The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has successfully concluded a two-day preparatory workshop on implementing the African Ports Connectivity Portal Project (APC-PP) to improve data collection and connectivity among the continent’s ports.

Held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, from 8-9 July 2024, the workshop rallied together key stakeholders and experts from various organizations, including port management and maritime associations, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and port authorities from ten African countries.

The African Ports Connectivity Portal Project is supported by a $2 million grant from the Beijing-based Multilateral Co-operation Center for Development Finance (MCDF). This grant will facilitate the creation of a comprehensive port data book, offering performance data for Africa’s ports and maritime transport sector, along with practical information on the continent’s leading ports. Additionally, the project will develop a secure, web-based tool for collecting, storing, and retrieving port data across the continent.

The initiative comes as a response to longstanding inefficiencies in African ports operations, which have led to higher logistics costs and hindered economic growth. Many ports across the continent have suffered from underinvestment and lack of reliable port performance data, essential for effective planning and management.

To address these issues, the African Development Bank established the African Ports Connectivity Portal Project (APC-PP) to digitize and integrate data collection, thereby improving data quality and availability. The project will enhance port development planning, policy dialogue, and regional infrastructure strategies, ultimately strengthening the capacity of African ports.

Discussions during the workshop centered around three components of the APC-PP: technical support, design and implementation, and project governance.

The workshop resulted in several recommendations including the need to involve supranational organizations such as the African Union Commission, African governments, regional organizations, port management associations, port authorities, and the private sector.

The Workshop also observed the need to establish the project governance structure and the formation of a dedicated working group to review the terms of references and provide the project implementation plan, conduct a study on the sustainability plan for the portal project, the prequalification of ports authorities present as pilots for the project. These recommendations are expected to significantly impact the maritime sector in Africa, improving port operations and reducing logistics costs.

Jean Marie Koffi, Secretary General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), emphasized the project’s importance: “Ports play a central role in the trade and economic integration of our continent. Improved connectivity between our ports is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening Africa’s competitiveness in the global market.’’

Marco Yamaguchi, Division Manager, Transport and Logistics at the African Development Bank, described the envisioned portal as “a tool for optimizing port operations to facilitate intra-African trade, enhance security and transparency, and promote sustainable development.”

Frederic Wiltmann, Head of Programming at the MCDF, stressed that the Bank’s initiative to support Ports Connectivity Portals could become an important tool to identify and prioritize future investments in African port infrastructure. 

The next steps include implementing the web based port data portal, Africa Port Index, publishing  port data book, and enhance collaboration with regional stakeholders to ensure the success of the APC-PP. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for early August in Addis Ababa, where a committee of port experts will finalize the project’s implementation instruments.

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

Media Contact:
Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org

Technical Contact:
James Austere Quotek Ng’ang’a 
African Development Bank
j.nganga@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 44 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

The increasing demand of critical minerals for the global energy transition presents African countries with an opportunity to address environmental governance challenges and accelerate infrastructure development and economic growth through export revenues and global market cooperation. Furthermore, the development and implementation of robust governance frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and local content development is crucial for the growth of Africa’s critical mineral market and its socioeconomic advancement, according to a whitepaper published by think tank Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in March 2024.

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As part of its commitment to fostering the growth of Africa’s critical mineral industry, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has joined this year’s Critical Mineral Africa (CMA) Summit as a Strategic Partner. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung will promote CMA 2024 and prospects within Africa’s critical mineral value chain to its networks.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 – 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference (http://apo-opa.co/3VMQTpp) on November 4 – 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung provides insights on trends within Africa’s commodity markets and facilitates cooperation between African entities with German and global counterparts, driving sustainable development across Africa’s critical mineral and various other sectors.

In March this year, the foundation published a position paper outlining future cooperation between Germany and the African continent in various policy areas. Titled A Strategy for New Cooperation with Our African Partners, the paper underscores that Africa’s development will significantly impact Europe and Germany’s future, highlighting the need for increased cooperation in critical mineral exploitation and foreign and security policy development.

