News - Afrikan Heroes

Collective Efforts Towards Advancing Sustainable Blue Economy in Africa

September 6, 2023

Climate change, poorly managed coastal environments, pollution, and other threats are putting immense pressure on Africa’s oceans, impacting both its environment and economy. To address these concerns, the African Union adopted a comprehensive climate change and resilience strategy in 2022 providing a robust framework to assess key challenges and priorities.

At the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit, the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources together with its partners: South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), SADC Secretariat, Mwambao Coastal Community Network Tanzania, MIHARI Network, Madagascar and AUDA-NEPAD participated in a panel to discuss Ocean climate and the Blue Economy.

Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is a global concern making it imperative to collaborate on building resilience and adaptation strategies. Oceans, as carbon sinks, play a crucial role in reducing emissions, presenting an opportunity for climate action.

The panel highlighted critical challenges facing marine ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The African Union’s vision for the blue economy extends beyond the oceans, encompassing inland water bodies and emphasizing the nexus between oceans and climate. AUDA NEPAD’s commitment to translating policy decisions into actionable projects, coupled with the AU’s endorsement of the blue economy, underscores the region’s dedication to creating a sustainable environment.

The AU-IBAR, tasked with developing and utilizing animal resources, is actively engaged in the blue economy. Conserving aquatic biodiversity projects is central to this mandate, as a healthy ocean is fundamental to the blue economy sector. Dr. Alberta Sagoe, AU-IBARs Gender Policy and Strategy Expert noted that the project focuses on supporting AU member states to align with global instruments related to the blue economy, coordinate activities, address climate change, mitigate deep-sea mining, and enhance women’s inclusion in aquatic biodiversity conservation. The gender sensitivity agenda and collaboration with organizations like IUCN are key strategies in this endeavor.

SADC’s climate change strategy includes a blue economy component, aiming to address ocean-related challenges through an ecosystem-based adaptation approach. This approach emphasizes coordinated and coherent management, fostering innovation and good practices. Tanzania’s Mwambao coastal unit talked about the positive impact of community engagement, demonstrating how management planning and resource conservation can improve ocean health and local livelihoods.

The panel discussion conveyed several key messages. There’s a pressing need to increase commitment to ocean-related issues, aligning them with broader climate discussions like the Conference of Parties (COPs). The sustainable exploitation of resources while conserving biodiversity is vital, with a focus on gender equality and the invaluable contributions of women. Close collaboration between national focal points for climate change and blue economy sectors is essential. Harnessing the benefits of carbon sequestration and engaging stakeholders at all levels will be instrumental in creating a sustainable blue economy.

Additionally, dialogue platforms that bring together different parties to tackle specific issues will be essential to support member states in preparing for the growth of coastal and marine tourism alongside oil and gas exploration. Ultimately, Africa’s blue economy holds great potential, but it must be developed sustainably, considering the well-being of its environment and communities.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Kamo Mphela, South Africa’s Amapiano Star to Spotlight African Energy Week’sEnergy Transition Concert this October

With Africa’s biggest energy event, African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 just weeks away, and so is this year’s Just Energy Transition Concert. Taking place on the eve of AEW 2023 in Cape Town the event celebrates music and energy, bringing together individuals from both sectors in an effort to promote sustainable development in Africa. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) is proud to announce that South African amapiano star Kamo Mphela has joined the concert as a headlining artist.

A dancer and singer specializing in the amapiano genre, Kamo brings a unique blend of vocal and performing talent to the concert. Dubbed the ‘Queen of Amapiano,’ Kamo gained popularity as an internet star after she posted a dancing video on social media. Leveraging her extensive background in singing and performing arts, Kamo’s popularity as a performer rapidly grew. In 2019, she signed with Major Leagye Music and released her EP album Twentee.

Now, Kamo is a featured top artist on both global and African charts. As a South African artist, Kamo is committed to promoting the potential and contribution of African music worldwide, and has seen significant success in bringing her brand to international markets. From working with other artists to releasing singles, Kamo is a rising star in the African amapiano space. During the Just Energy Transition Concert, Kamo joins other high-level artists such as Ruger, and is set to make the show that much more successful.

“The AEW 2023 Energy Transition Concert is a celebration of youth, music and energy. Taking place on the eve of the event this October, the concert aims to inspire a new era of innovation, celebration and progress across Africa’s energy sector by integrating two promising industries: culture and energy. We are proud to announce that Kamo Mphela will feature as a performing artist this October,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

There is still time to secure your participation at AEW 2023 and your ticket for the highly-anticipated AEW 2023 Energy Transition Concert. Taking place at the Cabo Beach Club in Cape Town on 16 October, the Just Energy Transition Concert features a strong lineup of headlining artists. Join the event now and take part in Africa’s energy renaissance

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

World Bank Appoints New Country Manager for Rwanda

September 4, 2023

The World Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Sahr Kpundeh as the new Country Manager for Rwanda, effective September 1, 2023. Based in Kigali, Kpundeh will lead the World Bank’s engagement in Rwanda, which includes an active lending portfolio, a vibrant knowledge partnership, and a dynamic dialogue with the Government of Rwanda and a wide range of stakeholders.

Mr. Kpundeh, a US national originally from Sierra Leone, joined the World Bank in 2002 as a Senior Public Sector Management Specialist at the World Bank Institute. He has held various positions, including as Advisor in the World Bank’s Governance Global Practice and as Country Manager in South Sudan. His most recent assignment was Country Manager for Zambia.

In his new position, Kpundeh’s priorities will be to deliver on the World Bank’s Rwanda Country Partnership Framework (2021–2026); support the implementation of the World Bank’s Evolution Roadmap and innovate its use of financial instruments, working closely with the International Finance Corporation and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, both part of the World Bank; ensure relationships with Rwanda are active across all the agencies; and lead a strong, well-functioning country team to deliver results on behalf of our client

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Sierra Leone Gets Report of Investigations into Encroachment of Greenbelt and Forest Reserve in Western Area

The President of Sierra Leone Dr Julius Maada Bio has received the report, with recommendations, from the committee that was commissioned in 2022 and mandated to investigate the extent, causes and implications of encroachment into the Western Area Peninsula National Park, WAPNP.

Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, told President Bio that members of the committee were in his office to submit their report, adding that they discovered that there were lots of human encroachment on the forest reserve area around Guma Valley Dam.

He said the Greenbelt was first established in 1916 and was reviewed in 2013 but human activities had encroached the reserve and subsequently posed a serious threat to human existence.

Presenting the report, Dr Isata Mahoi, who was co-chair of the committee, said in April 2022, when a fire outbreak occurred within the Mile 13 Guma catchment area, it resulted in huge loss of forest cover within the WAPNP, which is closer to the Guma Dam and treatment facility.

“Subsequently, President Bio visited the site to see firsthand the extent of damage within a designated protected forest/greenbelt area close to the Guma facilities. One of the outcomes of the President’s visit was to set up an investigation committee,” she explained.

She informed the President that although the investigation committee’s report was submitted to the Inter-Ministerial committee, which led to the deployment of security personnel at different locations within the greenbelt area, the rate of deforestation and wild bushfires increased exponentially, posing threat to the Guma dam and human existence.

“The greenbelt covers an area of 18,337 hectares and 24% of the greenbelt area, between Mile 13 and Tokeh, has been encroached. From the study conducted, over 900 structures were found within the greenbelt along Mile 13 to Tokeh village,” she disclosed.

She said the committee recommended that the government should put an immediate ban on all activities within the greenbelt, all quarry mining, unwanted structures and illegal activities, adding that a physical boundary needs to be established around the greenbelt area.

In his remarks, President Bio thanked the committee for putting in their best in the task that they were mandated to do, noting that from the snippet of the report, it was clear that everyone should come onboard to fight against that which threatened human existence.

“Our existence depends on the availability of water. I have always said that most of our problems were created by ourselves and this was just an example of what I have been saying. We, as a nation, are fortunate to have abundant water around us and we should never misuse that opportunity,” he said.

He said he had been informed that people in high places, including agencies of government, were involved in the encroachment of the forest reserve, noting that in his estimation, it was an existential problem that needed to be urgently addressed before the Western Area experienced acute water shortage.

“I have been waiting for this report and we will act on it very soon and do whatever that is needed to be done. We need to deploy a satellite technology there because human beings have failed us, especially those we depend on to protect us. It is disturbing that people within those affected communities are seeing the encroachment but keeping quiet about it,” he stated.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Nigeria Directs the Total Recall of all Career and Non‐Career Ambassadors

The Nigerian government has directed the recall of all career and non-career ambassadors from their duty posts worldwide.

The directive is sequel to his careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian Consulate Offices and Embassies worldwide, and in line with the President’s renewed hope agenda, the President is determined to ensure that world-class efficiency and quality, will henceforth, characterize foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents and prospective visitors alike.

