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  • African Development Bank Mulls $500 Million Facility to Mobilize Financing for Smallholder Farmers

    African Development Bank Mulls $500 Million Facility to Mobilize Financing for Smallholder Farmers

    African Development Bank Group, President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has announced plans to launch a $500 million facility designed to unlock $10 billion in financing for smallholder farmers and small agribusiness enterprises across Africa. 

    Speaking at the High-Level Conference on Scaling Finance for Smallholder Farmers in Nairobi, Adesina revealed that Bank management is currently consulting with its Board of Directors on establishing this groundbreaking facility. 

    The facility will deploy multiple financial instruments, including trade credit guarantees, first-loss coverage, blended finance mechanisms, and origination incentives to reduce the high transaction costs of serving enterprises, complemented by technical assistance. 

    “We stand on the threshold of making history by pushing the boundaries of innovation and building extensive collaborative alliances to bridge the financing gap faced by smallholder farmers and agribusinesses,” said Adesina in his keynote address. 

    Organized in partnership with the Pan African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), the conference sought to address Africa’s critical $75 billion annual financing gap for farmers and agricultural enterprises. 

    Adesina, who was recently awarded Kenya’s highest national honour by President William Ruto—called for global action: “Together, let us unleash the potential of agriculture in Africa. Let us make Africa the breadbasket of the world. And together, let us feed Africa with pride!” 

    Progress since Dakar 2 Feed Africa Summit 

    Adesina highlighted substantial progress since the 2023 Dakar 2 Feed Africa Summit, where 34 African heads of state committed to ensuring food security and sovereignty. 

    Financial commitments from development partners have surged from an initial $30 billion to $72 billion in less than a year, with the African Development Bank pledging $10 billion. The Bank has approved 77 projects valued at $3.9 billion to support the implementation of Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts across 32 countries, with an additional $1.72 billion in planned approvals this year. 

    Key initiatives supporting smallholder farmers 

    The Bank has launched several major initiatives to strengthen smallholder farmers: 

    The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative has reached 25 million farmers with high-yield, climate-resilient crops, boosting Africa’s food production by 120 million tons. 

    The African Emergency Food Production Facility, a $1.5 billion program, has delivered 459,000 tons of seed and 2.8 million tons of fertilizer to 12.3 million farmers, producing 37.6 million metric tons of food. 

    The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative has invested $934.51 million, with $938.27 million in co-financing, supporting 27 projects in 11 countries. 

    The Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program has approved $2.52 billion in funding for 24,000 women-led businesses. 

    The African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism has implemented trade credit guarantees in nine countries, distributing 125,193 metric tons of fertilizer worth $62.8 million to 776,971 smallholder farmers. 

    The Inputs Supplier Risk Sharing Program, a $600 million initiative, is working to de-risk input supply chains in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Zambia. 

    The Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance Africa, in partnership with Mastercard, has seen the Bank commit $300 million to integrate 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria into the digital economy. 

    Addressing persistent challenges 

    Currently, only 6% of African smallholder farmers have access to credit, and less than 20% use improved seeds. Financial institutions often perceive smallholder farmers as high-risk borrowers due to climate variability and lack of collateral. Bank lending to agriculture remains low, accounting for less than 5% of total loan portfolios in many African countries, despite the sector being a major economic driver. 

    “For some of you, these numbers may sound familiar; for the rest of us, they should be frustrating to hear. We must act now to change this reality,” urged Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development at the Bank, speaking at the opening session on Monday. 

    PAFO President Ibrahima Coulibaly urged stakeholders to take bold action: “If we want to save our continent from hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, we must create jobs in the agricultural sector. There is no other sector capable of doing this.” 

    Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, called for urgent implementation: “If we prioritize innovative, practical measures, we will transform agriculture into a thriving business. Let’s commit to ensuring that no farmers are left behind due to lack of finance.” 

    On Tuesday, a panel of leading global and African financial experts also issued a resounding call to align financial structures with the needs of smallholder farmers. They underscored the crucial role of government in creating an enabling environment for financial institutions to expand agricultural lending. 

  • Newly Launched African Epidemic Fund to Strengthen Health Security

    Newly Launched African Epidemic Fund to Strengthen Health Security

    The African Epidemic Fund is now operational, providing the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) with flexible funding to support countries across the continent in outbreak preparedness and response.

    This much-anticipated development is set to be a game-changer. No longer constrained by bureaucratic hurdles, Africa CDC now has the flexibility to rapidly deploy funds where they are needed most, allowing for faster and more efficient outbreak responses. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, described it as a landmark moment in the fight for improved health security on the continent.

    “This is the vehicle through which we can receive funding without any limitation, without any bureaucracy, to support African countries in preparing for and responding to outbreaks… We are celebrating that at Africa CDC,” he said.

    The fund was formally established following the High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing, a collaborative initiative between Africa CDC, the African Union Commission, and AUDA-NEPAD. It arrives at a crucial time as Africa grapples with multiple health crises, including a Marburg outbreak in Tanzania, Ebola in Uganda, and rising cases of cholera and febrile illnesses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    Furthermore, the mpox outbreak remains ongoing, six months after Africa CDC declared it a health emergency of continental concern. In February, Africa CDC’s Emergency Consultative Group reviewed the situation, recommending that the outbreak status remain in place due to rising case numbers, the emergence of a highly transmissible new variant, and continued vaccine shortages.

    Dr. Kaseya stressed that the new epidemic fund offers Africa CDC greater autonomy and agility in outbreak response.

    “It will be accessible without the need for approval from any AU organ, giving Africa CDC more autonomy,” he said.

    Transparency will be a cornerstone of the fund’s operations. Dr. Kaseya affirmed that Africa CDC will manage the fund directly, ensuring strict accountability. A governing board will oversee its activities, with regular updates provided to AU policy organs. Most importantly, the fund’s transactions will be publicly accessible, with detailed tracking available to ensure transparency.

    “The African Epidemic Fund will be available on the Africa CDC website. We want people to see, in real time, how much funding we receive, how it is being used, and where it is allocated. That’s the level of transparency we are bringing to Africa,” Dr. Kaseya added.

    The need for such a fund has never been more pressing, as Africa has witnessed a sharp increase in public health events—from 152 in 2022 to 213 in 2024. This surge highlights the growing vulnerability of African nations to health threats.

    At the same time, the challenges surrounding the mpox outbreak have worsened following the suspension of U.S. government aid, which disrupted key outbreak control efforts such as sample collection and shipment. These disruptions emphasize the urgency for Africa to develop self-sustaining funding mechanisms to address ongoing and future health crises.

    Even so, efforts to combat mpox are entering a critical phase, with expectations that the new fund will provide much-needed resources to contain the outbreak. Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Head of the Mpox Incident Support Team at Africa CDC, described this as the “intensification phase” and outlined the next steps in the response.

    “In the next three months, we will focus on getting the outbreak under control, while the final three months of this plan will shift towards early recovery and resilience-building,” he said.

    The immediate next steps in epidemic control will focus on strengthening surveillance systems, scaling up vaccination campaigns, and enhancing community-based interventions to break transmission chains. Africa CDC, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, will continue supporting affected countries by mobilizing resources, expanding laboratory capacity, and accelerating vaccination efforts to curb the spread of mpox and other health threats.

  • Funding Options for Health Products Manufacturing in Africa Tabled

    Funding Options for Health Products Manufacturing in Africa Tabled

    Development finance institutions (DFIs) are stepping up to accelerate Africa’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing ambitions, marking a new phase in the continent’s push for self-sufficiency in health products.

    Funding proposals were presented during the 2nd Vaccine and Health Products Manufacturing Forum, held in Cairo from February 4-6, 2025. At this gathering, Africa CDC, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Regionalized Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC) convened stakeholders, with Egypt’s Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) as the host.

    Leading DFIs, including the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the French Development Agency, explored investment strategies to accelerate local pharmaceutical production and expand Africa’s role in global health security.  They also highlighted their institutions’ current and upcoming investments to support these efforts.

    Afreximbank outlined its progress in implementation a pledged US$2 billion facility to support healthcare and health product manufacturing. Meanwhile, institutions like IFC and the EIB introduced new financing initiatives they are developing with partners.

    This momentum marks a significant shift in Africa’s journey toward self-reliance, ensuring sustainable manufacturing ecosystems, reducing dependency on external supply chains, and improving pandemic preparedness. The forum built upon the momentum of the 2023 gathering in Marrakesh, Morocco, where 25 vaccine manufacturing initiatives were identified across the continent, with 10 already having installed capacity.

    Delegates in Cairo also learned how Egypt has positioned itself as one of Africa’s most advanced producers of health products, offering a model for bridging the continent’s manufacturing gap.  The country demonstrates what is possible when strong political will, strategic investments, and regulatory excellence converge.

    Egypt’s progress aligns with the African Union’s goal to manufacture 60% of vaccines locally by 2040. However, procurement remains a key challenge. Dr Aly al-Ghamrawy, chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, emphasised the risks of external reliance: “COVID-19 is a stark reminder of how Africa was pushed to the back of the queue for life-saving drugs. Reliance on external suppliers leaves us vulnerable in times of crisis.”

    Egypt’s regulatory progress has also set a new benchmark. In December 2024, the World Health Organization recognised it as the first African country to achieve Maturity Level 3 for medicines and vaccines – a milestone that signals a well-regulated and stable pharmaceutical sector. This achievement coincided with Egypt’s production of its first locally manufactured insulin.

    While Egypt’s progress is commendable, broader challenges persist across the continent. Fragmented regulatory systems, limited technology, workforce shortages, lack of off-take guarantees, and gaps in financing have hindered regional manufacturing growth.

    Dr Chiluba Mwila, talent development lead for Africa CDC’s Platform for Harmonised African Health Manufacturing (PHAHM), emphasised the need for industry-academia collaboration to develop STEM curricula, internships, and on-the-job training.

    Despite these challenges, progress continues. New financing mechanisms and policy shifts are behind the increased momentum. In June 2024, Gavi launched the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), securing US$1.2 billion in pledges to expand vaccine production in Africa. At the same time, Afreximbank pledged a US$2 billion facility under the Africa Health Security Investment Plan. The newly established African Pooled Procurement Mechanism is set to enhance demand certainty and market sustainability.

    Meanwhile, the African Medicines Agency was highlighted at the forum as a critical enabler, with participants urging stronger regulatory coordination to accelerate approvals and ensure safety. The African Continental Free Trade Area was also recognised as key to expanding regional trade and strengthening market access.

    Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya reaffirmed the continent’s vision: “The agenda of local manufacturing is not an option; it’s a vision we are materialising.”

    New partnerships announced at the forum highlighted Africa’s expanding capacity to manufacture vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Afrigen and Biogeneric Pharma advanced mRNA technology transfer, while Evapharma, Quantoom and Unizima strengthened collaboration in mRNA vaccine development and production-marking critical steps toward boosting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.

    In attendance at the forum were representatives from 12 Member States (Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morrocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia), National Regulatory Authorities, Regional Economic Communities, African manufacturers, global partners, philanthropies and civil society organisations. As Africa moves toward its goal of manufacturing 60% of its vaccines by 2040, sustained investment, harmonised regulation, and cross-sector collaboration will be crucial in achieving this vision.

  • Stakeholders Gather to Strengthen Health Data Governance in Africa

    Stakeholders Gather to Strengthen Health Data Governance in Africa

    Health data governance—a set of practices and policies designed to manage and control healthcare data throughout its lifecycle, ensuring its accuracy, privacy, security, and accessibility for authorized users —is once again on the political agenda this year.

    Key decision-makers hope that a harmonised regional approach can help strengthen national frameworks, ensuring alignment and collaboration while safeguarding individual rights and building public trust.

    The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit is taking place in Addis Ababa between February 15-16, 2025 and decision-makers and stakeholders will meet on the sidelines to discuss regional collaboration and advance plans for health data governance on the continent.

    “The Summit presents an important inflection point to build on progress and stimulate further action in 2025 and beyond, including towards a regionally led framework and commitment on health data governance,” said Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Chief Digital Advisor, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    Strong national and regional leadership have ensured health data governance remains on political agendas, with notable advances over the past year. “This includes the work of the Africa CDC Flagship Initiative on health data governance, which is engaging governments and stakeholders in the region to strengthen health data governance approaches, including driving efforts towards a regionally led framework on health data governance,” said Nsengimana.

    Africa CDC, Transform Health, Health Informatics in Africa (HELINA), and other regional partners are convening stakeholders for a discussion on health data governance, co-hosted by the Ministries of Health of Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Cameroon, Senegal and Uganda.

    “We want to build and showcase political leadership on health data governance in Africa while galvanising action to drive this agenda both regionally and globally. The session aims to connect governments and regional stakeholders to build a network of champions in the region, forging the path towards a regional framework,” said Dr Nsengimana.

    “Health data is the lifeblood of resilient health systems. In Africa, we are not just addressing the challenges of governance but seizing the opportunity to build frameworks that prioritize equity, trust, and ethical use,” Nsengimana added. “By fostering regional collaboration, we can ensure that health data becomes a catalyst for universal health coverage, stronger public health systems, and person-centered care, leaving no one behind,” he said.

    The need to strengthen health data governance is increasingly recognised by governments within global and regional frameworks, strategies and commitments. In Africa, the AU Data Policy Framework (2022) recognises health data as a unique category of data that demands more rigorous protections and robust governance instruments and recommends the development of sector-specific data governance.

    The AU Digital transformation strategy emphasises the need for AU Member States to have adequate regulations around data governance and recommends the adoption of a legal and regulatory framework for personal data protection and privacy. The Africa CDC Digital Transformation Strategy prioritises support for the development of legal and regulatory frameworks for digital health, including cross-border data sharing.

    “When designed with equity, dignity, and ethical governance as core principles, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches can help expand coverage of health services, ensure the most disadvantaged communities have access to quality care, and build stronger, more people-centered public health systems,” said Nick Cain, Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.

    African countries have diverse contexts and needs, leading to varying approaches to health data governance. A regional framework, endorsed by AU member states, would support these efforts by fostering the exchange of experiences and good practices across the continent, establishing a common understanding of essential legislative provisions, promoting legal coherence across jurisdictions, enhancing trust, and enabling cross-border data sharing.

    “National and regional leaders have acknowledged the critical need for robust health data governance. A regional framework and commitment would translate this into action, leveraging national insights to establish a unified approach and shared vision. As civil society, we urge governments and regional leaders to prioritise this to ensure the secure, equitable, and responsible use of health data,” said Mathilde Forslund, Executive Director, Transform Health.

    Regional efforts towards strengthened health data governance have given rise to the Africa CDC Flagship Initiative on Health Data Governance, one of the actionable initiatives to advance Africa CDC’s Digital Transformation Strategy, while also responding to other regional and global frameworks and strategies. Launched during the 2023 Africa HealthTech Summit, the initiative aims to work with governments in the region to strengthen health data governance approaches, including through a regional framework, which would support governments in strengthening national legislation.

    Africa CDC, Transform Health and HELINA have been working with national and regional partners to support these efforts, including through funding from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, to develop technical tools and resources, and support national efforts, towards stronger health data governance “Health data is not some random characters… at the heart of it, it is the record of real people, and their real experiences navigating various health statuses, from illness to wellness. Just as civilized societies treat everyone with respect and dignity, so should we treat health data, and every use we make of it,” said Steven Wanyee, President, Health Informatics in Africa.

  • Over 67 million screenings – AstraZeneca’s ‘Healthy Heart Africa’ celebrates 10 years of transforming Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) care

    Over 67 million screenings – AstraZeneca’s ‘Healthy Heart Africa’ celebrates 10 years of transforming Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) care

    …HHA aims to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden of this disease across communities

    AstraZeneca’s flagship health equity programme – Healthy Heart Africa (HHA), marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating successfully taking over 67 million blood pressure screenings and a decade of action against non-communicable diseases across Africa.

    Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and accounts for a significant portion of noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths globally. In Africa, over 27% of adults live with hypertension[1], far above the global average.

    Since its launch, HHA has conducted over 67 million blood pressure screenings, trained over 11,700 healthcare workers, and activated over 1,550 healthcare facilities across nine African countries in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Rwanda, Nigeria and Tanzania including the Island of Zanzibar. These efforts have significantly improved access to hypertension diagnosis and treatment, saving countless lives.

    Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President and President, BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “Healthy Heart Africa epitomises AstraZeneca’s commitment to equitable healthcare. In a decade, we’ve empowered millions to manage their heart health. Now, we’ve expanded to tackle chronic kidney disease, ensuring greater resilience in health systems across the continent.”

    The programme has started addressing chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is closely linked to hypertension and affects 15.8% of Africans.[2] Early detection and management are critical, as CKD often progress silently. HHA aims to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden of this disease across communities.

    This commemoration sets the stage for the upcoming World Health Organization’s High-Level Meeting on NCDs[3], reinforcing the urgency of collective action. One facet of the programme’s success is built on strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, and community leaders to deliver culturally tailored interventions.

    Helen McGuire, Global Program Leader, PATH, added: “Working on the Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) programme with AstraZeneca has been truly transformative. Seeing the scale-up and institutionalisation of integrated and expanded NCD services, particularly in countries like Ghana, has been immensely rewarding. The introduction of NCD indicators into national health information systems represents a major milestone, enabling better planning, resource allocation, and outcome monitoring.”

    Ministries of Health across Africa have championed HHA’s integration of hypertension care into national policies, ensuring sustainability and local ownership.

    Permanent Secretary Uganda Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine Kanzira, said: “In Uganda, our partnership with Healthy Heart Africa has been instrumental in strengthening our response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), now a major health challenge across Africa. Through this collaboration, we have raised awareness on risk factors, enhanced early detection, linked patients to care, and built the capacity of healthcare workers. By integrating hypertension data into our national health system and advancing digitalization, we are ensuring a seamless patient pathway, enabling progress tracking, and delivering life-saving care to our people.”

    With its proven model – the Healthy Heart Africa programme aims to expand to new regions, integrating climate-resilient healthcare solutions and prioritising early detection to prevent disease progression. Through such innovative partnerships, the programme aims to deliver care to those most in need.

  • US Aid Pause Comes Amid Multiple Disease Outbreaks in Africa

    US Aid Pause Comes Amid Multiple Disease Outbreaks in Africa

    Ebola in Uganda. Marburg in Tanzania. Cholera in Angola. War in Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that escalated the risk of multiple disease outbreaks – and then the United States decision to halt foreign aid for 90 days and order grantees to stop all work.

    “This is not the kind of week we like,” Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) told a media briefing on Thursday.

    “I was shaking, to be honest with you, when there was this US pause regarding the [Marburg] response in Tanzania,” Kaseya admitted. “And if we talk about mpox, we have a pledge of $500 million from the US. We got around 60% from what the US committed, and we are waiting for this 40%.”

    However, Kaseya expressed gratitude that the US had exempted “life-saving humanitarian assistance” from the 90-day pause. The US State Department has defined humanitarian assistance as “core to life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs as necessary to deliver such assistance”. 

    Africa CDC is waiting to engage with the US about its financial assistance once the appointment of the US Secretary for Health and Human Services (HHS) is finalised and the head of the US CDC is appointed. Trump’s HHS pick, Robert F Kennedy Jr is currently in Senate confirmation hearings.

    Uganda reports Ebola – and maybe DRC too

    Uganda announced an Ebola outbreak on Thursday, following the death on Wednesday of a 32-year-old male nurse in Kampala after five days of illness.

    Uganda has set up an incident management team and is tracing 45 contacts, mostly people working in Mbale Hospital in eastern Uganda and Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Kampala.

    Kaseya said that there was also a possible Ebola outbreak in DRC where seven out of 12 suspected cases had died. Samples from five of the cases have been sent to a laboratory in Kinshasa for diagnosis.

    Ebola in Uganda 30 January 2025

    Conditions in war-torn Goma ripe for epidemic

    Kaseya expressed deep concern about people in Goma, the capital of DRC’s North Kivu province, which was taken over by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels this week.

    Hundreds of people have reportedly died and the city is without water, electricity and the internet. 

    However, Kaseya said there was a high risk of multiple health outbreaks in the heavily congested city, home to up to three million people including almost one million who have fled fighting elsewhere.

