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Tests conducted: 9,450,492 Positive cases identified: 1,529,420 Total recoveries: 1,454,290 Total deaths: 51,326 New cases: 1,006
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health. Media files

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (14 March 2021)

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120 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Lagos-32 Rivers-25 Kaduna-20 Bayelsa-13 Kano-7 Jigawa-5 Borno-5 Abia-4 Oyo-3 Plateau-2 FCT-1 Ogun-1 Nasarawa-1 Imo-1

160,657 confirmed 145,399 discharged 2,013 deaths
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Media files

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (14 March 2021)

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31 people have tested positive to the disease, out of a sample size of 4,627 tested. The total confirmed positive cases are now 113,236. Cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,369,326.

79 patients have recovered from the disease, 50 are from the Home Based and Isolation Care while 29 are from various health facilities. 
Total recoveries now stand at 88,405.
5 patients have succumbed to the disease pushing the cumulative fatalities to 1,913. 
Our sincere condolences to families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones.
668 patients are currently admitted in various health facilities countrywide, while 2,080 patients are on Home Based Isolation and Care.  
114 patients are in the ICU, 24 of whom are on ventilatory support and 76 on supplemental oxygen. 
14 patients are on observation.
Another 27 patients are separately on supplementary oxygen with 24 of them in the general wards and 3 in the High Dependency Unit (HDU).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (14 March 2021)

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As of 14th March, 2021, we report 323 new cases out of 3,432 tests (9% positivity), 1,157 recoveries and 5 deaths [MTSRIP].
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI). Media files

Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 update (14 March 2021)

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Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi&#39;s COVID-19 update on 14 March 2021:

New cases: 3 Total cases: 17,237 Active cases: 825 New recoveries: 80 Total recoveries: 15,748
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (14 March 2021)

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Total cases: 20,186 (+43) Recovered: 18,566 (+66) | 91.9% Active cases: 1,340 In critical condition: 12 Tests: 1,062,907 (+2,590) Test positivity rate: 1.7% Vaccinated: 257,449 (+3,911) Deaths: 280 (+4) | 1.4%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda. Media files

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (14 March 2021)

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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber

The world woke to unusual images on their television screens last week with looting, vandalism and rioting portrayed on the streets of the Senegalese capital. The worst civil unrest in Senegal in decades was short-lived, but has left a distinct mark on the country’s international image.

After all, Senegal has presented itself as the shining star of West Africa in recent years. In addition to the country being an oil and gas hub spot, Senegal is also a center for renewable energy investment, business development, and for galvanizing growth in sectors such as tourism and fishing. Accordingly, it is not surprising that images of burning cars and stone-throwing protestors caused concern, particularly when they are followed by shots of destroyed supermarkets and fuel stations, all of which are symbols of well-established foreign companies in Senegal. It is curious that a story about a political leader being taken to court on rape charges who is then arrested for inciting civil unrest translated into violence against foreign companies. Curious and concerning, that popular dissatisfaction be directed in this manner: to undermine businesses and wealth-generating enterprises.

Senegal is undergoing a veritable economic revolution that has the power to lift millions out of poverty and provide jobs, wealth and prosperity for the whole nation. Through the exploitation of its energy resources, both renewable and non-renewable, Senegal is witnessing a renaissance that will open a myriad of new development opportunities, power the country and offer the next generation of youth choices that no Senegalese has had in the past. However, for this potential to be fulfilled, the country needs foreign investment, know-how, training, skill-transfer and, above all, stability. No foreign company is interested in investing in a destination where its offices are at risk of being vandalized every time an opposition leader is unwilling to face the country’s legal system and uses social fears to distract the public debate.

President Macky Sall has done a tremendous job in attracting investors and opening opportunities in the Senegalese market in which business is already producing jobs, wealth and growth in the economy, particularly through the country’s vast energy resources. These efforts must be supported by all and maintained through a stable, business-friendly and transparent environment.
If we turn on ourselves through violence to express our grievances, we will end up driving away the very opportunities to address the problems behind those grievances, be it poverty, unemployment, social inequality or access to education. We need to stand together behind the political leaders that are driving our country and our continent forward, and support those companies that are developing our resources so that together we can create value, jobs and wealth for all.

Africa Oil &#038; Power will unite leaders from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mauritania and the wider West Africa region with global energy dealmakers, for the first-ever MSGBC Oil, Gas &#038; Power 2021 conference and exhibition on October 26-27 in Dakar, Senegal. Find out more about Senegal and the MSGBC’s energy industry and about the event at www.MSGBC2021.com and contact International Conference Director João Marques directly at joao@afriaoilandpower.com.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil &#038; Power Conference. Media files

Peace in Dakar critical for Economic Prosperity (By NJ Ayuk)

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With 23 races, the new season includes largest race calendar in Formula 1® history; Three “triple headers” poses new complexity for logistics; Season opens March 28 in Bahrain; DHL (www.DPDHL.com) Fastest Lap Award and DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award to continue.

With the FIA Formula 1 World ChampionshipTM about to begin, DHL and Formula 1® are proud to announce the extension of their long standing global partnership, which spans across a number of decades. DHL thus remains the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1® for further years and will continue to be responsible for shipping world-class motorsport around the world. 2021 sees 23 destinations on the Formula 1® racing calendar, the largest number in the sport’s history, with DHL transporting race cars, fuel and oil, equipment for the racing teams and transmission technology. DHL has been official logistics partner since 2004, winning each “races between the races” at every Grand Prix around the world.
&#8220;We are proud to continue our unique partnership for the years to come,&#8221; says Arjan Sissing, Global Head of Brand Marketing at DHL. &#8220;Formula 1 has been delivering the ultimate in speed, precision and technology to its fans for over 1000 races and it is DHL who delivers Formula 1 across the globe. For more than four decades, our common values connect us with each other and made it possible to win any logistics races around the world, before the first tires touch the track. We are looking forward to defend our title in each of these races between the races.”
The transport volume of up to 1,400 tons have to be transported from one venue to the next within the shortest possible time and with great reliability. That’s why DHL employs a team of motorsports logistics specialists who work closely with Formula 1® management and the racing teams. Just like on the race track, it’s all about speed, precision and cutting-edge technology.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1®, added: “DHL is our longest standing global partner and we are delighted to have signed a partnership extension that demonstrates our strong and collaborative relationship. For the past 16 years we have delivered on and off the track together. We are proud to be working with the world’s leading logistics provider as we look ahead to the biggest season ever for Formula 1&#8243;.
The 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship™ begins March 28, with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 and closes December 12 with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. The 2021 race calendar takes in 23 races on five continents and is thus more action-packed than ever. This year, drivers, teams and DHL’s logistics crew all face the special challenge of three triple headers, where three races are held over three consecutive weekends.
In the first triple header, the action takes place in Europe. The Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 in Spa-Francorchamps on August 29 will be followed by the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on September 5. A week later, the Formula 1 Heineken Gran Premio D’Italia 2021 will be held in Monza on September 12.
The second triple header is logistically even more challenging because significantly greater distances have to be covered. A week after the Formula 1 VTB Russian Grand Prix 2021 in Sochi on September 26, it’s off to the Singapore street circuit on October 3. And then on October 10, the Formula 1® circus travels to Suzuka in Japan.
There’s also quite a distance to cover in the season’s third triple header. The first stop is the Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix 2021 in Austin, Texas, on October 24. From there, racing continues in Mexico City, with the Formula 1 Gran Premio De La Cuidad de Mexico 2021 on October 31. The triple header finishes on November 7 in São Paulo, Brazil.
“An intercontinental triple header is where logistics is really put to the test,” says Paul Fowler, Global Motorsport Head, DHL Global Forwarding. “Even during the race, before the checkered flag is waved, the DHL team start dismantling and stowing equipment.” And for the logistics experts, the job becomes especially difficult when parts have to be flown out and back in again during the three-week triple header timeframe – such as for testing in special laboratories located all around the world.
New events like the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2021 in Zandvoort, which is back on the Formula 1® schedule, and the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021, which this year will be held on a new street circuit in Jeddah, also test the logistics specialists. This is why scouts explore the new routes to ensure that, despite unfamiliar surroundings, things run smoothly and everything fits into place. For Paul Fowler, it’s challenges like these that make motorsport so appealing: “Behind the scenes, we give our all to ensure that the teams and drivers can perform at their best, and that racing fans everywhere get to see the sport they love.”
With the extended partnership, DHL will again be offering two awards: The DHL Fastest Lap Award and the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award for special achievements by drivers and teams. This year’s awards will be presented to the winners in Abu Dhabi on the final day of the racing season.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.
Media Contact: Deutsche Post DHL Group Media Relations Tim Rehkopf Phone: +49 228 182-9944 E-mail: pressestelle@dpdhl.com On the Internet: www.DPDHL.de/press Follow us at: https://twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL
About DHL – The logistics company for the world: DHL (www.DPDHL.com) is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing &#038; energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.
Media files

DHL and Formula 1® renew their multi-year partnership ahead of the start of the new racing season

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Kwik Delivery (www.Kwik.delivery) announces today that it officially made available its breakthrough, just-in time delivery service to businesses, government agencies and merchants in Abuja. Kwik Delivery offers 1-hour delivery through its fleet of bike delivery partners and also provides access to a host of reliable, efficient and trusted 4-wheels vehicles.

&#8220;As the political center of Nigeria, Abuja is in strong demand for speedy, efficient delivery of goods and services&#8221; as explained by Yinka OLAYANJU, Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer of Kwik Delivery. &#8220;Whether you are managing the office of the Permanent Secretary or the cabinet of a leading financial institution or a leading multinational company, you need to ensure your documents and parcels are delivered promptly in FCT.&#8221;

Using the Kwik Delivery app (https://bit.ly/30KGpd6), customers can request a delivery vehicle and track their shipment in real-time. Kwik Delivery is vetting the vehicles and drivers and ensures consistent quality of service. It also provides goods in transit insurance.

“Kwik’s breakthrough delivery platform will enable businesses and government agencies to gain productivity and to optimize logistical expenses in the Nation’s capital” explains Romain POIROT-LELLIG, Founder &#038; CEO of Kwik Delivery.

Launched in 2019, Kwik Delivery is an on-demand, last-mile delivery platform that connects African businesses to independent delivery riders, dubbed Kwiksters. The Kwik platform is currently open to Kwiksters operating in Lagos State and Abuja. The Kwik Delivery app is available on iOS and Android. Kwik Delivery is the trading name of Africa Delivery Technologies SAS.

You can visit www.Kwik.delivery or send an e-mail to abuja [at] kwik.delivery for more information.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kwik. Media files

Kwik Delivery officially launches its just-in-time delivery service in Abuja

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The African Development Bank Group (“AfDB”) (www.AfDB.org), on 2 February 2021, issued a sanction decision against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (“MHI”).

This matter arises in the context of the Abu Qir 1300 MW Steam Power Project (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”) in Egypt. On 15 January 2008, the Bank entered into a loan agreement with the Arab Republic of Egypt to finance part of the Project which had a broad objective of improving the electricity supply in Egypt. MHI, as part of a consortium, submitted a bid and was awarded the contract.
The African Development Bank considers there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that it is more likely than not that MHI engaged in sanctionable practices (misrepresentation) in the context of Abu Qir tender and contract implementation.
In consideration of the above and in the absence of any aggravating factor, AfDB decided to issue a Letter of Reprimand against MHI in line with Section 11.2 (a) of the Sanctions Procedures of the African Development Bank Group.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
Technical Contact: Chimene Clarisse Comoe Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Email: c.comoe@afdb.org
About the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption: The Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) is responsible for preventing, deterring and investigating allegations of corruption, fraud and other sanctionable practices in Bank Group-financed operations.
For more information visit: https://bit.ly/3eCpem7
African Development Bank staff and the general public can use secured hotlines to report sanctionable practices within the Bank or operations financed by the Bank Group.
Secured telephone: +1 (770) 776-5658
Secured email server: investigations@iacd-afdb.org
Mail correspondence should be marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and sent to:
African Development Bank: Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Immeuble du Centre de commerce International d’Abidjan CCIA Avenue Jean-Paul II 01 BP 1387 Abidjan 01, Côte d&#39;Ivoire

Integrity in Development Projects: African Development Bank issues Letter of Reprimand to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. for sanctionable practice

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By Karen Van Der Wath – President of We-Recycle Mauritius and Carbon &#038; Energy Management Consultant

The government of Mauritius have proposed bold new measures to curb plastic waste. While the intentions behind the mooted regulations are commendable, we are firmly of the view that the proposed new policies for the management of PET Plastic Waste, if implemented as per the timelines, logistics and technicalities, could have a negative impact on the various stakeholders namely manufacturers, importers, retailers and consumers at large.
Non-biodegradable pollution is a serious problem the world over, and regulators are finding ways to address this. The European Union (EU) says that by 2030, all plastic packaging within the trading bloc must either be reusable or recycled in a cost-effective manner. According to authorities, demand for recycled plastics in Europe has grown four-fold since 2015, leading to the creation of 200,000 new jobs.
Corporates all over the world are taking action too. Nestlé, one of the world’s largest food and beverages company, plans to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, while also reducing its use of virgin plastics by one-third over the same period. They are also committed to bringing sustainable packaging to preserve purity to their consumers protected, always taking into consideration the innovation and sustainability of their packaging.
For instance, the S.Pellegrino product portfolio features a variety of different packaging materials for different purposes, favouring recyclable materials such as PET, glass and aluminium. In order to increase the sustainable sourcing of their bottles, they are supporting the use of recycled PET (rPET) where it is technically feasible and when the feedstock is available. S.Pellegrino is committed to using 35% rPET by 2025.
South African retailer Woolworths is working to ensure that all of its packaging is either reusable or recyclable by 2022. 
However, Mauritius on the other hand, is seriously considering how it can bring an end to plastic waste on the island, and rightly so. Nevertheless, the regulations in the pipeline are out of step with global best practices and might have serious unintended consequences.
A few weeks ago, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change published draft regulations for the management of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and containers generated by the food and beverages industry.
From as soon as October this year, a very complex deposit-refund system will come into effect, if the legislation is passed. This will entail surcharges on products that rely on PET packaging, with a rebate given to the consumer when the bottle or container is returned.
We-Recycle agrees with the deposit-refund system as part of ‘extended producer responsibility’. By placing a reasonable economical value on each piece of used PET packaging, linked with a proper collection system for used PET bottles, the country’s plastic waste collection and recycling rates will vastly improve by creating a mindset shift amongst consumers – as has been observed in other markets all over the world.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a strong advocate of this approach.
Meanwhile, with effect from February next year, authorities will ban the use of PET for beverages where the bottle or container has a capacity of less than 1 litre.
And in the long term, the use of plastic (HDPE) for packing in the food and beverages industry will be banned altogether.
This roadmap gives food and beverages producers, importers and retailers just a few months to achieve what other nations hope to achieve within a decade.
The rules would be seriously difficult to adhere to. For one, the country’s retail sector is dominated by small shops, most of which do not have the resources needed to be compliant to the deposit-refund system or the logistics for it.
The collection infrastructure for both imported and locally produced PET bottles subject to the deposit-refund system also need to be carefully planned and put in place as the current informal recycling collection system in Mauritius will not be able to cope with the increased volume of PET bottles available for recycling. 
The deposit-refund system will negate the need to ban PET bottles with a capacity of less than 1 litre as all PET bottles will be recycled, irrespective of its size or whether it is imported or not.
As other countries and regions have shown, there is no quick fix when it comes to plastic packaging. The shift away from HDPE requires the establishment of new packaging facilities and manufacturing processes, and this will take time.
In our view, the best solution to the world-wide plastic problem would be to ramp up our recycling industry and create a sustainable circular economy, in which waste is eliminated by reusing resources. This will require a targeted nationwide education programme – with the private sector playing an important role – as well as financial incentives that prompt changes in consumer habits. This is why we are in favour of an expansion of the ‘extended producer responsibility’ framework.
Recycling groups across Africa, Europe and Asia are taking innovative approaches to the creation of a circular economy. In Tanzania, Arena Recycling collects plastic waste from beaches in Dar es Salaam to produce building materials for the construction of affordable houses, toilets and other amenities. 
Encouragingly, progress is already being made in Mauritius. NGOs such as “We-Recycle”, “Mission Verte” and “New Invaders Club” have reported a significant increase in the volumes of PET bottles collected from their bins. This shows that public awareness is on the rise.
Make no mistake, the private sector, government and society at large are all aligned on the need to reduce and ultimately eliminate plastic waste by recycling more. The move towards a circular economy, with recycling and the reuse of resources at the core, would accelerate the shift to a low-carbon economy and create jobs.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Karen Van Der Wath.

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRRR) (By Karen Van Der Wath)

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The West African country of Burkina Faso is to get a new large-scale renewable energy plant, it was announced today, 15th March. Located some 250km south east of the nation’s capital city of Ouagadougou, near the town of Pâ, the new solar energy plant will supply all the electricity it produces to Burkina Faso’s national power utility, La Société National D’électricité Du Burkina Faso (SONABEL).

The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) is lending the project’s developer, Urbasolar SAS, 80% of the capital needed for the construction of the new 30MW facility. EAIF is the sole lender to the project, providing €29 million of the estimated €35.4 million development cost. Financial close (the transfer of funds from lender to borrower) is expected by the second quarter of the year.  

Paromita Chatterjee, an Investment Director at EAIF’s managers, Ninety One, says;

“Harnessing Burkina Faso’s sunshine to improve its future prospects will bring many benefits to the country and make an important contribution to fighting global warming. This project is a perfect example of how EAIF’s public private partnership model can have lasting economic, social and environmental impacts while mobilising private capital and enterprise to create new infrastructure.”

EAIF has now supported 20 renewable energy projects across Africa. It has invested US$350 million of loans to private sector developers, bringing Africa 825MW of clean, renewable energy.

Commenting on the  project, Arnaud Mine, president of Urbasolar and Emmanuel Kaboré, Urbasolar Regional Head – West Africa, said;

“As a European expert in solar power, the Urbasolar group is conscious of its role in developing this energy source in Africa, notably in Burkina Faso, where we already operate. It is Urbasolar&#39;s conviction that the solar power sector offers solutions to numerous economic, environmental and social issues. Therefore, in addition to providing green energy, this project also includes a number of other measures such as education regarding solar technology, the provision of study grants and a microfinancing program for local women, as well as support for the healthcare system.

“This project is the result of the willingness of the Burkinabé president, Rock Marc Christian KABORE, and the government to increase the country’s energy supply by promoting private investment through public-private partnership. We are pleased to be able to work alongside the government and the national energy utility, SONABEL, to reach the goal of generating 200 MW of energy via solar power plants by 2021, the strategy established by Dr Bachir Ismael OUEDRAOGO, Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries.

“EAIF&#39;s experience in the renewable energy sector in Africa is a considerable asset for developers like Urbasolar. We are pleased to share our own values of Sustainable Development and to collaborate with EAIF on this project, which demonstrates our shared goal of long-term infrastructure development in rapidly developing regions.”

Burkina Faso has a population of nearly 20 million people. Over 40% of people live below the poverty line. The country has one of the world’s lowest rates of electrification. Because of a shortage of installed energy generation capacity, Burkina Faso needs to import electricity from neigbouring states. Urbanisation, structural changes to the economy and recent strong GDP growth have increased demand for energy. Currently relying mainly on fossil fueled power stations, the country has embarked on a programme of attracting private capital and expertise to build renewable energy capacity. The Urbasolar project is one of the first of the new green energy plants. Around 280MW is expected to be commissioned over the next three years.

Urbasolar was selected as the developer following a competitive tender process run by SONABEL. Urbasolar will build and operate the plant and construction is forecast to be completed within 18 months.

Established in France in 2006, Urbasolar has installed over 650 PV plants and currently operates solar plants of over 900MW. Urbasolar is provding 20% of the project’s capital. It is the majority shareholder in the Pâ facility. A minority stake is held by Project Production Solaire (PPS). Founded as a specialist renewable energy and energy efficiency business in 2010 by a group of Burkinabé engineers, PPS operates in Burkina Faso as well as Togo, Ivory Coast and Benin.  

In July 2019, Urbasolar was acquired by AXPO, a Swiss utility and Switzerland’s largest producer of renewable energy.

Technical information 

Ground-mounted photovoltaic power plant with a total peak power of 29,967.84 KWp. The PV modules are installed on fixed structures with an inclination of 15° and oriented South. The Project includes string inverters and monocrystalline modules. The plant will be connected to the grid via a 2km cable to a nearby sub-station.

