A Call for Technocratic Leadership: Guiding Ghana Towards Sustainable Development

Dear President-Elect John Mahama,

Congratulations on your recent election victory! Your ascendance to the presidency is pivotal in Ghana’s history, which is marked by vast potential and significant challenges. As you prepare to form your government and select your cabinet members, we urge you to consider the importance of surrounding yourself with technocrats—experts whose practical knowledge and skills in their respective fields can help steer our nation towards sustainable development and prosperity.

In recent years, Ghana has faced several socio-economic hurdles. From rising inflation and unemployment rates to the urgent need for improved healthcare and education systems, the issues at hand require a multi-faceted approach driven by informed decision-making. While political affiliation and loyalty often dominate government appointments, embedding technocrats within your cabinet can bring fresh ideas and specialised expertise. This is an opportunity to prioritise meritocracy over partisanship.

The Value of Expertise

Thinking back on past administrations, we’ve seen the consequences of appointing individuals primarily based on family and political connections rather than their qualifications. Technocrats, by contrast, are often seasoned professionals with an extensive understanding of their respective sectors. They draw from years of experience and are well-versed in the intricacies of policy implementation. By incorporating their insights and recommendations into your administration’s strategies, you can create a robust framework that addresses your ambition for economic growth and social equity.

Crisis Management and Innovation

Ghana currently grapples with pressing challenges, including the Climate Crisis, Food Security, and Digital Transformation. All these issues necessitate complex solutions that require innovative thinking. For example, a technocrat with expertise in agriculture can equip your administration with the knowledge to forge sustainable practices, improve yields, and ensure food security. Similarly, a digital transformation expert can develop strategies to modernise our infrastructure and boost our economy by harnessing technology. Also, a professional with experience in human development systems and a strong background in international Affairs will be an asset to help you focus on key policy areas like Health, Education, Poverty reduction, Gender Equality, and Economic Growth.

By prioritising appointments of seasoned professionals, rather than party faithful, you can ensure your cabinet will foster collaboration, encourage innovative solutions, and remain responsive to the rapidly changing global landscape.

Building Public Trust

Incorporating technocrats into your cabinet also sends a powerful message to the Ghanaian populace: that your administration prioritises competence and accountability in governance. In recent years, public trust in political institutions has waned, leading to cynicism and disillusionment among citizens. By selecting cabinet members based on expertise and track records rather than political favours, you can engender public support and restore faith in the government as an entity that operates for the collective good.

Emphasising Collaboration and Inclusivity

Equally important is to cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration between technocrats, traditional politicians, and civil society. A diverse cabinet that includes voices from different backgrounds can foster inclusive policymaking, ensuring that the needs of all Ghanaians are heard and addressed. By integrating technocrats into key government positions while engaging with diverse stakeholders, your administration can be more adaptive, addressing challenges in real time and avoiding the pitfalls of bureaucracy.

Recommendations

We recommend a focus on developing policies and strategies for

1. Job creation through the agriculture value chain
2. Workforce Academy to upskill the Ghanaian workforce for various sectors
3. Citizens Civic engagement to restore patriotism in all Ghanaians

Conclusion

President Mahama, the path to revitalising Ghana’s economy, enhancing social equity, and ensuring environmental sustainability requires bold, deliberate choices. The technocratic model for cabinet selection is a crucial step toward fostering a government that can navigate contemporary challenges effectively and responsibly.

Taking this approach in your cabinet appointments can catalyse much-needed change across sectors, instilling hope and reinforcing our nation’s collective ambition to build a prosperous future. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to approach your cabinet selection with prudence, prioritising expertise that will elevate Ghana onto the global stage for progress and innovation.

Best wishes for your administration.

Sincerely,

Africanus Annan II

Founder and Leader

Transform Africa Now

www.transformafricanow.org

info@transformafricanow.org

Saharawi’s Enduring Struggle: Decolonization, Self-Determination, and the Fight for Statehood

Interview Questions for the Saharawi Ambassador to Nigeria

1. Historical Background

• Can you briefly explain the origins of the Saharawi struggle for independence and how Spanish colonial rule affected the course of decolonization?

First, it is worth signaling that Spain did not conquer the territory by force. After failing in several attempts, the Spanish authorities negotiated an agreement with some chiefs of tribes by which Spain was allowed to establish fishing and military locations along the cost. After becoming stronger military, they managed to invade the whole Western Sahara, although the resistance didn’t end till the year 1934.Like most African peoples-when the United Nations recognized the right of colonized countries and peoples to self determination and independence-the Saharawi in 1967 founded the Movement for the Liberation of Western Sahara and, peaceful through demonstrations started to demand the end of the colonial rule. In June 17, 1970 a big demonstration of the Movement in our capital city of El-Aaiun was confronted by the colonial military forces with fierce violence using live ammunition and undertaking a massacre were many died and the founding leader of the Movement, Sid Brahim Bassiri, was abducted and since counted as disappeared.

As a consequence of the said repression in 1970, Saharawi patriots-including many members of the Movement for the Liberation-founded the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia El Hamra y Rio de Oro, the POLISARIO FRONT and declared the armed struggle against Spanish colonial presence.

In 1975, the leader of the POLISARIO FRONT, Luali Mustapha Sayed, in direct negotiations with the then Spanish minister of Foreign Affairs, Cortina Mauri, reached an agreement for the swap of prisoners of war of both sides and the development appeared to be heading towards a process of decolonization, moreover the Spanish government was secretly negotiating the infamous Madrid Accords with Morocco and Mauritania.

2. The Madrid Accords

• How did the 1975 Madrid Accords, where Spain handed over Western Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania, affect the Saharawi people and the fight for self-determination?

Despite the International Court of Justice, which in 1975 clearly ruled that “there were no links of sovereignty between Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco and Mauritania before the Spanish colonialism” and, in spite of the report of the United Nations Visiting Mission-which in June, 1975 came to the territory-where it was clearly stated that: the POLISARIO FRONNT was the only political force represented in the whole territory and that everyone they interviewed was against the territorial claims of Morocco and Mauritania and expressed their willingness to be an independent country, the Spanish government reneged its commitment to the United Nations to fulfill its obligations as the colonial power and handed the territory to the invading countries Morocco from the north

and Mauritania from the south.

It goes without saying that this treason and betrayal created a very difficult and dire situation where the Saharawi people had to confront two armies of occupation.

Entire families, women, children and the elderly fled, in an exodus in the desert, towards a safe haven in Algeria from the napalm and white phosphorus bombings of the war planes of the Moroccan army.

The Madrid Tripartite Accords constituted a blatant violation of International Law and as such were condemned by the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations. Morocco is an occupying state that continues to systematically undertake abuses of human rights in Western Sahara.

3. Current Relations with Mauritania

• Mauritania relinquished its claims over Western Sahara in 1979 and you now have good relations. Can you tell us about how this transition occurred and the current state of diplomatic relations?

Since the very beginning, the war against the Saharawi people was unpopular in Mauritania and the majority was against it, there are strong cultural and brotherhood bonds between us and Mauritania, both peoples speak the same dialect of Arabic, the Hassania.

Mauritania’s army, besides being weak at that time, was not motivated. The POLISARIO successfully managed to transfer the war to the territory of Mauritania itself, through guerrilla warfare, attacking the train that transports minerals to the Atlantic-the main vein of the Mauritanian economy-and, also attacked twice, its capital city Nouakchott.

During the war with Mauritania, the French army intervened against our army with their Jaguar war planes coming from a military base in Senegal.

In July 1978 there was a coup d’état and, since then, fraternal and good neighborly relations have been reestablished.

4. The Conflict with Morocco

• What are the key points of contention between the Saharawi people and Morocco, and how has this conflict shaped the region’s political landscape?

There is no doubt whatsoever regarding the nature of the Moroccan presence in Western Sahara: it is illegal occupation as it is reaffirmed by UN resolutions, the International Court of Justice, the European Court. Such occupation hinders and impedes the integration and development of the Maghreb. The North African region the UMA is the only non-functioning regional organization of the African Union. There will be no peace, no stability while parts of the Saharawi Republic remain under Moroccan occupation.

5. The Role of the African Union

• How has the African Union supported the Saharawi people in their quest for independence, and what further steps do you believe African nations should take to aid your cause?

Both the Organization of the African Unity (OAU) before, and now the African Union (AU) have been consistent with the principles, respectively, enshrined in their Charter and Constitutive Act where the Africans, wisely, underscored the obligation to respect the frontiers inherited from the colonial era as the only way to avoid chaos and in order to preserve peace and stability among peoples and countries in Africa.

Accordingly, when the Sahrawi people proclaimed the Sahrawi Republic, upon the withdrawal of the colonial power, it was recognized by the OAU becoming afterwards a founding member of the AU. When our Republic was admitted to the OAU, the late King Hassan of Morocco left the organization, contemptuously describing its summits as “drum ceremonies (tam tam).” moreover, in 2017, they applied for AU membership and were admitted. They are supposed to respect the Constitutive Act of the African Union which they signed.

The AU should force Morocco to respect the rules and regulations of the continental organization, particularly articles 3 and 4 of the Constitutive Act, relating to the respect for borders and the non-use of force to occupy territories.

We are convinced that the Moroccan government has come to the AU, as a Trojan horse for foreign interests, with the aim of destroying the African Unity.

6. The United Nations and Self-Determination

• The United Nations has called for a referendum on self determination for Western Sahara. What are the main challenges in realizing this, and what more can the international community do to facilitate it?

The UN intended to hold a referendum on self-determination for the Saharawi people since 1974.

Morocco fears the free expression of the Saharawi people, because they know that the Saharawi will choose to be independent, that is why they are continuously putting obstacles to the referendum. First, in 1975 to delay it, they requested the General Assembly to refer the issue to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, but seeing that this tactics has backfired against them-given that the ICJ ruled that there is no reason to prevent the right of self-determination in view of the fact that the Court didn’t find any link of sovereignty between Western Sahara and Morocco-they bought the complicity of Spain and invaded the territory militarily.

The Settlement Plan, brokered by the UN and the OAU in August 1988, agreed upon and signed by the POLISARIO FRONT and Morocco, and adopted by the Security Council in its resolutions 658 (1990) and 690 (1991), remains being the only way for reaching a lasting solution to the conflict. The said plan, provides for the holding of the self-determination referendum, the Moroccan government, attempting to rig and change the result of the plebiscite, brought thousands of Moroccan settlers presenting them as “Saharawis” to the joint UN-OAU identification Commission, and when the Commission in 1999 denied them the right to be legible voters for not fulfilling the required criteria, Morocco reneged its commitment and now is refusing the celebration of the referendum.

Morocco spares no efforts trying to circumventing and ignoring the legal aspect of the conflict, blackmailing and bribing, everywhere, in an attempt to impose the fait accompli of its illegal occupation.

7. Life in Exile

• Many Saharawi live in refugee camps and have been displaced for decades. What is life like for these communities, and how are they maintaining hope for a free and recognized Saharawi state?

From the very beginning, taken into account that we’re outnumbered by the enemy, the

POLISARIO FRONT didn’t deceive the people promising a quick victory, on the contrary,

our narrative has always consisted in reiterating that the Liberation Struggle will be long, a

struggle to be inherited and continued for generations. Hence, our people continue to show an admirable degree of resistance to the occupation despite very adverse conditions, maintaining high morale and never losing hope.

8. The Importance of Decolonization -You’ve described the Saharawi struggle as an issue of decolonization. Could you explain why this framing is important, and what lessons other African nations can take from your experience?

After the Declaration on the Granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples by the General Assembly (1960), and since the early sixties of the last century to date, the question of Western Sahara has been, naturally, inscribed in the agenda of the Decolonization Committee. Indeed, it is important to always keep in mind that it is a decolonization problem which must be settled according to the United Nations doctrine, the above mentioned Declaration, Resolution 1514 (1960)

9. Support from Nigeria

• How has Nigeria supported the Saharawi people over the years, and what role do you believe Nigeria can play in advancing the Saharawi cause on the international stage?

The support of Nigeria to the Liberation Movements in Africa was crucial. No wonder, Nigeria is the backbone of Africa, and it is fair and normal that it has the leadership role and responsibility to ensure democracy and respect for the laws and principles of the African Union. Likewise, the solidarity and support of Nigeria with our just cause is very important, and we highly value and appreciate it. Anyway, all we are asking from our friends, precisely, is to enforce justice by implementing International Law, and the obligation for every country to abide by what is agreed upon fulfilling its commitments.

10. Vision for the Future

• What is your vision for a future Saharawi state, and what steps need to be taken to achieve lasting peace and independence?

We are convinced that, sooner than later, justice will prevail. Morocco will come to realize that its dream of a fictitious empire is not feasible, that it is impossible to extinguish the flames of the Saharawi resistance to occupation and, at the end, they will accept the rules of International Law.

Otherwise, it means prolonging the suffering of the Saharawi and Moroccan peoples and delaying the development and regional integration of North Africa.

The so called Moroccan initiative of autonomy is a neocolonial stratagem elaborated by a European country, specialized in neocolonialist policies, aimed at perpetuating the occupation. Any solution which does not provide for the self-determination of the Saharawi people is doomed to failure.

In Conclusion

On October 4, the European Court of Justice declared void the trade agreements between Morocco and the European Union that include the occupied territory of the Sahrawi Republic.

This historic ruling constitutes a resounding victory for the Sahrawi people and a humiliating setback for Moroccan expansionist policy because, in addition to annulling the agreements through which Morocco looted our natural resources, it also reaffirms that:

• Morocco does not have sovereignty over Western Sahara and recalls the ruling of the International Court of Justice of 1975, – Western Sahara is a distinct and separate territory from Morocco,
• The Polisario Front is the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people,
• Morocco is an occupying force in Western Sahara,
• The right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence is inalienable.

Likewise, the said verdict is a hard blow for those in Europe who try to whitewash the Moroccan attempt to evade international law, that is, the so-called autonomy, calling it “serious and credible!”

NDLEA declares couple wanted, arrests 4 cartel members over cocaine seizures
. Intercepts China, UK-bound drug consignments concealed in steel bolts, shea butter; recovers 2,025 explosives in Niger, Kano, Sokoto; arrests 70-year-old grandpa in Borno for dealing in illicit drugs

A couple, Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade (alias Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun) and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade (alias Bolarinwa Rashidat Ayinke), who runs a cocaine cartel from India has been declared wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA following the arrest of four members of the syndicate in Lagos where a Sports Utility Vehicle was recovered and two houses already traced to them sealed for forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Two members of the syndicate: Imran Taofeek Olalekan and Ishola Isiaka Olalekan were arrested on April 3, 2024 following their bid to export 3.40kg cocaine on a Qatar Airlines flight going to Oman through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos.
While Imran was the courier conveying the drug consignment to Oman, Ishola recruited him for the head of the cartel, which investigation has now revealed to be Alhaji Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade whose Indian residence permit bears Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun based in India. Efforts to dismantle his network in Nigeria paid off after five weeks of surveillance and follow up operations when another member of the syndicate, Hamed Abimbola Saheed who works directly with the baron was arrested on Tuesday 14th May at Abule Egba area of Lagos. It was indeed Saheed who lodged Imran in a hotel a day before his aborted trip to Oman and equally dropped him and Ishola at the Lagos airport the day they were arrested.
During a search of Hamed house, NDLEA operatives recovered some phenacetine, a cutting agent for Cocaine, weighing 900 grams. He confessed that the recovered substance was what was left of the consignment Imran was taking to Oman the day he was arrested.
His arrest led to a follow up operation at the home of the Owoalade couple at 20 Eyiaro street, Ogudu Orioke, Lagos where another suspect was arrested and a new model Toyota RAV4 SUV marked FKJ-773 JJ belonging to Rashidat and additional 400 grams of Cocaine recovered in addition to already prepared suitcases to be used for illicit drug concealment, digital weighing scales and other paraphernalia.
In the same vein, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations, DOGI, attached to a courier firm in Lagos on Wednesday 15th May intercepted two parcels, containing Cocaine and Amphetamine concealed in steel bolts and shea butter. While the cocaine weighing 587 grams, was concealed in eight steel bolt screws going to China, the Amphetamine consignment packed in vape pens and hidden in shea butter was going to the United Kingdom.
Attempt by Emeka Nwadiaro (a.k.a Mega) to export 3.6kg Loud, a strain of cannabis concealed in 36 water flasks to Dubai, UAE was also thwarted at a logistic company in Port Harcourt, Rivers state on Thursday 16th May while a swift follow up operation led to the arrest of the owner of the consignment, Emeka Nwadiaro in Onitsha, Anambra state same day.
While NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted a mercedes benz bus loaded with 840kg cannabis and arrested the driver, Samuel Henry, at Olojo in Ojo LGA, Lagos, another suspect, Lawal Adam was nabbed along Otukpo road, Aliade, Benue state on Friday 17th May with 75,000 pills of opioids including tramadol and exol-5. Two suspects: Olisa Etisi, 32, and Jonathan Umeh, 25, were arrested along Owerri – Onitsha road, Imo state following the discovery by NDLEA operatives of a big gas cyclinder used to conceal six blocks of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 3.85kg.
In Borno state, 70-year-old Adamu Mohammed was arrested at Mbulamel, Biu LGA
on Thursday 16th May with 2kg cannabis and 33.55grams of diazepam, while Gaddafi Sani, 27, was arrested with 30 kilograms of cannabis along Abuja-Kaduna road, Kaduna.
In Yobe state, a consignment of 91.1kg opioids and 13kg cannabis going to Maiduguri, Borno state, was recovered from hidden compartments of a petrol tanker along Potiskum-Damaturu road by NDLEA officers who arrested the driver, Ismaila Ali.
No less than four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 2,025 pieces of improvised explosive devices (IED) materials intercepted in a Toyota hummer bus marked AGL 905 XX by NDLEA officers along Agaie – Lapai road, Niger state. While the duo of Abdulrauf Shitu Adeyemi, 46, and Asmiyu Rahim, 45, conyeying the IED materials were arrested on the spot, follow up operations led to the arrest of Husaini Abdullahi, 25, at Sokoto main market, Sokoto and Nazifi Abdullahi, 37, at Naibawa Motor Park, Kano on Friday 17th May. The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has directed that all four suspects and the explosive materials be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further investigation. In another operation, Muhammad Lawal, 42, was nabbed at Central Market Motor Park, Katsina State with 1,000 Ampoules of Pentazocine injection.
A total of 105kg cannabis was on Friday 17th May recovered from a house at Obola community, Owan West LGA, Edo state and a suspect, Gloria Oris arrested when NDLEA officers raided the area. In Kwara state, two suspects: Abdulganiyu Karaman, 55, and Sunday Abel, 37, were on Saturday 18th May arrested with 83kg cannabis and tramadol at Boriya, Baruten LGA, and Offa respectively.
With the same vigour, the various commands of the Agency across the country
continued with the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Government Girls Science secondary school, Malumfashi and Government Girls Science Secondary School, Daudawa, Katsina; Government Girls Science College, Tunga Magajiya Rijau LGA, Niger state; students and teachers of St. Theresa’s College Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo state; students of Government Girls Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Kano; students of Dein secondary school, Imobi secondary school and St. Columbas Grammar School, Agbor, Delta State.
While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Rivers, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Imo, and Edo Commands of the Agency as well as those of DOGI for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) said the efforts have further affirmed the cardinal role of NDLEA in the security architecture of the country. He equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures to create a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 19th May 2024

ECOWAS BANK FOR INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT TO INJECT
USD 200 MILLION INTO THE GHANAIAN ECONOMY
Lome, Togolese Republic – May 10, 2024
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has strengthened its transformative partnership with the Republic of Ghana by committing to inject USD 200 million into the Ghanaian economy through strategic alliances with the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) and GCB Bank PLC.

This was contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister for Finance of the Republic of Ghana, at a ceremony held at the EBID headquarters in Lome, Togo. The signing ceremony was attended
by key stakeholders, including Mr. Lawrence Agyinsam, Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, and Mr Samuel Aidoo, Executive Director, Wholesale, and Investment Banking at GCB Bank PLC, among others. The agreement epitomises EBID’s unwavering dedication to fostering economic growth and shoring up resilience across
the ECOWAS Member States.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Donkor commended Ghana for its steadfast support through the payment of its subscribed share of capital, and other commitments to the bank. He emphasised that the tripartite alliance between EBID, GEXIM, and GCB Bank PLC exemplifies EBID’s strategic thrust to bolster the recovery and transformation agenda of Member States by channelling vital resources into pivotal sectors of their economies. According to him, this collaborative involvement underscores EBID’s commitment to forging partnership synergies within the finance
and investment domain, serving as a trailblazing model for future regional collaborations and investments.
In his response, Dr. Amin Adam highlighted the importance of organisations like EBID in driving sustainable transformation, especially amidst prevailing global challenges.

He lauded the profound impact of EBID under the leadership of Dr. Donkor and expressed unwavering optimism regarding the Bank’s continued role in shaping the region’s developmental agenda.
The USD 200 million injection is intended to stimulate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in critical sectors of the economy, foster job creation, innovation, and sustainable development. This injection will bring EBID’s total commitments in Ghana to USD 600 millionAbout EBID ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is the development finance institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprising fifteen (15) Member States namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Based in Lomé, Togolese Republic, the Bank is committed to financing developmental projects and programmes covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows. EBID intervenes through long, medium, and short-term loans, equity participation, lines of credit, refinancing, financial engineering operations, and related
services.

www.bidc-ebid.org
Press Contact
COMMUNICATION AND
EXTERNAL RELATIONS UNIT
asomda@bidc-ebid.org
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GITEX Africa 2024: Fostering Digital Finance and Economic Empowerment
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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 13, 2024/ — GITEX Africa 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest tech and startup exhibition scheduled from 29-31 May in Marrakech, Morocco, emerges as a pivotal platform for exploring the intersections of digital transformation, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment. As South Africa’s banking of finance sector takes center stage in this global dialogue, the event promises to be a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth.

In South Africa, digital transformation has become imperative across industries, and the financial sector is no exception. From the convenience of online banking to mobile payment solutions, banks are leveraging digital technologies to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and expand access to financial services.

With a growing youth population favoring digital banking, financial institutions are investing in user-friendly mobile apps and online platforms to meet evolving customer preferences.

Banks Face Competition from Fintech and Innovative Platforms

These digital banking platforms provide users with convenient access to a wide range of financial services, including account management, payments, and lending, all through intuitive user-friendly mobile and online interfaces.

However, amidst this digital transformation, banks face stiff competition from a diverse array of players, including agile fintech startups and innovative tech-driven platforms. These disruptors offer innovative solutions that challenge traditional norms and cater to evolving customer needs.

South African fintech startups, recognized locally and globally, provide convenient digital banking services, investment platforms, and innovative lending solutions, drawing customers away from traditional banks with their agility and customer-centric approach. In 2021, South Africa boasted the highest number of fintech startups in the African region with 154 companies . As of May 2022, fintech startups in South Africa secured close to $US77 million (https://apo-opa.co/3ys79ms).

The fintech value chain encompasses a wide range of services including banking, infrastructure, crowdfunding, digital currencies, lending, payment, and regulation technology.

By facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, GITEX Africa accelerates the pace of digital transformation in the financial services sector, driving inclusive growth and economic empowerment across the African continent. Among the more than 35 esteemed speakers from South Africa include Lillian Barnard, President at Microsoft Africa; Zondwa Mandela from Mandela Legacy; and Chipo Mushwana, Executive of Emerging Innovation and Payments, Nedbank.

Major South African investment funds, unicorns, and start-ups fast-forwarding cross-continental progress at GITEX AFRICA 2024 include SAVANT, Zindi, and go1.

Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, said: “Africa has long been recognised for its formidable growth prospects and AI is the long-awaited key to help unlock that potential.”

“The AI-powered innovation we’re seeing today is poised to reinvent every aspect of society from healthcare to financial services, manufacturing and beyond. If Africa is to benefit from the paradigm shift currently sweeping the globe, we must make the promise of AI real for people and organisations across the continent – and do so responsibly.
Bongani Sithole, CEO of Founders Factory Africa and a speaker at GITEX Africa outlines key challenges facing African startups: difficulties in finding product-market fit, hiring the right talent, maintaining company culture while expanding into new markets and securing funding.

Despite these challenges, Sithole highlights opportunities for startups to tap into, including the “development of new products and services to meet the needs of their growing customer base. This can lead to increased innovation and competitiveness.”

In terms of specific trends within the African startup ecosystem, Sithole says we can expect to see more mergers and acquisitions (M&As) continue this year, primarily driven by larger companies seeking to acquire earlier-stage companies. “M&As are strengthening the startup ecosystem by offering a guarantee of revenue and funding for founders.” Additionally, he notes the potential of AI applications to address societal challenges and drive economic growth.

As Africa’s tech ecosystem evolves, he sees opportunities for cross-regional collaboration through initiatives like cross-border agreements for trade and talent, full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), fast-tracking of regulatory approvals.

Reflecting on lessons from leading African unicorns, he highlights the importance of solving societal problems and embracing failure as part of the startup journey. “Many successful founders are not first-time successes. Founders are encouraged to remain within the ecosystem even after failures to create potential unicorn by leveraging their experience.”

At GITEX Africa, Sithole aims to emphasize the importance of “hands-on support” for early-stage ventures beyond just capital. He also hopes to develop actionable steps to stimulate innovation and funding across Africa, advancing the tech and startup ecosystems.

Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment

Recognizing the significance of digital transformation, the South African government has taken proactive steps to promote financial inclusion and economic growth. In 2023, the National Treasury released a policy framework to broaden financial inclusion , to achieve 90 percent banked status by 2030. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to drive socioeconomic development and create opportunities for all South Africans.

While progress has been significant, challenges persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to ensure equal access to financial services. As South Africa continues to ride the wave of digital finance, the possibilities are boundless. By embracing innovation and strengthening collaboration, the country is charting a journey toward a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Charms fail 2 drug mules at Lagos airport as NDLEA intercepts their consignment concealed in false bottoms of bags, arrests both; seizes 2,144 parcels of imported Colorado at Tincan Port

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a Delhi, India-bound passenger, Freeman Charles Ogbonna at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine.
Ogbonna was arrested on Sunday 31st March while attempting to board his flight to Delhi, India via Doha on Qatar Airways, with a Liberian international passport, bearing the name: Carr Bismark. He was taken for body scan, which tested positive for ingestion of illicit drugs.
Preliminary checks revealed his real identity as Freeman Charles Ogbonna and was subsequently placed under observation in NDLEA custody where he started to manifest signs of discomfort. Obviously choked by the volume of illicit drugs in his stomach and another substance taken to hold back excretion, the suspect soon began to retch before starting to vomit and excrete wraps of cocaine he ingested almost simultaneously.
The suspect who claimed he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives eventually passed out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 889 grams through his mouth and anus over a period of four days. The great risk that almost took his life notwithstanding, Ogbonna said he was given the drugs to swallow at a hotel in Ipodo area of Ikeja with a promise to reward him with N300,000 cash if he successfully delivers the consignment in India.
In the same vein, NDLEA officers at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 3rd April intercepted a drug mule, Imran Taofeek Olalekan at Gate C departure of terminal 1 travelling to Oman with a check-in luggage and a backpack. When his check-in bag and backpack were subjected to thorough search, the operatives discovered a false bottom concealment of drugs in the check-in luggage and in the walls of the backpack.
The NDLEA officers swiftly moved in on a man who accompanied the suspect to the airport. He was later identified as Ishola Isiaka Olalekan who recruited the trafficker.
Imran Taofeek Olalekan said he returned from Dubai some years ago but still has a valid residence permit on his old passport. He claimed he was promised N1,500,000 if he successfully delivers the consignment in Oman, while his recruiter, Ishola was to be paid N200,000.
Curiously, when the two bags were completely unpacked at the NDLEA office, a charm was found in one of the bags while another one was found on the drug mule who confessed that he traveled to Ibadan, Oyo state to meet with an ‘Alfa’ that prepared the charm for him to ensure he was not caught during the trip.

Another charm was also found on the intermediary, Ishola Isiaka Olalekan who accompanied Taofeek to the departure area of the airport. Ishola claimed he procured the charms for the sum of N70,000.
At the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives also on Wednesday 3rd April, intercepted 2,144 parcels of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing of 1,072kg. The seizure was made during a joint examination with Customs Service and other stakeholders of a container marked GAOU 6699215 coming from Montreal, but originated from Toronto, Canada.
The drugs packed in 46 jumbo bags were found concealed in used 2009 Lexus RX 350, 2011 Toyota Sienna, and 2009 Lexus ES 350 as well as used engines, automobile doors, tyres, and used household goods as well as big drums loaded into the container.
In Kano, a 48-year-old suspect, Gidado Sani who jumped the bail granted him by a Federal High Court in Kano on drug offence charges, was on Friday 5th April re-arrested in Sharada area of the state with 85 blocks of cannabis weighing 50.1kg, while NDLEA operatives in Ogun state on Thursday 4th April, arrested another suspect Wasiu Jimoh, during a raid operation at Ilese Awo, with 84 parcels (62kg) of cannabis sativa.
Operatives in Lagos on Wednesday 3rd April intercepted a suspect, Emeka Umeh with 506.2kg cannabis at Igbede, Ojo area of the state, while another suspect, Victor Okeke was nabbed on Friday 5th April at Igbo Elerin, Ojo, with 142grams of cannabis sativa and 175 litres of skuchies recovered from him. Attempt by 35-year-old Ifeanyi Udogwu to smuggle 1.5kg cocaine concealed in music speakers from Lagos through Aba, Abia state to his uncle, Ifeanyi Udogwu based in Cameroon was thwarted on Wednesday 3rd April when NDLEA officers working in collaboration with transport company, Young Shall Grow Motors, arrested him.
The Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres and communities. Some of these include: WADA sensitization lecture for commercial drivers at the Osun State Transport Management System Complex, Osogbo; youths of Assembly of God Church, Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos; and drivers at Sunny Motor Park, Aroma, Awka, Anambra state, among others.

While commending the efforts of the MMIA, Tincan, Ogun, Kano and Lagos Commands of the Agency, for jobs well done in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across the country to remain vigilant and intensify their offensive action against drug cartels and their WADA advocacy campaign in every community nationwide.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 7th April 2024

Calling all African Diaspora Changemakers! 🇹🇿
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The agreement will include the supply of parts, repairs, field services and advanced predictive maintenance for the two GE Vernova 9E.03 gas turbines and accessory equipment

DAKAR, Senegal, October 5, 2023/ — West African Energy awards GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com) 25-Year Service Agreement for 300 megawatt (MW) combined cycle power project in Cap des Biches, Dakar, Senegal; service agreement includes Asset Performance Management (APM) software from GE Vernova’s Digital business, which will help reduce costs, achieve higher availability, and increase reliability and efficiency once the West African Energy power plant is operational; agreement highlights GE Vernova’s commitment to help Senegal meet increasing energy demand.

GE Vernova’s Gas Power business (NYSE: GE) today announced that it has secured a 25-year service agreement for West African Energy’s 300 megawatt (MW) combined cycle power project in Cap des Biches, Dakar, Senegal to help ensure the long-term availability and reliability of the power plant’s gas turbines to meet Senegal’s increasing energy demands. In addition to the service agreement, GE Vernova will also provide its Digital business’ Asset Performance Management (APM) software in the cloud to promote the use of predictive analytics across the power island (gas turbines and generators). The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Senegal attended by Mr. Samuel Sarr, CEO of West African Energy; and Mr. Papa Toby Gaye, the General Secretary of SENELEC.

The agreement will include the supply of parts, repairs, field services and advanced predictive maintenance for the two GE Vernova 9E.03 gas turbines and accessory equipment. “We awarded GE Vernova the service agreement because they have the technology expertise and proven gas turbine services track record to help make sure that our power plant operates at the highest levels of reliability,” said Samuel Sarr, CEO of West African Energy. “We expect that the services and digital technologies provided by the GE Vernova team will help us to increase efficiency and improve performance, which is crucial in powering Senegal reliably.”

GE Vernova was previously awarded the contract to supply two 9E.03 gas turbines, one STF-A200 steam turbine, three A39 generators, two Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) and additional balance of plant equipment as part of the project scope. GE Vernova’s service agreements are structured to provide predictable maintenance costs while ensuring high availability and reliability, including parts and outage planning. This agreement will better position the new combined cycle plant to benefit from the long-term, high performance of GE Vernova’s latest technology and global experience. With over 1,000,000 installed MW in more than 120 countries, GE Vernova has long-term agreements in place at more than 1000 sites worldwide.

“We are pleased that West African Energy awarded us the agreement to help ensure they meet their energy production and capacity supply goals while supporting the Senegalese Government’s target to increase its generation capacity with a greater utilization of natural gas and renewables,” said Kenneth Oyakhire, Services Managing Director of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Sub-Saharan Africa. “In this day and age, reliability and efficiency are crucial elements of power plant operations, and this service agreement reflects the confidence our customers have in both our technology and our regional services capabilities to help ensure the power plant’s long-term reliability.”

The project also represents the first installation in Senegal of GE Vernova’s APM software. In the cloud, APM uses advanced predictive analytics from the company’s APM Reliability application to ingest sensor data in order to detect and diagnose equipment problems before they occur. With the help of artificial intelligence/machine learning-backed Digital Twins with built-in expertise, Senegal can increase asset reliability and availability while reducing operations and maintenance costs by moving to a predictive approach. The Cap des Biches power plant, which is the first gas-to-power project in Senegal, will be the biggest power plant in the country and is expected to generate more than 25% of the power consumed, providing the equivalent electricity needed to power up to 500,000 Senegalese homes. The plant is expected to begin operations in phases starting in 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.

For more information, contact:
Winnie Gathage
Africa Communications Business Partner
GE Vernova
winnie.gathage@ge.com

About GE Vernova:
GE Vernova is a planned, purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses of Advanced Research, Consulting Services, and Financial Services. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 80,000 employees across 140+ countries around the world. GE Vernova’s Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future. GE Vernova’s Digital business is focused on providing a suite of software products and services to customers aiming to accelerate a new era of energy by electrifying and decarbonizing the energy ecosystem through intelligent and efficient data analytics, monitoring, and management.

GE Vernova’s mission is embedded in its name – it retains its legacy, “GE,” as an enduring and hard-earned badge of quality and ingenuity. “Ver” / “verde” signal Earth’s verdant and lush ecosystems. “Nova,” from the Latin “novus,” nods to a new, innovative era of lower carbon energy. Supported by the Company Purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova will help deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/46BqugT).

About West African Energy:
West African Energy is an energy and petroleum products company, owned by Senegalese investors, that works for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of power plants in Senegal and abroad. WAE is working to build the future of energy in the region.
SOURCE
GE

Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu CFR

Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu CFR is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and influential figure in the global business landscape. With a career spanning several decades, Elumelu has made significant contributions to the development of Africa’s private sector, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. His visionary leadership, commitment to social impact, and unwavering dedication to fostering entrepreneurship have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.

Born on March 22, 1963, in Jos, Nigeria, Elumelu embarked on his journey to success with a strong academic foundation. He graduated from the prestigious Ambrose Alli University with a degree in Economics, and later obtained a Master’s in Economics from the University of Lagos. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and his deep understanding of economics and business principles would serve as the bedrock of his remarkable career.

Elumelu’s career breakthrough came when he joined the United Bank for Africa (UBA) in 1997 as the Chief Executive Officer. Under his visionary leadership, UBA underwent a remarkable transformation and emerged as a global financial institution with a presence in over 20 African countries and several international markets. His innovative approach to banking and his commitment to expanding access to financial services played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development across the African continent.

Beyond his remarkable success in banking, Elumelu is also renowned for his unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa. He is the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and financial support. The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program (TEFEP) has become a flagship initiative, catalyzing thousands of businesses and creating jobs across the continent.

Elumelu’s impact extends well beyond the business and philanthropic spheres. He has consistently championed the importance of responsible and ethical leadership, serving as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. His efforts to promote Africapitalism—a philosophy that advocates for the private sector’s role in driving Africa’s economic and social development—have gained international recognition.

In acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu has received numerous accolades and awards, including the prestigious CFR (Commander of the Federal Republic) from the Nigerian government. He is also a respected thought leader, sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic development at global forums and conferences.

Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu CFR continues to inspire and drive change across the African continent and beyond. His enduring commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable economic growth serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership.