Serengeti (www.SerengetiBreweries.co.tz), leading beer brand in Tanzania, has unveiled its rejuvenated identity alongside a new product innovation – Serengeti Lemon. The re-launch not only celebrates the Serengeti’s rich legacy but also signifies its dedication to embodying the Tanzanian spirit of resilience and progress.

Since its inception in 1996, Serengeti has flourished into the largest bottled brand in East Africa. The new look reflects Serengeti’s journey of growth and evolution, resonating with the dynamic energy of Tanzania.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey, marking a new chapter in the Serengeti story. Our refreshed look and innovative products like Serengeti Lager, Serengeti Lite, and the newest addition, Serengeti Lemon, reaffirm our commitment to offering exceptional experiences to our consumers. Today, Serengeti although a young brand born in 1996, has grown to become the largest bottled brand in East Africa thanks to the love and pride of Tanzanians,” expressed Obinna Anyalebechi, Managing Director of Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL).

Rhona Namanya, Serengeti Head of Beer, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Serengeti is more than just a beer; it represents the vibrant spirit and essence of Tanzania. Our re-launch is a testament to our dedication to staying true to our roots while embracing a forward-thinking approach.”

Amidst this momentous occasion, Serengeti also announced its partnership with Tanzanian music sensation, Diamond Platnumz, as the brand ambassador. Recognized for his charisma and deep connection with Tanzanian audiences.

“We are delighted to welcome Diamond Platnumz to the Serengeti family. His dynamic presence and cultural influence make him the perfect ambassador to represent our brand,” remarked Obinna Anyalebechi.” Just as Serengeti has grown alongside the Tanzanian people, we anticipate an exhilarating journey ahead, crafting unforgettable experiences for our consumers with Diamond by our side.”

Echoing the sentiments, Diamond remarked, “I am excited to join the Serengeti family! Collaborating with a brand that resonates with the energy and spirit of Tanzania is something to be proud of.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL).

Summit expected to build on ground-breaking clean cooking initiatives launched at COP28; African Development Bank’s Adesina (www.AfDB.org), Tanzanian President Hassan, Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol to co-chair event.

Development partners gathering in Paris on 14 May are expected to pledge towards the $4 billion needed to provide clean cooking access for 250 million African women by 2030.

African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina will co-chair the Clean Cooking Summit, to be held in Paris, alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, and International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol.

The landmark event aims to drive significant change in clean cooking access for the nearly one billion Africans using polluting fuels, which cause the premature deaths of approximately half a million women and children every year.

Women and girls spend up to five hours a day collecting fuel and cooking. This leaves little time for education, social or economic activities. Worldwide, the annual economic cost of women and girl’s time searching for fuel wood is estimated at $800 billion. The health costs are as high as $1.4 trillion.

The capital investment needed to ensure universal clean cooking access in Africa by 2030 is accessible. The $4 billion needed annually is a small fraction of the $2.8 trillion invested globally in energy each year.

The summit aims to mobilize this much-needed finance. It brings together governments, development partners, private companies and NGOs to make concrete commitments and develop action-oriented strategies to accelerate progress on clean cooking.

They are expected to pledge increased funding for clean cooking, with development partners committing to allocate a higher share of their energy portfolios and to work through private capital arms to bring more financing. Governments will prioritise clean cooking in national planning, create funded implementation programs, and introduce proven policies to support scaling clean cooking solutions.

Dr Adesina has committed the Bank’s strong support and outlined a three-pronged approach to achieve universal clean cooking access in Africa. It entails governments directing at least 5% of their annual energy investments towards clean cooking solutions and having multilateral and development finance institutions set aside a significant share of their annual energy financing for clean cooking solutions, including concessional blended financing and guarantees.

At COP28, Adesina said that the Bank Group will channel $2 billion for clean cooking over the next decade. He also joined global leaders in rallying around the Africa Women Clean Cooking Support Program launched by Tanzania’s President Suluhu Hassan.

Clean cooking initiatives are eligible under the Climate Action Window (CAW) of the African Development Fund (ADF), the Bank Group’s concessional window for 37 of Africa’s poorest and most vulnerable countries. During COP28, the Bank Group launched its first call, with $258 million in mostly grant funding, for climate adaptation proposals through the CAW, which seeks to raise $13 billion to accelerate climate adaptation in the ADF countries. Increased adoption of cleaner cooking fuels such as electricity, biogas, and sustainable biofuels will improve the health and well-being of Africa’s women and children and also protect Africa’s forests.

