Latest news with #CoteDIvoire
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria's VivaJets Receives Air Operator Certificate, Advocates Free Aviation in Africa
Frontline Nigerian business aviation firm, VivaJets, has received its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), amidst a rapid global expansion in the last two years and advocacy for the reduction of continental barriers to air travel. According to CEO, Erika Achum, having an African AOC gives the firm commercial rights into the 34 countries which have ratified the Yamoussoukro decision, a precursor to the Single African Air Transport Market, (SAATM). "Our story illustrates the transformative power of business aviation in improving connectivity and innovation across Africa. We believe that Africa's prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent," said Achum. Since inception two years ago, VivaJets has participated in several international events, where the firm has advocated for free aviation across Africa. At the 2025 Africa CEO Forum (ACF) in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire, Achum issued a clarion call for the urgent dismantling of long-standing barriers to air travel within the continent, emphasizing that aviation is a key driver of economic integration and growth on the continent. 'Our skies are still segmented by outdated agreements and policies,' he said. 'What Africa needs is a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritizes accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.' 'We are a continent of over 1.4 billion people, with growing cities, industries, and innovation hubs. If we get aviation right, we unlock a future where Africans can move, trade, and connect freely; and that future is within reach,' he added. VivaJets has had a remarkable growth over the last two years, with an expanded fleet, global routes, and a rapidly growing team, whilst showcasing a unique cabin crew outfit created by iconic fashion designer, Loza Maleombho at the Lagos Fashion Week last November 2024. In April 2025, the firm unveiled Above, a travel magazine. According to Chief Operating Officer, Tejumade Salami, the company's journey has been built on the shoulders of an extraordinary team. 'We have been blessed by the most dedicated and creative team, and as we look to the future, we are committed to scaling even greater heights — delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of private aviation in Africa," she said. 'Finally, with the award of its AOC and the unveiling of ABOVE magazine, Falcon Aerospace continues to prove its position as a forward-thinking leader in Africa's private aviation sector, bringing in new levels of connectivity, innovation, and cultural pride,' she added. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Falcon Aerospace Limited. About VivaJets: A brand under Falcon Aerospace Limited, VivaJets provides aircraft charter, management, sales and acquisition services with a focus on innovation and accessibility. In just two years, VivaJets has grown from a visionary start-up with no fleet and no operating license into a fully licensed aviation company with expanding global routes, international collaborations, and pioneering innovations. Alongside VivaJets, Falcon Aero is the brand owner of digital aviation platforms, FlyPJX and CharterXE, and tech and business incubation firms, Instig Labs and The Adrenalina.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IFC and Canada invest in Husk to catalyze solar-powered economic growth in rural Nigeria
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire — The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, with the support of the Government of Canada, today announced a $5 million investment in Husk Power Energy Systems Nigeria Limited (Husk Nigeria), a subsidiary of Husk Power Systems Inc., to expand access to reliable, renewable energy in underserved communities across Nigeria. The financing will support the rollout of Husk's portfolio of solar hybrid mini grids in Northern Nigeria, helping address one of the country's most urgent development challenges: access to electricity. It marks the first investment under the IFC Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Platform, a $200 million debt facility approved in November 2024 to catalyze private sector solutions across West and Central Africa. The DARES Platform complements the World Bank-financed Nigeria DARES Project, a $750 million initiative launched in December 2023 and implemented by Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency. Together, these efforts aim to provide over 17.5 million Nigerians with new or improved electricity access through decentralized renewable energy (DRE) systems. IFC's financing package will enable Husk to develop and operate up to 108 mini-grid sites, resulting in approximately 28,750 new electricity connections and delivering clean, affordable energy to around 115,000 people and businesses. Husk's solar hybrid mini-grids offer a cost-effective alternative to diesel generators, providing users with at least 25% in cost savings while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The total project cost is estimated at $[25] million. IFC's $5 million package includes a $2.5 million senior loan from its own account and a $2.5 million concessional subordinated loan from the Canada-IFC Renewable Energy Program for Africa. The facility is structured as a revolving loan, allowing Husk to repay and redraw funds multiple times during the project's implementation. "The DARES Platform is an innovative approach to tackling one of Africa's most pressing challenges—energy access. By partnering with Husk, a leading renewable energy developer globally, through the first project under the DARES Platform, we are not only addressing the immediate electricity needs of underserved communities in Nigeria but also laying the foundation for a scalable model that can be replicated across the