Africa’s estimated green hydrogen production capacity is expected to grow to 50 million tons per year by 2035. The continent’s abundant renewable energy resources, attractive fiscal policies and development potential make it a highly attractive market, and with African energy demand projected to grow two-fold by 2040, investment is projected to increase significantly across the continent.

This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference – taking place in Cape Town from November 4-8 – will feature a dedicated hydrogen summit, with panel discussions unpacking the continent’s ongoing projects and future investment opportunities. The summit builds on the rising demand for hydrogen globally to connect partners, address challenges and advance project development in Africa.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

As global demand for alternative fuels grows – driven by the energy transition -, Africa has emerged as the investment market of choice for many countries worldwide. The EU market, for example, serves as the largest commercial opportunity for hydrogen projects in Africa given the blocs target of importing 10 million tons of green hydrogen from international partners by 2030. Partners from the Middle East and the Americas have shown similar interest in Africa’s green hydrogen potential, and as a result, a slate of projects has kicked off in recent years.

This month, renewable energy company ACWA Power signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Tunisia to advance green hydrogen production in the country. The partnership aims to produce 600,000 tons of green hydrogen annually through a three-phase approach for export to Europe. The initial phase aims to generate 200,000 tons per year to be exported via the SoutH2 Corridor – a planned hydrogen pipeline connecting Tunisia to Italy, Austria and Germany.

Additionally, Mauritania unveiled ambitious plans to produce 12.5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2035. In May, transitional energy group Chariot finalized the feasibility study for a 10 GW green hydrogen project in Mauritania – Project Nour. Plans are currently underway to implement a phased development approach for the project, where the initial phase aims to establish 3 GW of renewable capacity, generating up to 1.6 GW of electrolysis capacity to yield 150,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. Green hydrogen from the project will be used to meet domestic needs as well as international demand, leveraging Mauritania’s proximity to European markets. Other projects in Mauritania include Danish developer GreenCo Energy’s 35 GW Megaton Moon, renewable energy developer CWP Global’s 16-20 GW Aman project and a 10 GW project spearheaded by Egyptian utility company Infinity and energy company Conjuncta.

Meanwhile, poised to become Africa’s first 100% net-zero green community, the Daures Green Hydrogen Village project in Namibia will comprise solar, wind, hydrogen and ammonia production systems and transportation networks. Set to be developed through 2032, the project will provide a pilot proof of concept while eventually targeting large-scale green hydrogen production, exploration and export to regional and global markets.

“Africa stands to become a global green hydrogen hub given the continent’s strategic proximity to high-demand international markets and abundant resources. While several countries across the continent have made great strides towards developing large-scale projects, significant investment opportunities remain. Africa should leverage rising global demand to build green hydrogen projects and related infrastructure, therefore bringing a new energy source to the market,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Stepping into this picture, the summit aims to explore how green hydrogen can achieve climate goals and foster global partnerships while showcasing the significant role that hydrogen will play in the future of African energy. Panel discussions, such as Unleashing the African Hydrogen Revolution and Creating a Sustainable African Hydrogen Value Chain explore the potential of hydrogen as a clean, sustainable energy source and its implications for Africa’s energy landscape. Panelists will discuss scalability, cost effectiveness and hydrogen’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Dream Hotels&Resorts (Dream) and CityBlue Hotels (CityBlue) (www.CityBlueHotels.com) are proud to announce a strategic sales and representation partnership aimed at fortifying their market presence across Africa.

Embodied by the tagline, ‘Collaborating for a Brighter African Hospitality Future’, the alliance marks a significant milestone in bringing together two renowned African hospitality companies with a shared vision of sustainable growth.

Considered a prominent player in South Africa’s hospitality industry, Dream’s portfolio comprises 23 mixed-used properties. CityBlue, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain with properties across Accra, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala, Kigali, Lamu, Mombasa and Nairobi plans to reach 50 operating hotels by 2028.

“Collaboration is a powerful force that brings together diverse perspectives,” says Nick Dickson, Director of Dream Hotels&Resorts. “By combining our resources, expertise, and extensive networks, we’re establishing a unified approach to market expansion, while delivering even greater value to our guests.”

According to Jameel Verjee, Founder&CEO of CityBlue Hotels, their East&West-meets- South partnership will include joint marketing campaigns, co-branded promotions, combined trade show representation, and the exchange of contracted agents, wholesalers, and clients to ensure a diversified market reach.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” he adds. “By working together in complementary markets, we are endorsing the opportunities of pan-African collaborations, which ultimately leads to a more resilient, robust and unified industry.”

An official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dream and CityBlue will take place at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Windhoek the week of 25 June 2024. Their cohesive partnership aligns with AHIF’s mission of fostering investment, collaboration, and growth in African hospitality.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.

