PR Times Africa

Author: prtimesafrica

  • Grownish Deodorant: The Effective Deodorant Choice for Sustainable Future.

    Grownish Deodorant: The Effective Deodorant Choice for Sustainable Future

    Washington, 10th December, 2023

    Grownish Deodorant, the leading deodorant brand known for its range of best natural deodorants for boys and girls that enliven the senses, is creating a simple and healthier way for everyone to use deodorant and incorporate natural personal care into their daily routine. Our deodorant are made with high qualitative organic ingredients combined with revolutionary scent profiles, so you can get on with your wellness with its aluminum-free, paraben-free, and baking soda-free formulas, alcohol-free and non-carcinogenic. Designed to provide a dual effect of absorbing and eliminating odors, Grownish Deodorant is set to become the world’s best natural and the go-to deodorant for individuals seeking a refreshing and reliable solution to combat unwanted body odors.

    Grownish Deodorant understands the importance of smelling great while keeping the body fresh and comfortable throughout the day, not always an easy balance. With a diverse range of research and sustainability driven fragrances that exists to get good natural skincare products into the hands of people of all ages, and even more importantly, to equip parents with the knowledge they need to help with self care & self esteem – so they can raise self confident, and healthier families. The 100% organic products includes fruity, floral, and fresh scents, there is something to suit everyone’s personal preferences. Whether you’re heading to the office, hitting the gym, or going out with friends, Grownish Deodorant has the perfect fragrance to enhance your confidence and leave those using it feeling revitalized.

    What sets Grownish Deodorant apart from other deodorant brands is its commitment to creating high-quality products that are free from potentially harmful ingredients with a great-smelling natural deodorant magic collaboration of creativity and countless hours of research and development, testings to put together a line of products that works well for both adolescents and adults by eliminating aluminum, parabens, and baking soda from its formulations, Grownish Deodorant ensures that users can confidently embrace a healthier lifestyle without compromising on odor protection. The brand believes in providing an effective solution that cares for both the body and the environment formulated using real ingredients derived from nature for purity and efficacy that stripped away all the unnecessary ingredients and chemicals, and maximized hard-working, science-backed plant-derived ingredients to ensure your deodorant comes out the way you do intend it to.

    Grownish Deodorant’s constituent, approach and means of provision of tools for the users to serves themselves effectively is a game-changer in the deodorant industry. The formula is designed to absorb moisture and neutralize odors, ensuring that users feel confident and odor-free all day long. Unlike other deodorants that simply mask unpleasant smells, Grownish Deodorant tackles the root cause, leaving users feeling clean and refreshed and environment saved.

    In addition to its exceptional odor-fighting capabilities, Grownish Deodorant boasts a smooth and non-irritating formula that glides effortlessly onto the skin. The quick-drying and non-sticky texture make it an ideal choice for individuals on the go, allowing them to apply and continue with their day without any interruptions.

    Grownish Deodorant is an experiential brand committed to promoting sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment. By creating deodorants free from aluminum, parabens, and baking soda, the brand reduces its carbon footprint and supports conscious consumerism. Additionally, all Grownish Deodorant products are cruelty-free, ensuring that no animals are harmed during the development and testing processes while delivering optimal hygiene products for households with young pepper who are ready for it.

    Grownish Deodorant only developed deodorant products that parents love, but we have worked to make our products one that conjures up friendly environment and sensory experiences. Available for purchase online on Amazon and all eCommerce sites and some selected cosmetics shops in America and several African countries. Discover the fragrance that resonates with your senses and experience the refreshing and long-lasting protection of Grownish Deodorant.

    For media inquiries, please contact

    Phone: +2348024222404

    Website: https://www.grownishdeo.com

  • PR TIMES AFRICA WOMAN CRUSH WEDNESDAY.

     

    Chukwu Jennifer Ifeoma Adaeze

    Is a highly accomplished public health practitioner with extensive experience in strategic leadership, policy development, and operational expertise. Currently serving as a Project Manager with the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Adaeze has made significant contributions to the field of public health throughout her career.