continent. This initiative underscores IFC's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions through strong partnerships between the private sector, governments, and development institutions," said [Ethiopis Tafara, Regional Vice President of Africa], IFC. "This innovative debt facility is exactly what the minigrid industry needs to scale -- blended, long-term and affordable capital," said Husk Co-Founder and CEO Manoj Sinha. "Access to working capital is critical for sustained and rapid growth. Adding 108 new communities to our minigrid portfolio with IFC support is an important step toward our goal of deploying at least 250MW of decentralized renewable energy projects in Nigeria." said [Olu Aruike, Manager, Husk Nigeria]. Despite being Africa's largest economy, Nigeria has the world's highest electricity access deficit, with over 85 million people living without power. Even those connected to the national grid often experience unreliable supply, prompting widespread reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators. The DARES Platform supports the World Bank Group and African Development Bank's Mission 300, launched in April 2024, which aims to bring electricity access to 300 million people across Africa by 2030. The platform also promotes gender inclusion and productive energy use, with a focus on reaching female-headed households, supporting women-led MSMEs, and enabling job creation for women in the energy sector. About IFC IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2020, we invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit About the Canada-IFC Renewable Energy Program for Africa The Canada-IFC Renewable Energy Program for Africa promotes private sector financing for renewable energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa as a means to improve access to affordable and sustainable energy services that can play an important role in reducing poverty, reducing gender inequality, and tackling climate change. Canada has committed $150 million Canadian dollars to this climate program to structure blended finance solutions that enable high-impact energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program is part of Canada's support for the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative: About Husk Husk is an award-winning clean energy company serving communities in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2024, Husk was named one of Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World, ranking #24 overall, and #1 in the energy category. In 2023, it was also named 'World's Best Challenger Brand' in the energy industry, and CEO Manoj Sinha was selected as a TIME 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in Business. Husk's AI-powered energy platform provides 24/7 renewable power to residential and commercial customers, institutions and small factories. It also delivers a range of other products and services, including e-commerce and credit-financing of branded appliances for home and commercial use, as well as community-based solutions for e-mobility and the agricultural value chain. Husk's mission is to supercharge economic growth and social well-being in communities that are unserved and underserved.
CBC
08-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
N.B. to seek exemption on federal immigration targets, minister says
Social Sharing New Brunswick will look to negotiate an exemption to federal immigration targets, according to its intergovernmental affairs minister, as it looks to attract more newcomers from Africa. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D'Amours, who is also the minister responsible for immigration, unveiled a plan Thursday to increase the number of francophone immigrants from six African countries over the next five years. That plan specifically calls for more students and workers from Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon, Senegal and Tunisia. That's despite the federal Liberals aiming to reduce the number of temporary workers and international students, and slow admissions for permanent residents. Ottawa said in January it would cut allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program in half. On Thursday D'Amours said he will seek an exemption to Ottawa's plan as soon as the new federal cabinet is sworn in. WATCH | 'Africa and N.B. have more in common than we can imagine,' minister says Province aims to boost trade, immigration with francophone Africa 2 hours ago Duration 0:54 D'Amours said the "one-size-fits-all" approach to immigration from Ottawa won't work in New Brunswick. "I do understand in some provinces the reality is different, but in New Brunswick, we will be in need of more than 133,000 people within the next 10 years," he said. "So our reality is maybe different." Economist warns about effect of immigration cut on N.B. But the minister also noted New Brunswick could benefit from Prime Minister Mark Carney's campaign promise to increase francophone immigration outside Quebec by 12 per cent. "I think we will be able to convince the federal government, hopefully, to make sure that we will be receiving an exception," D'Amours said. "Today we talk about the francophone countries. So as the only bilingual province in the country, we have a beautiful opportunity to convince the federal government." Need to diversify trade The francophone Africa strategy issued Thursday extends beyond immigration into trade. D'Amours said ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. under President Donald Trump makes the strategy all the more important. "We have to modify our way of doing business," the minister said. "We have focused too much on the American, and I'm not saying we will stop, but the reality is we need to look elsewhere in the world." The plan says the six African countries were selected because of existing relationships with New Brunswick — several already have bilateral agreements with the province.
