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On Thursday, 25 officers of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service completed a five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) alongside a team of U.S. Army Special Forces.

Throughout the JCET, the American military trainers and the Nigerian Navy ​special operations forces trained together on a broad range of land-based skills and tactics, such as countering improvised explosive devises (IEDs).
The exercise is part of a series of U.S. engagements with the Nigerian military that provide opportunities for Nigerian military and U.S. elite units to work together, learn from each other, and strengthen relationships.
Delivering remarks during the JCET closing ceremony in Lagos, Acting U.S. Consulate Political and Economic Chief Merrica Heaton noted that the U.S. government works closely with all the services of the Nigerian military to provide technical assistance, equipment, and professional exchange and training opportunities.
According to her, the JCET is part of a close and continuous military partnership between the United States and Nigeria spanning decades to strengthen defense ties and promote regional security.
“The United States Mission to Nigeria is a steadfast partner — helping combat maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea, counter violent extremists in the Northeast, and enforce the rule of law throughout the region,” Heaton said.
The magnitude of this summer’s engagements demonstrate the strategic importance of the United States-Nigeria bilateral relationship: the U.S. is delivering A-29 SUPER TUCANOs as part of the largest defense sale to an African country; the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps are scheduled for extensive programs in Nigeria beyond pre-COVID levels. These engagements build on a longstanding security partnership, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria participates in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises with the United States, including African Lion, Flintlock, and Obangame Express.
The U.S. and Nigeria cooperate on maritime security, military professionalization including human rights, counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, defense trade, and strengthening governance.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

U.S. Army Special Forces Conclude Training with Nigeria Navy Special Boat Service

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2020 in its totality evoked stress amongst the global population, not only due to the fear of contracting COVID-19 but in terms of what national lockdown measures meant to the employment status of most. Dany Mawas, Regional Director at INFINOX (www.INFINOX.com), a globally recognised FX and CFD broker with an international presence, asserts that while many were hard hit by dramatic salary reductions and even job losses, some sought alternative sources of income in the form of online trading.

“FX (forex) is the world’s largest financial market, with more than $6-trillion traded every day,” explains Mawas. “This volume makes for a highly liquid market, which allows traders to enter and exit easily at their intended price. And is why the FX market is so popular for traders.”

He adds that, unlike stock markets which only operate during the day in their respective countries, FX can be traded 24-hours a day, five days a week, and is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.

“CFDs are a popular instrument that provides traders access to the financial market, even with relatively modest accounts,” explains Mawas. “Leveraging FX and CFDs can benefit traders, allowing them the flexibility to not take the full trade amount. And while this is attractive in giving traders the ability to reap the same profits, they are at an increased risk of experiencing the same losses. It is therefore imperative that traders fully comprehend the idea of leverage and how it works.”

Traders need to take note of the more popular trading assets, and Mawas notes that in the instance of INFINOX, the broker has seen an increase in activity in gold (XAU/USD).

“We have observed that gold has accounted for 36.5% of all traded volume over the last 12 months,” he says. “In Asia, it is the most popular instrument to trade, and in Africa, it is second only to US30.”

“Gold is considered a safe-haven asset and has led to countless investors flocking to it, particularly in times of financial market uncertainty. This is evidenced over the past year, where, in COVID-19 affected markets, investors have found comfort in gold, with an all-time high being recorded in August 2020.”

The second, third and fourth most traded instruments according to INFINOX were FX pairs, in particular, EUR/USD at 14.3%, GBP/USD at 12.2%, and GBP/JPY at 4.2%. As with other key asset classes, FX has seen significant volatility, owing largely to its liquidity and ease of trade, and it is of no surprise that throughout the pandemic, investors have chosen to trade these major pairs.
“Volatility of the major pairs, EUR/USD and GBP/USD, can also be coupled with the uncertainty of Brexit and is another reason they have been popular with traders. The combination of the pandemic recovery and Brexit, I believe will have significant importance in the near future for these markets,” concludes Mawas.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of INFINOX Capital.

HED: Popular online trading assets in an uncertain world

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A Botswanan company which trains farmers to use bees to stop elephants destroying their farms, a Zambian business which promotes sustainable bee-farming, and a Malawian start-up which turns leftovers into cooking gas have won the SEED Awards for Climate Adaptation (SEED Awards) (www.SEED.uno). SEED was founded as part of a global partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In Botswana, local entrepreneur Mavis Nduchwa founded Kalahari Honey to restore the balance between humans, wildlife, and the environment. The company gives farmers beehives and trains them to create a live fence of bees around their farms to deter local elephant populations. Not only does this reduce conflict between humans and wildlife, it gives farmers an added income as they can sell their bee products back to Kalahari Honey, which markets to customers globally. It also increases pollination through the propagation of bee colonies and the introduction of more indigenous, drought-resistant plant species reverses the ongoing desertification. The company currently works with 500 rural farmers, but under SEED’s expert provision it aims to work with an additional 1,500 farmers over the next year and expand the capacity of its processing factory.

In Zambia, entrepreneur Harry Malichi set up Wuchi Wami to train farmers in sustainable beekeeping. The company packages, brands, markets and distributes local raw and organic honey from its registered cooperative made up of 2,500 farmers. It uses modern beehives made from easy-to-plant pine, rather than the local miombo trees, which are destroyed in traditional beehive production. This type of beekeeping is less labour-intensive, enabling women, youths and orphans to farm honey. Deforestation is further reduced by providing an alternative income source for women and men engaged in charcoal burning. Under SEED’s guidance, the enterprise plans to increase the number of smallholder farmers in its cooperative to 10,000 in the coming year.

EcoGen, founded by Clement Kandodo in Malawi in 2019, provides advanced biowaste bins and biodigesters for households to recycle their leftover food and agricultural waste, turning it into biogas for cooking and organic fertiliser. The provision of renewable cooking gas, especially to rural customers relying on wood fuel, takes the pressure off local forest resources. Organic fertiliser increases yields and incomes of smallholder farmers, enhancing their climate resilience. SEED will help EcoGen scale its services to provide 4,000 households and institutions with access to renewable biogas energy by 2023.

Yves Wantens, General Representative of the Government of Flanders in the United States commented: “When it comes to the impacts of climate change, countries like Malawi, Zambia and Botswana are on the front line. They are the ones who will feel the effects of a rise in global temperature most acutely. That is why we are so proud to support the SEED Awards, which recognise and scale the impact of eco-inclusive enterprises across these local communities. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, MSMEs are at the forefront of enabling green recovery and delivering on SDGs, for the good of the wider community and the planet.” The Government of Flanders is the primary sponsor of the SEED Climate Adaptation Awards.

The SEED Awards ceremony, taking place today at the UN’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), will also see SEED present its ‘Green Recovery Snapshot’ (https://bit.ly/3hCJSDP) findings, which calls on governments, donors, and financial providers to increase targeted support for MSMEs as they stimulate economic growth in a post-COVID world. MSMEs are responsible for creating seven out of ten jobs across emerging markets, and green and social MSMEs deliver environmental and social impact through their activities, products, and services, making them essential actors in achieving a green recovery.

Winners of the SEED Awards will be awarded matching grants of between EUR 10,000 &#8211; 15,000 and will receive tailored one-to-one advisory services for up to a year to scale their operations, as part of the renowned SEED Accelerator (https://bit.ly/3AVM4xM) programme. In line with the principle of ‘awarding the best and moving the rest’, 39 runners-up will also be supported through the SEED Catalyser (https://bit.ly/3hABXXt) programme, to refine their business models and optimise their impacts while advancing their investment readiness.

SEED’s Director of Operations, Rainer Agster, added: “The calibre of SEED Award entries this year was outstanding, and we extend our congratulations to all nine winners and 39 runners-up. We hope the enterprises identified and promoted by the SEED Awards will be a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across emerging economies. Through the SEED Awards, we will support 48 enterprises in 2021, and through our other programmes, several hundreds more. For each of those, however, there are thousands more eco-inclusive enterprises furthering SDGs which can be amplified with the right support. Therefore, we strongly encourage policy makers and financial actors to take a closer look at these eco-inclusive businesses and start or scale support programmes for them.”