    With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Jennifer Adaeze has held various high-level academic and leadership positions. She has demonstrated her expertise as a Senior Clinical Associate, Senior Reproductive Maternal and Child Health Advisor, State Quality Improvement Coordinator, Analyst, among others. Her diverse roles have allowed her to work closely with national, regional, and international organizations, collaborating on a wide range of health issues and initiatives.

    Dr. Adaeze’s primary focus has been on advancing capacity building, health policies, guidelines, reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, and system strengthening in lower and middle-income countries. She has been committed to achieving health equity and universal health coverage, tailoring interventions to address regional specificities and the unique needs of diverse populations. Driven by a passion for public health, she has played a pivotal role in leading health sector reform efforts, considering regional diversities, challenges, and demographic changes.

    One of Dr. Adaeze’s key strengths lies in her ability to conduct system-wide assessments, resource mobilization, performance monitoring, stakeholder engagements, particularly in emergency response to disease outbreaks. Her expertise has led to significant improvements in service delivery at various levels, improved service delivery, ensuring effective and efficient responses in fragile settings. Her work has been rooted in evidence-based practices and integrated health sector approaches, aiming for cost-effectiveness and relevance in diverse contexts.

    Dr. Adaeze’s career trajectory showcases her commitment to public health and her dedication to making a meaningful impact. Through her strategic leadership, policy advocacy, and operational expertise, she has contributed significantly to the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality, contributed to national policy documents, progressive realization of health equity and the improvement of health systems worldwide.

     

    Tariye Gbadegesin

    She is an investment professional with over 20 years’ experience in finance, principal investments and infrastructure, Tariye has mobilized over US$3 billion of capital for infrastructure projects in Africa.

    Tariye was on the founding team to establish the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a pan African Development Finance Institution with US$ 6 billion under management where she led several of AFC’s investments in the sectors of power, transport, industrials, & telecommunications.  Tariye previously led the US$800 million Industrial and Telecommunications Infrastructure business at AFC. Her global experience includes roles at the International Monetary Fund, the Boston Consulting Group, & Price Waterhouse Coopers.

    Tariye holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Amherst College, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

     

    Patricia Mujikwa

    Patricia is the Managing Director of Zander Mackenzie care, with years of experience in the healthcare sector. She established Zander Mackenzie Care U.K. in October 2021 after she was unable to get quality care for her grandfather who suffered from vascular dementia. He wanted to stay at home to receive his care, therefore, she knew first-hand how challenging finding at-home care could be.

    She launched the organisation to bridge the gap by providing top-notch services in the healthcare sector. Patricia prides herself in providing an excellent service for clients with care that makes a real difference. She is responsible for the overall management and direction of Zander Mackenzie Care U.K, which includes not only the customers wellbeing, but also the well-being of the staff, by offering first-class training and support at all levels. This includes their professional and personal strength, to enable care professionals deliver the very best care. She offers an amazing employment package with higher rates of pay, higher mileage, flexible working patterns and places each staff on a career journey of their choice, and a reward for their passion to humanity.

    She has been known within the industry as a ‘magician’ due to her ability to recruit successful employees from all over the U.K. She recognises everyone’s key strength and places them on further qualifications to enhance their growth and ability to develop their skills to boost their knowledge in the healthcare sector. To keep all staff engaged and focused on maintaining our high standard, she implemented an employee of the month bonus and the opportunity to win an employee of the year award. This award is an all-inclusive holiday to Spain for two. Retention has never been better as a result. Whilst also rewarding staff, she has implemented a staff structure which includes seniors, staff councillors, supervisors, and their assistants. This in turn helps staff progress through their career at each level.

    In respect to her career, Patricia comes from a background in Governance, Risk and Compliance, and having been a Data Protection Lead with a large charity, she has always been keen to give something back to her local communities through voluntary work, she discovered how rewarding, humbling and empowering it is to help others.

    At Zander Mackenzie Care U.K, we value trust, respect, and compassion, and provide personalized care services that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life.

  • First Regional Rehabilitation Meeting for Africa: Advancing Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology in the Africa Region.

