PR Times Africa

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Webinar Explores Africa’s Pivotal Critical Minerals Market Position.
Webinar Explores Africa’s Pivotal Critical Minerals Market Position.
Industry Experts Highlight Opportunities, Challenges, and the Continent’s Rising Global Influence

A high-level webinar held this week brought together government representatives, mining executives, economists, and sustainability experts to examine Africa’s increasingly vital role in the global critical minerals market. With global demand for minerals such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, graphite, and rare earth elements expected to surge over the next decade, speakers emphasized that Africa is poised to become a central force in the global clean-energy transition.

Hosted by a consortium of regional industry bodies and international development partners, the virtual event attracted participants from more than 25 countries. The discussion centered on investment potential, regulatory reforms, supply-chain diversification, and the strategic importance of Africa’s mineral wealth in supporting technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, semiconductors, and battery storage.

Key topics addressed during the webinar included:
1. Africa’s Critical Role in Global Supply Chains
Panelists noted that Africa currently supplies a significant share of the world’s cobalt, manganese, and platinum-group metals—resources essential to meeting global net-zero targets. With new discoveries across East, West, and Southern Africa, experts argued that the continent could soon emerge as one of the world’s largest hubs for responsibly sourced critical minerals.
1. Investment Trends and Market Outlook
Analysts presented updated market projections showing rapid year-on-year growth in mineral demand driven by electric vehicle and battery manufacturers. Several speakers highlighted the rising flow of foreign direct investment into African mining jurisdictions, especially from Europe, China, and the United States, all seeking to secure stable long-term supply chains.
1. Regulatory Reforms and Regional Collaboration
Government representatives emphasized ongoing policy reforms designed to improve transparency, strengthen environmental standards, and increase local value addition. Regional collaboration—particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—was identified as a critical enabler for harmonized regulations and more efficient cross-border trade.
1. Sustainability and Ethical Mining Practices
Sustainability experts spoke on the importance of responsible extraction, community engagement, and environmental safeguards. They stressed that global buyers increasingly prioritize ESG-aligned suppliers, giving African producers an opportunity to differentiate themselves through stronger compliance and certification programs.
1. Opportunities for Local Processing and Industrialization
Speakers also explored strategies to move African economies beyond raw mineral exports by developing local processing, refining, and manufacturing capacity. Establishing domestic battery production and value-added mineral processing was highlighted as a major economic multiplier for job creation and industrial growth.

Closing Remarks

The webinar concluded with a unified message: Africa stands at the forefront of a historic economic opportunity. By leveraging its rich mineral reserves, adopting forward-looking policies, and embracing sustainable practices, the continent can secure a commanding position in the global critical minerals market while accelerating its own development trajectory.

Organizers confirmed that a comprehensive report summarizing the discussions and strategic insights will be released in the coming weeks.
November 14, 2025
Nigeria Reverses Planned 15% Fuel Import Duty Amid Supply and Market Concerns

Nigeria Reverses Planned 15% Fuel Import Duty Amid Supply and

market Concerns

Nigeria has abandoned plans to introduce a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced on Thursday, citing confidence in maintaining stable fuel supplies through the upcoming holiday season.

The proposed tariff, which had received presidential approval from Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of broader fiscal reforms to boost non-oil revenue, was originally expected to take effect in December. Its existence came to light last month following the leak of an internal government memo, sparking public debate and concern within the energy sector.

In a statement, the NMDPRA confirmed that the measure had been shelved:

> “The implementation of the 15 percent ad-valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (AGO) is no longer in view.”

Fuel marketers and industry stakeholders had strongly opposed the planned levy, warning that it could deter fuel imports, distort market competition, and increase Nigeria’s dependence on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which began limited operations last year. Despite the refinery’s potential capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, Africa’s largest oil producer continues to rely heavily on costly fuel imports to meet domestic demand.

The NMDPRA moved to reassure consumers that fuel availability will remain stable throughout the festive period, urging the public to avoid panic buying or hoarding.