Of the 2021 SEED Awards cohort, 69 per cent of enterprise leaders are 18-35 years-old and 52 per cent are female-led enterprises. Since their inception in 2005, the SEED Awards have awarded 311 enterprises in 40 countries and have facilitated the disbursement of over EUR 1 million in grants. Each individual SEED enterprise has saved an average of 7,300 tonnes of CO2, generated more than 9,399 kWh of renewable energy, and created 28.4 jobs, out of which 32 per cent are offered to people at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP).

For more information on the winners and runners-up, please visit the SEED website (https://bit.ly/3xBgrY8).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SEED.
For more information, or for interview requests with the SEED Award winners, please contact: Sara Viglione at Gong Communications E-mail: sarav@gongcommunications.com Tel: +44 7794 988752
Follow us on: Twitter: https://bit.ly/36uF1hF LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3hCamoO Facebook: https://bit.ly/3wDA2FI Instagram: https://bit.ly/36vdEE7
About the SEED Awards: The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development (SEED Awards) identify and promote eco-inclusive enterprises in emerging and developing economies, giving them the opportunity to scale their businesses through grants, strategy advice, access to investors, and global profiling. The SEED Low Carbon Awards 2021 in Ghana, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda are sponsored by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The SEED Climate Adaptation Awards 2021 in Malawi, Zambia, Botswana are sponsored by the Government of Flanders.
About SEED: SEED is a global partnership for action on sustainable development and the green economy.
Founded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, SEED believes entrepreneurship is key in driving sustainable development.
SEED’s enterprise support programmes in Asia and Africa support small and growing enterprises with business and capacity-building support. Its ecosystem programmes focus on policy, financing and collaboration instruments that multiply the social, environmental and economic impacts of entrepreneurship.
For more information, please visit: www.SEED.uno.

Three Entrepreneurs in Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi Beat over 1,000 Applicants to Win Prestigious SEED Award

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
A business which gives out virtual cash in exchange for rubbish, a start-up which converts faecal sludge into fuel briquettes, and an enterprise which offers smart metering solutions for solar mini-grids, have won the SEED Low Carbon Award (SEED Awards) (www.SEED.uno). SEED was founded as part of a global partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Regenize, a South African enterprise founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Chad Robertson, rewards residents with Remali, a virtual currency that can be used to buy airtime, data or grocery vouchers, in exchange for recycled materials. The Cape Town-based business provides informal waste collectors with community-based recycling hubs, uniforms, transportation, and connections to clean recyclables. Once collected and sorted, Regenize purchases the recycled materials and sells them in bulk to waste processors. In this way, Regenize has diverted 231 tonnes of waste from landfills. SEED will help Regenize scale by setting up 151 decentralised recycling hubs and integrating 423 informal waste collectors into its model.

The winning start-up in Ghana, JVL-YKMA Recycling Plant, was founded in 2020 and processes organic waste and faecal sludge to produce compost for commercial farming and affordable, fuel-efficient briquettes for households and industries. JVL-YKMA Recycling Plant, which is run by young engineer, Bernadette Dzifa Agbefu, is formed of an innovative Public-Private Partnership between Jekora Ventures Ltd and the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly. It processes up to 1,800 tonnes of organic solid waste and up to 5,000 cubic meters of faecal sludge to produce up to 200 tonnes of compost and 1,000 tonnes of low-cost fuel briquettes annually. SEED will help the business grow its production value through increasing faecal sludge treatment capacity and running a second briquetting shift.

In Uganda, the winning enterprise Peec Energy offers remote monitoring and smart metering solutions for solar mini-grids and solar home systems in local communities, currently benefitting 3,800 households. Peec Energy, founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Philip Kyeswa, provides PAYG meters to local mini-grid developers, allowing them to sell energy in off-grid locations and to remotely monitor their utility assets and collect bill payments via a central software. The enterprise also provides women and youth with solar and biogas training and certification from the Directorate of Industrial training in Uganda. Under SEED’s expert guidance, Peec Energy aims to expand throughout Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo to reach 500,000 connected households, impacting more than 1 million people.

Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, Parliamentarian State Secretary in the German Federal Environment Ministry (BMU), which is the primary sponsor of the SEED Low Carbon Awards, commented: “Micro and small enterprises play a vital role in the transformation to a decarbonised, more sustainable development. Many of these enterprises contribute greatly to this transformation. The SEED Awards are instrumental for scaling such enterprises, equipping the founders with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to maximise their impact within their local communities and beyond.”

The SEED Awards ceremony, taking place today at the UN’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), will also see SEED present its ‘Green Recovery Snapshot’  (https://bit.ly/3hCJSDP) findings, which calls on governments, donors, and financial providers to increase targeted support for MSMEs as they stimulate economic growth in a post-COVID world. MSMEs are responsible for creating seven out of ten jobs across emerging markets, and green and social MSMEs deliver environmental and social impact through their activities, products, and services, making them essential actors in achieving a green recovery.

Winners of the SEED Awards will be awarded matching grants of between EUR 10,000 &#8211; 15,000 and will receive tailored one-to-one advisory services for up to a year to scale their operations, as part of the renowned SEED Accelerator (https://bit.ly/3AVM4xM) programme. In line with the principle of ‘awarding the best and moving the rest’, 39 runners-up will also be supported through the SEED Catalyser (https://bit.ly/3hABXXt) programme, to refine their business models and optimise their impacts while advancing their investment readiness.

SEED’s Director of Operations, Rainer Agster, added: “The calibre of SEED Award entries this year was outstanding, and we extend our congratulations to all nine winners and 39 runners-up. We hope the enterprises identified and promoted by the SEED Awards will be a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across emerging economies. Through the SEED Awards, we will support 48 enterprises in 2021, and through our other programmes, several hundreds more. For each of those, however, there are thousands more eco-inclusive enterprises furthering SDGs which can be amplified with the right support. Therefore, we strongly encourage policy makers and financial actors to take a closer look at these eco-inclusive businesses and start or scale support programmes for them.”

Of the 2021 SEED Awards cohort, 69 per cent of enterprise leaders are 18-35 years-old and 52 per cent are female-led enterprises. Since their inception in 2005, the SEED Awards have awarded 311 enterprises in 40 countries and have facilitated the disbursement of over EUR 1 million in grants. Each individual SEED enterprise has saved an average of 7,300 tonnes of CO2, generated more than 9,399 kWh of renewable energy, and created 28.4 jobs, out of which 32 per cent are offered to people at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP).

For more information on the winners and runners-up, please visit the SEED website (https://bit.ly/3xBgrY8).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SEED.
For more information, or for interview requests with the SEED Award winners, please contact: Sara Viglione at Gong Communications E-mail: sarav@gongcommunications.com Tel: +44 7794 988752
Follow us on: Twitter: https://bit.ly/36uF1hF LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3hCamoO Facebook: https://bit.ly/3wDA2FI Instagram: https://bit.ly/36vdEE7
About the SEED Awards: The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development (SEED Awards) identify and promote eco-inclusive enterprises in emerging and developing economies, giving them the opportunity to scale their businesses through grants, strategy advice, access to investors, and global profiling. The SEED Low Carbon Awards 2021 in Ghana, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda are sponsored by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The SEED Climate Adaptation Awards 2021 in Malawi, Zambia, Botswana are sponsored by the Government of Flanders.
About SEED: SEED is a global partnership for action on sustainable development and the green economy.
Founded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, SEED believes entrepreneurship is key in driving sustainable development.
SEED’s enterprise support programmes in Asia and Africa support small and growing enterprises with business and capacity-building support. Its ecosystem programmes focus on policy, financing and collaboration instruments that multiply the social, environmental and economic impacts of entrepreneurship.
For more information, please visit: www.SEED.uno.

Three Entrepreneurs in South Africa, Ghana, and Uganda Beat over 1,000 Applicants to Win Prestigious SEED Award

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Panelists taking part in the second virtual session of the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum 2021 on Monday navigated the balance between delivering reliable energy access to the continent – while meeting global carbon emission and ESG standards – before issuing a call to action to U.S. investors and policymakers. 

Organized by Energy Capital&#038;Power under the theme, “Navigating the Transition: Africa’s Place in the Future Global Energy Sector, and Continental Transformation,” the session tackled issues of power affordability and accessibility; climate adaptation and resilience measures; Africa’s role in the global energy transition; and the path to net-zero global emissions by 2030.   

Panelists included C. Derek Campbell, CEO of Energy&#038;Natural Resource Security; Jake Levine, Chief Climate Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC); Ken McGhee, Director of Africa Ubiquity Group; and moderator Sheila Hodllis, Acting Executive Director of the U.S. Energy Association.

 “Africa has a primary and strategic role to play continent-wide and globally as both a producer and originator of clean energies,” said Campbell. “The continent needs partners in technology and finance that do not squeeze projects from a financial risk perspective. I hope the U.S. recognizes this and gives African countries the opportunity to responsibly extract hydrocarbon resources and strategic minerals and rare earths, so the continent is not a sideshow player in global energy transition discussions. If countries have the ability to produce, then they can impact the policy surrounding the production and ultimate utilization of those assets.”

“There is a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. Government to lead the way, in terms of helping Africa to drive its clean energy transition,” said Levine. “The DFC knows, based on the transactions that we are seeing in the market and those in which we are a part, that there is huge demand for clean energy projects, whether traditional renewables like solar or wind; or projects in battery storage and long duration storage that can help provide grid reliability, stability and dispatchable power, as well as other verticals along the clean energy system.” 

To harness these opportunities, U.S.  government entities have expanded their commitment to financing the energy transition both at home and abroad. The DFC, for example, recently doubled its U.S. financing capacity to low- to middle-income economies from $29 billion to $60 billion.

“As part of that commitment, we are going to invest one-third of that portfolio in climate-linked projects, ranging from the power sector to transportation to core infrastructure projects – including decarbonizing trade, logistics and shipping industries – to agriculture adaptation and resilience,” said Levine. “Even though the DFC has historically focused on debt and project finance, we now have the authority to do equity investments, funds and technical assistance grants that are critical to projects underway in riskier markets.”

From new renewables to hydrogen production to energy storage, investment opportunities across the clean energy value chain have emerged as both a means of industrialization and elimination of the rampant energy poverty that currently afflicts the continent. According to a poll by ECP, 38% of respondents believe small-scale renewables hold the most potential along the African clean energy value chain for U.S. involvement, while 49% believe mini- and off-grid renewables are best positioned to answer Africa’s call for electrification. 

“It is the inflection point – it is the time for both public and private investment,” said McGhee. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 took a lot of boots off the ground. Now is the time to get back to the continent and to work directly with ministers and the African Energy Chamber to implement these projects. The implementers are on the ground waiting for us – they need the funds and the support. Concrete actions would be getting congressional delegations, the Congressional Black Caucus and other members of Congress to Africa, and getting the administration to draw on its resources and its people in power with years of experience in trade and aid.”

As sub-Saharan African hydrocarbon development accounts for a negligible percent of global CO2 emissions, some African governments and industry thought leaders have argued for a different approach to cleaner energy sources in emerging markets.

“If you look at Africa from a global CO2 emissions standpoint, the continent has very little to do with that,” said Campbell. “If you cannot create baseload power, then you cannot create industry. Africa is at a point right now in which energy poverty is not ethereal and theoretical. It is real. Nations are being kept out of first-world discussions because they do not have an industrial base, and they do not have an industrial base because they do not have sustained power. Particularly in the U.S., we need to be about the business of making this happen.”

“The idea that because we have a global CO2 problem, African nations should not have access to energy, is illogical and borderline immoral,” added Levine. “As a matter of historical emissions, Africa is far ahead of the game.”

The efficacy of the U.S. in taking a leading role in Africa’s energy transition and facilitating energy development also bears political repercussions, as the country vies with Russia and China for growing influence on the continent. 
“I do not think that the Biden Administration is advocating a view that certain forms of energy are outlawed or banned because they may not be clean. It is a slightly more nuanced distinction,” said Levine. “To transition into the rare earths discussion, this is an area in which we hope African countries can play a central role. We are seeing a dominance of China in the market for our future resources, whether it is the production of solar panels or electric vehicle batteries, or even veering into industries in which the U.S. previously has had a leadership role.” 

“It is not only about creating jobs, but also helping to industrialize the continent and bringing its key players into the OECD world. The real narrative is about making sure the continent is on parity with the U.S,” said Campbell. “There’s a hegemonic resource battle happening globally and the U.S. is losing. We need to bring best practices from an ecological, security and optimized business standpoint to our partners in Africa.”

USAEF 2021 seeks to introduce American companies to African opportunities, promote greater investment in African nations’ energy value chains, and advance an agenda of sustainable, long-term investment in African energy (including petroleum, clean energy, power infrastructure and mineral resources) and other sectors by U.S. organizations. An in-person networking event will be held in Washington D.C. on July 12, 2021, leading up to the main summit and gala dinner in Houston, Texas on October 4-5, 2021.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&#038;Power.

U.S.-Africa Energy Forum 2021 Leads Conversation on African Energy Transition, Energy Poverty Eradication

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
In a bid to drive U.S. investment in the African energy sector, the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) 2021 kicked off on Monday with a virtual session – organized by Energy Capital&#038;Power (EnergyCapitalPower.com) – featuring petroleum ministers from Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea along with leading energy and finance industry leaders.

Under the theme, The U.S.-Africa Energy Partnership: Successes and New Horizons, the first of two virtual sessions identified key factors behind investment success stories on the continent, as well as leading opportunities for future cooperation, centering on the clean energy value chain and full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Opening remarks were given by H.E. Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of Republic of the Congo – a veteran of the oil and gas industry and one of the founding members of the National Petroleum Company of Congo – and NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC). 
“Cooperation between America and Africa will be a key factor for the global future,” said H.E. Minister Itoua. “In energy, Africa is not the problem. Africa is the solution. This becomes even more true when you talk about the transition. We have substantial quantities of oil, but more importantly, we have substantial quantities of gas – which is the first part of the energy transition – as well as one of the most important potentials for renewables.”
“We can no longer accept that more than 650 million on the African continent go without electricity every day, when there is an abundance of gas and petroleum resources that can be used,” said Ayuk. “At the AEC, we are committed to free-market policies, limited government and finding ways to integrate new projects into our continent. We welcome American ingenuity that has been the driving force behind the U.S. energy revolution to date.”
Panelists included H.E. Gabriel Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea; Alexa Burr, Vice President for Standards&#038;Services, American Petroleum Institute (API); Akinwole Omoboriowo II, Chairman and CEO, Genesis Energy Group; Posso Ganame, Chairman, Texas-West Africa Chamber of Commerce; and Miguel Peñaloza, Business Development / Project Finance, U.S. Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
For Equatorial Guinea, the U.S. represents the single largest foreign investor in the country and has played a critical role in its hydrocarbon development, as well as more recent domestic gas monetization drive, since the entry of ExxonMobil in 1994 and subsequent discovery of the prolific Zafiro field. According to a poll by ECP, 54% of respondents believe that the Gulf of Guinea remains sub-Saharan Africa’s most promising exploration hotspot. 
“American companies like ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and United Meridian were the ones that made Equatorial Guinea what it is today. If we have energy, infrastructure and local capacity, it has been thanks to U.S. companies,” said H.E. Minister Lima. “Another critical element is the way that they have transferred technology and know-how. For example, the Zafiro field is 90%-operated by Equatoguineans. It hasn’t just been investment, but rather investment in human resources and involvement across upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. Finally, Equatorial Guinea has the highest per capita investment in infrastructure. U.S. companies and institutions advised us to invest in our base infrastructure, so if the oil ends, we can still continue with services.”
In addition to hydrocarbon exploration, panelists highlighted key integrated foreign investment and export opportunities along the clean energy value chain, as well as implementation of the AfCFTA, which aims to accelerate intra-African trade and boost Africa’s trading position within the global market.
“We see a rebound taking place as global energy demand returns to pre-pandemic levels,” said Burr. “Gas and LNG have a particularly important role to play, as the industry intends to expand its use of lower carbon hydrocarbon development and deliver affordable, clean energy while reducing our environmental footprint. This will have an impact on investments and portfolios. At API, we have recently come out with a climate action framework, demonstrating our commitment to investing in lower-carbon technologies. Through our partnerships, we hope to bring that to Africa and commercialize promising new industries that are leading the way.” 
“Tariffs for intra-African trade will be eliminated, which is a huge opportunity for U.S. companies to access all African nations and grow their businesses across the continent,” said Posso. “This will save costs. Instead of spending money on tariffs, companies will use that money to expand their business. This is a great opportunity for U.S. businesses to invest in Africa.”
The panelists also highlighted that developing and maintaining financial access to African markets ­was key to expanding Africa’s energy sector. According to a poll by ECP, 70% of respondents believe that blended financing is best suited to meeting Africa’s energy and infrastructure investment gap.
“With the U.S as a key partner to 54 African countries, there are various initiatives on which U.S. government entities and companies can endeavor to focus. One relates to blended concessionary financing, which has the capacity to enable projects that may not be commercially viable without support,” said Omoboriowo. “We need to get more American companies that are hands on with their investments. For example, companies in the U.S. produce solar batteries and panels. I’m sure we can find free trade areas on the continent where we can localize the factories. My sense is that there are practical, realistic initiatives that the U.S. can collaborate with identified countries.”
For its part, the U.S. EXIM Bank has a congressional mandate to support trade and investment to sub-Saharan Africa and has supported over $12.5 billion in investments in the region to date, with the largest being the five-billion-dollar direct loan to support the export of U.S. goods and services to the Mozambique LNG development.    
“As a government agency, we are demand-driven and a tool for U.S. exporters as they develop new technologies, products and services. We support them in being able to get their products sold to Africa,” said Peñaloza. “Power Africa, Prosper Africa under the previous administration, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, the U.S. EXIM Bank – from a governmental perspective, we all try to collaborate and work together.”
USAEF 2021 seeks to introduce American companies to African opportunities, promote greater investment in African nations’ energy value chains, and advance an agenda of sustainable, long-term investment in African energy (including petroleum, clean energy, power infrastructure and mineral resources) and other sectors by U.S. organizations. An in-person networking event will be held in Washington D.C. on July 12, 2021, leading up to the main summit and gala dinner in Houston, Texas on October 4-5, 2021.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&#038;Power.

U.S.-Africa Energy Forum Kicks off with First Virtual Session, Previews Opportunities for Future U.S.-Africa Cooperation

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
A jumbo road interchange financed by the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has opened in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, amid hopes the new infrastructure will help reduce road fatalities, ease mobility and spur trade within Ghana as well as with its neighbors.

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned the Pokuase Interchange – an array of swirling highways &#8211; at a ceremony held Friday 9 July, attended by government ministers, diplomats, transport operators, members of parliament and traditional chiefs draped in colorful regalia.
The four-tier interchange — the first of its type in West Africa—and a 10-km road network linking it to adjoining arterial roads, form part of the Accra Urban Transport Project.
The Bank Group provided $83.9 million for the project from the African Development Fund, its concessional financing window, and the Ghanaian government contributed $11 million.
President Akufo-Addo lauded the African Development Bank for its developmental role across the continent. “The Bank, under the outstanding leadership of a great pan-Africanist, Akinwumi Adesina, continues to be a strong vehicle for the realization of the aspirations of the African peoples,” the president said.
The project, which was approved in September 2016, will improve mobility on the Accra-Nsawam section of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, which sees 50,000 vehicles per day in traffic. It will also reduce vehicle operating costs by 37%, cut travel time from two hours to 30 minutes and lower road accident rates by 40%.
Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, the Bank’s Director General for the West Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office, said that Bank support for the Ghanaian transport infrastructure sector symbolizes its quest for Africans’ economic and social advancement.
“This approach amplifies the benefits through the ancillary facilities and the road which contribute to the improvement of livelihoods,” she said, noting that for close to five decades, “the Bank has stood side-by-side with Ghana to set up the country in implementing its growth and transformation agenda.”
The project also provides protection for the nearby Gua Sacred Forest, contributes to lower carbon dioxide emissions, and provides fully equipped modern ICT laboratories for 14 basic schools to train over 10,000 primary school children. Additionally, the production facilities for two local women’s groups have been upgraded and access to ICT has improved the business and income of more than 250 women by 10%.
Project beneficiaries include local agro-industries, transporters and travelers on the Accra-Kumasi corridor, which is the main transit route between the breadbasket Brong Ahafo region and Accra, and is also part of the Ghana-Burkina Faso road corridor.
The project advances the Bank’s High 5 strategic priorities, particularly, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. The project also aligns with the current Country Strategy Paper (2019-2023) for Ghana, which supports industrialization, trade, and regional integration as national development priorities. The strategy paper also positions Ghana to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which came into force in January 2021.
To date, total Bank approvals for Ghana stand at roughly $3 billion. Of this, nearly $825 million (28%) has gone to road, air, and rail transportation projects, including the rehabilitation of Fufulso-Sawla Road, which won a presidential award in the Bank, and the new Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3. Other important sectors in the Bank’s portfolio are agriculture, at 31.7% and power, water and sanitation, and finance.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Kwasi Kpodo Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: w.kpodo@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) 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 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.
For more information: j.mp/AfDB_Media

Ghana: African Development Bank Group-financed road interchange opens, trade and incomes expected up

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org) and its partner the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), today launched a technical report on the potential impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on selected OIC countries, namely Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Guinea, Mozambique, Tunisia and Uganda.

The objective of the AfCFTA is to integrate, diversify and enhance the industrialision of the  African economies of about 1.3 billion people with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$2.5 trillion in current prices, or US$6.8 trillion based on purchasing power parity (PPP).
To shed light on the important findings of the research report, a virtual event was organised with the participation of Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC; Mr. Nabil Daboor, Director General, SESRIC; Mrs. Ngone Diop: Director of UNECA &#8211; Sub-regional Office West Africa; Mr. Saliou Sow, AfCFTA Chief Negotiator for Guinea; Mrs. Astou SY, Deputy AfCFTA Chief Negotiator for Senegal and Mr. Chaouki Jaballi, Director of Cooperation with Arab countries and African Union, Ministry of Cooperation Tunisia. 
The launching event unveiled the key findings of the report, covering important topics including the facilitation of investments in productive capacities to differentiate products and strengthen competitiveness of domestic enterprises.  In addition, the webinar also revealed the need to create regional value chains and support smart infrastructure investment projects to improve connectivity and allow for smooth movement of goods and people while protecting vulnerable segments of societies to achieve more balanced growth.
Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC stated that, “The AfCFTA is a great opportunity for Africa to integrate more and create transnational value that can be reflected in the socio-economic growth of the continent. ITFC is committed to supporting OIC members to make the most of the agreement not only to boost trade but to create sustainable jobs, enhance international cooperation and expand local industries, which are all crucial for the continental and global post-covid economies.  In support of our commitment, ITFC will keep investing into programmes such as the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program and the ITFC-IsDB AfCFTA Inititiaveto promote intra-African and intra-OIC trade.”
Mr Nebil Dabur, DG SESRIC stated that, ““The African Continental Free Trade Area is a critical milestone in enhancing economic cooperation and integration among the African countries. For partner countries to take advantages of opportunities and address challenges associated with this path-breaking initiative, appropriate policies, tools and resources will be required to effectively implement these policies. The SESRIC-ITFC partnership serves exactly this purpose and we look forward to proceed with the next two series of our partnership.  The SESRIC, strong of fourty years of  experience and successful achievements in the three areas of its mandate, namely statistics, research and training will continue to support the efforts of the OIC and its member countries in the era of the AfCFTA.
On 1 January 2021, the AfCFTA became operational with the ratification of 34 African Union (AU) member states, which later increased to 37 as of 7 July2021 according to the latest report by Trade Law Centre (TRALAC). This is a major step towards boosting regional trade and economic integration among the African countries. The AfCFTA will facilitate, harmonize and better coordinate trade regimes and eliminate challenges related to overlapping trade agreements across the continent. The expected gains are not to be limited to international trade only. The agreement would support greater economic integration, foster competitiveness of the domestic industries, facilitate better allocation of resources and help to attract greater foreign direct investments.
Download the report here. (https://bit.ly/2U5i6ql)
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
Contact Us: Twitter: @ITFCCORP Facebook: @ITFCCORP LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Tel: +966 12 646 8337 Fax: +966 12 637 1064 E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org
About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC): The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided US$55 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

About The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC): The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), a subsidiary organ of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), is operating in Ankara, Turkey since June 1978 as the main economic research arm, statistics centre and training organ of the OIC. The Centre has been engaged with statistical data collection, collation and dissemination on and for the OIC member countries, undertaking the preparation of research papers, reports and studies on economic cooperation and development issues contained on the agenda of various OIC ministerial and other forums, organizing training programs on subjects of immediate interest to the member countries, and putting out periodic and other publications in its areas of mandate for the benefit of the member countries.

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) Launch Report on the Potential Economic Impacts of the AfCFTA on selected OIC Countries

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The Kenya Simbas bounced back to winning ways on Sunday evening with a massive 45-8 win over visiting Zambia. The game was the climax of what has been a busy three weeks of international rugby at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Man of the match Jone Kubu put on another clinic as he scored 18 points from two tries, one conversion, one penalty, and one drop goal to inspire Kenya past a nippy Zambia.
Heading into the game, Head Coach Paul Odera made up to six changes to the side that narrowly lost to Senegal in the first game. The changes seem to have worked like a charm as George Nyambua who came in for Thomas Okeyo scored a brace as Samuel Asati, who came in for Bryceson Adaka also played a huge role in Brian Tanga’s try.
First-half tries from George Nyambua, Brian Tanga, and Jone Kubu (2) complemented by two conversions from Kubu and Dominic Coulson saw Simba head to the break with a healthy 32-3 lead.
Simbas needed to win the game if they were to make it to the Rugby Africa Cup tournament next year that will act as the World Cup 2023 qualification tournament for Africa.
The break seemed to have slowed down the Simbas as they managed only two tries in the second half. Joshua Chisanga and George Nyambua powered over for Paul Odera’s side as Dominic Coulson managed to slot in a conversion and a penalty in the dying minutes of the game. Israel Kalumba went over for Zambia’s sole try.
Zambia will now finish bottom of Rugby Africa Cup Group B and will not take part in the qualifying tournament next year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Media contact: Rugby@apo-opa.com

Rugby Africa Cup Men’s Weekend Game Sees Kenya win over Zambia

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Preeminent artist-first music streaming platform, Audiomack (www.Audiomack.com) continues to level the playing field for independent artists by making its direct monetization program, The Audiomack Monetization Program (AMP), available worldwide on four continents. It is now open in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mexico (LATAM), India (South Asia), Trinidad&#038;Tobago, Haiti, and Europe.

Due to the power and ease of AMP, Audiomack stands out as “the only streaming service to directly pay artists with no third-party.” Authenticated creators are paid instantly through the backend of the digital streaming provider, setting a precedent worldwide with the global launch of AMP. It allows creators to immediately access streaming revenue to benefit their careers. There’s nothing like it on any other DSP.
Last year, AMP opened up to authenticated creators in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Some of the most influential artists of today have utilized AMP as a stepping-stone to critical mass. In its initial beta phase in 2019, the program attracted future superstars such as Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Durk, and Flume to name a few. They each adopted the program and leveraged it in order to reach the Audiomack community and beyond. These artists and many more have benefited immensely from the beta, and their success speaks to the power of AMP.
The first step in direct monetization is authentication. Operating with complete transparency and democratizing music like never before, creators may apply for authentication now. Requirements are at least two uploads and 1,000 plays. To learn more about authentication and how to apply, click here. (https://bit.ly/3k7foLN)
To learn more about the benefits of AMP, the importance of monetization, and information about the program and how to apply, click here. (https://bit.ly/3hZCRvN)
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Audiomack.
About Audiomack: Audiomack is a music streaming and discovery platform that allows artists, labels, and distributors to share unlimited music, and fans to discover new artists, songs, albums, mixtapes, playlists, podcasts and more. Breaking the best and hottest new music through a mix of real-time trending, top charts, and expertly-curated playlists, Audiomack showcases music’s up-next stars.
Download the Audiomack app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Audiomack Activates (AMP Global) Audiomack Monetization Program Across the Globe

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The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-100 in Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Finals, cutting the Suns’ lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. “The Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Bucks who played their first NBA Finals home game since their last Finals appearance 47 years ago. 11-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul led the Suns with 19 points and 9 assists. Game 4 will be in Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

Box Score (https://on.nba.com/3hyNeHT)

Please find transcripts from the postgame media availability attached and some of the highlights below:

Mike Budenholzer (Bucks Head Coach) on Giannis: “He&#39;s just doing whatever it takes to help his team, to help us. He&#39;s in an aggressive mindset. He always plays that way. But I thought he played with the pass well. He made some great reads, found guys, played against the zone. He just did a little bit of everything. Offensive boards, putbacks. We need a lot from him and that&#39;s what he does.”

Monty Williams (Suns Head Coach): “There&#39;s a lot of ways you can spin it, but they played with a great deal of aggression for longer stretches than we did. We knew it was coming. We did not respond to it well tonight, especially in the second and third quarters. The turnovers certainly hurt us, points in the paint, everything we have been talking about the whole series. So it was a tough lesson for us to learn. You know what was coming, but just didn&#39;t do enough consistently to withstand their attacking the paint, whether it was penetration, offensive rebounding. We gave them so many possessions, so we lost a shot and then they scored off of it. It was a double whammy.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): “Yeah, we got better from Game 1 to Game 2. And now we got better from Game 2 to Game 3. We&#39;ve got to keep building. Keep trusting one another. Keep trusting winning habits. Keep making winning plays. Keep competing hard and keep doing it together. But we got better.”

Devin Booker (Suns): “There&#39;s nights like that. The most important part to me is winning the game and we didn&#39;t do that, so I&#39;m more frustrated about that. But we have a few days off here. We&#39;re going to get back right and going to go over film and be ready Wednesday.”

For full media availability please click on the links below:
 	Bucks Postgame (https://bit.ly/2UIxHvT) 
 	Suns Postgame (https://bit.ly/36v8Cr3) Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-100 in Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Finals, cutting the Suns’ lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
In June 2021, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) (www.IsDB.org) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) collaborated with the National Eye Health Program (PNSO) to launch the 2nd phase (Generation II) of the Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness (AFAB) by conducting two cataract surgeries campaigns in the cities of Diffa and Magaria in Niger.

Under these campaigns, financed by, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) 8001 patients were given vision screening and 1,029 cataract treatment surgeries were conducted in addition to providing post-surgical monitoring and visits to patients.

These campaigns are a part of a continued commitment to performing 100,000 surgeries in the next five years under the IsDB’s Regional Cooperation and Integration Department initiative.

Pr. Amza Abdou, the National Coordinator of the Eye Health Program (PNSO) in Niger, stated “I would like to address my thanks and gratitude to IsDB Group  and BADEA for the consistent efforts made in supporting Niger government to fighting avoidable blindness and improving the quality of life of persons with visual disability and uplifting their socio-economic status. We wish that this exemplary south-south cooperation will remain sustainable, as the proportion of the population suffering from blindness remains high in Niger.”

Khadija Amina Nabale, a 60 years old cataract patient from Magaria stated “It is terrible to lose your sight. I stopped my work as volunteer midwife which affected not only my life but the life of hundreds of pregnant women that are relying on my assistance. The success of this operation has not only given me new hope in this life but also to women in my village”.

To build on the success of the First Generation, the IsDB and the ISFD decided to introduce the Second Generation of the Alliance that aims to benefit 13 IsDB Member Countries, namely Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Somalia, and Togo.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) – Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) launches the Activities of the Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness, Second Generation, (AFAB) in Niger

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Upgrading sanitation key to improve public health and COVID protection; First financing for EUR 262 million scheme disbursed by EIB (www.EIB.org) and KfW; Team Europe partners welcome scheme’s vision and ambition.

New investment to transform public health in the Zambian capital Lusaka by improving access by 525,000 families to sanitation, expanding wastewater treatment at two new plants in Chunga and Ngwerere, and construction of 520 km of sewerage pipes will be accelerated by disbursement of financing for the Lusaka Sanitation Program by the European Investment Bank and a grant by the German Development Bank, KfW, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany.

“Expanding access to sewerage based sanitation is crucial to protect public health against a variety of waterborne diseases and COVID-19, ensure that thousands of, also poor, families across Lusaka benefit from better services and enable waste water treatment to continue during the either droughts or floods that would be hitting Zambia. The close cooperation with Zambian and international partners, including long-term financing and technical expertise provided by the European Investment Bank and KfW over recent years, is now delivering and contributing to Zambia’s Vision 2030.” said Eng. Jonathan Kampata, Managing Director of the Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company.

“The European Investment Bank is pleased to support the ambitious and visionary Lusaka Sanitation Program that will transform sanitation, public health, economic and social development in the Zambian capital. The scale of the project being implemented by the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company has required intensive technical preparations to maximise the impact of the scheme. Today marks a key milestone in the project that enables the first financing to be provided by EIB and KfW for rehabilitation of two waste water treatment works in the city and complement other parts of the city-wide scheme already underway. Accelerating high-impact sanitation investment is crucial to strengthen public health resilience to COVID-19 and deliver sustainable urban development.” said Thomas Ostros, European Investment Bank Vice President.

“Safe sanitation and hygiene are key aspects of a healthy and dignified life. Universal access to sanitation and hygiene by 2030 is a target of the Sustainable Development Agenda. Unfortunately, progress to date has been slow. Access rates to safe sanitation are not increasing fast enough, this amid the Covid-19 pandemic – and not just in Zambia. I am happy to announce the first disbursements of EIB and KfW funds, marking another important and timely step in the realization of the Lusaka Sanitation Programme. Increasing the waste water treatment capacity in Lusaka with support of the German government will form the backbone for upscaling access to safe sanitation and hygiene, particularly for poor households. By reducing the ground and surface water contamination the increased waste water treatment capacity will contribute to improving the quality of scarce water resources”, Anne Wagner-Mitchell, Ambassador of Germany to Zambia and Special Representative to COMESA.

Progress unlocking financing from international partners Progress in technical planning and project preparation for the Lusaka Sanitation Programme has enabled the first EUR 2.7 million to be disbursed by the European Investment Bank and German Development Bank, KfW. This is the first financing from the two international partners for the scheme.

The EIB will provide EUR 102.5 million and KfW EUR 33 million (grant) for the overall project, alongside the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Union, Bill&#038;Melinda Gates Foundation and Government of Zambia.

Long-term sanitation investment to improve public health and social inclusion Implementation of the Lusaka Sanitation Program is a key part of the Zambian government’s Vision 2030 and National Development that will improve public health and social inclusion of vulnerable communities and address challenges faced by women and children.

Once complete the Lusaka Sanitation Program will reduce prevalence of water borne disease and pollution in local rivers.

Combating COVID-19 through community involvement Since the Covid-19 pandemic the Lusaka Sanitation Program has strengthened hygiene measures across the city by practising social distancing and changing public perception of hand washing.

400 hand sanitiser stations have been installed in public spaces such as markets, health centres, water points, and places of worship and over 600 water tap attendants have become coronavirus prevention ambassadors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Investment Bank (EIB).
Background information The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.
KfW is one of the world&#39;s leading and most experienced promotional banks. Established as a public law institution in 1948, the German Federal Government has an 80% stake and the German federal states have a 20% stake in the bank. The objective is to combat poverty, secure peace, protect the environment and the climate as well as ensuring fair globalization. KfW is a competent and strategic adviser for current development policy issues.
Press contacts: Nshamba Muzungu nmuzungu@lwsc.com.zm Mobile:  +260 0977 408 554
EIB: Richard Willis r.willis@eib.org Tel.: +352 43 79 82155 Mobile:  +352 621 55 57 58
Website: www.EIB.org/press Press Office: +352 4379 21000 press@eib.org
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Zambia Lisa Nolte Press Officer pr-100@lusa.diplo.de +260 971 798 420
KfW Tom Woyack Portfolio Manager tom.woyack@kfw.de +260 977 11 48 98
Follow us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EIB Facebook: https://bit.ly/2UD2VVm Instagram: https://bit.ly/3AX9fIa YouTube: https://bit.ly/2T8QFvw RSS: https://bit.ly/3r1TGtS LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2VtdJ8V
EIB backing water investment across Zambia The EIB is also supporting new investment to upgrade and expand water and wastewater services provided by the Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company on the Copperbelt Province.
The European Investment Bank has supported water, energy, transport, agriculture and private sector investment across Zambia since 1978 and KfW has been active in Zambia since 1965.
KfW: Increasing access to water, sanitation and hygiene in rural and urban Zambia German Cooperation, through KfW, is supporting the Zambian Government in its pursuit to ensure universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene in particular in Luapula, Eastern and Southern Provinces.
KfW has supported Zambia since 1965 on behalf of the German Federal Government with more than EUR 900 million, mainly financing infrastructure projects improving access to water and sanitation, transport and basic infrastructure in provinces and recently also energy and agriculture.

EIB & KfW welcome progress in Lusaka sanitation project to double network access underway after decade of preparations

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Madagascar made it two wins out of two in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup as they beat hosts Kenya Lionesses 10-0 in a game played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 11 July.

The Lady Makis were quick off the blocks as they looked to do a double over the Kenya Lionesses, talismanic captain Rasoanekena Veronique Eluriche going over in the 5th minute. Fly half Rahariravaka Andoniaina Marie Vacilly missed the ensuing conversion.
Madagascar would then hold on to the slim lead for 65 minutes before Veronique made the game safe with her second of the match in the 70th minute, Ravololoharijaona Tsiriniaina Bodonirina missed the conversion.
Despite all their efforts, the Lionesses came up short as Madagascar defended with their lives to secure only their second win in test rugby.
Speaking after the game, Kenya Lionesses Assistant Coach Mitch Ocholla blamed the loss on lack of execution and creativity. “I believe we should have executed much better although am happy that our defense was our biggest win today. We shipped in fewer points compared to last weekend. We just did not create enough chances to win the game,” says Ocholla.
“From the word go we were not dominant in our scrums and we could not set the platforms that we wanted to build our play on. I am happy with the team so far but I think today we did not play according to our instructions.”
Up next, the Kenya Lionesses head down south to play South Africa in two test matches on 7th and 14th of August as part of their preparations to face Colombia in a World Cup pre-qualifier on 28th August in Nairobi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com

Rugby Africa Cup Women’s Game Sees Madagascar complete the double over Kenya Lionesses

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
With their newly launched flagship, PHANTOM X, TECNO’s (www.TECNO-Mobile.com) premium flagship smartphone reshapes the future landscape of design in smartphones with inspiring imagination.

TECNO PHANTOM is specially created for exceptional individuals that aspires for great designs presented with elegance and class. Designed for the future, the gorgeous and elegant artistic finish of the PHANTOM X tells an inspiring story, and calls for users to “be bold, be extraordinary”.
Extraordinary Elegance- 3D Borderless Screen with Waterfall-like Visual Beauty
PHANTOM X embraces unique design with the 3D borderless screen. The design of the device’s curves derive inspiration from the beauty and efficiency displayed in nature. Some of the most subtle perspectives of the design like the curves in PHANTOM X can present an unexpected gratification of artistic imagination. Unbounded by bezels, the 3D borderless screen features a large bending angle up to 70°, making text and images blend seamlessly into infinity around the edges of the device. The finest AMOLED display projects a streamlined and fluid vision of the world around you, and from the side view, the elegant borderless screen triggers an image of a spurting waterfall, spectacular and curvaceous. Without any compromise, the 3D borderless screen conveys the extraordinary craftsmanship, design, and elegance of the PHANTOM X.
Bold Ambition – Market Leading Silk Glass Surface Etched Texture
PHANTOM X offers the industry’s leading curved glass surface etched texture design. The back cover of PHANTOM X has forgone a series of rigorous testing and manufacturing procedures, using self-developed formulas with no less than 48 production processes and the double etching technology. First etching focuses on vertical lines and the second on AG (Anti-Glare) textures which led to a 44% lower yield rate than products of same class without etching technologies. The result gave a mesmerizing mix of “silky delicacy” and “glass like sparkle” along with the lightness and breathability of its properties making it more relaxed and soft to the touch. The persistence in pursuit of greatness resulted in the bold ambition becoming a reality with the creation of the extraordinary PHANTOM X.
Extraordinarily Ergonomic with 36.5° Curved Angle Design
To ensure the perfect balance of elegant design and ergonomic comfort, PHANTOM X derives inspirations from daily life, imagining the enjoyment of being at the wheel of a luxury car or the experience of travelling First-Class. PHANTOM attempts to mirror this feeling for its users with its unique design. After numerous tests and studies, PHANTOM have found that mobile phones fit best in users’ hands with a curvature between 30-40°. The design team responsible for the creation of the PHANTOM X undertook various ergonomic tests and found the perfect angle of 36.5° projected a streamlined and fluid vision as well as a great feel in the hand.
Artistic Colors Inspires Bold Creativity &#8211; Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Monet’s Summer
Colors have different associations beyond the simple visual impact. After numerous colour tests, PHANTOM X came up with 2 artistic colors: Van Gogh’s Starry Night Blue and Monet’s Summer. These were chosen to inspire users who love to connect with the world, challenge the ordinary, imagine innovation and explore endless possibilities. Van Gogh’s Starry Night brings a stellar display of the mysteriously nebulous sky that is tailored for extraordinary elites and thoughtful leaders. Monet’s Summer is a display of warm and exuberant colors, a perfect style for bold explorers and enthusiasts.
When Inspiration Meets Exploration
With inspired and highly efficient designs of PHANTOM X, everyone is inspired to be the best version of self. Eoin Dillon, the fashion designer and founder of luxury loungewear brand Reuben Avenue, shared about his life attitude, “If you feel good, you project the best version of yourself. Being bold and efficient about what I do is really exciting. I strive to be a challenger and pioneer, never do ordinary.” Indeed, lots of the designers’ creative work and communication hinges on mobile technology. “The PHANTOM X is a phone that allows me to create but also to stay in touch with people.” Eoin added.
The organic UI design of PHANTOM X features certainly help with this. With improved clarity of app icons and overall page layout, PHANTOM X enables users stay focused where their attention needs to be. What’s more, the pure OS also contributes to a more fluent and flexible working pace, inspiring users to explore more opportunities boldly wherever, whenever. When extraordinary future designs meet efficiency, PHANTOM X becomes an unreplaceable companion in your life.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.
About PHANTOM: PHANTOM is the newest redefined sub-brand from TECNO dedicated to high-end consumers. As an all-new sub-brand created for exceptional individuals who use every opportunity to break borders, reshape things, and be extraordinary, TECNO PHANTOM is committed to bringing them bold and extraordinary innovations in design, technology, and total user experience, empowering them to feel their extraordinary qualities and successful moments in life. PHANTOM X, the newest addition to PHANTOM, brings many extraordinary innovations &#8211; elegant and chic in design, borderless in view, fearless in its operation, and extraordinary in inspiring users to achieve more. By combining inspirational technology and unique aesthetics, PHANTOM presents technologies in the form of elegance that sits at the heart of the brand spirit of “Be bold and Be extraordinary”, allowing consumers enjoy the unlimited pleasure that technology brings. To learn more about PHANTOM brand and shop for PHANTOM X online, please visit PHANTOM’s exclusive one-stop website www.mobile-PHANTOM.com.
About TECNO: TECNO is a premium smartphone and AIoT devices brand from TRANSSION Holdings. With “Stop At Nothing” as its brand essence, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals across global emerging markets, giving them elegantly designed intelligent products that inspires consumers to uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations and design breakthroughs demonstrated through their mastery of serving consumers who are “young at heart” and never stops pursuing excellence. TECNO’s portfolio spans across smartphones, tablets, smart wearables and AIoT devices made for consumers in over 60 emerging markets world-wide. TECNO is also the Official Partner of Manchester City, Premier League Champions 2020-21. For more information, please visit: www.TECNO-Mobile.com.

PHANTOM X Re-imagines the Design of Smartphone for the Future: Extraordinary Design with Elegance and Class

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, and World Rugby’s African association, Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), are delighted to announce the jury panel for the inaugural African Media and Photography Awards (www.bit.ly/2QsBoEu).

The two awards celebrate the very best in African sports journalism and photography, and the jury will be looking for news stories and images that capture the passion of rugby in Africa, and demonstrate the promotion and progression of the sport across the continent. 

APO Group has been the Main Official Sponsor of Rugby Africa since 2017. Led by Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), the company has assembled a fantastic judging panel. It is headed by the Chairman of World Rugby, Sir Bill Beaumont, and brings together luminaries from the worlds of business and sport. No fewer than three of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winners of 2019 are on the jury &#8211; including Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira’.

There are also representatives from dozens of multinational organizations operating in Africa, from Google to Uber; Toyota to Visa; Pfizer to Harley Davidson!

Here is the full list of jury members:

 	Sir Bill Beaumont, Chairman of World Rugby (Chair of the jury) 	Hennie Heymans, CEO &#8211; DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa 	Nitin Gajria, Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa 	Richard Gouverneur,  Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa 	Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways 	Dr. Kolja Rebstock, Vice President of Europe &#8211; Middle East – Africa of Harley Davidson 	Tendai Beast Mtawarira, Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok legend, CEO of Umlindi Security and Founder of The Beast Foundation 	Somesh Adukia, Managing Director  of Canon Central&#038;North Africa 	Jaco Beyers, Managing Director Africa Middle East of John Deere 	Dr. André Schulz, General Manager Southern Africa&#038;East Africa of Lufthansa Group 	Patrick van der Loo, Regional President Africa Middle East of Pfizer 	Dr. Johan van Zyl, Chairman of Toyota South Africa Motors 	Hendrik Du Preez, Vice President – Africa of Qatar Airways 	William McIntyre, Regional Director Africa of Radisson Hotel Group 	Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) 	Thulani S Gcabashe, Chairman of Standard Bank Group 	Danni Xu, Vice President of TECNO Mobile 	Frans Hiemstra, General Manager of Uber Sub-Saharan Africa 	Sipho Dlamini, CEO South Africa and Sub​-Saharan Africa of Universal Music Africa 	Aïda Diarra, Senior Vice President &#8211; Visa, Sub-Saharan Africa 	Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) 	Grégoire Ndjaka, CEO of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) 	Gert Jonk, Senior Vice President EMEA of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise 	Thusang Mahlangu, CEO of Allianz Global Corporate&#038;Specialty Africa 	Angela Russell, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa 	António Nunes, Board member of Angola Cables 	Brandon Oelofse, Regional General Manager &#8211; Sub Saharan Africa of Atlas Copco 	Babalwa Latsha, Captain of the Springbok Women, First pro female rugby player in Africa 	Bruce Schubach, Director of Operations, Africa of Baker McKenzie 	Breyton Paulse, Former Springboks  	Garreth Bloor, President of Canada-Africa Chamber of Business 	David Preston, CEO and Managing Director of Canon South Africa 	Collins Injera, Kenya Rugby Sevens player and two time Olympian 	Zemedeneh Nigatu, Global Chairman of Fairfax Africa Fund 	John Saunders , President&#038;CEO of  FleishmanHillard 	Lee Martin, Senior Advisor of Getty Images 	Rupert Adcock, CEO  of Global Career Company Ltd 	Humphrey Kayange, Chairman of the Olympics Kenya Athletes Commission, World Rugby Player of the Year Rugby 7s panel member 	Ian MacIntosh , Former head coach for the Springboks 	Christian Bwakira, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa of Ingenico 	Inia Maxwell, Former Cultural advisor of the All Blacks 	Dr. Pascal Lorot, Chairman of Institut Choiseul 	Robert Hersov, Founder and Chairman of Invest Africa 	Jacques Burger, Former Namibia captain and Saracens flank           	Jean de Villiers, Former Springbok Captain  	Pierre Havenga, Managing Director, MEA of Vertiv 	Wayne Godwin, Head of Advisory Sub-Saharan Africa of JLL’s Hotels&#038;Hospitality Group 	John Smit, Former Springbok Captain, CEO of SSG Holdings 	Kelly Brown, Former captain of the Scotland national rugby union team 	Ron Stuart, Executive Director: Head of Clients&#038;Markets of KPMG 	Nic Rudnick,   Group CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technology 	Lukhanyo Am, Rugby World Cup Winners 2019      	Phillip Liu, General Manager of the Middle East and Africa of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence 	Alisdair Sinclair, Managing Director, South Africa  of Mondelez International 	Simon Rahmann, CEO of Mondia Pay 	Douglas Rowlings, Senior Vice President- Head of Africa, Relationship Management of Moody&#39;s Investors Service 	Makazole Mapimpi, Rugby World Cup Winners 2019 	Hassan El-Houry, Group CEO of National Aviation Services (NAS) 	Amadou Gallo Fall, Vice-President of the NBA, President of the Basketball Africa League of NBA 	Ms. Vidya Ramnath, MEA President of Emerson Automation Solutions 	Jean Willers, Managing Director of Nielsen Sports South Africa 	Precious Pazani, Rugby Africa referee          	Michael R. Yormark,  President and Chief of Branding&#038;Strategy of Roc Nation 	Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa 	Coralie van den Berg, General Manager of Rugby Africa 	Duncan Bech, Chairman of Rugby Union Writers’ Club (United Kingdom) 	Nelly Mukazayire, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau 	Oliver Fortuin , Group CEO of Seacom Ltd 	William Moroney, Managing Director, Middle East&#038;Africa of Temenos 	Tim Vieira, CEO of Brave generation Academy / Special Edition Holdings Africa; Honorary member of the SA Rugby Legends            	Tonderai Chevanga, Former Springboks, Director at QMM and co-founder of the S-Group 	Olivier Laouchez, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of TRACE 	Robins Tchale Watchou, CEO of Vivendi Sports 	Alioune CISS, CEO of Webb Fontaine Group 	Wejdane Limame, Citing commissioner of World Rugby, Rugby Africa and the French professional championship (Top 14)                    	Dillyn Leyds,  Former Springboks     	Raymond Rhule, Former Springboks 	Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, CEO of African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) 	Matthew Weihs, Group Managing Director of Bench 	Brian Katzen,  Chairman of BLK Sport SA 	Laurent Kayser, CFO  of Cafeyn Group 	Keegan Cooke, Strength&#038;Conditioning Coach, Touring Manager of Zimbabwe national rugby sevens team 	Sami Porkka,  Former American football player 	Laurent Larrieu, Founder and CEO of Larrieu Terrassement 	Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and CEO of APO Group (Award Director) 
Applications for these awards are still open, but the deadline for entries is July 17, 2021. The results will be announced on August 18, 2021, with the two winners walking away with USD1,500 in prize money.