Advisers to the lender

International Legal Counsel
:
Clifford Chance Europe LLP
Local Legal Counsel
:
SCP Yanogo Bobson
Lenders Technical Advisor “LTA”
:
3E Renewable Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
Lenders advisor for construction monitoring
:
3E Renewable Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
Lenders Insurance Advisor
:
INDECS Consulting Ltd
E&#038;S Advisor
:
Antea Group, France

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).
Media Contact: EAIF Martin Roche martinroche55@gmail.com +44 (0)771 574 9621
PIDG Cecilie Sorhus Cecilie.Sorhus@pidg +44 (0)7917 302724
Kotie Basson Ninety One Kotie Basson kotie.basson@ninetyone.com T: +27 21 901 1812
About EAIF: The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (www.EAIF.com) provides a variety of debt products to infrastructure projects promoted mainly by private sector businesses in Africa and parts of the Levant. The Fund helps create the infrastructure framework that is essential to sustained economic stability, business confidence, job creation and poverty reduction. It has to date supported 75 completed  infrastructure projects across nine sectors in over 20 African countries. As of the end of 2018 the Fund had invested US$20.082 billion. EAIF is part of PIDG. EAIF was established and substantially funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden. It raises its debt capital from public and private sources, including Allianz, the global insurance and financial services company; Standard Chartered Bank; the African Development Bank; the German development finance institution, KFW,and FMO, the Dutch development bank. EAIF is managed by Ninety One.
About PIDG: The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) (www.PIDG.org) is an innovative infrastructure project developer and investor which mobilises private investment in sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and south and south-east Asia. PIDG investments promote socio-economic development within a just transition to net zero emissions, combat poverty and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.  PIDG delivers its ambition in line with its values of opportunity, accountability, safety, integrity and impact. Since 2002, PIDG has supported 157 infrastructure projects to financial close and provided 209 million people with access to new or improved infrastructure. PIDG is funded by six governments (the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, Germany) and the IFC. PIDG TA can provide technical assistance and capital grants to the PIDG companies to meet a range of needs associated with an infrastructure project’s life-cycle. PIDG TA can also provide up-front viability gap funding grants to support PIDG projects that require concessional funding to make a project with strong development impact financeable. 
About Ninety One: Ninety One (www.NinetyOne.com) is one of the largest third party investors in private equity, credit, public equity and sovereign debt across the African continent. The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) is managed by and fully integrated into Ninety One’s African investment platform. Ninety One manages the entire process on behalf of the EAIF. It markets the Fund, seeks projects, evaluates loan applications, including due diligence, manages transaction administration and monitors the loan portfolio. Since May 2016, when it was awarded the management mandate, Ninety One and its EAIF team have closed over 20 infrastructure transactions with a capital value of USD 650m. The team also led EAIF’s last round of fundraising, raising US$385 million, including US$100 million from Allianz Global Investors and US$50 million from Standard Chartered, a long-standing lender to EAIF.
Ninety One is  an independent, active global asset manager listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Established in South Africa in 1991, as Investec Asset Management, the firm was a pioneer in emerging markets in Africa. In 2020, almost three decades of organic growth later, the firm de-merged from Investec Group and became Ninety One. Today, Ninety One offers distinctive, active strategies across equities, fixed income, multi-asset and alternative investments to institutions, advisors and individual investors around the world.

First green energy project in Burkina Faso for Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund

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Download logoThe official handing over ceremony for the End of Term Report from the outgoing Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Kwesi Quartey to the incoming Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, took place today 12 March 2021, at the headquarters of the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, and the Commissioners. Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in his remarks thanked the outgoing Deputy Chairperson Amb. Kwesi Quartey for the commendable job done during his tenure. He emphasized on his commitment to serve the AU Commission with loyalty as Deputy Chair and concluded by urging everyone to do their best to attain inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development encapsulated in Agenda 2063. The outgoing Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Amb. Kwesi Quartey expressed his gratitude to distinguished ladies, who continue to break the glass ceiling, and inspiring all young African ladies. He emphasized that education remains the master key. “Allow me to express my gratitude to Chairperson Dr. Moussa Faki Mahamat for his able leadership of our Commission during the past four years 2017 to 2021. Same appreciation goes to colleague Commissioners for their team spirit, your team work and total dedication to the cause and in the service of our Union,” said Amb. Kwesi Quartey. Amb. Kwesi Quartey highlighted some initiatives undertaken under his term of office, that have led to attainment of key measures aimed at ensuring effective and efficient management of the AU Commission including: the establishment of the Internal Accountability Committee (IAC); the creation and launch of an Audit Recommendations Tracking System (ARTS); the Commission’s compliance with the 7-Pillar Institutional Assessment; AU Financial Management aligned to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and Golden Rules established by the 15 Ministers of Financing of the Union; the launch of the AU e-Learning Project within the AUC Learning &#038; Development Unit; Development of an AU Budget Manual; and the Support and assistance to AUC COVID-19 Response Strategy to mention but a few. Amb. Kwesi Quartey concluded by congratulating Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa for her well-deserved election. “To my dear sister, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, I wish to take this opportunity to, once again, congratulate you on your well-deserved election. Your rich experience in corporate finance and administration brings more hope to our Commission and our hard-working staff to continue in implementing the administrative and financial reforms, so much required to meet our aspirations and create the Africa we want” He said. H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa in her acceptance statement said she is happy to join a new Commission. “This is a new Commission and a new structure and new spirit and energy. We will deliver and meet expectations”. She underlined. The incoming Deputy Chair also reiterated her commitment and appreciation for the team work of the AU Commission. About the End of Term Report The report highlights key milestones achieved and challenges confronted by the outgoing Commission during its mandate from 2017-2020. The report provides reflections on lessons learnt in the implementation of Agenda 2063 and its Flagship Projects as well as on Institutional Reform. It also proffers recommendations for consideration by the incoming Commission and Member States on the way forward, towards strengthening the Union and delivering on “the Africa We Want”. The End of Term Report also presents how the political and socio-economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far reaching. The Union’s resolve to confront common challenges has been reaffirmed and manifests in the response, which has been exemplary. It has equally pushed the Commission to adapt and innovate its working methods, processes and modalities, embracing technology and innovation. Despite the challenges, it has presented the Commission with an opportunity to adjust its priorities, as well as enhance efficiency and effectiveness. COVID 19 has reaffirmed the AU’s resolve to focus on strengthening the Union’s capacities and self-reliance for sustainable development including in dealing with pandemics, emergencies, and emerging threats. With political commitment, innovation, and a focus on implementation of Agenda 2063 priorities, regional integration, sustainable peace and development are within reach. The End of Term Report can be accessed @ https://bit.ly/3eClfWD.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Official Handing Over between the outgoing and incoming Deputy Chairperson of the AUC

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Following the African Union Heads of State decision under the African Union Institutional Reforms to establish a newly joint Department of Political Affairs &#038; Peace and Security, the outgoing Commissioner for Political Affairs, H.E. Cessouma Minata Samate proceeded today, to the official handing over ceremony of the programmes for the Department of Political Affairs to H.E. Amb. Bankole ADEOYE, Commissioner of the newly joint Department at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. H.E. Cessouma Minata Samate handed over important strategic documents governing the work of the department of political affairs, such as guidelines for electoral missions, and treaties among other documents. Commissioner Cessouma Minata Samate congratulated the newly elected Commissioner, Amb. Bankole. She underscored the importance of elections, human rights issues as well as transitional justice and good delivery of services, among others. Commissioner Samate expressed her readiness to assist and help with the smooth transition of the department. “If all legal instruments are fully implemented, we will have peace and security in the continent and we will build the Africa We Want” said the Commissioner Samate.  H.E. Amb. Bankole ADEOYE thanked H.E. Cessouma Minata Samate for the strategic documents for the future and good governance for the continent. “Good governance, democracy, credible and fair elections will be our top priority based on policy instruments and decisions of our leaders,” said Amb. Bankole ADEOYE. He reassured the outgoing Commissioner that he will do everything to ensure the smooth transition and that he is committed to promote the nexus between the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and this will be at the centre of his work. The core functions of the Department of Political Affairs and Peace and Security will include: 	Continuous monitoring of Africa’s political, peace and security trends; 	Timely assessment, analysis and reporting on political, peace and security trends through early warning; 	Support conflict prevention through the development and dissemination of legal and policy frameworks on governance, political, peace and security issues; 	Capacity building and training on relevant political, peace and security issues involving participants from Member States and RECs/RMs; 	Co-ordinate the development of Common African Positions on relevant political, peace and security issues and the provision of technical support; 	Ensuring complementarity and synergy in the implementation of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA); 	Support conflict management efforts including peace- support operations and mediation and dialogue interventions; 	Support post-conflict reconstruction and development policy and strategy development; and 	Ensure sound management and administration of the AU Peace Fund. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).Media filesDownload logo

Handover between the former Commissioner of Political Affairs and the incoming Commissioner of the newly created Department for Political Affairs and Peace and Security

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FIFA (www.FIFA.com) confirms that Véron Mosengo-Omba will leave his role as Chief Officer of the FIFA member associations (MAs) division with immediate effect to take on the position of CAF General Secretary. Mr Mosengo-Omba initially joined FIFA in 2016 as Chief Member Associations Officer with responsibility for Africa and the Caribbean, and subsequently spent the past two years supporting all FIFA 211 MAs to implement the FIFA Forward (https://fifa.fans/3vnFMUI) development programme, as well as managing relationships with all FIFA MAs and continental confederations in his role as Chief Officer of the division. A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr Mosengo-Omba was particularly involved in supporting the 54 African MAs in their FIFA Forward projects, in the development of youth and women’s football throughout the continent, and in the recent implementation of the FIFA Covid-19 Relief Plan. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura issued a joint statement expressing their gratitude for the work that Mr Mosengo-Omba has overseen at FIFA. “On behalf of all of FIFA, we would like to thank Véron Mosengo-Omba for his excellent work and wish him the very best of luck in his next challenge as CAF General Secretary,&#8221; it read. &#8220;FIFA also looks forward to working with him on future projects in helping to project African football to the summit of world football.” Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).Media filesDownload logo

Véron Mosengo-Omba appointed CAF General Secretary

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The task of projecting African football onto the global stage has begun following the election of Patrice Motsepe as CAF President by acclamation during the 43rd CAF Congress, which has taken place in Rabat, Morocco. Mr Motsepe will not only lead a revised African confederation, but an organisation that will see substantial change at CAF Executive Committee and FIFA Council (www.FIFA.com) level following various elections which have also been held. Mathurin de Chacus (Benin), Isha Johansen (Sierra Leone), Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco), Amaju Pinnick (Nigeria) and Mamoutou Touré (Mali) will all join Hany Abo Rida (Egypt) on FIFA’s Council, while Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros) and Mbombo Njoya (Cameroon) were elected to the CAF Executive Committee. Other regional appointments were also made with Wadie Jary (Tunisia) elected to the northern zone and Elvis Raja Chetty (Seychelles) and Maclean Letshwiti (Botswana) both elected to represented southern zone. “Africa needs collective wisdom, but also the exceptional talent and work of every (national football association) president and every member nation,&#8221; new CAF President Patrice Motsepe said. &#8220;When we all work together, football in Africa will experience success and growth that it has not enjoyed in the past.&#8221; It is a position fully endorsed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who also took the opportunity to congratulate all the presidential election candidates on their collective vision and team spirit. “I would like to congratulate Patrice Motsepe for his wisdom, his engagement, for his passion,” the FIFA President said. “I want to wish all the very best for the next four years, to the new leading team of CAF, of African football, and to Patrice Motsepe, to all those who have been involved, to Augustin Senghor, Ahmed Yahya, Jacques Anouma, who will now have important roles in CAF’s administration. You all want a strong and united Africa, projecting itself forward. It is thanks to you, it is your decision, your wish, your hope and your ambition. I want to assure you that FIFA is not at your side, FIFA is together with you.”Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).Media filesDownload logo

Patrice Motsepe elected CAF President as Africa united behind common objective

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Download logoCopyright free broadcast-quality footage of the opening speech of the new president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe are available for media to download here: http://bit.ly/NewCAFpdt. This material is offered for free and unrestricted news use.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

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Patrice Motsepe elected CAF President as Africa united behind common objective

B-roll – Opening speech by the new president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe

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