    First Regional Rehabilitation Meeting for Africa: Advancing Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology in the Africa Region
    Hosted by the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, the meeting brought together leaders from ministries of health and healthcare professionals from nineteen African nations
    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 2, 2023/ — The first Regional Rehabilitation Meeting for Africa took place from November 21st to November 23rd, 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hosted by the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, the meeting brought together leaders from ministries of health and healthcare professionals from nineteen African nations. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa regional office, with the support of the WHO Ethiopia Country Office, the event aimed to provide an overview of the current status of rehabilitation and assistive technology (AT) within health systems in Africa, and to identify concrete actions to advance the rehabilitation and AT agenda in the Africa Region.

    Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in enhancing everyday functioning and reducing disability by providing rehabilitation services and assistive products that improve independence and well-being. Access to rehabilitation and assistive products is vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), especially considering the growing need for rehabilitation in the Africa Region due to factors such as the increasing incidence of injuries, stroke, the survival of people living with the consequences of injuries, and the aging population.

    Despite the importance of rehabilitation services, access remains inadequate in the African region. The regional rehabilitation meeting provided a platform for representatives from various countries, international organizations, and development partners to discuss and strengthen rehabilitation and assistive technology efforts in Africa. The meeting covered topics such as strategic planning, workforce development, integration into health information systems, governance, financing arrangements, measurement of rehabilitation outcomes, and the inclusion of rehabilitation in health benefit packages.

    Presentations from different countries highlighted country-specific experiences and lessons learned, while panel discussions explored the roles of key stakeholders in implementing rehabilitation strategic plans. Small group discussions allowed participants to identify priorities, needs, and challenges for strengthening rehabilitation in African countries. The meeting also emphasized the importance of harmonizing rehabilitation and AT strengthening, workforce development, and integration into primary healthcare systems.

    Rehabilitation in emergency preparedness and response was another critical area of discussion, with each sub-region identifying country action priorities. The meeting concluded with reflections on the discussions held and the need for continued collaboration, sharing of best practices, and resource mobilization to strengthen rehabilitation and AT services in Africa.

    The regional rehabilitation meeting held in Addis Ababa was a great opportunity for stakeholders involved in rehabilitation and assistive technology to exchange knowledge, network, and collaborate. The meeting outcomes will contribute significantly to the advancement of rehabilitation services and the integration of assistive technology throughout the African region.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

     

    SOURCE
    WHO Regional Office for Africa

  • World Health Organization (WHO) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) collaborate to reach targeted communities with health care services in Tanzania.

    World Health Organization (WHO) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) collaborate to reach targeted communities with health care services in Tanzania

    The health services provided included, cervical cancer screening for women, medical services, optometry services and pediatric services
    DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, December 3, 2023/ — The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Tanzania, undertook a health outreach programme in the Pwani Region to reach targeted communities with various health care services.

    Working closely with stakeholders including the district medical officers, community leaders and health promotion outlets, the health services provided included, cervical cancer screening for women, medical services, optometry services and pediatric services. The service reached over 300 people within 3 days in the Nkuranga Hospital.

    Speaking at the screening exercise, Dr Iriya Nemes Joseph, Programme Officer at WHO, noted the unwavering commitment and support of WHO in supporting the Government in achieving the universal health coverage agenda.

    “The health outreach programme comes at an opportune time and aligns significantly with WHO’s call for health for all,” noted Dr Iriya. “This partnership will help to address diseases to ultimately contribute to saving lives and livelihoods.”

    This health outreach programme forms part of an overall vision of ensuring universal health coverage for all in Tanzania. This constitutes people having access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship

    On his part, Dr Daedong Kim, Team lead from KOICA, expressed the pleasure of KOICA to partner with WHO and acknowledged the efforts of partners and Korean volunteers in supporting Tanzania’s public health priority.

    “This initiative will strengthen healthcare systems and empower the local communities,” he stated. “We are indeed happy to be serving the people of Tanzania and KOICA is committed to the health agenda on the country”.