Entries can be submitted through the following links:
 	Media Award: http://bit.ly/Rugbymen 	Photography Award: http://bit.ly/Rugbypen 
Rugby Africa and APO Group have a common goal to help African rugby break through on the international stage. APO Group is using its unparalleled media network and international reach to bring the best of African rugby to new audiences all over the world. South Africa’s win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup might have grabbed the headlines, but the sport is on a huge growth trajectory across the whole continent, with 24 African nations now full or associate members of World Rugby. 

“We are thrilled to have a jury that reflects the magnitude of these awards &#8211; and shows the popularity of rugby in Africa,” said Coralie van Den Berg, General Manager at Rugby Africa.
“It is so inspiring to read the stories and see the pictures produced by the talented men and women who are chronicling our sport. Their work deserves recognition, and I’m delighted we are able to share and celebrate the best of African journalism and photography on such a grand scale.” 

“I would like to personally thank all the jury members for devoting their time and energy to these Awards,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group, and the Award Director. “The size and influence of this group of people is extraordinary, and it just highlights the level of support that exists for the game of rugby in Africa. I look forward to joining them in trying to find winners that have captured the spirit of African rugby, and brought it to life.”

This is a joint press release by Rugby Africa and APO Group.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
Media Contact: marie@apo-opa.com
About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We assist private and public organisations in sharpening their reputation and increasing their brand equity in target countries across Africa. Our role as a trusted partner is to leverage the power of media and build bespoke strategies that enable organisations to produce a real, measurable impact in Africa and beyond. The trust and recognition granted to APO Group by global and multinational companies, governments, and NGOs inspires us to continuously enhance our value proposition within Africa to better cater to our clients’ needs.

Among our prestigious clients: Facebook, Dangote Group, Nestle, GE, NBA, Canon, Coca-Cola, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Standard Chartered, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Telecom, Rotary International, Kaspersky, Greenpeace…

APO Group announces stunning jury for the inaugural Rugby Africa Media and Photography Awards

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Leading pan-African ICT service provider SEACOM (www.SEACOM.com) is expanding to bring its software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) services to Kenyan businesses, offering reduced connectivity costs, increased security, agility, and local support to customers.

SEACOM’s experience with ICT infrastructure in Africa is extensive; the company launched Africa’s first broadband submarine cable system in 2009 and provides continent-wide secure Internet. It also offers a full suite of communications and cloud solutions that enable the growth of Africa’s digital economy. Their new SD-WAN services are now available to Kenyan businesses.
SD-WAN solves modern network problems for businesses
The addition of managed SD-WAN to SEACOM’s services is great news for Kenyan businesses. With the increased global adoption of cloud applications, mobile workforces, and voice and video communications becoming the new norm, traditional networks have been placed under significant pressure to meet increasing demands. Using a legacy network solution can easily lead to exorbitant transport costs, poor end-user experience, security vulnerabilities, and unsuitable management capabilities. With data traffic sure to increase exponentially over time, having a future-ready network solution has become a business imperative.
For businesses digitising their operations, network security is another growing concern. Cyberattacks are becoming more widespread and advanced, but upgrading hardware-based firewalls across various branches can easily become unmanageable and costly. Traditional networks also have limited visibility and control over network access, which necessitates a more modern approach to network security.
SD-WAN is an adaptable network solution that solves these problems and meets modern network requirements.
The benefits of SD-WAN
SD-WAN allows businesses to transform their business networks into smart, intelligent, and cloud-ready networks. It simplifies the management and operation of an enterprise’s networks by using centralised software to control the connections and services between data centres, computers, and cloud-based servers. Tonny Tugee, Managing Director at SEACOM East and North East Africa, explains, “If you want to create more resilient branch networking operations, dynamically adjust to changing conditions, and empower business transformation and business continuity, SD-WAN can help.”
Network administrators can use SD-WAN to optimise bandwidth usage by dynamically routing different kinds of traffic through different transport routes to reduce usage costs, improve application efficiency, and strengthen network security.
Using multiple Internet services from different providers improves connectivity resilience, but managing all of the different services and last-mile technologies in a wider business network is challenging. With SD-WAN, business have the flexibility to use dynamic rulesets that route certain data traffic through either cheaper or more reliable transport routes. During network failures or downtime, it can also ensure that traffic is automatically rerouted so that businesses don’t experience the negative effects of a break in connectivity.
With traditional network solutions, data traffic would usually have to be hauled to a data centre for security filtering before it can be routed to the cloud, slowing down application performance. SD-WAN is designed for applications hosted in different environments, including on-premise data centres, public or private clouds, or SaaS platforms, so businesses can expect improved speed. It also offers real-time visibility into application traffic and performance to ensure session quality of business-critical applications.
Tonny says that in delivering SD-WAN solutions, SEACOM has partnered with leading global organisations to provide Kenyan customers with modern and secure networking capabilities. “We understand that customer requirements are unique; instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution, our team will look at a business’s existing infrastructure and apply the best vendor to address the customer problem.”
If businesses want to meet growing network demands and transform their networks with a solution that is intelligent, flexible, and cloud ready, they need to take advantage of SD-WAN. The best way to do that? Choose a reliable partner that understands your business requirements and knows how modern networks have changed.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SEACOM.
Media Relations: Fanele Magcaba Account Manager for SEACOM at Clockwork Media (Johannesburg, South Africa) Fanele@clockworkmedia.co.za +27 11 463 0366 +27 79 074 1631
About SEACOM: SEACOM launched Africa’s first broadband submarine cable system along the continent’s Eastern and Southern coasts in 2009.
Today SEACOM is the preferred partner for African businesses, network carriers, and service providers.
Through its ownership of Africa’s most extensive ICT data infrastructure – including multiple subsea cables and a resilient, continent-wide IP-MPLS network – SEACOM provides a full suite of flexible, scalable and high-quality communications and cloud solutions that enable the growth of the continent’s economy.
SEACOM is privately owned and operated, allowing the company the agility to rapidly tailor-make and deploy new services, commercial models, and infrastructure in response to customer requirements. Without the red tape or hidden costs often prevalent in this industry.

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