Analysts say the government’s reversal reflects a balancing act between fiscal policy and public stability, as Nigeria grapples with inflation, currency pressure, and widespread concern over rising energy costs

November 13, 2025
Tanzania Set for Political Shift as Former Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba Nominated Prime Minister

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Tanzania Set for Political Shift as Former Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba Nominated Prime Minister:

Tanzania is on the brink of a major political reshuffle as former Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba is poised to become the nation’s next Prime Minister, following his nomination by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Parliament is expected to endorse the appointment during a vote scheduled for Thursday, a move that could redefine the direction of Hassan’s administration amid mounting political tensions.

The nomination follows President Hassan’s highly disputed re-election last month, where she was declared winner with an overwhelming 97 percent of the vote. Opposition parties, however, have rejected the results, accusing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party of widespread electoral fraud, including vote rigging and ballot manipulation.

The aftermath of the polls has been marred by violent unrest, with demonstrators taking to the streets in several cities before and after the vote. According to United Nations reports, hundreds of people have lost their lives in the clashes, while opposition figures claim the death toll exceeds one thousand, alleging that security forces used excessive force against protesters. The Tanzanian government maintains that the number of casualties is far lower but has yet to release an official figure.

Since assuming office in 2021, President Hassan—Tanzania’s first female head of state—has faced increasing international scrutiny over her human rights record and crackdown on dissent. Her government has been criticized by rights groups for restricting media freedom, detaining opposition leaders, and suppressing civic activism.

Analysts say the nomination of Mwigulu Nchemba, a seasoned economist and long-serving CCM insider, could be part of a broader strategy to restore confidence within the government and calm domestic unrest, while signaling continuity in economic policy. However, with global attention fixed on Tanzania’s democratic trajectory, observers warn that the coming days will test both Hassan’s political resolve and her government’s commitment to transparency and reform.

November 13, 2025
Africa hosts G20 for the first time: what the summit means for global influence

Africa hosts G20 for the first time: what the summit means for global influence

History was made in Johannesburg as Africa hosted the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil, signaling a new chapter in the continent’s role in global governance. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” the landmark event positioned Africa not as a policy recipient but as a driving force shaping the world’s economic agenda.

In his opening address, President Cyril Ramaphosa set a resolute tone, urging global leaders to act decisively on issues that directly affect millions across the continent.

“Debt distress, climate vulnerability, and unfair trade rules are not abstract issues—they impact millions of African lives daily. This summit must deliver real solutions,” he stated.

South Africa’s presidency placed Africa’s priorities firmly on the agenda, with discussions centered on:

Debt relief and restructuring to foster sustainable growth

Climate finance to support adaptation and green transitions

Global trade reform for equitable market access

Reinforcing multilateral institutions to ensure stronger African representation

Representing the African Union, Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat described the summit as “a turning point for inclusive global governance,” emphasizing the continent’s readiness to engage as an equal partner in international decision-making.

However, the summit was not without controversy. The United States’ decision to boycott—citing concerns over South Africa’s land reform policies—cast a diplomatic shadow over proceedings. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Pretoria’s stance, drawing mixed reactions from delegates and observers alike.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, the Johannesburg G20 Summit will be remembered as the moment Africa’s voice resonated at the highest level of global diplomacy—assertive, united, and ready to lead.

November 13, 2025
SOUTH SUDAN: THE FALL OF A SUCCESSOR

THE MIDNIGHT PURGEJUBA, South Sudan – At 11:47 p.m. on November 12, 2025, the state broadcaster cut into regular programming. A lone anchor read a presidential decree in clipped Arabic and English: “Benjamin Bol Mel is relieved of his duties as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, effective immediately. ”Within hours, armored vehicles sealed off Bol Mel’s riverside mansion in the Tong ping district. National Security Service (NSS) agents disarmed his 40-man guard detail. Ugandan troops—quietly stationed for his protection under a bilateral agreement—were ordered to stand down. By dawn, the once-powerful businessman-turned-politician had been stripped of his party post, demoted from general to private, and vanished from public view. No official reason was given. No successor was named. Bol Mel, 52, had been appointed only nine months earlier as Vice President for Economic Affairs. By May, he was first deputy chairman of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)—a trajectory that fueled persistent rumors he was President Salva Kiir’s chosen heir. That ascent ended in a single stroke.