    “We are talking about an area where so many people are together. Health infrastructure is broken. Access to basic services, even water and sanitation, doesn’t really exist. In addition to mpox, we have cholera outbreaks, measles and other diseases. I’m calling on our leaders to stop this unnecessary war that already killed 300 people. The guns cannot kill all of us, but outbreaks can.”

    Kaseya said he did not know whether Goma’s health laboratory had been affected, and if it had been destroyed in fighting this would affect the country’s disease surveillance.

    The rebels control the airport, so the L16 mpox vaccines donated by Japan that recently arrived in the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, can’t reach Goma at present.

    Meanwhile, mpox continues to dominate the outbreak statistics on the continent with almost 10,000 suspected cases reported in the past week along with 85 deaths. The one bright spark, however, is that Burundi has finally agreed to start vaccinating its citizens after months of scepticism.

    Africa CDC is also supporting Angola to address a cholera outbreak that had already killed 51 people and infected around 1200 people. Some 2000 cholera vaccines will reach  Angola on 7 February. 

    ‘Difficult times’

    “We are facing a very difficult moment. Western countries are decreasing their aid budgets,” said Kaseya, noting that in 2023, the US gave Africa in $8 billion in assistance, mostly for health and humanitarian assistance. 

    “African countries are facing a tough economic situation. Projection from Africa CDC shows that we can expect two to four million additional deaths per year by 2025, which will push 39 million people into poverty, and reverse even the gain in mortality almost comparable to what we had 25 years ago,” said Kaseya.

    “All of these conditions can lead one day to a pandemic from Africa. And if there is a pandemic from Africa, all of us in the world will be affected.”

    African leaders are meeting on 14 February at the invitation of Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss more sustainable financing for health.

  • Oil &Gas: Africa’s Top 40 Movers and Shakers to Watch in 2025

    Oil &Gas: Africa’s Top 40 Movers and Shakers to Watch in 2025

    …the Top 40 Movers and Shakers spotlights key leaders driving transformative change in Africa’s energy sector, with a focus on sustainable development, investment mobilization and energy sovereignty

    The African Energy Chamber (AEC) is proud to announce its highly anticipated list of Africa’s Top 40 Movers and Shakers to Watch in 2025. This year’s lineup features a dynamic mix of leaders, policymakers, innovators and corporate executives driving transformative change across the continent’s oil, gas and energy industries.

    The list, an annual benchmark of influence and innovation, celebrates those at the forefront of advancing Africa’s energy potential. These individuals are reshaping narratives, overcoming challenges and championing investment and sustainability in their respective domains.

    Leading this year’s list is U.S. President Donald Trump, whose influence on U.S. foreign policy is poised to impact Africa’s energy sector. His stance on fossil fuels and support for American companies could reshape the relationship between the U.S. and Africa, fostering strategic opportunities for energy investment and challenging global policies on financing oil and gas projects. Other heads of state on the list include Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of Mozambique, who is tasked with advancing the country’s LNG projects, including Coral Norte FLNG, Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG, while ensuring Mozambican companies benefit from the energy boom, and John Mahama, President of Ghana, who will work to reshape perceptions, attract investment and position the country for sustainable energy growth through reform and innovation as new oil blocks are opened.

    South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol, faces a critical test in revitalizing the country’s oil production, navigating sanctions and attracting international investment to restore output and drive economic recovery. In Uganda, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu is tasked with steering the $6 billion Tilenga and Kingfisher projects to first oil by 2025 while managing challenges surrounding the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and balancing international scrutiny. Meanwhile, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, continues to position the country as a leading oil and gas market through reforms, licensing initiatives, and low-carbon strategies, with his success in managing mature asset declines and executing transformative plans in 2025 under close watch.

    North Africa’s energy landscape also takes center stage on the list. Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek, Libya’s Minister of Oil & Gas, is leading efforts to reinvigorate the country’s oil sector through a new licensing round and ambitious $17-$18 billion project pipeline aimed at boosting production to 2 million barrels per day. Similarly, Rachid Hachichi, CEO of Algeria’s Sonatrach, is expanding gas production through a partnership with TotalEnergies, renewing exploration agreements with Libya’s National Oil Corporation and strengthening energy ties with Europe and Turkey. Together, these efforts underscore North Africa’s strategic importance in meeting global energy demands and advancing the region’s energy security and market influence.

    Championing the private sector, Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, is leading efforts to advance the Baleine field offshore Ivory Coast, Congo LNG project in the Republic of Congo and Structures A&E development in Libya, among others, setting a benchmark for low-carbon oil and gas projects. Katrina Fisher, Managing Director of ExxonMobil in Angola, is recognized for driving new exploration, yielding high-profile discoveries and balancing production growth with local empowerment in a competitive sector. Jean-Michel Jacoulot, CEO of Trident Energy, is spearheading key offshore acquisitions in the Republic of Congo, aiming to revitalize mature fields and maximize production. Meg O’Neill, CEO of Woodside Energy, has played a pivotal role in bringing Senegal’s Sangomar oil field to its first production phase, with her strategic decisions set to shape Senegal and West Africa’s energy future.

    Other private sector leaders highlighted include Ahonsi Unuigbe of Petralon Energy, who is driving the company’s expansion across Africa through strategic acquisitions, including stakes in Nigeria’s OML 127 and OML 130. Meanwhile, Nosa Omorodion leads SLB Nigeria’s push to leverage its new regional office in Lagos to drive decarbonization and innovation across West Africa, navigating Nigeria’s vast energy potential to redefine its role in the continent’s energy transition. In Angola, Edson dos Santos of Etu Energias is steering the company toward its 2030 production goals and a pivotal 2026 IPO, which could set a new standard for Angola’s private energy firms. At the same time, Philippe Labonne’s Africa Global Logistics is enhancing Africa’s logistics infrastructure, with key projects in Namibia, Nigeria and Angola.

    In the financing arena, Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, is leading the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank, in partnership with APPO, to bridge Africa’s energy investment gap and deliver sustainable energy project financing led by African member states. Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest, aims to redefine Africa’s energy financing landscape in 2025 by structuring high-impact deal rooms and mobilizing transformative investments across energy, infrastructure, and commodities.

    The AEC’s annual list not only highlights leadership, but also reflects the sector’s evolving priorities, from fostering local content and addressing financing gaps to balancing environmental and industrial objectives. As Africa’s energy market grows more complex, the featured individuals serve as beacons of progress, inspiring confidence among investors, stakeholders and communities alike.

