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Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Nadia Fettah Alaoui Named Finance Minister of the Year at African Banker Awards
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui received the Finance Minister of the Year award on Wednesday in Abidjan during the 2025 African Banker awards. She received the prize during a ceremony that took place on the sidelines of the African Development Bank (AfDB) annual meetings. The award recognized the minister's efforts in implementing prudent macroeconomic policies and reforms seeking to boost a sustainable investment climate. Fettah Alaoui has been serving as Minister of Economy since her appointment in 2021 as part of Aziz Akhannouch's cabinet. Born in 1971 in Rabat, the Moroccan minister is a businesswoman who also served as the Minister of Tourism under Saad Eddine El Othmani's government. A member of the National Rally of Independents Party (RNI), Fettah Alaoui pursued her higher education at HEC Paris. She began her professional career at the multinational Arthur Andersen company. Alaoui also held the position of the General Manager of the Sanlam Pan Africa Group in 2017. By 2018, she was also elected as the CEO of the Year in 2018 by the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan. Several other figures received recognitions at the African Banker Awards, including Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of Uganda Development Bank, who received the Banker of the Year award. The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria received the Central Bank Governor of the Year, while Idrissa Nassa, CEO of Coris Bank International, received the lifetime achievement award. Tags: Nadia Fettahnadia fettah alaoui
Business Insider
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
HERitage Collective: A bold new platform to elevate African women's leadership launches HER.Circle event series in Abidjan
Abidjan, 11 May 2025 – Against the backdrop of the Africa CEO Forum, a new power convening made its debut: the flagship event of the HERitage Collective. Held in the heart of Abidjan, the evening brought together a dynamic mix of influential and emerging African women leaders alongside their male allies for a night of intentional dialogue, bold storytelling, and strategic alliance-building. "The HERitage Collective is a direct response to an urgent market gap," said Sally Nnamani, Co-Founder of the HERitage Collective. "Across the continent, too many talented and ambitious African women are locked out of the strategic networks that unlock capital, mentorship, and influence. This isn't just a social issue, it's a missed investment opportunity and a structural inefficiency that holds back growth. Through curated experiences like we seek to convene powerhouse women, emerging leaders, and male champions to spur collaboration, visibility, all while building a pipeline of investable talent and accelerating inclusive leadership across the continent.' The Collective's roots trace back to September 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Noticing how many emerging African women leaders well not represented at high-level events, Habibah A. Waziri, pan-African strategist and co-founder, created a WhatsApp group to circulate personal invites and contacts to a trusted circle of women reshaping Africa's business landscape. That small act sparked something bigger. Within months, the group evolved into a transcontinental platform connecting emerging female changemakers across Africa and the diaspora, bound by a mission to bridge the gap between ambition and access. A Room Without Filters, But Full of Intention The inaugural theme, 'Power. Access. Influence: Closing the Gap Between Ambition & Access,' set the tone. Huguette Umutoni, founder of N'gage Africa and co-founder of the Collective, opened the evening with a call for authenticity and bold leadership. "Our collaboration with HERitage Collective was a rare and powerful moment, women were the majority in the room," said Maëliss Blah, Sales & Marketing Manager at La Résidence Abidjan, the city's premier private members club. "We heard voices that are often left out of the conversation. These women though discreet, carry influence, and I hope more of them find space here." Over the course of the evening, participants engaged deeply with three strategic pillars: Visibility & Voice: Elevating African women where their lived experience and cultural capital shape decisions across sectors. Access & Exposure: Breaking down structural gatekeeping to unlock networks and funding. Capacity & Collective Growth: Investing in the skills, systems, and infrastructure that allow African women not just to participate—but to lead. "We don't need to be empowered. We need to be trusted, invested in, and heard," said Fatima Soleiman, Co-Founder and CEO of Mr Roof Rwanda. " is a shared commitment to build the pipelines that connect women to the rooms where futures are shaped." This wasn't just a dinner. It was a strategic intervention. Led by Waziri, Umutoni, Nnamani, and Soleiman, the HERitage Collective is more than a network, it is a launchpad. Its pillars are clear, its intentions bold: Afetsi Awoonor, Executive Director of the Afetsi Awoonor Foundation, echoed the sentiment: "When African women rise, entire communities follow. This initiative celebrates power, purpose, and possibility. We're proud to stand with them." The evening closed with a collective toast, an affirmation of heritage, sisterhood, and the commitment to open doors, recommend, endorse, and invest. "Any movement that champions women's growth is a no-brainer for us," said Valerie Obaeze, CEO of R&R Skincare. Female-led brand LYVV Cosmetics joined early, recognizing the urgency of the moment and investing without hesitation. For Barry Johnson, Founder of 7 Generations Africa and an early sponsor, the vision aligned perfectly:"We're building structures for African families to thrive for 100, even 200 years. is a powerful expression of that long-view leadership." With more editions already in development across Africa, the HERitage Collective plans to grow the series alongside major global forums, amplifying African women's leadership, expanding their networks, and accelerating their pathways to power.
The South African
26-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
B20 South Africa champions growth at Africa CEO Forum
The Africa CEO Forum this week became a powerhouse of bold ideas as Business 20 South Africa (B20 SA), the official G20 business engagement group, explored how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, investment and economic integration across the continent. QUIZ | Test your B20 knowledge with this 2-minute survey – AND WIN R2 000! Dr Anthony Costa, Head of the B20 South Africa Secretariat, together with fellow experts, delivered a powerful call to action during the 'Invest in South Africa' panel, urging a paradigm shift in how the world engages with Africa's development. In his remarks, Costa emphasised the importance of clear, actionable policy frameworks that enable sustained collaboration between governments and the private sector. He noted that B20 South Africa is currently driving a year-long process that convenes more than 1 500 global private sector leaders across eight Task Forces. The aim is to develop practical recommendations that align business efforts with government priorities to unlock inclusive growth, in a cooperating world. The panel also explored mechanisms to improve investor confidence in Africa's industrialisation agenda. Three core areas for action were outlined: establishing clear and trackable public-private partnership models, enhancing governance and transparency systems and addressing critical skills shortages through targeted development programmes. Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi added: 'President Cyril Ramaphosa has been adamant about cutting red tape to streamline company registrations and merger approvals in South Africa. 'We have strongly advocated to the Competition Commission for faster review and approval timelines. 'This is critical to facilitating smoother partnerships between South African and foreign businesses and ensuring investments in the country can flourish.' Costa stressed that improving policy certainty and governance standards is essential to creating an enabling environment for investment. On the question of Africa's role in mobilising global capital, Costa urged stakeholders to reframe the continent's investment narrative. 'Africa must move from being viewed through a risk lens to being recognised for its strategic opportunities,' he said. He also pointed to South Africa's G20 Presidency in 2025 as a strategic moment for the continent. Through B20 South Africa, the private sector has a direct channel to shape global economic priorities while ensuring African perspectives are embedded in that process. 'B20 South Africa is building a strong, credible platform to advance the continent's growth agenda,' he concluded. 'We are focused on delivering outcomes that are not only ambitious but practical and implementable by both business and government.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
How Africa is becoming the world's next economic powerhouse
Kopano Mohlala 16 May 2025 | 13:55 RMB Africa Investments International Monetary Fund (IMF) Acclaimed journalist Crystal Orderson specialises in economic and political affairs on the African continent. She joins Stephen Grootes on The Money Show to provide insights into significant investment trends and growth opportunities in Africa. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) states in their latest report that Africa has experienced a hard-won recovery post-Covid, though recent global events, including external funding constraints, the debt crisis, a downturn in global demand, and massive aid cuts, will impact the growth rate in Africa. However, the continent's economic landscape is vibrant and dynamic. The World Bank projects a growth rate of 3.7%, and the African Development Bank is forecasting an even more optimistic 4.3% growth rate, says Orderson. "Despite all the challenges and geopolitical shifts, there is still a significant opportunity here in Africa." - Crystal Orderson, Journalist Orderson weighs in on the impact of geopolitics and highlights a significant moment when President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame shared a platform at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan on Tuesday. Both agreed they needed to focus on the continent's resilience. "Because Africa is an engine of growth." - Crystal Orderson, Journalist Where will the growth come from? Orderson says emerging economies are stealing the spotlight, describing these countries as 'rising stars'. Despite being the biggest economies on the continent, the growth is not going to come from South Africa and Egypt. East and West Africa are leading the charge: Rwanda: 7.1% growth Senegal: 8.4% growth Kenya: 4.8% growth Uganda: 6.1% growth Ivory Coast: 6% growth The World Bank's private investment arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is betting on Africa and planning to invest $14.2 billion in critical sectors. "They say they are going to invest heavily across Africa in digital infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, business development, and clean energy." - Crystal Orderson, Journalist covering African issues Africa boasts an enormous surface area and is home to minerals and natural resources. "We have about 30% of the globe's critical minerals. So a big issue is roads, ports, and infrastructure - and there is massive money in that. Experts say there are two to three trillion dollars available in different pension funds" - Crystal Orderson, Journalist This is where the private sector banks and governments are forging public-private partnerships to see this investment unfold, she adds. The RMB Where to Invest in Africa Report shows Africa's five top investment destinations. "The Island economies, like Mauritius, and then Egypt, Morocco and South Africa." - Crystal Orderson, Journalist As a journalist, Orderson has visited Ethiopia many times over the years. She says the country stands out as a compelling case study of transformation. Once plagued by infrastructure challenges, it has dramatically improved its internet connectivity, road systems, and economic stability through strategic investments and diaspora engagement. The G20 and B20 summits, with South Africa in leadership, are creating unprecedented platforms for economic dialogue and collaboration. The African Union's membership in these forums signals a new era of global economic participation. "There is a realisation in Africa they cannot do it alone and need help to start unlocking growth." - Crystal Orderson, Journalist "Things are moving," Orderson emphasises. "The realisation around infrastructure, digital economy, and access to technology are game-changers, and we're seeing significant changes across the continent. The continent's narrative is no longer centred on survival but rather on strategic growth, sustainable investment, innovation, and global leadership.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S.-South Africa Tension Explained as Trump Hosts Ramaphosa
U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on May 20, 2025, and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking at the Africa CEO Forum annual summit in Abidjan, Africa, on May 12, 2025. Credit - Trump: Chris Kleponis—Getty Images, Ramaphosa: Issouf Sanogo—Getty Images After months of escalating tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, President Donald Trump is meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House on Wednesday. Prior to the meeting, President Ramaphosa expressed hopes of reaching a trade deal with the U.S., which could serve to mend damaged ties between the two countries. "Whether we like it or not, we are joined at the hip and we need to be talking to them,' Ramaphosa said in a filmed interview shared on May 16. 'We want to come out of the United States with a really good trade deal… and consolidate good relations between our two countries.' The South African leader added that the war in Ukraine, as well as the Israel-Hamas war, will also be discussed. The meeting comes at a pivotal time, as since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump has strongly criticized Ramaphosa's governing of South Africa, claiming there has been a 'genocide' of white farmers. Ramaphosa's government denies those allegations. There's a history between Trump and Ramaphosa, as this is not the first time there has been friction. In 2018, during his first term, Trump received criticism from the South African government after posting what South African officials referred to as 'false information' via social media about "the large scale killing of farmers" in the country. Trump asked then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to "closely study" the situation, following a report from Fox News citing that the 'South African government is now seizing land from white farmers.' South African officials said that Trump's assessment of the issue was a 'narrow perception' which only sought 'to divide' their nation and 'remind' them of their colonial past. Meanwhile, thus far during Trump's second term, Elon Musk—who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—has joined Trump as a vocal critic of the South African government. Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and still holds citizenship. In February, the Tesla CEO directly addressed Ramaphosa in a post on X, saying: 'Why do you have openly racist ownership laws?' In early May, Musk's AI bot Grok was found to be posting about 'white genocide' in South Africa, in response to unrelated posts and requests. The issue was said to be resolved within hours, and Musk's company has since stated that the issue was due to an unauthorized change to the bot's prompts from a rogue employee, adding that the system would be updated to address the problem. Here's what to know about the escalating tensions between the United States and South Africa: Trump has alleged a genocide is being committed against white South Africans, something which Ramaphosa has vehemently denied. In a video posted on X on May 16, the South African President said: 'We all know as South Africans, both black and white, that there is no genocide here… The false stories that have been perpetrated, we all know are not true, are not a reflection of who we are.' Ramaphosa also said: "During our working visit to the U.S. we will be advancing a proudly South African message." Trump Administration officials greeted over 50 Afrikaners, descendants of mainly Dutch colonial settlers who arrived in South Africa in the 1600s, on May 12 as they arrived in the United States as refugees. These were the first official refugees to arrive in the U.S. under the Trump Administration, after the President suspended all refugee admissions on his first day in office. Speaking to reporters about the arrival, Trump said they had 'essentially extended citizenship' so that the Afrikaners could 'escape the violence.' Trump told reporters: 'We're supposed to have a G20 meeting there [in South Africa], I don't know how we can go unless that situation is taken care of. It's a genocide that's taking place, that you people don't want to write about.' Responding to a TIME reporter as to why Afrikaners were being accepted into the U.S. but not other refugees, Trump said: 'Farmers are being killed… They happen to be white, but whether they're white or black makes no difference to me. But white farmers are being brutally killed and their land is being confiscated in South Africa.' South Africa previously held a G20 meeting in February, but the U.S. was noticeably absent. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened up about the decision via social media, saying: 'I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote 'solidarity, equality, & sustainability.' In other words: DEI and climate change.' He added: 'My job is to advance America's national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.' Meanwhile, in February, a South African court ruled that claims of a white genocide were 'clearly imagined' after blocking a wealthy benefactor's donation to the white supremacist group Boerelegioen. In March, Rubio expelled the South African Ambassador to the U.S. Ebrahim Rasool, calling him 'a race-baiting politician who hates America' and hates the President. Rasool had previously said that Trump was leading a white supremacist movement in the U.S. during a webinar. Ramaphosa responded to the expulsion, calling it regrettable, but added that he was 'working on straightening out' the tension. Rasool returned to South Africa to a sea of supporters welcoming him at the airport. Speaking upon his arrival, he said: 'A declaration of persona non grata is meant to humiliate you. But when you return to crowds like this, and with warmth… then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity.' In February, Trump signed an Executive Order pausing all foreign aid to South Africa after claiming that land belonging to white South Africans was being confiscated and they were being treated unfairly. The Executive Order cited the South African Expropriation Act of 2024, enacted in January 2025, saying it enabled Ramaphosa's government 'to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners' agricultural property without compensation.' Trump's statement continued: 'This Act follows countless government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business, and hateful rhetoric and government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.' In response, the South African government said: 'It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognise South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid.' The statement referred to the U.S. resettlement programme for Afrikaners as 'ironic,' describing the South African group as one of the most economically-privileged in the country. The Expropriation Act allows private land seizures by the government without compensation, raising concerns from Afrikaners about land possibly being taken by the state. In South Africa, roughly three-quarters of private land is white-owned. White people make up an estimated 8% of the country's population, whilst only 4% of privately-owned land is owned by black South Africans, despite them making up an estimated 80% of the population. The Trump Administration disagreed with South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which accused Israel of committing genocide against the people of Gaza in the Israel-Hamas war. In Trump's Executive Order that cut aid to South Africa, the President said: 'South Africa has taken aggressive positions towards the United States and its allies, including accusing Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice, and reinvigorating its relations with Iran to develop commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements.' South Africa filed its case accusing Israel of genocide in December 2023, saying it was 'gravely concerned with the plight of civilians caught in the present Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip due to the indiscriminate use of force and forcible removal of inhabitants.' Ramaphosa's government filed evidence for their case in October 2024. Contact us at letters@
