Press Release FeedGet the RSS feed
Menu

APO Group

Ambassador Han Jing Calls on Honourable (Hon.) Professor (Prof.) Roma Chilengi, Minister of Health of Zambia

On October 19, 2026, Ambassador Han Jing paid a courtesy call on Hon. Prof. Roma Chilengi, Minister of Health of Zambia.

Ambassador Han congratulated Prof. Chilengi on his appointment and said that, under the strategic guidance of the two Heads of State, China-Zambia comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership has continued to grow. China attaches great importance to health cooperation and stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with the Zambian side, deepen cooperation in medical team dispatches, pharmaceutical supplies assistance, health infrastructure development, and continue to improve the health and well-being of the Zambian people.

Prof. Chilengi thanked China for its long-standing support for Zambia’s health sector, noting that Zambia values its traditional friendship with China and looks forward to further deepening bilateral cooperation in health and achieving more tangible outcomes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Zambia.

  1. AILesotho: National Science, Technology and Innovation Week 2026The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Honourable Nthati Moorosi, has called for greater efforts to translate scientific research and innovation into practical solutions that improve the lives of Basotho. The Minister made the call when officially opening the third edition of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week 2026 in Maseru Today.Held under the theme “Exploring the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation in Improving Lives and Building a Better Future,” the week-long event brings together stakeholders to explore how science, technology and innovation can address Lesotho’s development priorities. In her keynote address, Hon. Moorosi said the country must build a culture in which science, technology and innovation are central to solving problems, creating jobs and growing the economy. She noted that these fields are no longer activities reserved for universities and research institutions but have become the backbone of modern, competitive economies. The Minister stressed that research should not end with reports on shelves but must find practical application in factories, farms, businesses, public services and communities. She further highlighted Government’s efforts to strengthen the policy and institutional foundations for research and innovation, including advancing the Research and Innovation Policy through the necessary approval processes. The policy is intended to strengthen the translation of scientific knowledge into commercially viable products, technologies and services. As part of practical initiatives to apply innovation to national priorities, Hon. Moorosi said her Ministry, working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, is developing an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to strengthen agricultural extension services. The initiative aims to improve farmers’ access to timely and practical agricultural information and advice. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade the High-Performance Computing infrastructure at the Mohale’s Hoek Data Centre to support scientific modelling, advanced research, data analytics and the development of locally relevant artificial intelligence applications. Hon. Moorosi called on universities, researchers and young innovators to move beyond demonstrating that ideas are scientifically possible and take the next step towards testing, improving, commercialising and deploying them for the benefit of society. Meanwhile, the Acting Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Matšepo Mosoka, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to promoting science, technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable development. The week’s programme will focus on the application of science, technology and innovation in agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation, climate resilience and the broader innovation ecosystem. The event also provides a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore practical ways of addressing national challenges through locally developed solutions. Through the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week, the Government of Lesotho seeks to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that scientific knowledge contributes to productivity, economic opportunities and improved livelihoods. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.
  2. EnergyAlgeria’s Hydrocarbons Minister Joins MSGBC 2026 as Sonatrach Eyes Senegal PartnershipsCompanies: SonatrachMohamed Arkab, Algeria's Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, will join the speaker lineup at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar this December, bringing one of the continent's most senior energy ministers to a forum focused on investment and regional cooperation. His confirmation serves as a bridge between one of Africa's longest-standing oil and gas producers and one of its newest, paving the way for greater collaboration across upstream exploration, infrastructure and power. Algerian cooperation with MSGBC nations has already gained momentum. Minister Arkab hosted Senegal's Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, in Algiers on October 4. The two-day visit produced a cooperation agreement between Senegalese utility Senelec and Algeria's Sonelgaz, while Petrosen and Sonatrach held discussions on a potential partnership spanning upstream exploration and infrastructure. Senegal's government has said the visit sets the stage for an intergovernmental agreement to be signed in Dakar during MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026. The two national oil companies first signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022, and Minister Arkab discussed putting it into effect with Senegal's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Niang in July. The potential partnership comes as MSGBC countries look toward the next phase of upstream development following the start of production at Senegal's Sangomar oil field and the cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project. Regional priorities are now shifting toward advancing the next generation of projects, including Senegal's Yakaar-Teranga gas development and Mauritania's BirAllah discovery, while attracting fresh exploration investment across the wider basin. Moving these opportunities toward development will require capital, technical expertise and partnerships with established producers – creating scope for deeper cooperation with countries such as Algeria and companies such as Sonatrach. Minister Arkab’s participation at the upcoming conference also arrives as Algeria advances its own exploration strategy. The event convenes shortly after bidding closes for the Algeria Bid Round 2026, which the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources launched in April with seven exploration blocks on offer. Submissions are due November 26, and Sonatrach expects to finalize contracts with successful bidders by the end of January 2027. Exploration and production will absorb three-quarters of the $60 billion Sonatrach intends to spend between 2026 and 2030, as the company works toward lifting annual gas output to 200 billion cubic meters within five years. With a bilateral agreement potentially headed for signature on the conference sidelines, Minister Arkab's participation promises to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 edition and reinforces MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power's standing as the region's leading meeting point for governments and investors. Organized by Energy Capital & Power and held under the High Patronage of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 takes place December 1–3 in Dakar and will convene heads of state, ministers, investors, operators and development partners from Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. Explore opportunities and secure your participation at www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
  3. Burkina Faso - « Kiidiga, le cri des 333 collines » : la résistance à l’envahisseur mise en lumière pour la postéritéLe Camarade Premier ministre, Chef du Gouvernement, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, a assisté, le dimanche 18 octobre 2026, au Centre culturel du Faso, à Ouagadougou, à l’avant-première du documentaire « Kiidiga, le cri des 333 collines ». Consacré à la résistance du royaume de Boussouma face à l’envahisseur français, le film a été projeté en présence de membres du Gouvernement et une forte représentation des autorités coutumières. Organisée dans le cadre de la commémoration du 130ᵉ anniversaire des batailles d’octobre 1896, la rencontre a associé projection cinématographique et dédicace d’un ouvrage collectif de chercheurs burkinabè intitulé « Burkina Faso : terre des résistances ». Deux contributions à la connaissance des combats menés par les communautés pour défendre leur liberté et leur dignité. Réalisé par Ismaël Compaoré, le documentaire de 70 minutes revient sur les événements tragiques de 1896 et la résistance du Riungu de Boussouma. Selon le réalisateur, cette œuvre entend contribuer à la réécriture de l’histoire nationale et la rendre accessible au grand public. Son titre associe deux repères liés à cette mémoire : « Kiidiga », qui désigne notamment un bras du fleuve Nakambé passant par Mané et renvoie à une histoire marquée par de lourdes pertes humaines, et les « 333 collines » du royaume de Boussouma. Ces lieux inscrivent le récit de la résistance dans la géographie et l’identité du royaume. La dédicace, au cours de la même soirée, de « Burkina Faso : terre des résistances » a prolongé cette démarche de transmission. Présentant cet ouvrage de 219 pages au nom des auteurs, le Dr Coulibaly Hervé Landry a expliqué qu’il met en lumière les différentes formes de résistance développées par les populations face à l’envahisseur. Fondé sur des travaux scientifiques, des archives et des traditions orales, il accorde également une place à des acteurs et à des communautés parfois peu représentés dans les récits historiques. Pour le Camarade ministre de la Communication, de la Culture, des Arts et du Tourisme, Pingdwindé Gilbert Ouédraogo, ces productions participent à la réappropriation de l’histoire nationale. Il a appelé à poursuivre le travail de documentation et de transmission des mémoires de résistance à travers la recherche, la littérature et le cinéma. À l’issue de la projection, le Premier ministre a salué « une œuvre de très belle facture », qui participe à la volonté de reconquérir l’histoire véritable du pays. Évoquant les massacres et les violences rapportés dans le documentaire, il a souligné la nécessité de se remémorer cette page sombre et de rendre leur place aux résistants dans la mémoire nationale. Rappelant l’orientation donnée par le Président du Faso, le Chef du Gouvernement a déclaré : « Il nous faut travailler à reconquérir notre histoire, savoir qui nous sommes, savoir ce que nous avons vécu dans notre histoire. » Cette connaissance doit, selon lui, permettre de mieux orienter les énergies et de comprendre le sens des combats actuels. Pour le Premier ministre, cette reconquête passe notamment par l’enseignement et le cinéma. « Il nous faut aujourd’hui remettre cette histoire-là à sa place, la replacer dans les manuels scolaires, réaliser des films qui vont raconter cette histoire », a-t-il insisté. Il a également évoqué les réformes profondes des curricula, auxquelles il rattache cette même ambition de rétablir la vérité historique et le récit national. Le Chef du Gouvernement a présenté cette démarche comme un hommage aux devanciers qui ont refusé la servitude et la soumission au nom de la liberté et de la dignité. La transmission de leurs combats doit ainsi permettre aux nouvelles générations de connaître leurs héros et de comprendre d’où elles viennent. « Kiidiga, le cri des 333 collines » constitue, a-t-il précisé, une première étape dans une série consacrée aux résistances qui ont marqué le pays. L’ambition est de faire en sorte que les œuvres projetées dans les salles portent « notre propre récit de notre histoire ». Du livre à l’écran, cette rencontre a ainsi affirmé une même exigence : faire connaître les résistances, honorer ceux qui les ont portées et transmettre leur mémoire comme un héritage de liberté et de dignité. Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement du Burkina Faso.
  4. Tchad - Brevet de technicien supérieur national (BTS-National) : 4 583 Candidats À L’assaut De La 13ᵉ ÉditionLe Secrétaire général du MESRSFP, Prof Reounodji Frédéric, représentant le Ministre, Dr Sitack Yombatina, a procédé ce matin au lancement officiel des épreuves écrites de la 13ᵉ édition du Brevet de technicien supérieur national (BTS-National), au Lycée-Collège Évangélique de N’Djaména. Cette session enregistre 4 583 candidats issus des établissements privés d’enseignement supérieur, répartis dans 22 filières de formation Pour cette édition, 4 583 candidats prennent part à cet examen national dans 22 filières de formation, avec une participation féminine particulièrement remarquable. Les femmes représentent en effet 68 % de l’effectif total, illustrant leur forte présence dans les filières concernées et leur engagement croissant dans l’enseignement supérieur professionnel. Un instrument de promotion de l’équité et de l’égalité des chances Institué en 2014 par le MESRSFP, le BTS-National constitue un mécanisme important de reconnaissance des qualifications acquises dans les établissements privés d’enseignement supérieur. Il vise notamment à élargir les perspectives des diplômés en facilitant leur accès aux concours de la fonction publique ainsi que la poursuite de leurs études dans les établissements publics. Lors du lancement officiel des épreuves, le Secrétaire général, Prof Reounodji Frédéric, a rappelé que l’organisation de cet examen traduit la volonté du Gouvernement de réduire les disparités entre les diplômés des établissements publics et ceux des établissements privés. Cette initiative vise à renforcer l’équité dans l’accès aux opportunités professionnelles et académiques, tout en accordant une plus grande reconnaissance aux compétences et aux qualifications des diplômés. Il a également souligné que le BTS-National peut constituer un atout au-delà des frontières tchadiennes, en ouvrant aux lauréats des perspectives de mobilité académique et professionnelle à l’international. Vers une extension de la certification nationale Dans la continuité de cette dynamique, le Gouvernement envisage d’étendre, dans les prochaines années, le dispositif de certification nationale à d’autres diplômes de l’enseignement supérieur, notamment la Licence et le Master. Cette perspective témoigne de la volonté des autorités de renforcer les mécanismes de reconnaissance des diplômes, de consolider l’équité entre les étudiants et de promouvoir une meilleure valorisation des parcours de formation. À travers le BTS-National, le MESRSFP entend ainsi contribuer à la construction d’un enseignement supérieur plus équitable, inclusif et ouvert sur les exigences du marché de l’emploi. La forte participation des femmes à cette 13ᵉ édition constitue, à cet égard, un signal encourageant pour la promotion de l’égalité des chances dans les parcours académiques et professionnels. Distribué par APO Group pour Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche Scientifique et de la Formation - Chad.
  5. SaaSAfreximbank and partners advance Africa’s automotive investment agenda at Alamein Africa ForumAfrican Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in partnership with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Ministry of Trade and Investment of Egypt, and the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa, hosted the Africa Automotive Investment Forum on the sidelines of the Alamein Africa Forum held in El Alamein, Egypt recently. The two-day Forum brought together high-level African automotive industry policymakers, private sector original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Africa-based component manufacturers. The Forum sought to sensitise policymakers on the policy changes and reforms needed to develop the automotive sector, enable investors to engage directly with both policymakers and manufacturers, and facilitate potential joint ventures and supply agreements or engagements leading to future deals. Afreximbank noted that the Forum prioritised joint ventures and technology transfer agreements between global auto giants and African enterprises with the expectation of creating highly skilled engineering, manufacturing and technical jobs for Africa's growing youth demographic while significantly boosting local small and medium enterprises within the secondary supply tier. It described the automotive sector as a strategic priority because it serves as a powerful catalyst for Africa’s industrialisation, intra-African trade and economic resilience, noting that several African countries were already making important strides in the development of a manufacturing sector that had attracted increasing investment into the emerging auto industry, including new energy vehicles. Highlighting the significance of the Forum for Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, said: “The automotive sector is a critical pillar for advancing Africa’s industrialisation and achieving the structural transformation championed by Afreximbank. By driving regional value chain integration, the automotive industry directly aligns with our mandate to foster intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework. Supporting this sector allows Afreximbank to catalyse high-impact investments, stimulate manufacturing capabilities, create skilled employment, and significantly reduce the continent's heavy reliance on vehicle imports. Investing in the African automotive ecosystem is not merely a financing opportunity, but a strategic imperative that accelerates economic diversification and establishes Africa as a competitive player in the global industrial economy.” Mrs. Awani said that significant investment opportunities existed in Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector, including component manufacturing, leveraging the continent’s growing skills base and raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper, iron and steel. She added that Afreximbank was championing the development of a pan-African automotive manufacturing sector comprising an interrelated component and vehicle manufacturing ecosystem, supported by intra-African supply chains and trade. Mrs. Awani noted that Afreximbank had committed US$1 billion towards financing Africa’s automotive sector as part of its strategy to promote manufacturing, trade and industrial development across Africa. The Forum witnessed the signing of a joint venture agreement between Malben Engineering from South Africa and Egypt-based industrial conglomerate El Araby Group to establish a joint platform for manufacturing components serving Egyptian, South African and broader African markets. The undertaking combines El Araby Group’s industrial, engineering, and technological capabilities with Malben Engineering’s experience spanning over 50 years in manufacturing and forming metal automotive components. The joint venture illustrates the type of commercial partnership that will spur development of intra-African automotive supply chains and trade. Mr. Tarek Mosaad, President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) said: “with the AfCFTA Rules of Origin now agreed, the foundation for a more integrated automotive industry is in place. Our focus must shift to turning ambition into action by creating factories, strengthening supplier ecosystems, generating jobs, and increasing intra-African trade.” He noted that “AAAM remains focused on three key priorities: Growing local content through regional value chains Making it easier to move automotive products across borders Ensuring Africa plays a meaningful role in shaping the future of mobility| In his call to action, he cautioned that “investors are not looking at 54 separate African markets. They are looking at one integrated opportunity.” H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, echoed the sentiments expressed by Afreximbank and AAAM and outlined three priorities for advancing the Strategy for the African Automotive Sector under the AfCFTA framework, namely: “developing investment-ready projects and competitive production locations; strengthening regional supplier networks and deepening localisation; and establishing commercially viable regional production.” In a further step towards advancing these priorities, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in developing Africa's automotive industry. The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in implementing the Strategy for the African Automotive Sector under the AfCFTA, covering automotive Rules of Origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, automotive policy and standards, capacity building, regional supplier and value-chain development, mineral beneficiation, investment mobilisation and emerging automotive technologies. The partnership will also support ongoing efforts by the AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank to advance the AfCFTA Automotive Investment Plan, with a focus on mobilising investment and strengthening competitive regional automotive production networks. The Forum also witnessed the establishment of a joint Egypt-South Africa Business Council designed to develop bilateral trade and investment projects across various priority sectors that include automotive, mining and mineral resources, renewable energy, agriculture and food production, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics infrastructure – leveraging the Suez Canal and national ports in both countries to facilitate increased trade between northern and southern Africa. For a more practical experience, delegates moved from policy discussion to industry exposure through curated site visits to OEMs Nissan Motor Corporation, General Motors Egypt, Al Mansour Automotive and components manufacturer Mobica in 6th of October City. The visits offered a first-hand view of Egypt’s automotive industrial base, showcasing the progression from vehicle assembly and localisation to supplier development, manufacturing capabilities and regional market reach, while illustrating the tangible opportunities for investment, technology transfer and cross-border value-chain integration that can help position Africa as a competitive automotive manufacturing hub. With African vehicle demand expected to reach 5 million by 2035 as well as rising interest in new energy vehicles globally, industry stakeholders and policymakers are seeing opportunities to drive domestic industrialisation through the automotive sector and renewables, leveraging African raw materials. Forum participants emphasised that the policy incentives must be right and that the provision of affordable financing will help drive demand and capital investments. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media Contact: Vincent Musumba [email protected] Alexandre Siewe [email protected] AAAM [email protected] Follow Afreximbank on: https://apo-opa.co/3Wj3OCh https://apo-opa.co/4i4FpHR https://apo-opa.co/4seRkHO https://apo-opa.co/47scZmq About Afreximbank: For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com About AfCFTA: For more information, visit: AU-AfCFTA.org About AAAM: AAAM’s mission is to create sustainable and affordable mobility solutions, facilitate strategic linkages and partnerships, and develop regional automotive value chains that promote production and trade within and beyond the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AAAM is also committed to championing access to affordable financing for both the automotive industry and consumers. Today, AAAM proudly represents a network of more than 70 members spanning the continent, working together to shape Africa’s automotive future. For more information visit https://AAAMAfrica.com/
  6. AutomotiveAfreximbank e os seus parceiros impulsionam a agenda de investimento no sector automóvel africano no Fórum Africano de AlameinO Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), em parceria com a Associação Africana de Fabricantes Automóveis (AAAM), o Secretariado da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA) e o Ministério do Comércio e Investimento do Egipto, bem como o Departamento de Comércio e Indústria da África do Sul, organizou o Fórum Africano de Investimento Automóvel à margem do Fórum Africano de Alamein, realizado recentemente em El Alamein, Egipto. O Fórum, com a duração de dois dias, reuniu decisores políticos africanos de alto nível da indústria automóvel, fabricantes de equipamentos originais (OEM) do sector privado e fabricantes de componentes sediados em África. O Fórum teve como objectivo sensibilizar os decisores políticos para as mudanças e reformas necessárias ao desenvolvimento do sector automóvel, permitir que os investidores interagissem directamente tanto com os decisores políticos como com os fabricantes e facilitar potenciais joint ventures e acordos de fornecimento ou compromissos que conduzam a futuros negócios. O Afreximbank sublinhou que o Fórum deu prioridade às joint ventures e aos acordos de transferência de tecnologia entre gigantes automóveis globais e empresas africanas, com a expectativa de criar postos de trabalho altamente qualificados nas áreas da engenharia, produção e técnica para a crescente população jovem de África, impulsionando significativamente as pequenas e médias empresas locais no nível secundário da cadeia de abastecimento. Descreveu o sector automóvel como uma prioridade estratégica, uma vez que funciona como um poderoso catalisador para a industrialização de África, o comércio intra-africano e a resiliência económica, sublinhando que vários países africanos já estavam a dar passos importantes no desenvolvimento de um sector industrial que tem atraído um investimento crescente para a indústria automóvel emergente, incluindo veículos movidos a novas fontes de energia. Sublinhando a importância do Fórum para o Afreximbank, a Sr.ª Kanayo Awani, Vice-Presidente Executiva para o Comércio Intra-africano e Desenvolvimento das Exportações, afirmou: “O sector automóvel é um pilar fundamental para impulsionar a industrialização de África e alcançar a transformação estrutural defendida pelo Afreximbank. Ao promover a integração da cadeia de valor regional, a indústria automóvel alinha-se directamente com o nosso mandato de fomentar o comércio intra-africano no âmbito da ZCLCA. Apoiar este sector permite ao Afreximbank catalisar investimentos de elevado impacto, estimular as capacidades de produção, criar emprego qualificado e reduzir significativamente a forte dependência do continente em relação às importações de veículos. Investir no ecossistema automóvel africano não é apenas uma oportunidade de financiamento, mas um imperativo estratégico que acelera a diversificação económica e consolida África como um interveniente competitivo na economia industrial global.” A Sr.ª Awani afirmou que existiam oportunidades de investimento significativas no sector da produção automóvel africana, incluindo o fabrico de componentes, tirando partido da crescente base de competências do continente e de matérias-primas como o lítio, o cobalto, o manganês, o níquel, o cobre, o ferro e o aço. Acrescentou que o Afreximbank estava a promover o desenvolvimento de um sector pan-africano de produção automóvel, composto por um ecossistema inter-relacionado de fabrico de componentes e veículos, apoiado por cadeias de abastecimento e comércio intra-africanos. A Sr.ª Awani salientou que o Afreximbank tinha comprometido mil milhões de USD para o financiamento do sector automóvel africano, como parte da sua estratégia para promover a indústria transformadora, o comércio e o desenvolvimento industrial em toda África. O Fórum foi palco da assinatura de um acordo de joint venture entre a Malben Engineering, da África do Sul, e o conglomerado industrial egípcio El Araby Group, com vista a estabelecer uma plataforma conjunta para o fabrico de componentes destinados aos mercados egípcio, sul-africano e, de forma mais ampla, aos mercados africanos. A iniciativa combina as capacidades industriais, de engenharia e tecnológicas do El Araby Group com a experiência da Malben Engineering, que se estende por mais de 50 anos na fabricação e conformação de componentes metálicos para o sector automóvel. A joint venture ilustra o tipo de parceria comercial que irá impulsionar o desenvolvimento das cadeias de abastecimento e do comércio intra-africanos no sector automóvel. O Sr. Tarek Mosaad, Presidente da Associação Africana de Fabricantes Automóveis (AAAM), afirmou: “Com as Regras de Origem da ZCLCA agora acordadas, estão lançadas as bases para uma indústria automóvel mais integrada. O nosso foco deve passar a ser transformar a ambição em acção, criando fábricas, reforçando os ecossistemas de fornecedores, gerando emprego e aumentando o comércio intra-africano.” Observou que “a AAAM continua focada em três prioridades fundamentais: Aumentar o conteúdo local através de cadeias de valor regionais; Facilitar a circulação transfronteiriça de produtos automóveis; Garantir que África desempenhe um papel significativo na definição do futuro da mobilidade; No seu apelo à acção, alertou que “os investidores não estão a olhar para 54 mercados africanos separados. Estão a olhar para uma única oportunidade integrada.” S. Ex.ª Wamkele Mene, Secretário-Geral do Secretariado da ZCLCA, reiterou os sentimentos expressos pelo Afreximbank e pela AAAM e delineou três prioridades para o avanço da Estratégia para o Sector Automóvel Africano no âmbito da ZCLCA, nomeadamente: “desenvolver projectos prontos para investimento e locais de produção competitivos; reforçar as redes regionais de fornecedores e aprofundar a localização; e estabelecer uma produção regional comercialmente viável.” Num passo adicional no sentido de avançar com estas prioridades, o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a Associação Africana de Fabricantes Automóveis (AAAM) assinaram um Memorando de Entendimento (MdE) para reforçar a cooperação no desenvolvimento da indústria automóvel africana. O MdE proporciona um quadro de cooperação para a implementação da Estratégia para o Sector Automóvel Africano no âmbito da ZCLCA, abrangendo as regras de origem para o sector automóvel, os procedimentos aduaneiros e a facilitação do comércio, as políticas e normas automóveis, o reforço das capacidades, o desenvolvimento de fornecedores regionais e da cadeia de valor, a beneficiação de minerais, a mobilização de investimento e as tecnologias automóveis emergentes. A parceria irá igualmente apoiar os esforços em curso do Secretariado da ZCLCA e do Afreximbank para impulsionar o Plano de Investimento no Sector Automóvel da ZCLCA, com foco na mobilização de investimento e no reforço das redes regionais competitivas de produção automóvel. O Fórum testemunhou ainda a criação de um Conselho Empresarial Conjunto Egipto-África do Sul, destinado a desenvolver projectos bilaterais de comércio e investimento em vários sectores prioritários, incluindo o sector automóvel, a mineração e os recursos minerais, as energias renováveis, a agricultura e a produção alimentar, os produtos farmacêuticos, os transportes e as infra-estruturas logísticas - tirando partido do Canal de Suez e dos portos nacionais de ambos os países para facilitar o aumento do comércio entre a África do Norte e a África Austral. Para uma experiência mais prática, os delegados passaram da discussão de políticas para o contacto com a indústria, através de visitas organizadas às instalações dos fabricantes de equipamentos originais (OEM) Nissan Motor Corporation, General Motors Egypt, Al Mansour Automotive e do fabricante de componentes Mobica, na Cidade 6 de Outubro. As visitas proporcionaram uma visão em primeira mão da base industrial automóvel do Egipto, demonstrando a evolução desde a montagem e localização de veículos até ao desenvolvimento de fornecedores, capacidades de fabrico e alcance no mercado regional, ao mesmo tempo que ilustraram as oportunidades concretas de investimento, transferência de tecnologia e integração transfronteiriça da cadeia de valor que podem ajudar a posicionar África como um centro competitivo de fabrico automóvel. Com a procura de veículos em África a prever-se que atinja os 5 milhões até 2035, bem como o crescente interesse em veículos movidos por novas fontes de energia a nível global, as partes interessadas do sector e os decisores políticos estão a identificar oportunidades para impulsionar a industrialização interna através do sector automóvel e das energias renováveis, tirando partido das matérias-primas africanas. Os participantes no fórum salientaram que os incentivos políticos devem ser adequados e que a disponibilização de financiamento acessível ajudará a impulsionar a procura e os investimentos de capital. Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank. Contacto para a Imprensa: Vincent Musumba [email protected] Alexandre Siewe [email protected] AAAM [email protected] Siga o Afreximbank em: https://apo-opa.co/3Wj3OCh https://apo-opa.co/4i4FpHR https://apo-opa.co/4seRkHO https://apo-opa.co/47scZmq Sobre o Afreximbank: China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), pela GCR (A), pela Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e pela Moody's (Baa2) e pela S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto. Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com Sobre a ZCLCA: Para mais informações, visite: AU-AfCFTA.org Sobre a AAAM: A missão da AAAM consiste em criar soluções de mobilidade sustentáveis e acessíveis, facilitar ligações estratégicas e parcerias e desenvolver cadeias de valor automóveis regionais que promovam a produção e o comércio dentro e fora da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA). A AAAM está igualmente empenhada em defender o acesso a financiamento acessível, tanto para a indústria automóvel como para os consumidores. Actualmente, a AAAM orgulha-se de representar uma rede de mais de 70 membros espalhados por todo o continente, que trabalham em conjunto para moldar o futuro do sector automóvel em África. Para mais informações, visite https://AAAMAfrica.com/