The carrier transported more than 10 million passengers during the six-month period while maintaining robust freight volumes, highlighting the resilience of its diversified business model that combines passenger travel with logistics services. Continued recovery in global travel, alongside the airline’s expanding connectivity, has reinforced its role as a key link between Africa and major international markets.

Growth was driven in part by the addition of new aircraft and the launch of extra international routes across a network that now spans roughly 145 destinations worldwide. Fleet modernization remains central to the strategy, with ongoing investment in fuel-efficient aircraft supplied by Boeing, including long-haul models such as the 787 Dreamliner designed to improve operating efficiency and support increasing intercontinental demand.

Beyond fleet expansion, the airline is also pursuing major infrastructure upgrades. Plans are underway for a new airport near Bishoftu to complement operations in Addis Ababa, significantly increasing passenger-handling capacity over the coming decade as the capital strengthens its position as a global transit hub.

Despite industry headwinds, including aircraft supply constraints, geopolitical uncertainty, and broader operational pressures, the airline’s sustained investment in modern aircraft, network growth, and hub infrastructure signals confidence in long-term demand. The expansion underscores its ambition to consolidate its leadership in African aviation while deepening its role as one of the world’s key connectors between continents.

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Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted that an estimated $4 trillion in sovereign and private capital exists across Africa, yet only a small share is deployed into sectors that can drive economic transformation. He stressed the need to redirect more domestic capital toward industries like manufacturing, infrastructure, and SMEs.

Ecobank Group CEO Jeremy Awori echoed this view, calling for greater participation from pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional investors to strengthen banks’ balance sheets. With stronger capital, African banks would be better positioned to expand lending to businesses and accelerate economic development.

Awori noted that limited investment products, shallow capital markets, and low levels of intra-African trade continue to hinder the creation of sustainable investment pathways. He emphasized that policy reforms will be crucial to unlocking long-term growth.

Access Holdings, which owns Nigeria’s largest bank, recently expanded its presence in East Africa through its acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya from KCB Group — a move expected to increase its regional influence.

As African banks shift their strategy toward growth-focused investment, the push to mobilize domestic capital could reshape financing opportunities across the continent, particularly for SMEs and high-impact sectors seeking funding.

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According to industry reports, the refinery’s first shipments were sold separately to Texas-based Sunoco and energy giant Shell. The move highlights the refinery’s ability to compete in international markets while also signaling a shift from focusing solely on Nigeria’s domestic supply needs.

For decades, Nigeria has faced the paradox of being a leading crude oil producer but heavily dependent on imported fuel due to a lack of refining capacity. The $20 billion Dangote Refinery, with a processing capacity of about 650,000 barrels per day, was designed to close that gap and strengthen the country’s energy independence.

By exporting refined products, the facility is also expected to boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and reposition the country as a supplier of high-quality fuels to global markets. Industry analysts note that meeting U.S. fuel standards for export demonstrates the refinery’s operational scale and technical sophistication.

The milestone signals not just progress for Dangote Group but also a turning point for Africa’s downstream oil sector, as the continent begins to capture more value from its natural resources.

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Funding for the projects will come mainly from oil revenues and mineral royalties, with officials projecting that the amount could rise by about $500 million by 2028.

The initiative comes as Ghana works to rebuild its economy following a severe financial crisis and debt default in 2022, which led to a $3 billion IMF loan program. Growth rebounded to 5.7% in 2024, with forecasts pointing to around 4.3% in 2025.

President John Mahama, who campaigned on a $10 billion infrastructure plan, has made these projects central to his development agenda. The government hopes that investments in transport, energy, and irrigation will create jobs, boost productivity, and lay the foundation for sustained growth.

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The initiative, covering the 2024-2028 period, includes 58 projects aimed at revitalizing the economy through investments in agriculture, mining, energy, transport, telecommunications, education, health, and environmental protection.

Authorities expect the plan to boost real GDP growth by an average of 4.2% annually, reduce poverty levels from 68.8% to 62% by 2028, and increase electricity access from 17% to 40%.

Agriculture and mining are at the heart of the strategy. Agriculture, which accounts for more than half of GDP and employs nearly 80% of the rural population, is set for modernization. Meanwhile, the mining sector—where over 519 mineral indices have been identified—will be developed to attract more private investment. Infrastructure upgrades, particularly in energy and transport, are also central to connecting production areas to markets.

So far, the government has secured about 25% of the required financing. To close the funding gap, it is appealing to development partners, international financial institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and IFC, as well as private investors and donors.

Through this ambitious plan, CAR aims to lay the foundation for inclusive growth, stronger social services, and a more sustainable economy.

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The funding is made possible through US$23.7 billion in donor pledges, which are significantly scaled up through bond issuance and resources from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

For Africa, the stakes are high: 44 countries on the continent qualify for IDA assistance, many of which face deep poverty, fragile institutions, and climate vulnerability. The program sets ambitious goals, including generating 120 million jobs and bringing electricity to 500 million people by 2028.

However, observers note that while pledges are promising, actual disbursements remain uncertain. Past experiences show that converting donor commitments into fully available resources has often been slow, with only about one-third of eligible countries reaching that stage on time.

Even so, the World Bank’s decision signals strong recognition of Africa’s development priorities, positioning the region at the center of IDA21’s objectives.

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The package includes around $215 million for priority projects such as the construction of the new Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, the supply of helicopters, the establishment of a veterinary school, and the creation of an Ayush Center of Excellence.

Another $440 million will be directed toward larger infrastructure and transport initiatives, including the building of a new air traffic control tower at Mauritius’ international airport, the purchase of port equipment, and the development of the M4 motorway. Additionally, Mauritius will receive $25 million in budgetary support for the current fiscal year.

Beyond financial assistance, the two countries agreed to cooperate in restructuring and modernizing Mauritius’ port and in the management of the Chagos Marine Protected Area. Seven bilateral agreements were also signed, covering education, public administration, energy, hydrography, technology, and space.

While this package strengthens bilateral ties, trade remains heavily imbalanced. In 2024, Mauritius exported just $45 million worth of goods to India, compared to $746 million in imports, highlighting the need for efforts to improve trade dynamics.

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The new fund secured backing from several major institutions, including the Dutch development bank FMO, France’s Proparco, the Ford Foundation, Mastercard, and MetLife.

Accion plans to invest up to $1 million per startup, with a focus on fintech solutions that promote financial inclusion. Even before the final close, the fund had already invested in PaidHR, a Nigerian payroll management platform, and Flowcart, a Kenyan e-commerce venture previously known as Sukhiba.

Accion’s earlier fund was fully deployed and recorded successful exits from three African companies: Apollo Agriculture in Kenya, Lula in South Africa, and Pula, an agricultural insurance provider also based in Kenya. These exits highlight the strength of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the growing investor interest in the region.

This year has seen several other funds launched to support African ventures, including Equator’s $55 million climate-tech fund, LoftyInc’s $43 million fund, and Endeavor Catalyst’s $300 million fund. Larger funds such as Partech Africa’s $300 million and Norrsken22’s $205 million are also still in play.

Although Africa’s startup funding remains below the 2022 peak of nearly $5 billion, activity between January and June 2025 suggests that the sector could surpass last year’s low of $2.2 billion.

Accion co-managing partner Amee Parbhoo emphasized that many of Africa’s most resilient founders are emerging from the recent funding downturn. Seye Bandele, CEO of PaidHR, praised Accion’s investment process, calling it inclusive and transparent, and credited the fund’s experience with guiding startups through common challenges.

By expanding its capital pool and maintaining a focus on fintech and financial inclusion, Accion aims to play a central role in the growth and recovery of Africa’s startup ecosystem.

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