About Dream Hotels&Resorts: 
Founded in 1988, our mission at Dream Hotels&Resorts is to deliver dynamic and exceptional hospitality solutions in Africa that connect local and global travellers to our communities in a sustainable and relevant manner. With a growing portfolio of over 23 properties, including exclusive membership and ownership opportunities, we have adopted a more purposeful approach to the guest experience, leading with greater compassion and intent, while creating a healthy balance between our actions, our communities, and the environment.

About CityBlue Hotels:
CityBlue Hotels, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, operates properties across some of East and West Africa’s major cities. Renowned for its modern, comfortable accommodations and strong focus on business travellers, CityBlue’s mission is to open African doors and extend care to everyone through the celebration of diversity. CityBlue aims to build the future of African hospitality by harnessing the power of technology to democratise travel.

Today, 26 June 2024, Trial Chamber X of the International Criminal Court (ICC or “Court”) (www.ICC-cpi.int), by  majority, convicted Mr Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud of some of the charges brought against him of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between 2 April 2012 and 29 January 2013 in Timbuktu, northern Mali, controlled at that time by the armed groups Ansar Dine and Al-Qaida in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

The Chamber was composed of Judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua (Presiding Judge), Judge Tomoko Akane and Judge Kimberly Prost.

The Presiding Judge read out a summary of the judgment in court, stating, inter alia, that “although Al Hassan was working for a group that claimed to be applying Islamic Sharia, this trial was not about Sharia, or the Muslim religion in general”. The trial concerned the acts and conduct of a man, Mr Al Hassan, acting in a specific context. The Bench examined the evidence to ascertain whether Mr Al Hassan’s responsibility was established beyond reasonable doubt.

The Chamber noted that, after being recruited by senior leaders of AQIM, Mr Al Hassan became a senior member of the Islamic Police, where he took on a leadership role that included organizing police work. The Islamic Police played a pivotal role in the system Ansar Dine/AQIM put in place to commit the crimes. He also participated in the work of the Islamic Court as a member of the Islamic Police, inter alia by writing and signing police reports, taking part in the transfer of accused persons to the Islamic Court and implementing the judgments and sentences handed down by it. He remained a member of the Islamic Police until Ansar Dine/AQIM left Timbuktu. Hence, Mr Al Hassan contributed to the system put in place by Ansar Dine/AQIM.

Mr Al Hassan was convicted, by majority, of directly committing the crimes himself, contributing to them with others or aiding and abetting the commission of the crimes by others, in relation to:

the crimes against humanity of torture; and
the war crimes of torture and outrages upon personal dignity;

and of contributing to the crimes perpetrated by other members of Ansar Dine/AQIM, in relation to:

the war crimes of mutilation, cruel treatment and passing sentences without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all judicial guarantees which are generally recognized as indispensable; and
the crimes against humanity of persecution and other inhumane acts.

The Chamber found that certain crimes of sexual violence had taken place in Timbuktu during the material time. However, Mr Al Hassan was not found to bear responsibility for those crimes and was consequently acquitted of the following charges:

the war crimes of rape and sexual slavery;
the crimes against humanity of rape, sexual slavery and other inhumane acts in the form of forced marriage.

Mr Al Hassan was also acquitted of the war crime of attacking protected objects.

The three judges each appended to the decision a separate, partially dissenting opinion. Judge Kesia-Mbe Mindua appended a dissenting opinion concerning, in particular, the existence of a ground for excluding Mr Al Hassan’s criminal responsibility.

An order setting the calendar of the proceedings for Mr Hassan’s sentencing will be issued shortly. The verdict may be appealed by the Prosecutor or the Defence for Mr Al Hassan within 30 days.

Trial Judgment http://apo-opa.co/4cg64gV

Separate and Partly Dissenting Opinion of Judge Tomoko Akane http://apo-opa.co/3zeSgV4

Separate and Partly Dissenting Opinion of Judge Kimberly Prost http://apo-opa.co/3zeSgV42

Summary read in Court (French) http://apo-opa.co/3XLjYDn

Questions and Answers document: English http://apo-opa.co/3XAvvVT; French http://apo-opa.co/4czpUDt

Photographs of the hearing http://apo-opa.co/4cD5iKt

Audiovisual material:

Verdict in the case of Al Hassan, full hearing, 26 June 2024

YouTube (for viewing): French http://apo-opa.co/4eyFbGB, Arabic http://apo-opa.co/3XAUqZq, English http://apo-opa.co/3VZfY0I, Floor http://apo-opa.co/4cgaqUZ
Video (MPEG-4) for download: French http://apo-opa.co/3XFbAFp, Arabic http://apo-opa.co/4cxmuSh, English http://apo-opa.co/4eHpCfs, Floor http://apo-opa.co/3XAvwcp
Audio (MPEG-3) for download: French http://apo-opa.co/4cC83fb, Arabic http://apo-opa.co/4cCbySH, English http://apo-opa.co/4chFGD4, Floor http://apo-opa.co/3XHCTyU

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Criminal Court (ICC).

