Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, is pleased to announce the closing of a US$150 million senior loan with Kamoa Copper to support the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The loan by AFC, who acted both as lender and arranger, aligns with the Corporation’s commitment to support the local beneficiation of Africa’s abundant mineral resources to unlock the continent’s economic prosperity.

Kamoa-Kakula is a world-class, high-grade, low carbon-intensive, underground copper deposit situated on the western edge of the prolific Central African Copperbelt. It started production in July 2021 and is currently undergoing its third phase of expansion. which consists of a 33% increase in copper production capacity, to over 600,000 tonnes per annum (tpa), and the construction of Africa’s largest copper smelter with a capacity of 500,000 tpa of 99% pure copper anodes. The expansion also includes restarting 178 megawatts (MW) of renewable hydroelectric generation capacity by refurbishing turbine #5 at the Inga II dam. Phase 3 is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, making Kamoa-Kakula Africa’s largest copper producer, as well as the third largest globally.

Kamoa-Kakula is operated as a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The operation has consistently demonstrated exceptional operational performance and delivered expansions on-budget and ahead of schedule. In addition, its sustainable approach makes it a standout example of responsible mining on the African continent. 91% of its full-time employees are Congolese and over $600 million has been paid in taxes and royalties to the DRC since the start of operations. In 2023, Kamoa-Kakula was directly responsible for 4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and it is also one of the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emitters per tonne of copper produced, according to independent consultants Skarn Associates of London, England, and WSP Group of Montreal, Canada.  

“This is a key milestone in our mission to develop infrastructure ecosystems that help integrate economies and drive economic transformation in Africa,” said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC. “Copper is one of the critical minerals for the global energy transition and this mine expansion will not only solidify Africa’s position in the global copper market but contribute to the continent’s path to net zero while creating employment opportunities and generating significant revenue for the DRC.”

AFC’s involvement in the Kamoa-Kakula project highlights the Corporation’s critical role in catalysing infrastructure development that drives industrialisation and enhances the continent’s global competitiveness. In late 2023, Kamoa-Kakula became the first industrial user of the Lobito Atlantic Railway Corridor, a rail line that stretches from the DRC Copperbelt to the Atlantic port of Lobito, in Angola. AFC acted as financial adviser to the Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis consortium, which was granted a 30-year concession for railway services and logistics. The use of the Lobito Atlantic Railway Corridor is expected to significantly reduce the logistics costs and carbon emissions intensity of exporting mineral products from the DRC’s Copperbelt.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC: 
AFC was established in 2007 and has been the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 43 member countries and has invested US$13 billion across Africa since inception.

www.AfricaFC.org

Energy Capital&Power (ECP) (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) – Africa’s leading energy investment platform – proudly announces the appointment of James Chester as CEO, effective June 26, 2024.

As Co-Founder and Senior Director at ECP, Chester holds varied and dynamic experience in events, strategic communications, custom publishing and investment promotion activities across Africa’s fastest-growing markets. Chester serves as project lead for the South Sudan Oil&Power conference – ECP’s longest-running event – and Libya Energy&Economic Summit, working closely with key government and private sector stakeholders to showcase national investment opportunities and deliver measurable results.

Through the inaugural US-Africa Energy Forum in 2021 and successive events in Houston including the Angola Oil&Gas networking event earlier this year, Chester has successfully introduced American companies to African investment opportunities, playing a critical role in bridging the two regions. As CEO, he will continue to innovate and develop new strategies to attract global capital, knowledge and technology to Africa’s energy sector, adapting to the evolving energy investment landscape and driving growth and development in the industry.

“We are thrilled to appoint James Chester as CEO, given his longstanding commitment to the company, robust financial acumen and in-depth market knowledge. Having led ECP projects in South Sudan, Libya and the US – as well as played an active role in each of our departments – James knows the business inside and out and will undoubtedly infuse new spirit and direction to our existing product and service offerings,” says Kelly-Ann Mealia, ECP Chairperson.

The appointment comes as ECP executes a dynamic 2024 events calendar including the Angola Oil&Gas conference in Luanda on October 2-3; MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power conference in Dakar on December 3-4; African Energy Week in Cape Town on November 4-8, organized in partnership with the African Energy Chamber and the Libya Energy&Economic Summit in Tripoli on January 18-19, 2025.

“It is an honor to lead ECP into its next chapter of success, with a focus on aligning our strategic vision and advancing Africa’s energy sector progress. I look forward to bringing new partners on board, expanding audience reach and evaluating how we can better serve the markets in which we operate,” notes Chester.

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

The family favourite, “Kids Say the Darndest Things”,  is back for its third season, bringing more laughs, more surprises, and more heartwarming moments. This season marks a groundbreaking partnership between the iconic show and two entertainment powerhouses: Paramount Global Content Distribution and What Media Group (www.TheWhatMediaGroup.com). With the broadcast platform being The What Network and the production partner being Mansa Studios, the show is set to deliver its unique blend of humour and authenticity to audiences.

The collaborative force behind the new season aims to enhance the viewer experience by delivering a world class production of the Paramount Global Content Distribution series alongside the local expertise of What Media Group. This format licensing deal is not just a commitment to quality entertainment but a celebration of African children and their unique voices and perspectives.

“We are thrilled to be working with What Media Group to bring the Kids Say the Darndest Things format to audiences across Africa,” says Lauren Marriott, SVP, Content Partnerships and Brand Strategy, Paramount Global Content Distribution. “Opening up the show across the African continent will allow kids and parents alike to watch this hilarious reimagined format together as a family.”

CEO of WHAT MEDIA GROUP, Chichi Nwoko, echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the show’s commitment to celebrating the diversity and originality of African Kids: “With the support of Paramount, we’re setting the stage for a season like no other.  We’re dedicated to maintaining the show’s essence, where the candidness of our young stars takes centre stage. In the past the show focussed on Kids from Nigeria, but this year we are excited to open it up to kids from across the African Continent. Our aim is to keep the content fresh, engaging, and true to the experiences of today’s connected and vibrant generation.”

Prepare to be amused, amazed, and moved as “Kids Say the Darndest Things Africa” brings the unfiltered brilliance and humour of Africa’s children to the forefront, in what promises to be the most memorable season yet.

The new season promises a diverse cast of children from across Africa, sharing their spontaneous and often hilarious insights on life. In keeping with the show’s tradition, these young stars are not professional actors, and they are not rehearsed.  This ensures that their responses remain genuine and unpredictable as we never know what they are going to say.

As “Kids Say the Darndest Things Africa” prepares for its return, the production team is hard at work, setting the groundwork for a season that promises to captivate, entertain, and inspire. Casting calls will be announced shortly, inviting children aged 4 to 11 from all over Africa to share their unique perspectives.

The U.S. version of “Kids Say the Darndest Things” is produced by CBS Studios in association with Anvil 1893 Entertainment and She Ready Productions. The format rights are licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Stay tuned for more information on auditions, premiere dates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as we get ready to embark on another unforgettable journey with Africa’s youngest and brightest stars.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of What Media Group.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Seun Harper-Jarman
Head, Marketing, What Media Group
Email:sharper@whatmediagroup.com
Phone: +44 7496 223 473

About What Media Group:
What Media Group is an innovative media company dedicated to enhancing the content ecosystem and its comprehensive value chain.

With a strategic focus on the media technology, media, sports, and entertainment sectors, we are deeply committed to investment opportunities both across the African Continent and the Diaspora.

At What Media Group, our mission is to significantly influence the industry’s landscape, driving its sustainable development. We are focused on leveraging growth opportunities to establish robust businesses and make a meaningful contribution through our targeted social impact initiatives.

About What Network:
What Network is a Free-To-Air Broadcast Television Company serving audiences across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. At What Network, we’re more than just a TV station – we’re a dynamic content and media technology powerhouse dedicated to crafting and delivering impactful stories to our viewers.

Our approach is bold and daring as we strive to unearth the untold narratives of Africa. From captivating dramas to insightful documentaries, we curate a diverse range of content that resonates with our audience’s interests and aspirations.

What sets us apart is our relentless commitment to innovation. We leverage cutting-edge technologies to engage audiences across multiple platforms, ensuring that our content reaches them wherever they are.

For advertisers and brands, partnering with What Network offers unparalleled value. With our extensive reach and engaged audience base, we provide effective solutions to amplify brand messages and drive results. From strategic ad placements to innovative brand integrations, we tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of our partners, delivering maximum impact and ROI.

Moreover, we prioritize fostering strong partnerships with content owners. Through collaborative efforts and transparent communication, we empower content creators to showcase their work on our platform, amplifying their reach and influence.

About the Show: 
“Kids Say the Darndest Things” is a trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc.

An iconic family entertainment show that features children from ages 4 to 11, sharing their unfiltered thoughts and perspectives on a variety of topics.

The show’s unique format allows for spontaneous, genuine, and often humorous interactions that highlight the innocence and insight of childhood.

Africa’s leading Business School, Lagos Business School (LBS), has appointed Jameel Verjee, founder and CEO of CityBlue Hotels (www.CityBlueHotels.com/), Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, to the advisory board of LBS Hospitality Initiative alongside industry heavyweights Trevor Ward and Mossadeck Bally. 

The Academic Director of LBS Hospitality Initiative, Dr Belinda Nwosu FIH, stated that the Initiative is a platform for developing and growing the hospitality industry in Nigeria and Africa, anchored on four main pillars – Advisory, Engagement, Research, and Capacity Building.

CityBlue Hotels, a hospitality and technology business built from the ground up over the last decade across sub-Saharan Africa, has operations in five countries with significant expansion plans. By partnering with LBS Hospitality Initiative, CityBlue hopes to accelerate its expansion into West Africa to complement its plan to open in Accra, Ghana, later this year.

This partnership will strengthen the company’s focus on executive leadership development and critically, expand CityBlue’s ESG and governance strategy across sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking about the partnership at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Dr. Belinda Nwosu remarked, “We are happy that Jameel accepted to join our advisory board as his skill set, demonstrable resilience, and range of experiences in Africa will benefit our goal to cocreate solutions for regional players and proactively build a pipeline of local talents for executive leadership in the hospitality industry.”

On his part, at AHIF, Jameel expressed his excitement at the opportunity to collaborate with Lagos Business School; “We are excited to take the next step for our group, both in partnership with LBS Hospitality Initiative and to learn from Belinda and her team. Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and the most potential for knowledge-based, tech-driven growth. This is both an honor and an opportunity for us”.  

This partnership between LBS Hospitality Initiative and CityBlue Hotels will, among other things, revolutionise executive development in the hospitality industry in Africa, which aligns with the vision of Lagos Business School to develop responsible leaders to inspire Africa’s growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.

For more information, visit www.LBS.Edu.ng or email hospitalityinitiative@lbs.edu.ng. You may also visit www.CityBlueHotels.com for information on CityBlue Hotels.