    This pilot initiative is set to take place across the country targeting hard-to-reach areas in the country. The first section was also supported by Vision Care.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

     

    SOURCE
    WHO Regional Office for Africa

  • African Development Bank with other multinational development banks commits to boost collaboration on climate and development.

    African Development Bank with other multinational development banks commits to boost collaboration on climate and development

    The MDBs will collaborate to attract private capital at scale for countries, expand the scope of reporting climate results and impact, and help countries identify priorities and investment opportunities
    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 3, 2023/ — Multilateral development banks attending the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) today affirmed their commitment to a concerted, global action, including increasing co-financing and private sector engagement to address climate change, felt acutely in Africa.

    Despite contributing the least to global warming and having the lowest emissions, Africa faces existential risks due to catastrophic impact of climate change. Perennial droughts in the Horn of Africa and recent devastating floods in Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and other parts of the continent have claimed thousands of lives, destroyed infrastructure, washed away hundreds of hectares of food crops and threatened to push millions of people into extreme poverty.

    In a joint statement released in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the banks committed to collaborating on “socially inclusive, gender-responsive and nature positive climate and development actions,” leveraging their unique expertise and networks.

    Signatories to the statement include the African Development Bank Group, European Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Council of Europe Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inter-American Development Bank Group, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank, and the World Bank Group.

    For impact, the MDBs will collaborate to attract private capital at scale for countries, expand the scope of reporting climate results and impact, and help countries identify priorities and investment opportunities.

    They also committed to support countries’ adaptation and disaster risk management efforts through the MDBs’ Early Warning for All initiative, which promotes accessible and inclusive early warning systems for all by 2027. MDBs will launch a Long-term Strategies Program to help countries and subnational entities to formulate long-term, low-emission development strategies and other long-term climate strategies.

    The banks also expressed support for various sectors including water, health and gender, committing to identify and expand financing for gender-responsive solutions for governments and businesses.

    According to a joint MDB report (https://apo-opa.co/414XDA4) launched in October, climate finance by Multilateral Development Banks for low-income and middle-income economies reached a new record of $60.7 billion in 2022, up 46 percent compared to 2019. About $38.0 billion, or 63% of the amount went into climate change mitigation finance, and $22.7 billion or 37%, supported climate change adaptation. Private finance stood at $16.9 billion.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

  • Conference of Parties (COP28): Global and African partners pledge $175m to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA).

    Conference of Parties (COP28): Global and African partners pledge $175m to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA)

    The landmark initial pledge will help to rapidly scale up financing for transformative climate-aligned infrastructure projects across the continent
    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 3, 2023/ — In a powerful signal of support during COP28, African and global institutions together with governments of Germany, France and Japan and philanthropies have pledged over $175 million to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). The landmark initial pledge will help to rapidly scale up financing for transformative climate-aligned infrastructure projects across the continent.

    The new pledges will also advance AGIA towards its first close of $500 million of early-stage project preparation and development blended capital. The Alliance is a partnership of the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, Africa50 and other partners. It works to unlock up to $10 billion private capital for green infrastructure projects and to galvanise global action to accelerate Africa’s just and equitable transition to Net-Zero.

    Among the signatories of the memorandum of intent were representatives of the African Development Bank, Africa50, France, Germany, Japan, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD), Proparco and the Three Cairns Foundation.

    The Union of the Comoros President and Chairperson of the African Union Azali Assoumani, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat witnessed the signing ceremony.

    Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mrs Svenja Schulze, said, “Germany is very pleased to join the launch of the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa. We congratulate the African Development Bank on this important Africa-led initiative and want to highlight AGIA’s commitment to the 1.5°C target and its dedication to accelerate Net-Zero emissions in Africa.”

    She added, “Today marks an important step towards our shared goal of a just and equitable green transition in Africa. Supporting the commitment towards green infrastructure, we are planning to contribute up to €26 million to AGIA starting in 2024.”

    Tomoyoshi Yahagi, Japan’s Deputy Vice-Minister of Finance, said, “As part of the pledge made by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida yesterday, Japan will provide US$10 million to AGIA to support Africa in undergoing a just and equitable transition to Net-Zero and achieving the 1.5°C pathway. We encourage other donors to contribute to this important initiative.”

    Emmanuel Moulin, Director General of the French Treasury, said, “By addressing the gap in funding green infrastructure project preparation and development, AGIA will play an instrumental role in Africa’s transition to Net-Zero. Directing concessional resources to such an initiative is in line with France’s vision and solidarity policy for sustainable investment in Africa. This is why we have supported AGIA since inception and we are glad that the Summit on a New Global Financing Pact further raised momentum for the initiative. We are therefore delighted to announce a contribution of €20 million to AGIA and we hope that our contribution will catalyse more private and concessional resources.”

    African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina said: “We need private sector financing at scale to tackle climate change and fill Africa’s huge infrastructure gap in a sustainable and climate-resilient manner. By working together and pooling our resources together through AGIA, we are committed to accelerating these efforts. The Bank Group plans to contribute up to $40 million, after approval from its Board of Directors.”

    Sidi Ould Tah, President of BADEA said, “We have pledged $40 million to support AGIA. We are glad to be part of this vital partnership, aiming at enabling transformational green infrastructure projects in Africa, and accelerating the continent’s transition to Net-Zero in a sustainable manner.”

    Alain Ebobissé, Africa50 CEO, said: “AGIA is set to become Africa’s largest fund focused on project development, which is a critical component to scale up the delivery of bankable green projects and help the continent achieve its climate goals. This initial fundraising round which includes strong African and international organisations is a great sign of investor confidence in AGIA. We are pleased to be part of this landmark initiative.”

    Serge Ekué, President of BOAD: “As part of our 2021–2025 Djoliba strategic plan, we have committed that about 25% of our new financing will be aimed at strengthening the resilience of our member countries to climate change. Our interest in AGIA reflects this ambition and will be in line with our strategic approach of mobilising increased climate resources in our region.”

    Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco said his company alongside the French government, “is proud to support AGIA, an initiative aiming to unlock Africa’s potential for green infrastructure by targeting one of its main constraints: the lack of existing bankable projects in this area. The innovative blended structure of the initiative will allow AGIA to mobilise and channel public and private resources towards project preparation and development, the riskier stages of any infrastructure project. In addition, With AGIA, we are one step closer to bridging the infrastructure gap in Africa and one-step further towards Net-Zero.”

    Mark Gallogly, cofounder of the Three Cairns Foundation, said, “We support AGIA’s mission to catalyse economic development and green infrastructure in Africa. More risk-tolerant, early-stage equity is essential to increase the number of clean energy and climate-related projects across the continent. We commend Africa50 for leading this initiative.”

    AGIA was launched a year ago at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and Africa50 and other partners.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

  • Woman Crush Wednesday, Patricia Mujikwa.

    Patricia Mujikwa – Founder/Managing Director.

    Patricia is the Managing Director of Zander Mackenzie care, with years of experience in the healthcare sector. She established Zander Mackenzie Care U.K. in October 2021 after she was unable to get quality care for her grandfather who suffered from vascular dementia. He wanted to stay at home to receive his care, therefore, she knew first-hand how challenging finding at-home care could be.

    She launched the organisation to bridge the gap by providing top-notch services in the healthcare sector. Patricia prides herself in providing an excellent service for clients with care that makes a real difference. She is responsible for the overall management and direction of Zander Mackenzie Care U.K, which includes not only the customers wellbeing, but also the well-being of the staff, by offering first-class training and support at all levels. This includes their professional and personal strength, to enable care professionals deliver the very best care. She offers an amazing employment package with higher rates of pay, higher mileage, flexible working patterns and places each staff on a career journey of their choice, and a reward for their passion to humanity.

    She has been known within the industry as a ‘magician’ due to her ability to recruit successful employees from all over the U.K. She recognises everyone’s key strength and places them on further qualifications to enhance their growth and ability to develop their skills to boost their knowledge in the healthcare sector. To keep all staff engaged and focused on maintaining our high standard, she implemented an employee of the month bonus and the opportunity to win an employee of the year award. This award is an all-inclusive holiday to Spain for two. Retention has never been better as a result. Whilst also rewarding staff, she has implemented a staff structure which includes seniors, staff councillors, supervisors, and their assistants. This in turn helps staff progress through their career at each level.