President Bola Tinubu — president Bola Tinubu

To this end, the President further directs that Nigeria’s United Nations Permanent Representatives in New York and Geneva be exempted from this total recall, in view of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, holding later this month.

By the directive of the President, the recall of the affected officers takes immediate effect.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Afreximbank Signs MoU Wth United Arab Emirates (UAE) Trade Center to promote TRADAR Club

September 3, 2023

Prof Benedict Oramah, president Afriexim bank

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) signed an MOU with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Trade Center, to promote the TRADAR Club solution in the market.

The Cooperation Agreement, signed between Afreximbank and the UAE Trade Center on the sidelines of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) Press Conference and B2B Meetings in Dubai United Arab Emirates (UAE), provides for the two institutions to commence harmonisation of their efforts in various areas of collaboration to support the TRADAR Club objectives.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Lizanne Case, Head of Trade Intelligence Solutions on behalf of Afreximbank, while Mr. Walid Hareb AlFalahi, Chief Executive of the UAE Trade Center signed for his organisation.

The Afreximbank TRADAR Club, launched recently as a prestigious member-driven network, empowers international businesses and executives to transform trade and investments in Africa through trusted trade intelligence and advisory services. It delivers innovative digital tools and networking opportunities, helping its members to discover new markets; grow their businesses; save time; access dedicated expert support; post and respond to new business opportunities; network; meet business/trading partners; and more.

To propagate the solution in the market, Afreximbank is establishing strong relationships with a wide variety of partners. Under the terms of the cooperation agreement with the UAE Trade Center, the two institutions will collaborate in such areas as inter-institutional cooperation; provision of business-oriented information to facilitate trade and investment; business matchmaking; grants; technical assistance; and capacity building, among others.

The agreement is expected to facilitate greater interaction by allowing for the sharing of ideas and discussion of common problems for the purpose of improving relationships and cooperation among members.

TRADAR Club will serve as an information pool assisting the exchange of reliable trade information, trade policies, customer databases, research reports, expert analysis, directories of African investment information, rules and regulations, general updates on statistics, business data and investment incentives, among others. TRADAR Club members will also be invited to trade and investment missions and exhibitions.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Kenya Keen to Adopt Clean Energy Technologies

The Government of Kenya is committed to enhancing Kenya’s climate action by adopting low-carbon and efficient transportation systems.

President William Ruto said the Government will adopt innovative, clean and sustainable energy technologies.

He said this will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provide cheaper transport and spur the growth of the electric vehicle industry.

The President noted that two and three-wheeler vehicles comprise the largest share of the national fleet and are mostly used by those at the bottom of the wealth pyramid.

“The adoption of electric mobility is a priority intervention to address the challenges of pollution,” he said.

He made the remarks on Friday during the launch of the national e-mobility programme at Mama Ngina waterfront, Mombasa.

President Ruto assured bodaboda operators that the transition to e-mobility will significantly boost their incomes.

“Electric bikes are cheaper to run than petrol,” he said.

The President said the Government will phase out motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines.

Kenya, he added, is committed to honouring its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“We remain firmly on course to meet the pollution reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. We are also taking decisive steps in our shift to zero-emission,” he said.

Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria, Kipchumba Murkomen, Aisha Jumwa, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, MPs, MCAs, among other leaders, were present.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Ghana Wants to Make Great Chocolate for Global Market.

The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The International Trade Centre is supporting small cocoa processors and chocolate brands in Ghana in reaching new markets and growing their operations. Flexy Foods is one of these small brands targeting the rising demand for niche, artisanal products made in Ghana.

Ghana produces some of the world’s best cocoa, but imports most of the chocolate it consumes. Today, the country is attempting to address this paradox by establishing processing operations in-country.

While the idea of a cocoa-growing country producing its own chocolate makes sense, in practice it’s no easy feat. Restricted access to finance, expensive imported equipment, and the ever-rising cost of raw materials are some of the biggest obstacles.

Lucy Afari is CEO of Flexy Foods, a small artisan agribusiness in Ghana with its own chocolate brand, Kamini Chocolates. ‘Ghana grows cocoa, but it’s mainly destined for export,’ says Lucy. ‘So as artisans, we struggle with high raw material costs. We have to source it from export companies with export rates and taxes.’

Cocoabod, the Ghanaian agency tasked with regulating Ghana’s domestic cocoa, coffee and shea nut marketing, is establishing a framework for artisans to better access to cocoa beans. This will make it cheaper for artisans like Lucy to get raw materials.

