans in these cities with better access to their favorite teams and players' merchandise, and we look forward to welcoming them to these new locations.”
Drexler, a 15-year NBA veteran who retired from the league in 1998, is an NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and member of the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. He was inducted twice into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, first in 2004 for his individual career and again in 2010 as a member of the United States Men's National Team at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
There are more than 400 NBA-branded, licensee-operated, retail stores and attractions worldwide that serve as the league's official destinations for fans around the world. NBA fans in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe can continue to shop online at NBAStore.Africa (https://apo-opa.co/47LGv4x).
Earlier this month, the Basketball Africa League, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, announced that the league's fourth season will tip off in March 2024 in South Africa. Fans can register their interest in tickets to games at BAL.NBA.com (https://BAL.NBA.com/).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Chumani Bambani,
NBA Africa Communications,
cbambani@nba.com,
+27 65 548 1031
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Shesha:
The first Shesha store launched in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2005, and today features over 15 stores. The Shesha business is committed and passionate about street culture. The stores are dedicated to serve the community and fans with the freshest limited edition premium lifestyle and basketball merchandise. The Shesha stores offer a range of global and local brands, with a particular focus on footwear and headwear, and global collaborations across both lifestyle and basketball. Fans can follow @ shesha_fashion on Instagram, @ Shesha Lifestyle on Facebook, and @ SheshaLifestyle on Twitter, or visit their website – www.SheshaLifestyle.com
FIFA+ to stream every Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™
First two matchdays of CAF qualifying will be played from 15 to 21 November; All matches will be streamed on FIFA+; Find out below which countries the matches will be available in.
Africa's qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 26™ kick off on Wednesday 15 November and you'll be able to watch them all live on FIFA+.
Nine African teams are guaranteed to compete at the World Cup. Another will participate in the FIFA Play-off Tournament as the global showpiece will host 48 teams for the first time ever.
Everything you need to know about African qualifying (https://apo-opa.co/47xtb3H)
Where to watch the CAF qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 26™
You will be able to watch all Matchday 1 African qualifiers on FIFA+ with English commentary from anywhere in the world, with the exception of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, sub-Saharan Africa*, India and Portugal.
* It will be possible to follow the matches live in sub-Saharan Africa in the following countries: Benin, Burundi, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Malawi, Sao Tome e Principe, Seychelles, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Highlights of all the matches will also be available on FIFA+ worldwide.
Where can I watch FIFA+ content? (https://apo-opa.co/40FfYDJ)
CAF qualifiers schedule
Click on the links for each match to go to the streaming page. (all kick-off times local)
Matchday 1
15 November
Equatorial Guinea v Namibia (Group H) | 1400 | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
Rwanda v Zimbabwe (Group C) | 1500 | Butare, Rwanda
Congo DR v Mauritania (Group C) | 1500 | Kinshasa, Congo DR
Ethiopia v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 2000 | El Jadida, Morocco
16 November
Botswana v Mozambique (Group G) | 1500 | Francistown, Botswana
Burundi v The Gambia (Group F) | 1600 | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Gabon v Kenya (Group F) | 1700 | Franceville, Gabon
Nigeria v Lesotho (Group C) | 1700 | Uyo, Nigeria
Algeria v Somalia (Group G) | 1700 | Baraki, Algeria
Cape Verde v Angola (Group D) | 1800 | Praia, Cape Verde
Egypt v Djibouti (Group A) | 1800 | Cairo, Egypt
Sudan v Togo (Group B) | 1800 | Benina, Libya
17 November
Guinea v Uganda (Group G) | 1400 | Berkane, Morocco
Eswatini v Libya (Group D) | 1500 | Nelspruit, South Africa
Liberia v Malawi (Group H) | 1600 | Paynesville, Liberia
Ghana v Madagascar (Group I) | 1600 | Kumasi, Ghana
Comoros v Central African Republic (Group I) | 1600 | Moroni, Comoros
Zambia v Congo (Group E) | 1800 | Ndola, Zambia
Côte d'Ivoire v Seychelles (Group F) | 1900 | Ebimpe, Côte d'Ivoire
Mali v Chad (Group I) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Tunisia v Sao Tome e Principe (Group H) | 2000 | Rades, Tunisia
Cameroon v Mauritius (Group D) | 2000 | Douala, Cameroon
Burkina Faso v Guinea Bissau (Group A) | 2000 | Marrakesh, Morocco
18 November
South Africa v Benin (Group C) | 1500 | Durban, South Africa
Niger v Tanzania (Group E) | 1700 | Marrakesh, Morocco
Senegal v South Sudan (Group B) | 1900 | Diamniadio, Senegal
Matchday 2
19 November
Zimbabwe v Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/49CLrKF) (Group C) | 1500 | Butare, Rwanda
Mozambique v Algeria (Group G) | 1500 | Maputo, Mozambique
Burundi v Gabon (Group F) | 1600 | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Sierra Leone v Egypt (Group A) | 1600 | Paynesville, Liberia
Sudan v Congo DR (Group B) | 1800 | Benina, Libya
20 November
Djibouti v Guinea Bissau (Group A) | 1500 | Cairo, Egypt
Liberia v Equatorial Guinea (Group H) | 1600 | Paynesville, Liberia
Seychelles v Kenya (Group F) | 1900 | Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
The Gambia v Côte d'Ivoire (Group F) | 1900 | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Mali v Central African Republic (Group I) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Chad v Madagascar (https://apo-opa.co/40E03p4) (Group I) | 2000 | Oujda, Morocco
21 November
Somalia v Uganda (Group G) | 1400 | Berkane, Morocco
Botswana v Guinea (Group G) | 1500 | Francistown, Botswana
Malawi v Tunisia (Group H) | 1500 | Lilongwe, Malawi
Eswatini v Cape Verde (Group D) | 1500 | Nelspruit, South Africa
Rwanda v South Africa (Group C) | 1500 | Butare, Rwanda
Lesotho v Benin (Group C) | 1500 | Durban, South Africa
South Sudan v Mauritania (Group B) | 1600 | Diamniadio, Senegal
Togo v Senegal (Group B) | 1600 | Lome, Togo
Sao Tome e Principe v Namibia (https://apo-opa.co/49E13NY) (Group H) | 1700 | Agadir, Morocco
Libya v Cameroon (Group D) | 1800 | Benina, Libya
Comoros v Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ObTu) (Group I) | 1900 | Moroni, Comoros
Niger v Zambia (Group E) | 2000 | Marrakesh, Morocco
Mauritius v Angola (Group D) | 2000 | Saint Pierre, Mauritius
Ethiopia v Burkina Faso (Group A) | 2000 | El Jadida, Morocco
Tanzania v Morocco (Group E) | 2200 | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Live streaming on FIFA+
During this international break, FIFA+ will be your point of reference for World Cup 2026 streaming, with all the African qualifiers and the CONMEBOL qualifier between Bolivia and Peru.
CAF schedule
- 15-21 November, 2023: 1st and 2nd matchdays
- 3-11 June, 2024: 3rd and 4th matchdays
- 17-25 March, 2025: 5th and 6th matchdays
- 1-9 September, 2025: 7th and 8th matchdays
- 6-14 October, 2025: 9th and 10th matchdays
- 10-18 November, 2025: CAF play-off tournament
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
Southern Africa sets out to strengthen One Health approach
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and its Member States held a validation workshop for the Southern African Programme for One Health (SAPOH). The programme provides direction and a long-term vision to achieving an integrated one health (OH) approach in the region.
Fifteen SADC countries, namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe attended the workshop and unanimously validated SAPOH. The SADC secretariate, three members of the quadripartite organizations leading the OH approach globally, that is, FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as well as other regional partners attended the validation workshop and enriched the programme with valuable contributions and inputs before its validation.
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This approach is suitable for Southern Africa as the main livelihood for the people is agriculture. The One Health approach is necessary to deliver effective and efficient prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as emergency preparedness and response.
Speaking on behalf of the Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, at the opening ceremony, FAO Representative for South Africa, Babagana Ahmadu said, “FAO and its counterparts in the One Health Quadripartite, WHO, WOAH and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will work together to ensure that policies to support One Health were in place.”
“FAO prioritizes One Health at global and regional level. It is one of the 20 Priority Programme Areas in FAO's New Strategic Framework (2022 to 2031). Within Southern Africa, FAO has prioritized one health as one of its three flagship programmes,” he said.
“My appreciation also goes to our fellow members of the Quadripartite, the WHO, WOAH and UNEP and other partners for accompanying us on this task. We count on you for stronger collaboration in validating and changing this draft into an actionable programme. FAO is committed to working with all of you in mobilizing resources for the implementation of this programme once it is validated,” added Babagana Ahmadu.
The WOAH Representative for Southern Africa Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo said operationalization of SAPOH would be a game changer in mitigating the risk posed by zoonotic diseases. He added that, “Worldwide, 60 per cent of infectious diseases affecting humans have their origins in animals, with nearly 75 per cent of animal diseases being transmissible to humans. The increasing interactions between humans and animals within the environment and numerous factors is exacerbating the emergence, re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases, necessitates a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach”.
According to the SADC Programme Officer for Livestock, Dr Gaolathe Thobokwe, SAPOH will inform the design of future country and partner programmes to address the next pandemic in Southern Africa.
“The necessity of the OH approach in SADC is very obvious, currently, we are dealing with COVID-19 and we know consequences. In the recent past we have had Ebola; we have also had disease like rift valley fever and anthrax. It shows the need to work together whether it be animal health, public health, plant health, wildlife, environmental or climate services,” he said.
The WHO Africa Regional Team Leader for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Dr Ali Yahya, pointed out that communication, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation were essential components of the OH Programme as they enhanced accountability and learning to determine the best practices. “We might need to ensure strong energy not only to validate the document but also to support its implementation, monitoring, and documentation for further visibility to facilitate resource mobilization as well as ownership of the programme by countries,” he said.
At the end of the workshop, stakeholders called for innovations from all the actors and pointed out that the successful implementation of One Health heavily relies on using locally available resources, citizen engagement, use of traditional knowledge systems and capacity building.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.