Seplat Energy Plc, foremost Nigerian independent energy Company, on the 25th and 26th June 2025, successfully trained 50 journalists covering the Capital Market, Judiciary, Finance and Business on Media Entrepreneurship.
The training, which was organized by the Company in conjunction with ELOH Consulting Limited, brought together 50 journalists covering Capital Market, Judiciary, Finance and Business across print, online and electronic media platforms.
The programme equipped participants with essential business acumen and skills to thrive as entrepreneurs and future business leaders. The training helped participants deepen their understanding of strategic business principles, enhanced their management and leadership capabilities, and empowered them to build sustainable businesses that deliver impactful results.
The media training opened with a keynote address from the Manager, Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Stanley Opara, who represented the Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Mrs. Chioma Afe. According to him, apart from developing participants’ leadership and management capabilities, enabling them to create sustainable businesses and take on greater responsibilities in the evolving business landscape, the initiative also aims to nurture a new generation of media professionals who can drive enterprises and achieve significant business results.
Additionally, the programme fostered interaction between journalists and key anti-corruption and security agency stakeholders to broaden understanding of governance and operational frameworks.
The training featured a stellar lineup of facilitators and guest speakers including: Professor Pat Utomi: A renowned academic and thought leader delivered a session titled “Can Managers or Professionals (like Journalists) Make Good Entrepreneurs?” He explored the transition from professional roles to entrepreneurial success; Dr. Solomon Avbioroko: Former director at Coca-Cola International and a lecturer at the Lagos Business School shared insights on business management and entrepreneurship; and Mr. Olu Onakoya, a former Managing Director of Mobil Nigeria, provided valuable leadership and corporate governance perspectives.
Other facilitators include Nnamdi Uwaemelulam, who focused on Media Technology while Uloma Okoro, dwelt on “Developing a Business Model & Writing Winning Business Plans”.
In addition to business experts, the programme hosted key figures from Nigeria’s anti-corruption and security agencies. This segment was intended to foster critical dialogue on security and governance challenges in Nigeria.
Facilitators for this session included: Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); and Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS).
These officials engaged participants on topics including the fight against insecurity and corruption, intelligence gathering, and the legal frameworks supporting their operations.
Participants deeply appreciated Seplat Energy for organising a well-structured and impactful programme. They highlighted the training’s relevance in equipping them with skills to navigate the evolving media landscape and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Seplat Energy’s commitment to fostering professional development and entrepreneurship among journalists was evident, and the event set a new standard for future initiatives.
…The Africa Debate will convene over 700 senior decision-makers from across government, finance, and industry for a full day of high-level exchanges
Invest Africa is pleased to announce Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) as Headline Partner for the 11th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at the Guildhall, in the heart of the City of London.
This year’s theme — “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth” — seeks to interrogate how Africa can transform the scale and structure of investment around its most enduring assets: from its critical minerals and fertile land to its human ingenuity and demographic dynamism.
Now firmly established as the UK’s premier forum for Africa-focused investment dialogue, The Africa Debate will convene over 700 senior decision-makers from across government, finance, and industry for a full day of high-level exchanges. Through keynote addresses, ministerial dialogues, and curated sector debates, the programme will explore how to turn extractive advantage into structural transformation — mobilising green industrialisation, digital infrastructure, intra-African trade, and new financial instruments to drive inclusive, climate-smart growth.
This year’s speaker line-up reflects the extraordinary breadth of voices shaping Africa’s next chapter, from heads of state to the stewards of global capital. Highlights include: H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Board Chair, TradeMark Africa; H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat; Benedict Oramah, President, Afreximbank; Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation; Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director, African Department, International Monetary Fund; Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialisation, African Development Bank; Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Chair, Econet Wireless; Duncan Wanblad, CEO, Anglo American; Wale Tinubu, CEO, Oando Plc; Monique Gieskes, CEO, PHC; Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President, Glencore DRC; and more. The full programme is now available to view here (http://apo-opa.co/4ljJqbx), with detailed sessions on value chain transformation, blended finance, regional infrastructure, and Africa’s positioning in a multipolar global economy.
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, commented: “Natural capital is only as valuable as the systems that refine, protect, and elevate it. At AFC, we believe that infrastructure is the bridge between Africa’s resource richness and the continent’s ability to rapidly industrialise and take its rightful place on the global stage. Our partnership with Invest Africa and The Africa Debate underscores the need for thoughtful, long-term capital — deployed strategically — to unlock the continent’s full economic potential. We are proud to support a platform that challenges assumptions and catalyses bold, bankable solutions.”
Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa, added: “Africa’s path to prosperity must be built not on extraction, but on transformation. This year’s theme compels us to ask harder questions about how we steward the continent’s assets — human, natural, and institutional — in a world shaped by climate change, technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical priorities. With AFC’s visionary leadership, we are honoured to convene a dialogue that is ambitious in scope, rigorous in thought, and focused on meaningful outcomes.”
Confirmed Sponsors of The Africa Debate Include: Africa Finance Corporation (Headline Partner), Absa Group, Afreximbank, FirstBank UK Limited, Invest KZN, Standard Chartered, Standard Bank Group, Plantations et Huileries du Congo, Lagos Free Zone (Tolaram), Octopus Energy, ServiceNow, Stellar Developments, Spiro, Safaricom, Premier Invest, Remittances Hub, S-RM, DLA Piper, and London Stock Exchange Group.
To register as a delegate for The Africa Debate, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/4efWGM0. Places are limited and advance registration is essential.
…Held under the theme “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”, AAM2025 will focus on accelerating trade opportunities, driving investment and fostering innovation
The 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) will bring together an influential coalition of global, African and CARICOM leaders in Abuja, Nigeria from 25–27 June 2025. This high-level forum will focus on advancing trade, investment, and innovation across the continent, with Heads of State, Prime Ministers, top business executives, academics and acclaimed academics confirmed to speak.
H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; former Nigerian President H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry & Mining, are among the confirmed dignitaries.
They will be joined by ministers, central bank governors, investors, and industry leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Held under the theme “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”, AAM2025 will focus on accelerating trade opportunities, driving investment and fostering innovation.
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, remarked:
“AAM2025 comes at a pivotal time for Africa. As the continent confronts global uncertainties, it is doing so with renewed resolve. Following the successful 31st edition of AAM held in The Bahamas last year, we are back on the African continent for this year’s meetings which are about catalysing practical action—building stronger institutions to strengthen trade integration and unlocking the full potential of African innovation. We thank H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his support.”
The speaker lineup includes renowned economists and industry leaders including Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Centre for Sustainable Development, Columbia University and Dr. Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.
Africa’s foremost business innovation leaders such as Mr. Aliko Dangote, President & CEO of Dangote Group and Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, will also participate. The speaker lineup further includes Professor Ghulam Mufti of King’s College London, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson, and other influential figures.
Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja are expected to deliver strong economic benefits, both in the short and long term. The main anticipated impacts include the trade and investment mobilisation, policy and institutional advancement and strengthening South-South cooperation and trade flows.
AAM2025 is expected to facilitate significant trade and investment deals, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and public-private partnerships. The meetings are expected to catalyse billions of dollars in funding over the next 5–10 years for key strategic sectors.
By bringing together heads of state, ministers, leaders of trade institutions, policymakers and the private sector, the meetings will advance regional dialogue on several priorities: implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing cross-border payment systems to speed up regional transactions, strengthening Africa–Caribbean (CARICOM) economic ties through expanded trade, tourism, and joint ventures, and ensuring private sector participation in policy reforms. These discussions aim to reduce business costs, improve trade infrastructure, and deepen regional economic integration.
With world-renowned economists, scholars, and entrepreneurs participating, AAM2025 will shape thought leadership on Africa’s development path.
Platforms like this influence policy, shift narratives, and inspire reforms that foster innovation, inclusion, and competitiveness. This year’s meetings will also mark the launch of several new initiatives.
AAM2025 is expected to welcome thousands of participants and media from more than 80 countries.
A full programme of events and speakers is available on www.AAM2025.com
The latest episode of CNN’s Africa Avant Garde follows filmmakers and organisers from the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, explains how the film festival benefits a whole range of individuals, “To just film lovers, it’s a place where they go in and watch films. To young people who want to be associated with stars, it’s a place where they can actually go see them. For filmmakers that need to partner, to learn, it’s a great place for learning.”
The week-long event screened 150 films. Ude describes that the most important aspect of the event is, “Having the filmmakers show their films to the rest of the world, the people that are there, and showing the film, taking the bow at the end and talking about your experience.”
Obi Emelonye, writer, director and producer of ‘Out of Breath’, the closing film of AFRIFF 2024, shows CNN around the festival, pointing out key sights such as VVIP Theatre. He explains the value of his film closing the festival, “It’s a huge profile that can be stepped upon for greater things for the film. So, film festivals are hugely important, and I think one other thing that film festivals, just like awards ceremonies, have done is to elevate filmmaking to just rise above commercialism. Now there’s an interest in critical acclaim, for awards, film festivals, official selection, and all of a sudden filmmakers are aspiring not just to make money but to have those accolades as part of their growth to get to bigger things.”
As well as up-and-comers, it’s important for big name creatives from outside the continent to attend the festival and show their films. Ude reflects on the creatives who are in attendance, “John Boyega coming […] is a good attraction for the younger people who want to be here. For Skepta, somebody from his team reached out and we got talking and I flew to LA to see his premiere in Africa, and we had a good discussion, and so we agreed to have it in the festival.”
Professor Awam Amkpa, the director of the film, “The Man Died”, based on the incarceration of Wole Soyinka, explains his film, “This is a language of the younger generation, and I think that’s one of the amazing opportunities that this festival in particular draws us to. And it’s important for Southern Africa to become mainstream, the rest of Africa and for the rest of Africa also to catch up with itself.”
Ampka ends with a view on the impression he hopes to leave, “We would also break that idea that we are just African filmmakers, we’re filmmakers. We happen to come from Africa, and we tell stories that are global stories.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecom licensees in Nigeria to inform consumers of major service outages on their networks through media channels, stating the cause(s) of the service interruption, and the area(s) affected by the service interruption/outage, as well as the time that would be taken to restore service.
Consumers must also be informed one week in advance where operators have planned service outages.
This development, contained in the “Directive on Reportage of Major Network Outages by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs),” is part of the Commission’s drive to ensure timely resolution of outages, enhance quality of experience for telecom consumers, and keep consumers informed.
According to the Directive, Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers and other operators that provide last mile services will also provide proportional compensation, including extension of validity, as may be applicable and in line with the provisions of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, where any major network outage continues for more than 24 hours.
It identifies three types of major outages to include: Any network operational condition such as fibre cut due to construction/access issues/theft & vandalism and force majeure that impacts five per cent or more of the affected operator’s subscriber base or five or more Local Government Areas (LGAs); having an occasion of unplanned outage of, or complete isolation of network resources in 100 or more sites or five per cent of the total number of sites (whichever is less) or 1 cluster that lasts for 30 minutes or more; and lastly, any form of outage that can degrade network quality in the top 10 states based on traffic volume as specified by the Commission from time to time.
In furtherance of this, the Commission has further directed that all Major Outages are to be reported by operators through the Commission’s Major Outage Reporting Portal, which is accessible to the public through the Commission’s website, www.ncc.gov.ng. The portal additionally discloses the identity of the culprit responsible for the disruption.
Commenting on the Directive and the Major Outage Reporting Portal, the Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogor stated that, “The Commission has trialled the reporting process and portal with operators for some months now before issuing the directive.
“By providing consumers and stakeholders in the telecommunications industry with timely and transparent information on network outages, we are entrenching a culture of accountability and transparency. This approach also ensures that culprits are held responsible for sabotage to telecommunications infrastructure.
“This also aligns with our broader commitment to the effective implementation of the Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). It reinforces the need to safeguard these assets, given their centrality to national security, economic stability, and the everyday lives of Nigerians,” Ogor said.
Leading indigenous energy company in Nigeria, Seplat Energy Plc, has clinched the ‘M&A Deal of the Year’ award at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards held in Lagos at the weekend.
The award ceremony themed ‘Capital Market as a catalyst for Nigeria’s Economic Transformation’ was graced by leading companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and other players in the country’s capital market covering banking, energy, insurance, industry, aviation, construction, food & beverage, and hospitality, amongst other sectors.
Seplat Energy completed the deal on the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) – renamed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) from ExxonMobil in December 2024.
The Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards is a milestone initiative aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to promoting transparency, financial literacy, and excellence within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
According to Ugo Obi-Chukwu, Founder and Chief Analyst at Nairametrics, “The capital market is home to professionals and organisations that have significantly influenced Nigeria’s financial landscape. The awards initiative is Nairametrics way of recognising and celebrating their impact.
“From strengthening investor confidence to driving corporate governance and market reforms, these players have been instrumental in shaping the market’s evolution. The Capital Market Choice Awards is our way of saying ‘thank you’ while encouraging the continuous pursuit of excellence.”
Seplat Energy completed the transformational acquisition of MPNU last year, which more than doubled the company’s production and increased its reserves. The acquired assets have a world-class history as some of Nigeria’s most important oil fields.
Seplat Energy was represented at the awards ceremony by the Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe; and the Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara. In her remark, Afe thanked Nairametrics for the recognition and show of excellence in celebrating the impact of businesses in Nigeria’s capital market.
Afe described the completion of the MPNU deal as a show of hard work, resilience and commitment to the Nigerian course. She also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for supporting the transaction, and appreciated the support and diligence of the various Ministries and regulators for all the work to reach a successful conclusion.
According to her, the company’s mission is to deliver value to all its stakeholders, as it treasures the good relationships that have been developed with the government, regulators, communities and staff.
The acquisition has the capacity of positioning Seplat Energy to drive growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity. The completion of the acquisition has created Nigeria’s leading independent energy company, with the enlarged company having equity in 11 blocks (onshore and shallow water Nigeria); 48 producing oil and gas fields; 5 gas processing facilities; and 3 export terminals.
The acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MPNU adds the following assets to the Seplat Group: 40% operated interest in OML 67, 68, 70 and 104; 40% operated interest in the Qua Iboe export terminal and the Yoho FSO; 51% operated interest in the Bonny River Terminal (‘BRT’) NGL recovery plant; 9.6% participating interest in the Aneman-Kpono field; and approximately 1,000 staff and 500 contractors have transitioned to the Seplat Group.
…Museums unite across continents to share expertise, foster cultural exchange and expand global access to African Art
In a landmark move that sets a new precedent for international cultural collaboration, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) in Nigeria and the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) in the U.S. are proud to announce a transformative partnership aimed at promoting Modern and Contemporary African Art and enhancing institutional capacity through knowledge exchange.
Formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024, the partnership will see both museums – nonprofit, educational institutions with a shared mission of service and impact through art – collaborate on a range of programs including a training and professional development exchange, joint curatorial initiatives, and traveling exhibitions from YSMA’s collection to the U.S.
This collaboration marks YSMA’s first major international partnership and is a bold step in amplifying its reach and influence on the global stage, particularly in deepening U.S.–Nigeria cultural relations through the lens of art and heritage. Recently named the 2025 Best Art Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, TMA is an institution renowned for its history and reputation in museum management, curatorial excellence, and public engagement
Reflecting on the value of the joint initiative, Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, said: “This partnership is a major milestone in our journey to bring Nigerian art to a broader audience. At the YSMA, we believe in the transformative power of cultural exchange. By working with an esteemed institution like the TMA, we are not only building professional capacity but also affirming the place of African art in the global narrative of creativity, innovation, and heritage.”
