The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has signed a $75 million loan agreement with Nigeria’s Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited. The loan will enable Indorama to increase its fertilizer production and develop a port terminal for exports, supporting food production and food security across regional and international markets, while fostering job creation in Nigeria.

The expansion will include the development of a third urea fertilizer production line and a new shipping terminal at Indorama’s facilities in Port Harcourt. The new production line is expected to have an annual capacity of 1.4 million metric tons of urea, one of the most widely used fertilizers worldwide.

Indorama’s two operational urea fertilizer lines serve Nigeria’s domestic market, supporting the country’s agricultural sector, which accounts for a quarter of its GDP and employs about a third of its labor force. The new production line and terminal, which will help meet growing global demand for fertilizer, are expected to create up to 8,000 direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria.

“The African Development Bank is proud of its continued partnership with Indorama, the IFC and other lenders on this critical project as it is aligned with our strategic  strategic priorities (https://apo-opa.co/3VAaLMQ) to Feed Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3VBF85N) and Industrialize Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3xcwgcH) while generating significant development outcomes in Nigeria” said Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development Department at the African Development Bank.

Speaking on the development, Manish Mundra, Group Director for Africa, Indorama Corporation said, “The establishment of this fertilizer plant underscores Indorama’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth, economic diversification, and leveraging its strategic geographic location. This landmark financing represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a major player in the global fertilizer market. With the addition of this third line, Nigeria is prepared to significantly ramp up its export capacity, thereby enhancing its position as a key exporter of fertilizers to Africa and the world. Furthermore, the establishment of this fertilizer plant will not only address critical issues such as broader food security but will also stimulate agricultural growth and create employment opportunities in Nigeria.”

The African Development Bank’s loan follows a strategy to support investment in private sector development to promote the growth of the real sector.

The $75 million senior loan is part of a $ 1.25 billion facility arranged by IFC. The financing package includes a $215.5 million loan from IFC’s own account, a $94.5 million loan through the Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), and $940 million in parallel loans mobilized from other development finance institutions and commercial banks, such as the African Development Bank, Bangkok Bank, British International Investment, Citibank, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), DZ Bank, Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), Rand Merchant Bank, Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO), Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank), Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), the Standard Bank Group, Standard Chartered Bank, and the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

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

Contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: 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 37 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

The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E Karin Boven, met with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala. The two principles’ discussion centered on enhancing cooperation in the areas of agriculture through supporting the farmers in Uganda, Energy sector in Kiryandongo, implementation of the memorandum of understanding (M.O.U) on Defense and Repatriation and capacity building on issues of Immigration. During the meeting, Ambassador Boven, reiterated the Netherlands’ commitment to strengthening ties with Uganda and underscored the importance of continued collaboration for the benefit of both countries.

She highlighted the potential for increased partnership in agriculture and in the Energy sector. In response, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bagiire expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship between Uganda and the Netherlands and discussed his recent visit to the Netherlands and the on-going partnerships in the aforementioned areas. They concluded with a commitment from both sides to further strengthen the existing ties between the two Countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry of Health has received a significant boost in its health emergency response capabilities with the donation of 940 mobile tablets valued at $ 376,132 from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

During the handover ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula, expressed appreciation to WHO Kenya Representative, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, for their support in advancing the digitalization agenda within the healthcare sector. 

She highlighted the ministry’s commitment to digitalizing health services to improve visibility, particularly in commodity and human resources management. 

Ms Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, reiterated the importance of backing the health digitalization agenda. She emphasized that the donation of 940 tablets symbolizes collaborative efforts essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 17 on partnerships. 

 Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, also present at the event, extended gratitude to WHO for their assistance in enhancing emergency preparedness efforts. 

The WHO country Representative Dr Diallo emphasized that the 940 tablets will go a long way to contribute to improve quality of immunization data and hence provide verifiable data. “These data elements include vaccination records and vaccine supply stock at vaccination points. Data is the cornerstone to inform decision making and hence the need for quality data,” he said.

The donation of these tablets marks a significant milestone in the ministry’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve emergency response capabilities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

The United States Embassy in Mozambique awarded, this Tuesday, the 2024 U.S. Embassy Woman of Courage Award to lawyer, human rights defender focusing on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) since 2001, and social activist Júlia Wachave for her work in protecting and advocating for the rights of women and girls in Cabo Delgado. During the award ceremony, the U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, Peter H. Vrooman, with a voice filled with admiration, detailed Wachave’s incredible journey and the role she has played in raising awareness about the challenges women face in that province. ” Courageously, she has overcome serious threats to her life,” he noted, “promoting and protecting the human rights of hundreds of thousands of women and girls from Cabo Delgado. Her dedication has helped create a safer and more hopeful future for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.”

In turn, upon receiving the award, Julia Wachave spoke about the achievements made throughout her career, leaving an emotional message of thanks and recognition, “First and foremost, to share this award with my mother. I have been working in Cabo Delgado for more than 14 years, and during these years today we have witnessed harsh realities. We work to now have strategies, policies, and change the lives of many women,” shared Wachave. “Every woman who comes into the world comes to fulfill her dreams with her rights. So, we cannot take away a woman’s dream!” said Wachave.

Currently, Júlia Wachave is the Executive Director of the Association for the Protection of Women and Girls (PROMURA) in Cabo Delgado and was formerly the provincial coordinator of Cabo Delgado for the Mozambique Human Rights Defenders Network. Wachave has been at the forefront of providing assistance to internally displaced women in the northern districts of Cabo Delgado. In partnership with UN Women, Provincial Social Services, and other partners, she provided a first response to women in transit centers with dignity kits. She participated in various forums held at the central level to report on the critical situation of women and girls displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado. This award is not just a recognition of Júlia’s courage and resilience; it is a beacon of hope for all women and girls in Cabo Delgado and a powerful reminder of the transformative impact one person can have. Júlia Wachave’s story is a call to action, a cry for justice, and an anthem of hope for future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Mozambique.