A NATION ON THE BRINK The purge extends far beyond one man. In the same decree, Kiir sacked the Central Bank governor and the head of the National Revenue Authority—both seen as Bol Mel loyalists. The moves signal a wider consolidation of power amid escalating instability. Bol Mel has long been a lightning rod. Since 2017, he has been under U.S. sanctions for alleged corruption, accused of funneling millions through his company, ABMC Limited. A recent UN report claims entities linked to him received $1.7 billion for road projects that were never built—contracts awarded during South Sudan’s oil-fueled boom years, now a symbol of systemic plunder.

He has never publicly responded to the allegations.

A Fragile Peace Unravels South Sudan’s political architecture—five vice presidents mandated by the 2018 peace deal—was meant to prevent a return to war. That structure is now in tatters.In March 2025, First Vice President Riek Machar, Kiir’s civil war rival, was arrested in a nighttime raid. Charged with treason and murder, he remains under house arrest. His party, the SPLM-IO, declared the peace agreement “effectively dead. ”Elections, originally due in 2024, have been postponed twice—now slated for December 2026. Critics call it a stalling tactic. The government cites unfinished census and constitutional reforms. Citizens see only unpaid salaries and rising hunger.

Violence ReturnsSince January, fighting between Kiir’s forces and splinter armed groups has displaced 370,000 people. Clashes in Greater Pibor, Jonglei, and Equatoria states have destroyed clinics, schools, and farms.The UN warns of a “renewed slide into full-scale conflict.” Over 300,000 have fled across borders since the Machar arrest. Another 2.6 million remain internally displaced—many still scarred from the 2013–2018 civil war that killed nearly 400,000.

What Happens Next?With no clear successor, no functioning peace deal, and no elections in sight, South Sudan teeters on the edge.Kiir, 74, rules by decree. Bol Mel’s fall removes a powerful rival—but also a potential bridge to younger elites. The vacuum risks deeper factionalism within the SPLM and the military.International calls for dialogue grow louder. The African Union and IGAD have urged mediation. The UN Security Council has renewed sanctions threats. But enforcement remains weak.For the people of South Sudan—12 million strong, oil-rich, and war-weary—the question is no longer who will lead, but whether the country can survive another collapse.

November 13, 2025
Gabon researchers test promising single-dose malaria treatment

Gabon researchers test promising single-dose malaria treatment

Global Health Breakthrough: Single-Dose Malaria Treatment Offers Hope Against Drug Resistance in Endemic Regions Researchers in Gabon have achieved a significant milestone in malaria control with a novel single-dose treatment that demonstrates efficacy comparable to standard multi-day regimens, potentially transforming management of the disease in high-transmission areas world wide. The clinical trial, led by Dr. Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma at the Medical Research Centre of Lambaréné (CERMEL), evaluated a fixed-dose combination of four well-established antimalarial compounds: sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine, artesunate, and pyronaridine. Administered as a one-time oral therapy, the regimen successfully cleared Plasmodium parasites from the bloodstream in 93% of participants within 28 days—matching the cure rate of the World Health Organization-recommended three-day artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).“This is not a new drug discovery, but a strategic repurposing of existing, affordable medicines,” Dr. Mombo-Ngoma explained. “With Plasmodium falciparum developing partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives across Southeast Asia and emerging reports in Africa, we urgently need alternatives that preserve treatment efficacy without requiring complex supply chains or prolonged patient follow-up.”The study enrolled patients across urban and rural sites in Gabon, reflecting real-world conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria accounts for approximately 94% of global cases and deaths. Gabon’s 2024 surveillance data from the National Malaria Control Program documented over 154,000 confirmed infections, with children under five comprising the majority of severe cases and fatalities. Program director Hugues Ronel Essanga Ngomo described malaria as “a leading cause of childhood mortality and a persistent barrier to socioeconomic development.”Patient adherence remains a critical challenge in malaria-endemic settings. Multi-day treatments often see completion rates below 60% due to logistical barriers, cost, side effects, or symptom resolution after initial doses—creating selective pressure that accelerates drug resistance. A single-dose option addresses these gaps directly.Libreville resident Julicia Nfono, a mother of three who has experienced recurrent malaria, highlighted the daily burden: “We sleep under insecticide-treated nets, eliminate standing water, and take every precaution, yet the disease returns with the rains. A treatment that works in one visit would change everything for families like mine.”Beyond compliance, the four-drug synergy targets multiple parasite metabolic pathways simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of resistance emergence. Pyronaridine, a longer-acting partner drug, provides post-treatment prophylaxis for up to 42 days, potentially lowering reinfection rates in high-transmission zones.The WHO’s 2024 World Malaria Report warns that global progress against the disease has stalled, with 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths recorded in 2023—figures largely unchanged since 2015. Partial artemisinin resistance now confirmed in Rwanda, Uganda, and Eritrea underscores the urgency of diversified therapeutic strategies.While regulatory approval and large-scale production remain pending, the Gabon trial—published in a forthcoming peer-reviewed journal—has drawn attention from the Global Fund, African Medicines Agency, and Medicines for Malaria Venture. Pilot implementation studies are being planned in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.If validated at scale, the single-dose regimen could integrate into seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaigns, mass drug administration efforts, and routine outpatient care—delivering a cost-effective, resistance-mitigating tool to the world’s most vulnerable populations.

November 13, 2025
Gabon Court Sentences Former First Lady Sylvia Bongo and Son Noureddin to 20 Years in Prison for Embezzlement and Corruption
Gabon Court Sentences Former First Lady Sylvia Bongo and Son Noureddin to 20 Years in Prison for Embezzlement and Corruption.

Libreville, Gabon ,November 12, 2025 :A special criminal court in Libreville has convicted Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, the wife of deposed President Ali Bongo, and their son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, of embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, criminal association, and forgery, sentencing each to 20 years in prison. The two-day trial, which concluded on Wednesday, was held in absentia as the defendants, both French citizens, reside in London following their release from detention earlier this year.The convictions stem from allegations that Sylvia Bongo, 62, and Noureddin Bongo, 33, exploited Ali Bongo’s deteriorating health after his debilitating stroke in October 2018 to divert state resources for personal gain. During Ali Bongo’s 14-year presidency, which ended in a military coup on August 30, 2023, the family had ruled Gabon for over five decades, amassing significant wealth from the nation’s oil reserves amid widespread accusations of corruption and authoritarianism.

Key Details of the Verdict:
- Prison Terms: 20 years each for Sylvia Bongo (convicted of concealment, money laundering, and incitement to falsification) and Noureddin Bongo (convicted of embezzlement, impersonation, and criminal association).
- Fines and Damages: Both fined 100 million CFA francs (approximately $177,000). Noureddin Bongo was additionally ordered to pay 1.2 trillion CFA francs ($2.1 billion) in restitution to the Gabonese state, with the pair jointly liable for 1 trillion CFA francs ($1.7 billion) in moral damages.
- Trial Context: The proceedings exposed a network of graft involving enormous sums, with witnesses describing Noureddin as the de facto power broker at the presidential palace post-stroke. Ten former Bongo allies, accused of complicity, remain on trial, with hearings set to continue through Friday.
Prosecutor Eddy Minang described the scheme as a “system of diverting public funds for the benefit of private interests,” citing testimonies from co-defendants and witnesses that revealed manipulated contracts and illicit transfers during the final years of the Bongo regime.
Defendants’ Response and Broader Context:

Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo, arrested immediately after the coup led by now-President General Brice Oligui Nguema, were detained for 20 months before their release in May 2025 on medical grounds, allowing them to relocate to the UK. In a pre-trial interview with AFP, Noureddin dismissed the process as a “legal farce” orchestrated by Oligui’s administration, stating, “We know full well that if we go back, we will suffer things far worse than we have already suffered.” The pair has filed a lawsuit in France alleging repeated torture by regime allies during their imprisonment, claims denied by Gabonese authorities.The verdict has ignited debate over judicial independence in post-coup Gabon. While Oligui Nguema, who transitioned from coup leader to elected president in April 2025, hailed the ruling as a milestone in combating impunity, critics argue it exemplifies selective justice. Notably, Ali Bongo himself faces no charges, despite overseeing the alleged corruption. Opposition voices and international observers question whether the trial serves more to legitimize the new regime than to deliver equitable accountability.