    “This list represents Africa’s brightest minds and boldest leaders. From driving infrastructure projects to creating enabling policies, these figures embody the resilience and innovation required to propel Africa’s energy transformation,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “The accomplishments and strategies of the 40 Movers and Shakers will be critical to addressing industry challenges and harnessing opportunities for the continent’s growth. This is not an award. This duty call is more relevant than ever for everyday Africans looking at these leaders. They have numerous responsibilities and obligations we must encourage them to deliver on their various initiatives that will create jobs, develop Africa, ensure our energy security and Make Energy Poverty History”

    Africa’s energy landscape is at a crossroads, with increasing demand for sustainable development, investment mobilization, and energy sovereignty. As the continent navigates these challenges, platforms like African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, provide a critical forum for dialogue, deal-making, and collaboration. The conference will bring together many of the 40 Movers and Shakers recognized on this year’s list, offering delegates the chance to engage directly with the visionaries shaping Africa’s energy future.

  • Breaking Barriers: Pan-African Women’s Sustainability Conference Set to Transform Green Economy Landscape

    Breaking Barriers: Pan-African Women’s Sustainability Conference Set to Transform Green Economy Landscape

    In a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate Africa’s green economy, government leaders from African countries, representing over 20% of the continent’s countries, will convene at the African Women Sustainability Conference 2024. This landmark event, organized by ImpactHER in partnership with the African Union and the United States Department of Commerce, will take place on December 11-12, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria. The event is hosted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Under the theme, “Igniting Africa’s Green Revolution: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs as Catalysts for Sustainable Growth and Unlocking Access to Eco-Financing,” the conference aims to bridge the green financing gap, recognizing the pivotal role of women-led businesses in Africa’s economies and addressing the significant barriers they face in accessing eco-financing opportunities.

    “This is more than a conference—it’s a turning point for Africa’s women entrepreneurs,” said Efe Ukala, Founder of ImpactHER. “By uniting government leaders, global financiers, and visionary women entrepreneurs, we aim to unlock millions of dollars in eco-financing by 2026 and position women as the driving force of Africa’s sustainable future.”

    Ministers from Chad, Liberia, Malawi, Benin, Zambia, Uganda, Cameroon, The Gambia, Nigeria, and Kenya will join representatives from leading financial institutions and the U.S. Department of Commerce to share insights on eco-financing and sustainability.

    The two-day event will feature:

    o Executive roundtables with government ministers and global investors

    o Intensive workshops on green business certification and eco-financing

    o A pitch competition for green business

    o Interactive exhibitions showcasing successful sustainable business models

    Strategic partners including ToolUP Foundation (an Emmanuel C. Ukala Foundation) and ARUWA Capital.

  • Holcim Exits Africa: Nigerian, Uganda, Tanzania, others in Portfolio Streamlining Strategy

    Holcim Exits Africa: Nigerian, Uganda, Tanzania, others in Portfolio Streamlining Strategy

    Swiss cement maker, Holcim (HOLN.S), will exit its Nigerian business through the sale of its almost 84% stake in Lafarge Africa (WAPCO.LG), opens new tab to China’s Huaxin Cement (600801.SS), in a $1 billion deal, it said on Sunday. The deal aligns with Holcim’s strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus on high-growth regions, including the coming spin-off of its North American business, which remains on track for a U.S. listing in the first half of 2025.

    Holcim’s statement said the transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to regulatory approval, without elaborating on the reason for this particular sale.

    In November last year, Holcim said it had signed deals to sell its businesses in Uganda and Tanzania, saying they “advance our strategy to consolidate our leadership in core markets as the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions.”

    The deal is the latest in a series African acquisitions by Huaxin Cement.

    In 2021 it said it had agreed to buy two businesses that were part of Lafarge, which merged with Holcim in 2015: a 75% stake in Lafarge Zambia and all of Lafarge Cement Malawi. It also announced last year that it was buying South Africa’s Natal Portland Cement Company.

    Holcim has focused on sustainable growth in its core markets, higher-margin products and strategic infrastructure investments. It is also seeking to improve its environmental credentials and, in September, took a stake in Sublime Systems, a U.S. tech start-up working on low-carbon cement.

    In October Holcim reported a slightly better than expected recurring operating profit of 1.67 billion Swiss francs ($1.90 billion) for the third quarter. ($1 = 0.8809 Swiss francs)

    Culled from Reuters

  • Bringing new theft protection features to Android users in Africa and around the world

    Bringing new theft protection features to Android users in Africa and around the world

    Advanced theft protection features are now available to users around the world through Android 15 and a Google Play Services update (Android 10+ devices).

    Thembi Alfreds was driving home from a soccer match in Johannesburg when she stopped at a traffic light. A thief suddenly appeared and smashed the window of her car, grabbing her phone. She struggled with the thief but they managed to get away with the phone. The incident left her feeling violated and unsafe. Not only did she lose personal memories, like photos of her children, but her personal and financial information stored on the phone was now compromised.

    Phone theft is a serious concern in many countries across Africa, including South Africa, where Thembi’s situation highlights the need for better phone theft solutions.

    Smartphone usage is on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa, with adoption rates reaching 61% in Kenya, 31% in Uganda, and 24-25% in Rwanda and Burundi. This increased uptake has been accompanied by a rise in cellphone theft, as these devices become attractive targets for criminals due to their resale value and sensitive data within. This poses a significant challenge that can have serious consequences for both individuals and businesses in the region.

    According to the GSMA Consumer Survey 2023, 19% of mobile phone users in South Africa experienced theft or loss of their device in the past year.The GSMA reports millions of devices stolen every year, and the numbers continue to grow. With our phones becoming increasingly more valuable & central to storing sensitive data, like payment information and personal details, losing one can be an unsettling experience.

    Phone theft can be a traumatic experience, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and protect personal information. That’s why we have developed and thoroughly beta tested, a full suite of features designed to protect you and your data at every stage – before, during, and after device theft.

    These advanced theft protection features are now available to users around the world through Android 15 and a Google Play Services update (Android 10+ devices).

    Theft Detection Lock uses powerful AI to proactively protect you at the moment of a theft attempt. By using on-device machine learning, Theft Detection Lock is able to analyze various device signals to detect potential theft attempts. If the algorithm detects a potential theft attempt on your unlocked device, it locks your screen to keep thieves out.To protect your sensitive data if your phone is stolen, Theft Detection Lock uses device sensors to identify theft attempts.

    This feature is rolling out gradually to ensure compatibility with various devices, starting today with Android devices that cover 90% of active users worldwide. Check your theft protection settings page periodically to see if your device is currently supported.

    In addition to Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock protects you if a thief tries to take your device offline to extract data or avoid a remote wipe via Android’s Find My Device. If an unlocked device goes offline for prolonged periods, this feature locks the screen to ensure your phone can’t be used in the hands of a thief.

    If your Android device is lost or stolen, Remote Lock can quickly help you secure it. Even if you can’t remember your Google account credentials in the moment of theft, you can use any device to visit Android.com/lock and lock your phone with just a verified phone number. Remote Lock secures your device while you regain access through Android’s Find My Device – which lets you secure, locate or remotely wipe your device. As a security best practice, we always recommend backing up your device on a continuous basis, so remotely wiping your device is not an issue.