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German firms rank among the largest investors across Africa’s critical mineral value chain. In South Africa, German global automaker BMW is piloting hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in partnership with mining firm Anglo American and energy company Sasol, in an effort to maximize the country’s platinum group metals (PGMs) industry. Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen are expanding their electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities and offering within the South African market, leveraging the country’s well established automotive market and vast critical minerals including copper, nickel and PGMs which are vital for vehicle manufacturing. At CMA, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s members will participate in high-level panel discussions, projects showcases and exclusive networking sessions, highlighting lucrative investment opportunities for German firms within Africa’s burgeoning critical mineral landscape.

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“Collaboration between African critical mineral producers and German and global stakeholders is essential to enhance the influx of investments, technologies, and next-generation skills needed for industry growth. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s insights and network at CMA will play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of Africa’s energy transition metals by fostering partnerships between African entities and European counterparts,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at Energy Capital&Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Canon’s World of Education initiatives in Africa (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) are aligned with the corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which is a Japanese concept meaning, living, and working together for the common good; The educational programmes bring to life Canon’s commitment to sustainability, cooperation, and fostering an environment for growth and development.

Canon Central and North Africa is delighted to announce a collaboration with Rolof Computer Academy, aimed at empowering youth and fostering creativity. Through this partnership, Canon and Rolof Computer Academy will activate various education programmes such as- Canon Academy Juniors Programme, Miraisha Programme, Canon Print Hub, and Canon Academy. This partnership marks a significant step towards providing practical experiences and job opportunities for youth in Nigeria.

Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Central and North Africa, expressed his excitement at the collaboration, saying, “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey alongside Rolof Computer Academy. Together, we aim to empower the youth of Nigeria with more than just technical photography skills.

“We aspire to provide them with immersive experiences, moments of discovery, and opportunities for personal growth. Through the lens of photography, we hope to broaden their creativity and instill in them a sense of confidence and purpose.”

Rashad also emphasized Canon’s commitment to the philosophy of Kyosei, a Japanese concept that lies at the heart of the company’s values. “Kyosei,” he explained, “Embodies our belief in living and working together for the common good. It’s about fostering harmony, collaboration, and mutual respect within our global community. By partnering with Rolof Computer Academy, Canon continues its mission to educate and motivate individuals to make a positive impact in the world.”

What makes this joint initiative unique is the integration of the five different workshops scheduled from 23 July to 3 September 2024, with the Rolof Summer Programme at Rolof Computer Academy in Warri, Nigeria. This cohesive approach offers participants a unified and collaborative learning experience, where creativity and technology converge within a single framework.

These workshops are designed for various learners from children to adults starting out in photography. Led by Canon-certified trainers, participants will enjoy interactive, hands-on training sessions tailored for two age groups: 8-16 years under Canon Academy Juniors, and 18-35 years for the Street Photography Workshop under Canon Academy and the Canon Miraisha Programme.

The Canon Academy Junior Programme is dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering young minds. The programme offers concise, interactive sessions that provide a stimulating and enriching experience. These sessions aim to inspire a love for photography in children. As part of the holistic experience, young learners will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the realm of arts and crafts. Canon Creative Park, an exclusive content service tailored for Canon print owners, will be featured during the trainings, offering a delightful array of paper crafting activities. These activities will provide children with a platform to unleash their artistic talents and create novel masterpieces.

The Canon Miraisha Programme, targeted at participants aged 18-35 years, seeks to promote job opportunities and future livelihoods in Africa, workshops designed for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners will enhance their skill sets and support their professional development.

The Canon Academy presents a variety of practical photography workshops covering a wide range of topics, organized to cater to diverse interests and skill levels. With the convenience of online accessibility, training courses provide the flexibility to learn anywhere, anytime.

Mr. Lucky Ofuafor, Director of Rolof Computer Academy said, “Our collaboration with Canon Central and North Africa is a testament to our commitment to education and pioneering innovative educational opportunities within our community. Through this partnership, we are dedicated to empowering the youth of Warri with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.”

Rolof Computer Academy is an educational institution offering a range of courses to diverse audiences, including adults and children in areas such as computer science and engineering. It hosts an annual summer camp for children in Warri, Nigeria. Its team of highly skilled professionals offers numerous services to help businesses thrive in the digital world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/463yeJJ) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: Canon-CNA.com

The Bipaga Gas Processing Center in Cameroon has transported its first gas cargo to the Keda Ceramics manufacturing plant via a 6 km-long pipeline constructed by national oil company Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) and independent hydrocarbon producer Perenco. Keda Ceramics – the largest ceramics facility in the region – will utilize the gas to power factory generators and kilns, enabling the production of approximately 20 million m² of ceramic tiles once the facility is fully commissioned.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – serving as the voice of the African energy sector – celebrates the milestone achieved by Perenco and the government of Cameroon. Representing the first gas-to-industry project spearheaded by Perenco in Central Africa, the delivery showcases the critical role natural gas plays in driving industrialization across the region. The project is a testament to how gas can be produced and monetized in a way that supports domestic manufacturing and job creation and is the start of a new era of growth for the Cameroonian economy.

Cameroon aims to become a manufacturing hub, driving industrialization through the development of natural gas projects. The country’s Industrialization Master Plan – adopted in 2016 – outlines a strategy to position the country as a regional electricity provider; a supplier of agro-industrial produce; and a top equipment manufacturer. The Keda Ceramics project falls under this plan. Once fully commissioned the factory will utilize up to six million cubic feet of gas per day to power its operations, creating 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Kribi region. Gas will be supplied under a 20-year agreement signed in September 2022 with Perenco and SNH.

The project represents just one of the many underway that aim to bolster gas monetization in Cameroon. On the LNG front, Cameroon aims to increase production from the existing 1.6 million tons per annum (mtpa) to five mtpa by 2026. The country represented the first in the world to convert an LNG carrier into an FLNG vessel, with the Hilli Episeyo FLNG facility – developed by LNG manufacturer Golar LNG, Perenco and SNH – celebrating its 100th cargo delivery in 2023. The project partners are currently in discussions to re-contract the FLNG vessel beyond the end of its existing contract period (July 2026).

Beyond LNG production, Cameroon plans to increase LPG for clean cooking use to 58% by 2035 and is inviting investment in midstream and downstream infrastructure. SNH currently operates a domestic gas depot in Bipaga, representing the country’s sole supplier of locally-produced LPG. The country’s LPG Masterplan – launched in 2016 – envisages 400 million euros in financing to fund an additional seven million LPG cylinders in the country while strengthening importation, storage, transportation and retail infrastructure. In the power sector, natural gas projects aim to bolster electrification and economic growth. The Kribi Gas-Fired Power Plant – operational since 2013 – has a capacity of 341.3 MW and is located in southern Cameroon. The project utilizes gas from the Sagana South offshore gas field and provides the region will clean power.

Meanwhile, Cameroon is seeking new investment in exploration as well as alternative pathways to monetize stranded reserves. Independent oil and gas company Tower Resources extended the first exploration period of the Thali PSC in the Rio del Rey basin in January 2024. The contract calls for the drilling of one exploration well. Estimated to contain up to four distinct play systems, the Thali prospect offers the potential for additional discoveries. Additionally, in June 2023, Perenco signed a new 20-year PSC with SNH for the continued development of the Rio del Rey Basin. The basin has approximately 1.2 billion barrels of undeveloped reserves. Further exploration across the market will not only increase national oil and gas production but support industrialization efforts across the country.

“Cameroon is setting a trend for other resource-rich nations in Africa that are seeking innovative solutions to advance industrialization. By directing investment towards gas processing and distribution while promoting new exploration to sustain supplies, the country is fast-tracking the development of multiple industries country-wide. Gas is a fuel for industrialization in Africa and Cameroon is a testament to this,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.