Implications for Gabon’s Future:

This sentencing underscores the transitional challenges in Gabon, an oil-rich nation where the Bongo dynasty’s 55-year grip left a legacy of inequality despite vast natural resources. The convictions could pave the way for asset recovery efforts, potentially recouping billions siphoned from public coffers. However, with the Bongos unlikely to serve time given their exile, enforcement remains uncertain, raising concerns about the rule of law under Oligui’s leadership.

About the Trial The:

two-day hearing before the Special Criminal Court in Libreville began on Monday, November 10, 2025, amid heightened security. It marks one of the most high-profile corruption cases since the 2023 coup, which was triggered by a disputed election and widespread fraud allegations.
November 12, 2025
Trevor Noah Celebrates Grammy Nomination for His Children’s Audiobook.

Trevor Noah Celebrates Grammy Nomination for His Children’s Audiobook.

Los Angeles / Johannesburg – 11 November 2025:

South African comedian, author and narrator Trevor Noah has received a nomination for the 68th Annual 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards in the category Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for his children’s audiobook Into the Uncut Grass.

A Milestone in a Creative Journey

Noah’s nod is a notable extension of his expanding storytelling repertoire. Long known for his stand-up comedy, his authorship of the bestselling memoir Born a Crime and his tenure as host of The Daily Show, this new recognition places him among creators operating in the audio-narration space.

The nomination marks his fourth total GRAMMY nod; this time he steps beyond his previous nominations (in comedy album categories) into a narrative audio format.

About Into the Uncut Grass

Co-created with illustrator Sabina Hahn, Into the Uncut Grass is described as a fable for listeners of all ages, exploring imagination, empathy and connection.

In the story:

A young boy, seeking adventure beyond his chores, journeys into a field of uncut grass with his toy bear, Walter.

They encounter a gnome who challenges their assumptions, impressing upon them that every person can be an obstacle unless one tries to understand them—even a parent.

What appears as a children’s tale carries deeper themes that resonate with adults: conflict resolution, understanding, imaginative problem-solving.

Noah has said the audiobook was made to be heard as well as read, so his own narration adds warmth, humour and sincerity to the production.

Significance & Impact

For Noah personally: the nomination acknowledges his progression from comedian and memoirist into a creator of audio-narrative works for a broad audience.

For South Africa & African creators: his global recognition reinforces that stories rooted in African imagination and voice can compete at the highest international levels.

For the audiobook format: as consumption of audio-books and narrated storytelling grows globally, such nominations shine a light on how voice, performance and production converge.

Crossover appeal: While designed as a children’s story, the fable’s themes invite family listening, demonstrating how a title can bridge age groups and experiences.

What Comes Next

The winners will be announced at the GRAMMY ceremony on Sunday, February 1 2026, in Los Angeles.

Whether he wins or not, the nomination itself opens doors: increased visibility, likely uptick in audio-sales/streams of Into the Uncut Grass, and renewed interest in his voice work.

From a PR perspective, this is an opportunity to develop narrative around Noah’s storytelling brand: emphasising themes like imagination, empathy, and global reach.

Quotes & Commentary

On the nomination, Industry announcements (via Penguin Random House Audio) noted:

“Trevor Noah’s Into the Uncut Grass and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Lovely One audiobooks have earned 2026 GRAMMY® Award nominations in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category.”

And Noah himself previously reflected that:

“When I thought about writing Into the Uncut Grass, I wanted to create something that parents and children could enjoy together… I love the idea of a story that can be read aloud and shared, where both kids and adults take away their own insights.”

Closing Thoughts

This nomination reaffirms that storytelling is a versatile craft—not confined to one medium or age-group. With Into the Uncut Grass, Trevor Noah demonstrates how a simple fable can carry rich meaning, and how voice matters as much as words. As the awards season advances, fans, publishers and creators alike will be watching to see if the journey into the “uncut grass” yields the gold statuette.

November 12, 2025
Wizkid’s Son Enters the Spotlight with Debut EP ‘Champion’s Arrival’

Wizkid’s Son Enters the Spotlight with Debut EP ‘Champion’s Arrival’

LAGOS, NIGERIA , November 12, 2025 The Nigerian music scene is abuzz with excitement as the son of global Afrobeats superstar Wizkid steps into the spotlight with the release of his debut EP, “Champion’s Arrival.” The project, released under Starboy Entertainment, marks the official entry of a new generation into the family’s musical legacy.

The young artist ,whose stage name is being kept under wraps pending his first major performance ,has already garnered industry attention for his confident delivery, lyrical maturity, and genre-fluid sound that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and contemporary pop influences.

“Music runs in my veins. I’ve watched greatness up close my whole life, but this is my story, my sound,” the rising star said during a private listening session in Lagos on Tuesday evening.

A Fresh Voice, Rooted in Legacy

The five-track EP, “Champion’s Arrival,” showcases a mix of youthful energy and seasoned production. With standout tracks like “Legacy Lane,” “One Day,” and the title track “Champion’s Arrival,” the project reflects themes of ambition, self-belief, and the pressures of living up to a famous name.

Each song features a carefully curated soundscape, with contributions from some of Nigeria’s most promising producers, including Pheelz, LeriQ, and London — a frequent Wizkid collaborator.

Music critics have described the EP as “a confident first step and a sign that the Starboy dynasty is here to stay.”

Industry and Fan Reactions

Since its release on major streaming platforms, “Champion’s Arrival” has been trending across Nigerian social media, with fans praising the young artist’s sound and charisma.

Entertainment journalist Tola Adebayo commented, “It’s refreshing to see him come out with a solid project that stands on its own merit. He’s not riding on his father’s fame — he’s building something authentic.”

Meanwhile, Wizkid himself shared a brief but heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Proud of you, champ. The world is yours.”

Launch Event and What’s Next

A global launch event is reportedly being planned in London later this month, featuring guest performances from Afrobeats heavyweights and an exclusive preview of the official music video for “Champion’s Arrival.”

Industry insiders hint that the young artist has already been approached for several international collaborations, underscoring his growing potential beyond the Nigerian music scene.

With a debut that’s both bold and deeply personal, “Champion’s Arrival” signals not just the birth of a new artist, but the continuation of a powerful musical legacy.

November 12, 2025
Bank of Africa and IFC Join Forces to Empower Businesses in Central Africa.

Bank of Africa and IFC Join Forces to Empower Businesses in Central Africa

By Keziah Biya

In a strategic move set to reshape the business landscape across Central Africa, Bank of Africa (BOA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have joined forces to strengthen financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth, empowering entrepreneurs, and stimulating sustainable economic development.

The partnership, announced this week, focuses on expanding access to finance for businesses that form the backbone of Central Africa’s economies — particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. With SMEs accounting for over 80% of jobs in many African nations, this initiative arrives at a critical moment, as entrepreneurs continue to recover from the economic aftershocks of global disruptions and regional market challenges.

“Our partnership with IFC is about creating real impact,” said a representative from Bank of Africa. “SMEs are the heartbeat of our economies, yet access to financing remains one of their biggest obstacles. Together with IFC, we aim to bridge that gap and empower business owners to grow, innovate, and compete on a regional and international scale.”

The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is recognized globally for its investment and advisory work in emerging markets. Through this partnership, IFC will provide both financial support and technical expertise to enhance BOA’s lending capacity and strengthen its risk management systems. This includes training programs for SME clients, digital transformation support, and the introduction of innovative financial products tailored to local needs.

“Unlocking capital for SMEs is key to driving economic resilience,” said an IFC spokesperson. “This collaboration with Bank of Africa represents our shared vision of an inclusive financial system that enables entrepreneurs — especially women-led and youth-led enterprises — to thrive.”

Beyond finance, the partnership aims to promote sustainability and green business growth by encouraging investments in climate-friendly projects. By aligning with global sustainability goals, both institutions hope to support environmentally responsible innovation that contributes to long-term prosperity in the region.

Analysts view this partnership as a milestone for Central Africa’s private sector development. It is expected to not only expand SME financing but also strengthen investor confidence in the region’s economic potential.

With operations in more than 30 countries, Bank of Africa has steadily positioned itself as a pan-African leader in inclusive banking, while the IFC continues to be a cornerstone of development financing across emerging markets. Together, they are setting the stage for a new era of collaboration — one that places African entrepreneurship at the center of sustainable growth.

As the partnership takes shape, businesses across Central Africa can look forward to improved access to credit, stronger institutional support, and renewed optimism for the future of enterprise on the continent.

November 10, 2025