    These features are now available on most Android 10+ devices via a Google Play Services update and must be enabled in settings.

    Advanced security to deter theft before it happens

    Android 15 introduces new security features to deter theft before it happens by making it harder for thieves to access sensitive settings, apps, or reset your device for resale:

    • Changes to sensitive settings like Find My Device now require your PIN, password, or biometric authentication.
    • Multiple failed login attempts, which could be a sign that a thief is trying to guess your password, will lock down your device, preventing unauthorized access.
    • And enhanced factory reset protection makes it even harder for thieves to reset your device without your Google account credentials, significantly reducing its resale value and protecting your data.

    Later this year, we’ll launch Identity Check, an opt-in feature that will add an extra layer of protection by requiring biometric authentication when accessing critical Google account and device settings, like changing your PIN, disabling theft protection, or accessing Passkeys from an untrusted location. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if your device PIN is compromised.

    Real-world protection for billions of Android users

    By integrating advanced technology like AI and biometric authentication, we’re making Android devices less appealing targets for thieves to give you greater peace of mind. These theft protection features are just one example of how Android is working to provide real-world protection for everyone. We’re dedicated to working with our partners around the world to continuously improve Android security and help you and your data stay safe.

    You can turn on the new Android theft features by clicking here on a supported Android device. Learn more about our theft protection features by visiting our help center.

    • Notes: Android Go smartphones, tablets and wearables are not supported.
  • Feature: The Value of Entertainment

    Feature: The Value of Entertainment

    Streaming and TV platforms improve lives through the power of entertaining content. But the true value of an established African TV network comes through the industries it drives, the jobs it creates and the rich culture it supports.

    In these challenging economic times, consumers find themselves looking at every aspect of their lives, assessing every expense, and deciding whether they are getting real value. The area of content creation is no different. It is important that we look at the broadcast and streaming platforms we subscribe to and decide whether they are providing real returns on our investment.

    It’s indeed useful to think of an expense as an investment – and not just a transaction where we swop a cash payment for a product or a service. That is especially relevant in the area of entertainment. The value we derive from entertainment is not just about the service we receive. Ideally, it’s about investing in an ecosystem that provides value for audiences, for a wider industry of working professionals, as well as a rich cultural community.

    The power of local content

    A powerful impact that a TV platform can have is in creating local content. Producing homegrown African content – as opposed to licensing ready-made international shows – means that an entire industry of workers must be engaged to work on that body of work. From producers and directors, all the way through to actors, hair and make-up artists, catering crews, hospitality workers, and transport drivers, all of these livelihoods are supported when a TV network commissions a local show.

    In Nigeria, Africa Magic commission shows in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and English, creating hundreds of thousands of hours of original local content, pumping billions of Naira into the creative industry, and providing around 10,000 jobs in adjacent industries.

    Reality TV shows like Big Brother Naija in West Africa and Nigerian Idol, popular telenovela, Mpali in Zambia, and a true-crime documentary like The Last Door in East Africa have similar economic impacts. The shows directly employ creatives and service providers, and the content attracts viewers, which supports vast numbers of downstream industries.

    By way of example, in Zambia, within seven years of the launch of the Zambezi Magic channel, more than 20 local production houses have formed business partnerships with the platform, helping to produce more than 1,600 hours of local content.

    In Kenya, more than 150 production companies supply content to Maisha Magic platforms, employing writers, directors, editors, actors, and technicians. These professionals and the industry investment have helped to build the local film industry – now known as “Riverwood”, for its base along River Road in Nairobi.

    Across Africa, MultiChoice – parent company of dozens of these local channels – has created a local content library of around 84,000 hours. This resource grows by around 12% a year, which makes the group the largest producer of original content on the African continent.

    A pipeline of culture

    To ensure there is a healthy pipeline of new, homegrown productions, every MultiChoice subscription also helps to fund MultiChoice Talent Factory academies in Lagos, Nairobi, and Lusaka, where future African film professionals are trained through fully funded one-year film and TV courses.

    This is the true value that comes from subscriber investment. Every monthly subscription goes towards creating film-sector jobs, supporting extended families through this income, creating content that reflects African culture, growing African pride and self-respect, and taking our deep storytelling tradition to new levels, with the power of new technology.

    World-class MultiChoice sports coverage also reflects the culture and passions of the continent – whether it be for watching Champions League football, the Rugby World Cup, or the Olympic Games. All are shown at a fraction of the price paid in other parts of the world.

    Enriching communities

    But adding true value must also involve giving back to the communities that sustain a business. Being part of a community means meeting social responsibilities in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) sphere.

    In Botswana, MultiChoice was able to play a key role in the opening of Studio 4 at the Mass Media Complex in Gaborone, helping to train and empower local talent and promote economic growth in the region.

    In Ghana, the Group has donated television and decoder equipment to a Correctional Centre in Accra and partnered with the Tariq Lamptey Foundation to donate sports equipment to local schools.

    In Tanzania, MultiChoice has partnered with Kids Finance to organise a youth financial literacy and digital skills bootcamp. In Kenya, it sponsored the first first-ever Presidential Charity Golf Tournament, and in Namibia, donations of TV and decoder equipment were made to two local schools.

    In Maputo, MultiChoice Mozambique employees celebrated World Food Day by joining forces with the Makobo Kaya Project, volunteering their time and effort to support less privileged groups.

    In Uganda, MultiChoice Uganda helped to refurbish the Bless A Child Foundation and participated in the Uganda-South Africa Trade and Investment Summit, while in Zambia, the group donated sanitary towels worth $2 000 to incarcerated women, for the International Day of Prayers and Action for Prisoners.

    This wide range of financial, community and social investments are all made possible by the investments of subscribers in the MultiChoice project.

    Subscription packages may change, technology may evolve, and prices may be adjusted, but the goal and outcomes remain unchanged – to improve lives across the African continent through the power of entertainment.

  • Absa Closes $150 million Finance Facility with British International Investment

    Absa Closes $150 million Finance Facility with British International Investment

     Absa has successfully secured a $150 million facility from British International Investment (BII) plc as part of its mission to help close the trade finance gap in Africa. BII is the UK’s Development Finance Institution (DFI) and impact investor, focused on providing patient capital to foster productive, sustainable, and inclusive economies. Absa, as the borrower in this transaction, will utilise the funds to support this objective, with a specific focus on the African continent.

    “Our unyielding commitment to the success of the continent continues to drive us to find solutions to serve our customers by addressing Africa’s trade finance gap, focusing on sustainable funding,” said Mosa Tshabalala, Head of FI Trade Sales (International), Risk Distribution, and Syndication at Absa CIB. “Our role as a Pan-African bank is to channel the funds to reach our client base across our chosen markets. We continue to forge partnerships with DFIs, insurance companies, other commercial banks (locally, regionally, and globally), ECAs, and institutional investors to drive market access and provide the funding necessary to support our customers’ growth ambitions.”

    Africa’s trade finance gap is estimated to be between $100 billion and $120 billion. By partnering with BII, Absa is making strides in advancing the efforts of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which aims, among other objectives, to reduce the continent’s trade finance gap. In addition, this transaction enables Absa to extend liquidity to clients across various geographies and trade product sets that are in high demand.

    These funds are ringfenced for financing trade transactions, with a focus on sustainable funding. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) founded by youth and women engaged in intra-African and global trade. 

    This aligns with Absa’s goal of concluding R100 billion in sustainability-related transactions by 2025.

    “Our extensive presence across the continent, combined with our global reach, enables us to facilitate the flow of capital and trade finance that African businesses need to scale and compete internationally. By leveraging our cross-border expertise and strategic partnerships, we are driving sustainable growth and creating new opportunities in emerging markets, contributing to the broader development of Africa’s economic ecosystem,” said Charles Russon, Interim Group Chief Executive Officer, Absa.   

    Absa’s long-standing partnership with BII reflects the depth of their relationship and shared vision for driving growth in emerging markets. Since 2019, the partnership has provided much-needed trade liquidity in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique – supporting over $1 billion in trade volumes, including over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely strained trade liquidity in Africa.

    The UK’s Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds said, “I am happy to see BII support Absa through this important facility, which is part of a long-standing partnership to help fill Africa’s estimated $100bn to $120bn trade financing gap. Today’s signing demonstrates BII and Absa’s continued commitment to addressing that pressing challenge together, focusing on sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

    Admir Imami, Director, Head of Trade & Supply Chain Finance, BII added “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Absa which is based on a shared ambition to progress inclusive and economic development, particularly for underserved groups including SMEs and women. The facility combines BII’s long history of support in Africa with Absa’s cross-border expertise, which will help to make trade finance more accessible to African businesses and improve the vital flow of essential goods including food.”

  • Kaspersky uncovers new Grandoreiro light variant, the threat also expands to Asia and Africa

    Kaspersky uncovers new Grandoreiro light variant, the threat also expands to Asia and Africa

    …The threat targets more than 1,700 financial institutions and 276 cryptocurrency wallets across 45 countries and territories, lastly adding Asia and Africa to the list of its target

     Despite the arrest of important operators in early 2024, Grandoreiro continues to be used by its partners in new campaigns. Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis team (GReAT) has discovered a new light version focused on Mexico targeting around 30 banks. These findings are to be highlighted at the Security Analyst Summit (SAS) 2024. Remaining one of the most active threats globally and targeting users of more than 1,700 banks, Grandoreiro variants account for around five percent of banking trojan attacks this year.  Mexico is one of the most targeted countries by various Grandoreiro strains, including the new light version, seeing 51,000 recorded incidents this year.

    Kaspersky data indicates Grandoreiro has been active since 2016. In 2024, the threat targets more than 1,700 financial institutions and 276 cryptocurrency wallets across 45 countries and territories, lastly adding Asia and Africa to the list of its targets, making it a truly global financial threat. Among countries affected in Africa are Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.

    After assisting an INTERPOL-coordinated action, which has led to Brazilian authorities arresting operators behind a Grandoreiro banking trojan operation, Kaspersky discovered that the group’s codebase has been split into lighter, fragmented versions of the trojan, to continue its attacks. Recent analysis has identified a specific light version focused primarily on Mexico, which has been used to target approximately 30 financial institutions. The creators likely have access to the source code and are launching new campaigns using the simplified legacy malware.

    “All the recent developments underscore the evolving nature of the threat. Fragmented and lighter versions may represent a trend that could extend beyond Mexico and into other regions, including beyond Latin America. However, we believe that only some trusted affiliates have access to the malware source code to develop such lighter versions. Grandoreiro operates differently from the traditional ‘Malware-as-a-Service’ model we are accustomed to. You won’t find announcements on underground forums selling the Grandoreiro package; instead, access to it appears to be limited,” explains Fabio Assolini, head of the Latin American (GReAT) at Kaspersky.

    Multiple variants of Grandoreiro, including the new light version and the primary malware, accounted for approximately five percent of global banking trojan attacks detected by Kaspersky in 2024, making it one of the most active threats worldwide. Kaspersky has also analysed the newer samples of the primary Grandoreiro from 2024, and observed new tactics. It records mouse activity to mimic real user patterns, aiming to evade detection by machine learning-based security systems that analyse behaviour. By replaying natural mouse movements, the malware aims to trick anti-fraud tools into seeing the activity as legitimate.

    Additionally, Grandoreiro has adopted a cryptographic technique known as Ciphertext Stealing (CTS), which Kaspersky has never seen being used in malware. In this case, its aim is to encrypt the malicious code strings. “Grandoreiro has a large and complex structure, which would make it easier for security tools or analysts to detect if its strings were not encrypted. This is likely why they introduced this new technique – to complicate the detection and analysis of their attacks,” Fabio Assolini elaborated.

    To protect from financial malware, Kaspersky security experts recommend organisations to:

    • Enable a Default Deny policy for critical user profiles, particularly those in financial departments; this ensures that only legitimate web resources can be accessed.
    • Provide cybersecurity awareness training to staff, especially to employees responsible for accounting, that includes instructions on how to detect phishing pages.
    • Use protection solutions for mail servers with anti-phishing capabilities such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server, to decrease the chance of infection through a phishing email.

    While banks should educate its customers, individuals are advised to:

    • Never open links or documents included in unexpected or suspicious-looking messages. Be attentive to web pages – from the right web address to details of interface.
    • Use a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, that protect digital assets from a wide range of financial cyberthreats.
    • Install only applications obtained from reliable sources.
    • Refrain from approving rights or permissions requested by applications without first ensuring they match the application’s feature set.
    • Install the latest updates and patches for all software used.

    Read more on Securelist. The comprehensive Grandoreiro analysis and overview is to be presented by GReAT at Kaspersky’s sixteenth Security Analyst Summit (SAS), which takes place from October 22-25, 2024, in Bali.

  • Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech Announces 10 Semifinalists

    Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech Announces 10 Semifinalists

    …10 teams to receive $1 million in total funding to support financial inclusion efforts for small businesses in emerging markets

    The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation announced the 10 teams advancing to the Semifinalist Round of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, with each team receiving $100,000 in funding.

    Responding to a global call for applications, this prize supports innovative solutions to expand access to tools necessary for financial inclusion across emerging and frontier markets.

    The Semifinalists will participate in an Innovation Showcase at the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit December 5-6, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. During this event, the 10 teams will pitch their innovations to a panel of expert judges and investors, and three teams will be selected to move on to the final round of the prize. The judges will evaluate the pitches based on the teams’ ability to deliver solutions that improve financial inclusion for under-resourced groups in emerging and frontier markets.

    The prize will ultimately award $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Following the December showcase, the Grand Prize will be awarded at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference in Los Angeles, in May.

    “By supporting these pioneering teams, we aim to foster financial inclusion and empower entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and opportunities in their communities,” said Emily Musil, Senior Director, Milken Institute. “Our prizes help identify, support, and celebrate talent to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and empower visionaries to turn their ideas for a better future into reality.”

    These teams operate in nearly 30 countries across three continents, and their innovations hold the potential for significant breakthroughs in financial inclusion for underserved communities on a global scale. Over the next four months, the Semifinalist teams will test and scale their solutions, which will be evaluated for impact, scalability, and sustainability.

    The 10 Semifinalists:

    AZA Finance, Kenya

    Team lead: Caroline Shiku Njathi

    AZA Finance is a B2B FinTech company offering businesses low-cost, efficient, and secure financial services, including payments, currency exchange, and treasury, across all major currencies.

    Chapa, Ethiopia

    Team lead: Nael Teklehaimanot

    Chapa is an online payment gateway company with a developer-friendly API that simplifies integrating payment processing into websites and applications for Ethiopian businesses.

    Chumz, Kenya

    Team lead: Sam Njuguna

    Chumz is a gamified savings product that leverages behavioral psychology to help individuals save at low cost.

    Farmpawa, Uganda

    Team lead: Moses Eteku

    Farmpawa is a crowd farming platform that connects investors with real farming assets, empowering farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth.

    Flow Global, United Kingdom

    Team lead: Michael Rothe

    Flow Global is a liquidity engine that helps retail merchants grow in the digital economy by addressing all of their working capital needs.

    Paycloud by Lipa Later, Kenya

    Team lead: Eric Muli

    Paycloud is a digital banking platform that addresses late payments in Africa by offering seamless payment processing, payment splitting, automated invoicing, and financial tools.

    Nyla Bank, Ghana

    Team lead: Mubarak Sumaila

    Nyla Bank is building Africa’s first digital Islamic bank with a goal of empowering 1 billion people with innovative, Shariah-compliant products and services that align with ethical principles.

    Oze, Ghana

    Team lead: Meghan McCormick

    Oze is a digital lending platform that bridges Africa’s credit gap by providing banks with a small and medium-sized enterprise- (SME) focused app that digitizes financial data, enabling risk assessment and lending to small businesses.

    Trade Lenda, Nigeria

    Team lead: Adeshina Adewumi

    Trade Lenda is a banking platform tailored to SMEs, where loans can be accessed within one to six hours, and micro-savings can be achieved for business goals.

    Verto, United Kingdom

    Team lead: Rachel Coombs

    Verto is a business-to-business cross-border payments platform for businesses in emerging markets, powered by a unified network that eliminates intermediary fees, handles 49 currencies, and settles transactions faster.

    Learn more about the Milken-Motsepe Prize by navigating to https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/. Contact Mala Persaud at mpersaud@milkeninstitute.org for more information.

  • African Leaders Hold Weekend Meeting to Address ‘Worrying’ Increase in Mpox Cases

    African Leaders Hold Weekend Meeting to Address ‘Worrying’ Increase in Mpox Cases

    African heads of state from countries affected by mpox will meet virtually on Sunday to address the “worrying” increase of the virus – with 2,912 new cases and 14 deaths recorded in the past week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported at a media briefing on Thursday.

    “Mpox is not under control in Africa. We still have this increase of cases that is becoming worrying for all of us. In many countries, we have different clades [so] the Mpox outbreak is a combination of many outbreaks in one,” Africa CDC Director-General, Dr Jean Kaseya told the media briefing.

    Clade 1A and Clade 1B are both circulating in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which is worst affected by mpox. 

    However, because the continent’s surveillance, testing and laboratory systems are not strong enough, “we cannot confirm that we don’t have this kind of joint circulation of clades” across the continent, Kaseya admitted.

    Of the 29,152 suspected mpox cases identified since the beginning of the year, only 6,105 have been confirmed by laboratory testing.

    In the past week, Morocco in North Africa reported its first mpox cases, which means that mpox now affects all regions of the continent, said Kaseya.

    Japan donates three million vaccines

    On Wednesday, the government of Japan signed an agreement with the DRC to donate three million KM Biologics’ LC16 vaccines which, unlike Bavarian Nordic’s MVA-BN vaccine, are authorised for children. Around 40% of the continent’s suspected mpox cases are in children.

    However, health workers will need special training to vaccinate people with LC16, which requires a similar process to that of smallpox, said Dr Mike Ryan, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global head of health emergencies.

    “The LC 16 vaccine is not delivered by the same method as the MVA vaccine, and that does introduce complexity to the training and logistics,” Ryan confirmed at a WHO global press conference on Thursday.

    “The LC16 is given the same way the previous smallpox vaccination was done, which is scraping intradermally on the skin. That’s quite a skilled technique, and that will take time, and that hasn’t been used in vaccination programs for decades now.” 

    Rwanda meanwhile started its vaccination campaign earlier in the week, but it has only received 1,000 donated so far vaccines.

    The DRC will start its vaccination campaign in the first week of October, while the Africa CDC expects to soon dispatch vaccines to South Africa, Uganda, Burundi “and any other country that will be in need”. 

    It is also establishing an expert technical review committee to assist countries to develop “strong vaccination campaign plans”, said Kaseya.

    Isolating at home or hospital?

    Burundi, despite having 1,600 case, has recorded zero deaths. However, Dr Ngashi Ngongo, Africa CDC Chief of Staff, told the media briefing that all Burundi’s cases were hospitalised and in isolation.

    Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s interim director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, stressed that it is “really important that cases do isolate, but there are options for where they can isolate”.

    “If there’s an indication of clinical severity, if they have a risk of developing severe disease, it’s important that they get appropriate clinical care, so isolation in a hospital is helpful,” said Van Kerkhove.

    “But we do have guidance for isolation at home. For people who are presenting mildly, and people who aren’t at risk of developing severe disease, home care is completely appropriate,” she added.

    “It is really important that the scabs are covered, that we use good hand hygiene, that the close physical contact between caregivers is done appropriately so that we can prevent onward spread,” said Van Kerkhove.

    “Also, it is really critical to clean bed linen and clean clothes, etcetera and that’s very difficult in many different contexts.”

    WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told the briefing that the mpox virus “is being spread primarily through close personal contact, including sex and within families, through caring for young children, breastfeeding and sharing clothing or bedding”. 

    “The response to the outbreak is made more difficult by the context with insecurity in the affected areas and concurrent outbreaks of other diseases, including measles and chicken pox,” added Tedros.

    In comparison to a year ago, there has been a 177% increase in cases and a 38.5% increase in deaths in Africa, and the Africa CDC has committed to developing an open-access dashboard that is regularly updated with information about the spread of the virus.