    In respect to her career, Patricia comes from a background in Governance, Risk and Compliance, and having been a Data Protection Lead with a large charity, she has always been keen to give something back to her local communities through voluntary work, she discovered how rewarding, humbling and empowering it is to help others.

    At Zander Mackenzie Care U.K, we value trust, respect, and compassion, and provide personalized care services that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life.

  • Woman Crush Wednesday, Valerie Moran.

    From Forbes to CNN, BBC to live in studio with Sky News and a feature in OK Magazine, Valerie Moran’s Diversity and Inclusion story has captured the imagination. She oversaw the donation of the equivalent of 200,000 school meals to hungry children in Mali in West Africa, in co-operation with Mastercard and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The Sunday Times, in its 2019 edition of The Rich List, named Valerie as the wealthiest black female in the UK. Valerie, who has been described by a reader of The Financial Times as the “UK’s Oprah,” thus became the only black female ever to enter the list in the 31-edition history of the feature and has appeared regularly in the publication since.

    Valerie brings a refreshing air of tenacity to the worlds of fintech and philanthropy. She is a founder Director of eCOMM Merchant Solutions, a fast-growing fintech company she established with her husband in 2014. She previously set up another fast-growing fintech company called PFS, which she and her husband sold in 2019. Over the years, her analytical mind and suave management style have helped to put her companies on the global Financial Services map. Valerie and Noel are one of the world’s most successful couples in Financial Technology.

    Valerie was born in Zimbabwe to a family of five children. Her mother was a Beautician, and her father ran several of his own businesses. Growing up, her father worked extremely hard, and this same work ethic has remained with his daughter.
    After school, she dreamed of working in the medical field as a Nurse or a Radiographer. However, it was not to be as her parents discouraged these career paths for several reasons. Valerie went on to attend college and studied COBOL/Fortran/C (programming language) and other related Programming Courses. She progressed to become a talented Systems Analyst.
    Her parents greatly influenced her life, especially her mother. At home, schooling was promoted and the importance of how education gives independence and hard work leading to success. Valerie comes from a family where her aunts and uncles were highly educated and were Professors and Deans at universities. She always wanted to emulate them and aspired to be successful one day in her own career path.
    She admires people who have enjoyed phenomenal success and have given back to their communities. She would absolutely love to have met Nelson Mandela if he were alive today. Someday, she would also love to meet Richard Branson and Bill Gates. The sheer intelligence and masterminds behind what both men created intrigues her.
    Her favourite Writer is Agatha Christie. To Valerie, she is timeless and had a prodigious imagination. Valerie’s husband Noel bought her the entire book collection one Christmas. It remains one of her most treasured gifts.
    Valerie is an Official Member of the Forbes Business Development Council at Forbes.com

  • Public-private partnerships needed to bridge Africa’s infrastructure development gap.

    Public-private partnerships needed to bridge Africa’s infrastructure development gap
    The ECA has been working with African countries to enhance their PPPs for infrastructure development, undertaking capacity building and helping them mobilize resources for infrastructure development
    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 19, 2023/ — Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial to closing the financing gap for infrastructure development in Africa, and governments and the private sector should work together to create effective PPPs, said Dr Robert Lisinge, Acting Director of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

    He was speaking on Thursday at a plenary session of the African Economic Conference 2023 on Public-Private Partnerships to catalyse infrastructure development and innovative financing for industrialization in Africa.

    “Financing Africa’s infrastructure is still a big challenge faced by many countries on the continent. To bridge the infrastructure gap, public-private partnerships are essential for infrastructure development in Africa,” said Dr Lisinge.

    He noted that the African Development Bank estimates that between $130 and $170 billion is needed for infrastructure development every year, leaving a substantial financing gap of $68 to $108 billion.

    Traditionally, African governments and international partners like China have been primary investors in infrastructure. However, due to financial constraints, there is a growing need to explore public-private partnerships. These can harness private investment, technology and expertise, improving service delivery efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

    According to Dr Lisinge, the PPP experience varies across countries due to GDP differences, capital market size and depth. The ECA has been working with African countries to enhance their PPPs for infrastructure development, undertaking capacity building and helping them mobilize resources for infrastructure development.

    Ms Eniye Ogbebor, a Legal Expert at the World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP-Africa) said infrastructure development is critical for sustainable development in various sectors, including green energy, clean water and sanitation, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “The infrastructure financing gap in Africa is around $100 billion. To bridge the infrastructure gap there is a need to bring in the private sector,” said Ms Ogbebor, noting that PPPs provide options to financing, and leverage risk-sharing, including financial and technical risks.

    Dr Arsene Honore Gideon Nkama, a PPP Expert at the Faculty of Economics, University of Yaoundé II, and Consultant on the UNECA project Yaoundé, Cameroon, said Cameroon, despite its many problems, has an economy that is still resilient enough to promote PPPs.

    However, the current business environment should be improved to promote more PPPs, while capacity building is also necessary to help mobilize funds.

    Mr Getahun Moges, an Energy Sector Expert and retired Power Sector Regulator in Ethiopia, said there is an urgent need to address the infrastructure financing gap in Africa. “In Ethiopia’s case, the pace of development and engaging the private sector has been slow and sometimes results in unnecessary delays. Also, there is a big challenge of understanding the regulatory frameworks for PPPs, feasibility, and procurement regimes in the country,” he said.

    Mr Moges noted that development partners support aspects of PPP development in Ethiopia through finance mobilization, technology transfer and capacity building.

    The plenary session was held at the three-day African Economic Conference taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Experts discussed how to attract private-sector investment to PPPs, promote collaboration among stakeholders, identify necessary legal reforms, build PPP competencies, and establish knowledge platforms for sustained support.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    SOURCE
    African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

  • Public procurement: the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) adopts ten recommendations for an effective contribution to sustainable development in Africa.

    PRESS RELEASE
    Public procurement: the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) adopts ten recommendations for an effective contribution to sustainable development in Africa
    Boutheina Guermazi, Director for Regional Integration for Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa at the World Bank, praised the participants’ efforts as a network
    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, November 20, 2023/ — The third General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN), which wrapped up in Abidjan on Thursday, adopted around ten recommendations for an effective contribution to sustainable development in Africa. This followed an earlier decision by participants from around 40 African countries to host the 2024 APPN General Assembly in Rwanda.

    Among the resolutions adopted were the establishment of an electronic, sustainable public procurement system, the creation of an ad hoc committee responsible for long-term capacity building among public procurement actors, professionalizing those involved, developing a strategic plan for the Network, and finding ways to exchange information more easily.

    “You have spent hours on work that has produced genuine results,” Frank Mvula, Director of Fiduciary Services, and Inspection at the African Development Bank commented. “Along with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, we are going to try to keep the network thriving by providing technical and financial support. I hope the results will not stop there. We have to be able to make progress. The ideas put forward need to be translated into action.”

    Boutheina Guermazi, Director for Regional Integration for Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa at the World Bank, praised the participants’ efforts as a network. “You have discussed the challenges you face, shared your views, and achieved results. I am confident that you will work to improve the public procurement system when you return to your respective countries. It is your efforts that will transform public procurement in Africa and have a significant impact on the continent,” she emphasized.

    “We are ready to support you in implementing the recommendations successfully. We wish you every success in the development of your road map,” Elhadj Malick Soumaré, the Islamic Development Bank’s representative at the General Assembly in Abidjan commended and reassured participants.

    Joyeuse Uwingeneye, the newly elected President of the Network, appreciated the trust placed in her country, Rwanda, to host the APPN General Assembly in 2024. “We will be working tirelessly to mobilize other partners to support the Network, alongside the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the World Bank. We will also be focusing our efforts on transforming the APPN and building capacity among its member states. We will do everything possible to strengthen the organization,” stated Ms Uwingeneye, setting out her aims for her term of office.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
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