The collaboration will also allow American audiences to experience YSMA’s great collection, which spans centuries of African creativity and expression, ranging from ancient cultural artifacts to modern and contemporary works through travelling exhibitions.
Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Adam Levine, Director and CEO of TMA said: “At the Toledo Museum of Art, we are proud to engage in a partnership that fosters mutual learning, inclusivity, and global dialogue. This collaboration with YSMA not only enriches our understanding of African art traditions but also deepens our ability to integrate art into the lives of people — both locally and globally. By working together, we strengthen the institutional ties and cultural connections that inspire, educate, and promote access to the transformative power of art.”
Both museums see this collaboration as a model for future cultural diplomacy efforts – one that uses art to bridge continents, enrich communities, and celebrate shared humanity. At a time when global understanding and cross-cultural dialogue are more important than ever, this partnership demonstrates how institutions with shared values can come together to advance mutual learning, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire new generations. By creating platforms for exchange of ideas, art, and expertise, YSMA and TMA are laying the foundation for deeper, more sustained connections between Nigeria and the United States through the transformative power of art.
Africa’s creative industries, from music and film to fashion, writing, and branding, are experiencing remarkable growth. However, as the sector flourishes, so do the threats posed by piracy and copyright infringement. Without proper protection, creators risk losing the value and recognition they deserve for their original work.
Copyright remains the first and most important line of defence. In many African countries, copyright protection begins automatically once a creative work, such as a song, logo, film, or design, is fixed in a tangible form. This protection can last for the creator’s lifetime, and in most cases, up to 70 years after. Yet, while automatic copyright provides a foundation, official registration strengthens legal standing and can be critical in resolving disputes.
When a creator’s work is used without permission, the violation must be addressed swiftly. Experts advise that the first step is to gather evidence—screenshots, URLS, timestamps, user details, and even data showing engagement or financial gain from the misused content. Proof of ownership, such as original files with timestamps, draft versions, or social media records of earlier uploads, is equally vital.
“Creators should always have proof of ownership ready,” says Frikkie Jonker, Director of Anti-Piracy at MultiChoice. “That could be anything from original project files to old emails or posts. It’s one of the most effective tools in enforcing your rights.”
Once evidence is collected, creators can issue takedown requests through social platforms or send formal cease-and-desist letters to website owners or hosts. Although enforcement processes differ by country, most African nations have copyright laws aligned with global standards like the U.S. DMCA. In many cases, showing credible ownership is enough to have infringing content removed.
If infringement continues or is being done at scale, such as by piracy rings or repeat offenders, creators may need to escalate the issue by reporting it to national copyright commissions or law enforcement. Efforts are also being bolstered across the continent through cooperation under agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with international bodies like Interpol, Afripol, and WIPO supporting cross-border enforcement.
Preventative measures are just as important. Creators are encouraged to use tools like digital watermarking and content fingerprinting to protect their work from unauthorised use online. Furthermore, smart monetisation strategies, such as YouTube’s Content ID syste,m can allow creators to earn revenue even when their content is reused without prior permission.
By understanding their rights, taking proactive steps to protect their creations, and using available technologies, African creatives can safeguard their work while continuing to build sustainable, long-term careers.
IHS Nigeria,part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, recently visited the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, to evaluate the operational status and impact of the oxygen plant donated by IHS Nigeria in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Canadian Government in 2023 as part of a collaborative health infrastructure intervention initiative..
The oxygen plant which was donated as part of IHS Nigeria’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system through sustainable, impactful initiatives is designed to serve not only the teaching hospital, but also other health facilities in the region.
The oxygen plant is equipped with 50 units of 6-cubic-meter cylinders and 150 units of 3 cubic meter cylinders that currently supplies critical departments across the teaching hospital including Anesthesia, the ICU, Pediatrics, Accident and Emergency, Labour, and Surgery departments. The hospital management acknowledged the difference the plant has made in ensuring prompt availability of oxygen even for patients who are unable to pay and in improving the medical outcomes for many patients who need oxygen as part of their management.
Accompanying the team on the visit was the Honorable Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, who was invited to witness the outcome of the partnership and its alignment with the state’s public health and environmental objectives. He lauded the initiative for its timeliness and noted that the impact of the donation could not be easily quantified in terms of its relevance to healthcare delivery and its sustainable energy and environmental management which supports the state government’s vision for a healthier and more resilient Ogun State.
Titilope Oguntuga, Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, commented “As a responsible organization, we find ways to impact communities in the markets we serve. In demonstrating our commitment, we also ensure that our investments are running smoothly, which is why we visited OOUTH. This is the first institution we donated an oxygen plant to and is also the first we are visiting to assess its impact and operational status.We are humbled by the acknowledgment and testimonies from the OOUTH management. This increases our resolve to continue to create meaningful and sustainable impact through infrastructure that saves lives and strengthens communities.”
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, commented “We cannot overemphasise the power of partnerships in achieving health equity. This is what building resilience in health systems entails: combining expertise, funding, and a shared goal.”
Dr. Oluseun Adeko, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (representing the Chief Medical Director of OOUTH), commented “This oxygen plant has not only enhanced our ability to manage emergencies and respiratory cases, but it has also saved lives beyond our hospital, as it serves as a source of oxygen for other hospitals. We deeply appreciate IHS Nigeria and UNICEF for their foresight and generosity.”
On the continent, approximately 411 million people – almost one-third of the total population – lacked basic drinking water services as of 2020
Each year, World Water Day highlights the pressing challenges surrounding global water resources and the actions needed to address them. Nowhere is this more critical than in Africa, where nearly 1.4 billion people live, a number expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. On the continent, approximately 411 million people – almost one-third of the total population – lacked basic drinking water services as of 2020. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, about 387 million people struggle daily without access to safe water.
Africa is home to vital natural water towers, including mountains and glaciers that play a key role in water security and climate resilience. However, these resources are under serious threat. Glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kenya, the Virunga Mountains, and Mount Kilimanjaro are shrinking at an alarming rate and are expected to vanish entirely by 2050, jeopardizing water supplies for millions of people. On this World Water Day, the urgency to protect what remains and to collaborate on securing water resources for future generations has never been greater.
Water is fundamental to Africa’s socioeconomic development. The International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa estimates that Sub-Saharan Africa loses 5% of its GDP annually – equivalent to $170 billion per year – due to poor water infrastructure. Yet, investing in water security offers enormous returns. According to the African Union, every dollar invested in water and sanitation generates at least seven dollars in benefits across health, education, food security, and environmental protection.
Climate change amplifies water scarcity, disrupting hydrological cycles, altering rainfall patterns, and reducing water availability for crops, livestock, and pasture. This directly threatens food and nutritional security across the continent. Addressing these challenges requires both practical solutions and strong policy frameworks. Integrated water management plans focused on river basins and catchments are essential for optimizing water use, while investing in resilient infrastructure ensures reliable access, particularly in regions prone to floods and droughts. Water-saving practices, such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse, can help maximize available resources. Restoring natural ecosystems, including riverbanks and wetlands, plays a crucial role in safeguarding water sources. Nature-based solutions, such as afforestation and ecosystem restoration, are equally important in strengthening water resilience and helping landscapes adapt to climate change.
Policy measures must complement these practical interventions. Strengthening water management laws and regulations is crucial for long-term success. Establishing and training local water management committees enhances coordination and decision-making, while improved weather monitoring and early warning systems help communities prepare for and respond to climate shocks more effectively.
The African Development Bank has placed water security and climate resilience at the center of its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), aligning with the Africa Water Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Recognizing that water security is a cornerstone of progress across all sectors, the Bank invests approximately $2.8 billion annually to build resilience.
To further accelerate climate action, it has established the Climate Action Window under the African Development Fund, aiming to mobilize between $4 billion and $8 billion for climate-focused initiatives. Seventy-five percent of these funds are allocated to climate adaptation, with significant investments dedicated to water infrastructure. During the first call for proposals in December 2023, nine water-focused projects, totaling approximately $72 million, were selected to enhance investment in water infrastructure and sanitation. An additional 12 projects, amounting to $98 million, address multiple sectors, including water access for agriculture, improving the resilience of water systems, and strengthening climate information and early warning systems.
Currently, the Bank manages 121 active water operations, including six multinational and regional projects valued at approximately $6 billion – all are based on climate-informed designs. The African Water Facility, hosted and managed by the African Development Bank, also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that water sector projects are designed with sustainability and climate resilience in mind. In Kenya, the Bank-funded Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program has significantly improved access to water supply across 19 towns, while wastewater management services have been expanded in 17 towns, benefitting more than three million people. The program incorporates solar energy to reduce water production and distribution costs. The Othaya Sewerage Wastewater Treatment Project, as part of this initiative, promotes waste reuse for energy and agriculture through the production of cooking briquettes and organic fertilizer.
In Ethiopia and South Sudan, the Bank’s Climate Proof Water for Food Project is designed to enhance adaptation and resilience for approximately 211,000 people in Ethiopia’s Gambella region and South Sudan’s Unity State. This initiative includes the construction and rehabilitation of four solar-powered water supply systems and integrated flood management measures to support the transition to climate-smart agriculture.
Tackling Africa’s water security and climate challenges requires strategic planning, investment in resilient infrastructure, and policies that integrate climate adaptation into water management frameworks. The African Development Bank’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate that placing water at the heart of climate action – by investing in resilient infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, and strengthening governance – is crucial in mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving the continent’s water resources for future generations.
Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Director for Water Development and Sanitation, and Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank Group
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Baptist Conference recently marked its 10th anniversary with a grand celebration, reflecting on its journey from inception to becoming a key player in the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The event brought together church leaders, members, and dignitaries to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and chart a course for the future.
In his welcome address, Reverend Dr. Dogara Raphael Gwana, President of the FCT Baptist Conference, described the conference’s growth as a testimony of divine grace. “Our story is that of a toddler who has enjoyed privileges reserved for adults. Though young, much has been expected of us, and God has remained our help in the past and our hope for the future,” he said.
Gwana traced the origins of the conference back to 2015, emphasizing how it evolved from a simple idea into a thriving entity with nearly 250 churches and over 200 pastors. He urged members to remain steadfast in their commitment to church growth, missions, and social ministry.
He encouraged members to remain committed to church growth, missions, and social outreach. “Though we are only ten years old, we have achieved significant milestones. Our faith and dedication will continue to drive our impact in the years ahead. We must nurture this seed to full growth and trust God to make it a large garden and a tree that will provide shelter for all,” he added, drawing inspiration from Matthew 13:31-32.
Speaking at the event, Reverend Dr. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, highlighted the remarkable visibility and influence of the FCT Baptist Conference despite its relatively young age. “The FCT Baptist Conference is only ten years old, yet it has achieved a level of impact that surpasses its age. It is not young in capacity, missions, evangelism, or visibility. Its strategic location in the nation’s capital has increased its influence, especially in national and interdenominational programs,” Akanji noted.
He also placed the conference’s growth within the broader history of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, which is celebrating 175 years of Baptist work in Nigeria. He encouraged the leadership to stay focused on the mission and continue leveraging its unique position for the greater good.
During the same event, Dr Akanji issued an urgent call to President Bola Tinubu, urging his administration to take immediate action to address the growing hunger crisis plaguing millions of Nigerians. Church leaders condemned the stark contrast between the extravagant lifestyles of political elites and the daily struggles of ordinary citizens to afford basic necessities. Reverend Dr. Israel Akanji stressed the urgent need for decisive government intervention, lamenting that many Nigerians are on the brink of starvation. He called for increased subsidies for education, improved access to healthcare, and support for farmers facing conflicts and natural disasters.
“Many Nigerians are facing severe hunger and desperate circumstances. While we appreciate the government’s current measures, more needs to be done,” Akanji said. He further criticized the extravagant allowances of political leaders, stating that the growing wealth gap is causing deep frustration among the people. “Nigeria has the capacity to produce enough food to feed itself and even export to other nations. We must focus on inclusive policies that empower all citizens,” he added.
The event also highlighted the vital role of women and youth in the church’s growth. Pastor Saadatu Yashin, Director of the Baptist Women Missionary Union (WMU), emphasized the importance of grooming young people in the faith. “There are structured plans in place to raise a new generation of believers who will know God, understand His Word, and live as responsible Christians in society,” she said. Pastor Yashin also spoke on the need for more tremendous respect for women in leadership, condemning sexual harassment and urging men to recognize women as equal partners in God’s work. “If they truly understand who women are, they will treat them with respect, not as objects but as fellow creations in the image of God,” she added.
…New US$30M fund to expand affordable, reliable Internet access across the globe
As leaders in mobile technology and connectivity gather in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress, the Internet Society—a global charitable organization championing an open, globally connected, and secure Internet—today announced the expansion of its partnership with Metawith the launch of a new Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative.
The initiative aims to scale up efforts to expand affordable, reliable, and sustainable Internet access globally. The Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation have committed to a $30 million investment through 2030. Meta has joined as the first co-funding partner as the Internet Society calls for additional partners to support the vision of a more equitable, connected world.
Across the globe, 2.6 billion people lack access to the Internet, excluding them from vital opportunities in education, healthcare, economic growth, and civic participation. Through the new Co-Funding Initiative, the Internet Society is leveraging its decades of expertise, global network, proven grant-making systems, and advocacy to help enable policies to address these issues.
Meta is the first company to join the Co-Funding following a successful partnership with the Internet Society. Since 2018, the two organizations have collaborated to develop Internet Exchange Point (IXP) infrastructure, train technical communities, and measure Internet resilience in countries around the world.
Specifically, the Co-Funding focuses on investing in community-centred infrastructure development, addressing market gaps and advocacy, and providing training to build technical capacity. It aims to:
Increase Funding and Advocacy: Fund infrastructure deployment and empower communities to manage their networks.
Address Market Gaps: Address market failures where commercial providers see no viable business case.
Enhance Training: Scale training programs to build technical capacity, empower marginalized groups, and develop the next generation of Internet leaders.
Improve Community-Centered Solutions: Build and strengthen last-mile community-centered solutions for people, businesses, schools and health facilities in underserved areas.
Build Sustainable Networks: Support locally owned, scalable, and sustainable networks that create jobs and foster entrepreneurship, retain value within communities, and promote self-reliance.
Mobilize Advocates: Increase global impact by working with the Internet Society’s 130 local chapters and 133,000 members worldwide.
“Over the past several years, our partnership with Meta has resulted in 56 IXPs in 45 countries, giving millions of people faster, more affordable, and reliable Internet access,” said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society. “This new Connectivity Co-Funding initiative, supported by Meta, is a prime example of collective action that will help provide meaningful access to more than 2 billion people across the world with insufficient or no Internet. It is our hope that this fund plays a pivotal role in reducing this gap and creating a more equitable digital society.”
“Meta is proud to extend our collaboration with the Internet Society, reinforcing our commitment to bridging the digital divide. Together, we aim to empower communities worldwide with sustainable and equitable Internet access, fostering innovation and connectivity for all, said Aaron Russell, Director of Edge Network Infrastructure. This partnership complements our existing infrastructure investments, including subsea cables, which help make the Internet ecosystem more reliable and lower the overall cost of providing access.”
…This move provides an additional layer of resiliency for MainOne’s enterprise customers, ensuring uninterrupted service to support their growing business online at no additional cost
MainOne, a leading provider of connectivity and data center services for businesses in West Africa, is excited to announce an additional layer of service to its customer through the Equiano submarine cable. This move provides an additional layer of resiliency for MainOne’s enterprise customers, ensuring uninterrupted service to support their growing business online at no additional cost.
Over the past decade, MainOne has enabled the digital transformation journey of these businesses with its pioneering services to operate digital-first business models whereby uninterrupted connectivity is paramount. Recognizing the challenges its customers face in ensuring business continuity amidst network disruptions such as the submarine cut earlier this year, MainOne has taken proactive steps to fortify its network. By incorporating capacity on the Equiano submarine cable into its network, MainOne is offering customers an additional level of redundancy to ensuring more reliable connectivity at all times.
’’We understand the technical complexities and cost associated with building and managing redundant network infrastructure,” noted Oluwasayo Oshadami, Director, Solutions Architect at MainOne, Solutions by Equinix. “Our customers can remain focused on the core of their business operations, not on the intricacies of managing multiple networks, fail-overs or resilience. With the integration of Equiano, we are simplifying and eliminating the stress of managing multiple cable connections for our end users. Hence, we give them the peace of mind they deserve.”
Enterprises can be confident that their network is supported by world-class infrastructure that is continuously monitored and maintained by a team of experts. MainOne’s proactive approach in enhancing its network resilience underscores its position as a trusted partner for businesses across West Africa. The integration of Equiano into its network is a testament to this commitment and reinforces the company’s position as a trusted partner for businesses in Nigeria.
…AMS-IX Lagos has focused on attracting a diverse range of global and regional peers and bringing more content to the region
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company™, has supported a growth in traffic of around 200%, increasing around 30Gbps to almost 100Gbps in just over a year since the implementation of its strategic partnership with AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange) in Lagos.
There has also been a significant shift in traffic distribution on the exchange. Previously, Nigeria accounted for 85% of the total traffic, while the region contributed only 15%. However, regional traffic has now surged to 45%, reflecting remarkable growth and success in building a dynamic digital ecosystem that delivers faster, more efficient connections across West Africa.
AMS-IX Lagos has focused on attracting a diverse range of global and regional peers and bringing more content to the region. This exchange has accelerated regional interconnectivity, driven substantial traffic growth, and streamlined traffic flow across the region by enabling diverse ISPs, telecom carriers, and content providers to interconnect at a centralized platform.
The growing network includes new peers such as Zenlayer, Cedarview, China Telecom, AirtelTigo, Afribone, Virtual Technologies and Solutions, as well as major mobile network operators and internet service providers across West Africa, all joining global peers on the exchange. Talitha Mensu-Bonsu, Packet Core and Backbone Network Engineer at AirtelTigo confirms; “Joining the exchange has unlocked tremendous value for our business by providing seamless access to content our customers demand”.
“Joining AMS-IX Lagos has enabled CDN77 to achieve a balanced and efficient network spread across West Africa,” added Jiri Prochazka, Head of Network Infrastructure at CDN77.
Oluwasayo Oshadami, Director, Solutions Architecture for Equinix Nigeria states “As a Data Center Operator in West Africa, our goal is to create a platform where everyone can connect and interact with each other easily. Out of Equinix’s data center in Lagos, AMS-IX Lagos Internet exchange has transformed connectivity into a competitive advantage for operators in West Africa thereby reducing latency, cutting costs, and fostering a thriving digital ecosystem where businesses and communities can interact and grow together.”
“It is truly remarkable to witness the ecosystem’s continuous growth monthly and the increasing value it brings to the region” says Wouter Ensing, Global Business Development manager at AMS-IX.
AMS-IX Lagos Internet Exchange remains focused on advancing the region’s interconnection infrastructure, aiming to serve an even broader range of network participants by functioning as a true regional hub. This partnership will continue to drive digital transformation, positioning AMS-IX Lagos as the preferred hub for CDNs, NSPs, ISPs, and MNOs across the region.
New WHO Global Malaria Report points to funding shortfalls, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance as key challenges to control.
Last year saw 263 million new malaria cases and 597,000 deaths in 83 countries worldwide, an increase of almost 11 million cases from the prior year, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) newly-released Global Malaria Report. The vast majority of cases occurred in the African continent, with children under five bearing the greatest burden of malaria mortality.
Targeted interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets and integrated vector management, alongside factors such as improved nutrition, housing, and urbanization, have all reduced malaria transmission and disease in the past decades. More than 177 million cases and 1 million deaths were averted globally in 2023, and Egypt was declared malaria free, a significant milestone for Africa’s third-most populous country, according to the WHO.
Yet despite progress made in reducing the spread of the ancient disease, challenges like climate change, humanitarian crises, drug resistance, and persistent disparities all threaten global malaria progress.
“Instead of dying, mosquitoes are dancing on the treated bed nets,” said Dr Michael Charles, CEO of RBM Partnership to End Malaria, referring to the growing number of mosquitoes resistant to commonly used insecticides.
The number of new malaria cases actually increased in the past years, the report notes. Malaria case incidence – the number of new cases while accounting for population growth – grew from 58 to 60.4 cases per 1000 between 2015 and 2023. Five countries accounted for the majority of this increase in cases: Ethiopia (+4.5M), Madagascar (+2.7M), Pakistan (+1.6M), Nigeria (+1.4M) and Democratic Republic of Congo (600K).
The WHO presented its newly-released report on the global state of malaria as a combination of both hard-fought victories, and obstinate and emerging challenges ahead of key replenishment rounds next year.
“No one should die of malaria; yet the disease continues to disproportionately harm people living in the African region, especially young children and pregnant women,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“An expanded package of lifesaving tools now offers better protection against the disease, but stepped-up investments and action in high-burden African countries are needed to curb the threat.”
Africa ‘not on pace’ to meet WHO target
The Africa region bears the brunt of the global malaria burden – both in the number of cases and deaths – with 11 countries accounting for two-thirds of cases worldwide. Nearly half of these deaths occurred in just four countries: Nigeria (30.9%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (11.3%), Niger (5.9%), and United Republic of Tanzania (4.3%).
Over 75% of deaths in the African region were among children under the age of five. Progress to reduce malaria mortality has barely budged in the past decade. The 2023 malaria mortality rate of 13.7 deaths per 100,000 people at risk was more than twice the WHO global strategy target of 5.5.
While these rates remain high, many African countries have either stabilized or reduced their mortality rates. Dr Mary Hamel, WHO Team Lead for Malaria Vaccines, credits this to vaccinations for children in conjunction with bed nets and other interventions.
“The vaccine is recommended by the WHO from five months of age, and during the pilot implementations where the governments of Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi introduced the vaccine …we saw high impact from these young age periods, with the reduction in all-cause mortality in these young children by 13% in all-cause mortality.”
Seventeen countries have since introduced the malaria vaccine alongside childhood immunizations, with supply so far sufficient to meet demand.
WHO goals for malaria mortality rates (green) and projected rates under the status quo (blue).
The many climate change-related disruptions in rising temperatures and changing weather patterns favor the quick-adapting and anthropophilic mosquito species that transmit malaria. The report warns that these changes are impacting the “health, security, and livelihoods of people around the world,” particularly in the hardest hit African region.
But climate change is threatening malaria control in other parts of the world, like Pakistan. The devastating floods that submerged a third of the country in 2022 also left pools of standing water – “ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes” and leading to an 8-fold increase in malaria cases between 2021 and 2023, the report notes.
Cases rose from about half a million to more than four million. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is expected to increase the burden of malaria in the long term, especially because the mosquitoes that transmit malaria are “highly sensitive” to environmental changes, noted Dr Arnaud Le Menach, Unit Head, Strategic Information for Response, WHO Global Malaria Progamme.
Conflict and ensuing humanitarian crises are impeding efforts to curb malaria. “In some countries, their conflict is also stopping people from getting the needed health access and the needed commodities,” said Charles. Internally displaced peoples often lack access to malaria prevention and treatment, leaving them “highly vulnerable to the disease,” said Le Menach. The report highlights these additional drivers of malaria transmission, noting that more than 80 million people in malaria-affected countries are internally displaced or refugees in 2023.
Biological threats in the form of resistant mosquitoes and antimicrobial resistance make it increasingly difficult to control vectors and treat patients. Resistance to pyrethroids, a common insecticide, was reported in nearly every country it was monitored, while resistance to artemisinin, the most effective malaria treatment, was reported in four African countries.
Better global, regional, and country coordination is a key solution, according to Charles, to bring together stakeholders. This includes involving civil society organizations and resource optimization to overcome the above challenges.
Reaching vulnerable populations
The global report features for the first time highlights the significant disparities in malaria burden, with a particular emphasis on gender equality.
“[W]e need to keep in mind the issue of poverty, a significant risk factor,” said Alia El-Yassir, director of the WHO Department for Gender Equality. “Malaria takes the heaviest toll on those who are poorest and are the most disenfranchised segments of a society. The data shows that children under the age of five who are living in low income households have the highest prevalence of malaria, and as their socioeconomic status improves, the risk of malaria and the prevalence will decrease.”
A host of biological, environmental, social, structural, and economic factors converge to increase a person’s vulnerability to malaria, “disproportionately” impacting those living in poverty, refugees, migrants, and indigenous peoples, notes the report.
“Poverty is very much gendered…gender norms become so deeply entrenched and institutionalized that they will place many women and girls at a disadvantage, and that affects their risk of malaria and also their access to treatment,” said El-Yassir. To address these challenges, the report urges health system strengthening to collect disaggregated data because current averages “are not giving us the true picture in terms of who is being affected.”
Calls for funding ahead of replenishment rounds
Several panellists made calls for funding at a recent WHO press conference in Geneva, given the current “shortfalls” in funding. In 2023, less than half of the target $8.3 billion was invested in malaria response. This gap has widened in the past several years from $2.6 billion in 2019 to $4.3 billion in 2023. The vast majority of these funds come from international sources, with endemic countries contributing 33% in the past decade.
“Next year is a very, very big year for all of us in the malaria world,” noted Dr Charles. “We have two replenishments. We have the GAVI replenishment, and we also have the Global Fund replenishment…The mosquito is so unrelentless and so smart that the longer we wait, the harder it is.”
Even with malaria vaccines available, Dr Hamel argued that GAVI, the Global Fund, and the President’s Malaria Initiative all need replenishment “to realize the promise of the vaccine and other interventions. “
The Global Fund also released a statement urging funding to meet targets, making the argument that “investing more in the fight to end malaria not only has the potential to save millions of lives, but it can also help rebalance global economic power and stimulate trade.
“This, in turn, can unlock additional funding to strengthen health systems and enhance health security both in Africa and around the world. Malaria investment is not just a health imperative—it is a strategic driver of broader, far-reaching economic and social benefits,” said Peter Sands, Global Fund Executive Director, in a press release.