Several African governments have begun taking proactive measures to accelerate clean cooking adoption. Kenya has established a Clean Cooking Delivery Unit and introduced special electricity tariffs. Industry, international organizations, and multilateral fora will affirm their support for achieving clean cooking targets.

The Bank’s commitment to addressing the clean cooking crisis aligns with its High 5 priorities — particularly “Light Up and Power Africa” and “Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.” As Dr Adesina said at COP28, “Providing access to clean cooking is clearly doable in Africa. Let us prioritize saving the lives of women and children; let us make it easier for women to cook in dignity and safety.”

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

Media Contact:
Olufemi Terry
African Development Bank Group
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) 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 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org  

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), announced the creation of an Annual Africa Media Prize to recognise and profile African journalists, correspondents and media houses that showcase Africa’s achievements and progress.

Adesina said the African Development Bank would work with the AllAfrica Media organisation and African financial institutions to establish the prize as part of efforts to promote more positive reporting of developments on the continent. He was delivering a keynote speech yesterday during a media leaders’ summit convened by AllAfrica Media.

“Africa must shape its own narrative, and not depend on what others think about it or the perspectives they prefer to share about it, its achievements, and opportunities… Positive stories of African investment opportunities need to be well showcased, as they unfortunately do not get sufficient coverage, if any at all, in western media,” Dr Adesina declared.

He also proposed that the African Development Bank, Africa Import-Export Bank, and all regional financial institutions pool resources to support the emergence of a globally respected African media company that will position the news of Africa to the world.

The summit on the theme of “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation” brings together over 300 African media owners and operators, government officials, corporate leaders, academics, civil society champions, and development partners to discuss the business of media and the critical role it must play in shaping Africa’s future.

“The media has a critically important role, by being fair, objective, inquisitive, investigative yes, but also by being a catalyst for development, and promoting positive news about tangible African accomplishments, achievements, and developments,” he said in his address.

Dr Adesina also called on development institutions in Africa to set up a joint repository of verified and standardised stories, videos and content that will make it easier to aggregate and write stories on what is being achieved in Africa.

He also pledged that the African Development Bank, working with partners and the African financial institutions would also help establish the African Journalists’ and Correspondents’ Fellowships to help build and strengthen the capacities of journalists and correspondents working in Africa.

“Together let us continue to promote Africa. I call on you as leaders of the media, become the vuvuzelas for Africa! Tell Africa’s positive stories,” he urged his audience of media executives from across the continent.

Dr Adesina’s speech (https://apo-opa.co/3UQYEKG)

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

Download images here: https://apo-opa.co/4bc07AO

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

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) 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 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org  

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, is leading commercial funding for a €381.5 million package to finance engineering, procurement and construction of 186 bridges and crucially needed enhancements to Angola’s road network.

AFC, acting as mandated lead arranger for the commercial tranche, has committed to invest €85 million, combining with export credit agency financing from the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and the U.S. Private Export Funding Corporation. Other key partners include Standard Chartered Bank as the coordinating and structuring bank; Conduril, a leading Portuguese civil engineering firm which is the main EPC contractor; and Acrow, a U.S. construction industry giant as the bridge supplier. The signing took place at this week’s US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, organised by the Corporate Council on Africa.

Initiated by the Ministry of Public Works, Urban Planning and Housing in Angola, the project specifically targets improved accessibility in remote areas and supports industrial and commercial activity, advancing prosperity by reducing transport costs and travel times, and easing poverty through job creation. Improving road interconnectivity particularly helps the agricultural sector produce and market much needed cereals for human food and animal feed, as well as livestock, providing a resolute response to increased food imports and fostering localisation of food chains.

“AFC is proud to work with the government and other partners on this landmark project which is set to transform the country’s road transportation infrastructure as Angola makes strides to diversify its economy away from oil,” said AFC Board Member and Head of Financial Services, Sanjeev Gupta. “This project not only supports the country’s drive to make agriculture a foundation for economic growth, but it also prioritises the development of climate resilient infrastructure which contributes significantly to Angola’s climate adaptation plan.”

In October 2023, AFC was appointed lead project developer for the Lobito Corridor connecting northwest Zambia to the Benguela rail line in Angola and ultimately to the port of Lobito, working with the US government, the European Union, the African Development Bank and the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. AFC’s investment in the new roads project showcases the Lobito Corridor consortium partnering beyond rail to support rural transport connectivity that will serve to link communities and the larger regional corridor.

The Republic of Angola has been a shareholder and member state of AFC since 2022.

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 to be the catalyst for private sector-led infrastructure investment 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