‘This shows they recognize that there is opportunity for local value addition and a Ghana-made products market. They are encouraging and driving this agenda,’ she said. The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) are supporting these policy advocacy efforts under the Netherland Trust Fund.

Flexy Foods/ Kamini Chocolates is a woman-owned artisanal chocolatier and a Netherland Trust Fund beneficiary partners in Ghana. They are part of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) cohort. Lucy kicked off her brand in 2019, when she realized that chocolate makers in Ghana were sorely lacking. Since then, the chocolate brand has been growing steadily, with plans to export on the horizon.

A small brand that offers solutions and niche products

Apart from being a Ghana-made brand, Kamini Chocolates addresses local and international competition by offering small batch production, with a maximum annual volume of 1.2 tons.

‘Most large factories require that you buy large volumes from them. We make small batches, just 20 pieces for example. We also do white label production for chocolate brands in minimal quantities that they find to be a flexible option,’ says Lucy.

Kamini Chocolate also ventured into the vegan market, following market feedback from ITC on specialty chocolate consumer preferences, which included healthy options, especially after the pandemic. It also made sense for the brand logistically as powdered milk supply was interrupted during COVID-19, making vegan alternatives a sound business move.

Lucy says they also make a point of using locally produced cashew and tiger nuts to reinforce their Made in Ghana ethos. Their tiger nut product won them the Innovative Startup Award for 2022 by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Ghana.

Delayed Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Cuts Mean Opportunity for African Members

September 1, 2023

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, CEO of pan-African corporate law conglomerate Centurion Law Group

By NJ Ayuk

Quota-related decisions made at OPEC’s 35th meeting last June in Vienna delivered a call to action for African member states to step up production through the remainder of the year and into 2024.

Many of OPEC’s African member states had been struggling to produce enough crude to meet the targets set for them last year. As a result, they found themselves accepting even lower quotas this year.

Decisions regarding production cuts for African members Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria are summarized in the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) newly released outlook report (https://apo-opa.info/44yiHiC), “The State of African Energy Q2 2023.”

Our report also notes easing of the civil unrest that resulted in the exclusion of member state Libya from OPEC cuts for the time being.

OPEC’s meeting, which included OPEC+ oil-exporting countries as well, resulted in a Declaration of Cooperation that delays further cuts to production targets until 2024 and continues voluntary cuts by nine member states until the end of 2023. Algeria and Gabon are the two African members among those volunteers.

The 2024 Targets and Expected African Production

OPEC’s signed declaration calls for a significantly lower cumulative production target for African member states: about 4.33 million barrels per day (MMbbls/d) of crude oil.

A look at the targets of OPEC’s two leading African oil producers — Nigeria and Angola — shows considerable reductions from the 2023 quotas set at the 33rd OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM). Nigeria’s 2024 target, 1.38 (MMbbls/d), represents a reduction of 360,000 barrels per day (bpd), and Angola’s quota went down by 175,000 bpd to 1.28 MMbbls/d.

Despite these reduced quotas, it is not anticipated that either country will reach theirs in 2024; Nigeria is expected to hit 95% of its target, Angola 75%. Nigeria, although estimated to be capable of producing 2.2 MMbbls/d, has faced challenges (https://apo-opa.info/45WYAvH) such as oil theft, sabotage, and technical issues. Angola, despite increased oil and gas activity in 2023, has still strained (https://apo-opa.info/45WYAvH) in recent months to produce more than 1.1 MMbbls/d, far short of its current 1.46 MMbbls/d target from OPEC.

Congo is also expected to fall short of its production target, at about 10% less than allowed, while Equatorial Guinea and Gabon will likely produce slightly over their target numbers of 70,000 bpd and 177,000 bpd respectively, avoiding compliance as in the past. Of the members in sub-Saharan Africa, only Gabon has achieved its target this year.

Algeria in the north is another high achiever, with production capacity that exceeds its 2024 OPEC target of 959,000 bpd. It has agreed to cut output by 96,000 bpd to comply. Meanwhile, its next-door neighbor, Libya, achieved an average of 1.26 MMbbls/d for 2023 after recovering from drastic production outages during 2022 civil disturbances. OPEC cuts for 2024 have not been set for Libya, allowing the country to use oil reserves to assist with reconstruction efforts.

Crude production in several African nations has been stymied by lack of adequate investment, political unrest, and technical issues associated with older wells.