For further information, please contact:
Fadi El Abdallah
Spokesperson and Head of the Public Affairs Unit
International Criminal Court
on +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938
or at fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int

You can also follow the Court’s activities on Twitter / X http://apo-opa.co/3VW9dwy, Facebook http://apo-opa.co/3XE3Ymk, YouTube http://apo-opa.co/3VXf0C6, Instagram http://apo-opa.co/4eyFbX7 and Flickr http://apo-opa.co/4eIvu8j

Background: 
The trial in this case opened on 14 and 15 July 2020 (http://apo-opa.co/3XAUrws). During the trial, the Prosecution called 52 witnesses to give oral testimony, and 22 Defence witnesses appeared in court. The Legal Representatives of Victims, representing 2,196 victims in the case, also called two witnesses. On 8 February 2023, Trial Chamber X closed the presentation of evidence in the case. The Prosecution, the Legal Representatives of Victims and the Defence made their closing statements between 23 and 25 May 2023.

Azentio Software (“Azentio”) (www.Azentio.com), a leading end-to-end software company specializing in the BFSI sector, has announced that Banque Populaire de Mauritanie (“BPM”), one of the largest financial institutions in Mauritania, is now live with iMAL Business Intelligence (BI) (http://apo-opa.co/4cvpDBG) – a strategic BI platform that empowers banks to take more effective decisions, faster. The solution’s advanced analytics will help BPM to simplify its data management processes and extract valuable and relevant insights for data-driven business outcomes.

BPM’s continued growth pivots on the banks’ ability to effectively address multiple opportunities such as assessing high-margin revenue streams, ongoing innovation in Islamic banking products, reducing customer churn, improving customer-centricity and capitalising on high-growth opportunities. Data insights will give BPM quick and easy access to the essential data which is critical to their success and will offer the bank real-time insights while also significantly improving analysis, storage and data collection.

iMAL BI offers a variety of customized interactive reports, dashboards, and data visualization options to identify trends, patterns, and insights to take effective and proactive actions. BPM can expect a comprehensive view of data from multiple platforms and across departments which will ease collaboration and quicken communication within the organisation.

BPM has been utilizing iMAL, an industry-leading Islamic core banking platform since it first expanded operations into universal banking in 2012. The platform has consistently powered BPM’s growth trajectory, helping it to speedily evolve and deliver innovative products and services to satisfy evolving customer needs while ensuring the bank conforms to Sharia values.

Limam Ebnou, CEO of BPM, stated, “BPM has continuously endeavoured to stay ahead of the curve in our markets and with our customers. Azentio’s domain expertise and business know-how has undoubtedly been a contributing factor in achieving this over the years and we are proud to continue to grow and strengthen this relationship with them. We chose iMAL BI as we can see that it has sophisticated data mining, benchmarking, analytical and visualisation capabilities to empower our teams with the data they need to make decisions, with speed, that drive real change.”

Sanjay Singh, Group CEO of Azentio, commented, “We are proud of our long association with the leading Islamic bank in Mauritania. BPM has successfully transformed the banking segment in the region by reimagining their approach across the business, their technology and operating model. With iMAL BI, our objective is to help them with the right tools to access the right data, at the right time, to effectively reshape business and drive growth while improving operational efficiency. The platform will provide BPM with state-of-the-art problem-solving capabilities to reduce process inefficiencies and strengthen their customer engagement practices.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.

About Azentio Software: 
Azentio provides mission-critical software products across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and India to banks, financial services providers, and insurers. It also provides ERP solutions to mid-market enterprises. The company’s flagship platforms include Azentio ONEBanking, Azentio ONECapitalMarkets, Azentio ONEInsurance, and Azentio ONEERP. The flexibility that comes from its software platforms allows a host of applications to work with a single source of data and equips clients with workflow, analytics, document management and flexible integration mechanisms. Azentio Software Private Limited is wholly owned by funds advised by Apax.

About Banque Populaire de Mauritanie:
Headquartered in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Banque Populaire de Mauritanie (“BPM”) is an Islamic bank offering individuals, professionals, and businesses an innovative range of products and services in terms of deposits, financing, and participatory investments. Founded in 1998 as a Financial Credit Institution and transformed into universal bank in 2012, the bank has today expanded exponentially, with branches covering most of the country’s major cities, including 20 in Nouakchott alone.