Senior officials from the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) detailed the positive impacts of Bank-supported projects affecting virtually all facets of life across the continent during 2023—a year hailed as one of the most successful in its history.

Bank Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade said: “2023 was an exceptional year for the African Development Bank, $10.1 billion in approvals, a 30% increase on 2022—this is the second highest level approvals in the history of the Bank.”

Akin-Olugbade, Vice-President for the Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Complex at Africa’s premier development finance institution, was participating in a high-level panel discussion on Thursday, following the publication of the latest edition of the Bank’s Annual Development Effectiveness Review (ADER).

The review—unveiled at the Bank’s Annual Meetings currently taking place in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi—serves as a critical benchmark to assess Bank Group’s progress in advancing Africa’s development priorities.

This 2023 edition highlighted the Bank’s efforts to assist African countries confront global economic headwinds which have hit the continent in recent years.

The ADER 2024 report, titled ‘Investing in Africa’s resilience and inclusive growth,’ concludes that Africa has shown remarkable resilience, steadily charting a course back to economic growth. Despite the challenging operating environment that contributed to implementation delays, the Bank’s project portfolio regained its growth momentum, reaching a value of nearly $60 billion.

Armand Nzeyimana, Director of the Bank’s Development Impact and Results Department stressed how the Bank had created new tools and instruments to measure the impact of its development projects and programmes. He said they could now be followed online, and the results monitored. The Bank now boasts a new state of the art mapping system to track such projects.

“We are interested in tangible outcomes, such as kilometers of roads built, jobs created – the true measure of success for the Bank is the benefits provided to communities and people across the continent,” he said.

In a wide-ranging discussion, several panel speakers emphasized the direct impacts the Bank’s support had had in the past year in its High 5 strategic priority areas which are essential for creating Africa’s economic transformation. These are: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

The Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank Hassatou Diop N’Sele told the gathering that she was delighted to report that the Bank was now on very solid ground and pointed to the Triple AAA rating it received from rating agencies and thanked the Bank’s Boards of Directors and Governors for their approval of a $117 billion general callable capital increase.

“The African Development Bank is a very strong bank, we have a very strong profile, and this was confirmed by credit rating agencies,” she said. But she added work still needed to be done for the Bank to be able to raise even more capital on markets.

Solomon Quaynor, Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure&Industrialization, added that the Bank had enhanced its reputation as the “solutions’ Bank” and continued to focus on infrastructure projects which could change how business was conducted across the continent.

He pointed out that the Bank was focusing on “green minerals” and said that the Bank was prioritizing projects which would ensure that those minerals were never exported simply as raw materials but as part of the Bank-supported wider industrialization process.

“That is the anchor of this project, we are going to build agricultural zones, industrial parks. The core competency of infrastructure development is to combine it with the promotion of economic growth,” he said.

Senior Vice President Swazi Tshabalala, Vice President for President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Kevin Kariuki and Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development Beth Dunford, shared their complexes’ results during the programme’s panel session.

Click here (https://apo-opa.co/3wRw176) for the full report.

Click here for photos and replay (https://apo-opa.co/4aRlCWC) of the session.

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

Contact:
Jonathan Clayton
Communication and External Relations
email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group :
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Top development organisations have pledged to forge partnerships to expand the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), an initiative aimed at building resilient African food systems based on diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils.

On the sidelines of the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi, the African Union’s Commissioner for Rural Development and Agriculture, Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, African Development Bank Group Vice President Dr. Beth Dunford and other leaders called for African countries to join the VACS strategic partnership by aligning with the African Development Bank’s flagship initiative Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT).  Five of TAAT’s priority crops – cassava, orange-fleshed sweet potato, sorghum, millet and high-iron beans – are also targeted by VACS, which the U.S. Department of State, the African Union, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization launched in February 2023.

“I am excited to see how the Bank through its TAAT initiative, the United States Department of State, the African Union, IFAD [International Fund for Agricultural Development] and CGIAR centers are developing a relationship to advance the work of VACS, also Feed the Future and the African Union Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, and the Soil Initiative for Africa,” Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development told participants.

TAAT, part of the Bank Group’s Feed Africa strategy, delivers heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and other climate-smart certified seeds to millions of Africa’s smallholder farmers, with the goal to produce 120 million additional tons of food in Africa and lift 130 million people out of poverty.  The African Union Commission-mandated Soil Initiative for Africa is a framework effort to systematically improve Africa’s soil health and productivity. The United States Government launched the Feed the Future initiative in 2010 to address global hunger and food insecurity.

“Working together under the umbrella of this plan embodies the aspirations and priorities of African nations in building a prosperous, food-secure future,” Dunford added.

Leaders issued the call during a side event titled Advancing the Soil Initiative for Africa through the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soil. The summit closed on May 9 with leaders endorsing the African Union’s Soil Initiative for Africa framework statement and the Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan.   

“A Soil Initiative for Africa statement captures the urgency of the situation we face in Africa very well: ‘Since 2000 only 25% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural production growth came from crop yield improvement, while 75% resulted from expansion area under cropland.’ Clearly that’s not sustainable. The African Union’s Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan notes, ‘projections suggest that more than half of the currently arable land may be unusable by 2050’ – if that doesn’t concentrate our attention, I’m not sure what will,” U.S. Special Envoy for Food Security Dr. Cary Fowler said during the event panel discussion that identified partnership opportunities and explored potential areas of collaboration between the African Union, African Development Bank and VACS stakeholders.

“We know very clearly that for crops to be productive, need good soils. We also need to realize that soils, to be productive, need the right crops. The two are related,” Fowler added

“More than one billion [Africans] remain unable to afford a healthy diet,” said Commissioner Sacko in her remarks to event attendees. “We are really tired of one meeting after another – we want action…that is why I support this initiative because I believe concrete actions are tangible,” he added.

The event featured during a panel discussion to identify partnership opportunities and potential spheres of collaboration between the African Union, African Development Bank and VACS stakeholders.

Other participants included: Lindiwe Sibanda, Chair of the CGIAR System Board; Malawi’s Minister for Agriculture Sam Kawale, MP; International Fund for Agricultural Development Vice President Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana; Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, who represented the G7 and Mildred Pita, Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability for Africa at German chemical firm, Bayer, who announced a $1 million donation in kind to support VACS.

Wole Fatunbi, Agriculture Director of Research and Innovation with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa moderated the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit side event. The Summit, organized by the African Union, in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD, regional economic communities and other partners, built consensus on an African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan and the Soils Initiative for Africa, both of which aim to stem a widespread decline in soil quality of African farmland.

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

Media Contact:
Alphonso Van Marsh 
Digital Content and Events Officer 
African Development Bank 
email: media@afdb.org

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is proud to announce its goal to reach 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, effectively doubling its current portfolio. This ambitious expansion along with the Group’s recent updates to its South African portfolio underscores its commitment to strengthening its presence and contributing to the growth of the South African hospitality industry.

Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development, Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, shared insights into the Group’s strategic approach to reach its ambitious goal of 25 hotels by 2030, stating, “We are prioritizing, through either management or franchise models, conversions for quicker market entry and exploring strategic collaborations with existing management companies to increase our footprint, which presents the potential introduction of the Radisson Individuals brand to South Africa, an ideal first step for individual hotels with strong service scores who may be considering transitioning to one of our other successful core brands at a later stage. We are also seeking opportunities to expand our upper-upscale portfolio and enter the lifestyle luxury market in Cape Town with our Radisson Collection and art’otel brands, leveraging the city’s strong tourism performance and our successful existing portfolio.”

Radisson Hotel Group has announced significant updates to its portfolio of operating hotels in South Africa, including:

The debut of its first Safari hotel in South Africa with the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit:

In February Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit (https://apo-opa.co/3Kwoqy0) its first Safari hotel and 13th hotel in South Africa. This property offers a luxurious safari experience in the heart of South Africa’s wildlife region, with premium amenities and exceptional service. Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is surrounded by endless destination-immersing activities.

“Building on the success of our recently opened Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, we plan to expand into safari and leisure regions like the Kruger National Park and the world-renowned Winelands region surrounding Cape Town. Additionally, we are targeting secondary cities displaying strong hotel demand generators such as Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban, and East London, following our successes in Port Elizabeth and Polokwane. In addition, we are also exploring entry into smaller tertiary cities and towns if it aligns with our expansion strategy,” added Trappler.

Extensive Refurbishments at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg and Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town:

The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg (www.RadissonHotels.com), is undergoing a significant renovation, with 60% of the hotel’s rooms already completed, enhancing the overall guest experience. This extensive refurbishment features upgraded wooden flooring, stone countertops, local artworks, carefully crafted furniture, and technological upgrades like smart TVs and conveniently located USB ports. This two-phase refurbishment project has already completed its first phase, with each floor and corridor renovated to showcase a new level of contemporary luxury.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town (https://apo-opa.co/3Kvyebp) has announced its highly-anticipated refurbishment plans, reaffirming its commitment to offering guests world-class furnishings and contemporary interior design. Phase one is set to be completed by September 2024, with public Atrium and bedroom renovations expected in July 2024. An expert team of local and international designers has meticulously reviewed and handpicked the design, artwork, fabrics, and raw materials, ensuring an enhanced and stylish hospitality experience.

Rebranding of Park Inn Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore:

In April, Radisson announced the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore (https://apo-opa.co/3yVxYzK). This rebranding brings the renowned Radisson brand to South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. Following an eight-month renovation, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore’s120 rooms now boast a fresh and modern decor that creates a relaxing environment for guests as well as magnificent views of the prominent Table Mountain and the city center. The hotel now hosts South Africa’s first Filini restaurant, offering fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine with an interactive open-plan kitchen setting. Additionally, the vibrant Harald’s Rooftop Bar&Terrace provides an ideal spot to unwind with uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and the cityscape, complete with a perfectly positioned plunge pool for a complete rooftop experience.

“These significant updates to our South African portfolio reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the country. Our ongoing growth in the region underscore our position as a leading force in the South African hospitality industry. This is just the beginning of a series of exciting announcements for our South African portfolio and the unmatched experiences guests can expect from our hotels,” concluded Sandra Kneubuhler, Country Director of Sales and District Director, South Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Connect with Radisson Hotels on: 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3KrNeHc
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Ku07R3
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4aNzAJg
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/45hQsH2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Vq1zu6
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/45hQuPa

About Radisson Hotel Group:
Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,350 hotels in operation and under development in +95 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. 

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn&Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.  

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/3Vu87Ij) is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. 

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4aU1nHY) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.  

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.co/45hQA9u) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. 

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. 

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/45hQC16).