Following an assessment of the Declaration of Cooperation by IHS, Wood Mackenzie, and Rystad Energy, the 2024 targets for Nigeria and Congo may be revised based on their anticipated levels of production.

Strategies for a Better-Than-Expected 2024 and Beyond

The delayed OPEC production cuts clearly showcase an urgent need for African countries to up their current production numbers and prove that higher quotas are warranted, which would also increase African negotiating sway at future meetings.

The possibility of target modification “to equal the average production that can be achieved in 2024,” particularly for Congo and Nigeria, was raised in a June OPEC announcement that followed the meeting. Angola was also mentioned as having production plans “subject to verification…before the end of 2024.”

Acknowledging both the opportunity and the urgency, the head of geopolitics for London-based research firm Energy Aspects, Richard Bronze, stated that the deal “certainly creates an incentive for these three countries (Angola, Congo, and Nigeria) to try and demonstrate they can raise production before year-end, but we think they are unlikely to be able to manage it.”

The time is now for African OPEC members to prove that they can achieve the higher output capability that warrants higher baselines.

The calls for government action that I and the AEC have stressed in recent years are more urgent than ever: African governments need to create the kind of positive, enabling climate that will encourage greater exploration and production. Good financial policies will help in that effort, as will ethical, transparent, and efficient governance.

Prioritizing speedy adoption and execution of measures to achieve these goals will bring what is most needed to boost African production numbers — increased interest from international oil companies and investors.

A united effort to awaken more investor interest in African oil should start now, as should cooperation among African members to present a more unified voice when the 36th OPEC meeting is held in November, 2023. The OPEC – Africa Roundtable at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, will ensure Africa specific issues are addressed as well as global energy security issues.

As S&P Global noted, this strategy would be “taking a page from their Middle East counterparts, who typically align their positions before contentious negotiations through pre-meeting consultations.”

I encourage Africa’s member nations to do what it takes to increase investment, production, and their influence at the OPEC table. You are stronger together.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (http://www.EnergyChamber.org)

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

MainOne Hosts Africa’s Peering Community at African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) 2023 in Ghana

August 31, 2023

MainOne, one of Africa’s leading undersea telecoms cable companies, has reiterated its commitment to the growth of the internet in Africa by successfully hosting the 12th edition of the African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) in Accra, Ghana last week. The event, co-hosted by the Internet Society (ISOC) and the African IXP Association (AFIX), drew an impressive gathering of global and local industry leaders, regulators and stakeholders advancing Africa’s digital landscape and strengthening connectivity across the continent.

Emmanuel Kwarteng, Ghana’s Country Manager, MainOne, an Equinix Company, emphasized the significance of AfPIF 2023 in fostering collaborations across Africa’s digital ecosystem. “In an era of rapid technological advancement, the Internet and content have emerged as two major pillars of modern society, transcending geographical boundaries and revolutionizing the way we do business, communicate, learn, and interact with the world around us,” stated Kwarteng. “We cannot overemphasize the critical role that peering plays in enhancing the reach, reliability, and efficiency of this new digital lifestyle. By collaborating with the Internet Society on the shared vision of an inclusive and interconnected internet society for the continent, we believe that the transformative partnerships formed here will drive value for a more connected Africa.”

Distinguished speakers at the event included Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitization; Prof. Eser Osie-Yeboah Boateng, Deputy Director General of the National Communication Authority, Ghana; and Prof Nii Quaynor, widely known as the Father of Ghana’s internet. The Minister emphasized the need of a robust peering and interconnection ecosystem for the efficient operation of the country’s digital initiatives. “This will permit local traffic and promote ICT, which is crucial for any nation wishing to participate fully in the global Internet economy. It will enhance the end-user experience, bring down access costs, and encourage the growth of regional internet ecosystems,” noted the Minister. She also highlighted the importance of supporting the aggregation of internet traffic at interconnection hubs across Africa, which would attract international operators to establish their points of presence (POPs) in the West African region.

MainOne’s role as the host of AfPIF 2023 and its active commitment in fostering interconnections align with its broader mission of driving digital transformation across West Africa. This commitment was further solidified as the Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX) and MainOne, an Equinix Company Ghana, firmed up their partnership with an announcement of the extension of the GIX network to the MDXi Appolonia Data Center at the event. MainOne continues to lead with investments in infrastructural development and new Data Center builds across the West African region and is set to launch a new data center in Cote d’Ivoire before the end of this year.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry