Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) says it notes with concern the recent circulation of unauthorised information across various media and social platforms regarding a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO).
DPRP further notes that several online platforms and unofficial sources have published unverified, and in some instances inaccurate, information relating to a potential offering. Such reports do not originate from DPRP and should be treated with caution, disclosed the organisation.
“All official updates regarding any potential transaction will be communicated strictly through DPRP’s formal public disclosures and announcements issued by its appointed advisers, in line with applicable laws and regulatory requirements,” submitted the DPRP..
Dangote Petroleum trucks
The firm advised the public, investors, and market participants to disregard speculative commentary and rely solely on verified information formally issued by DPRP or its authorised representatives.
DPRP says it remains committed to the highest standards of transparency, corporate governance and market integrity, adding that it underscores the importance of responsible public communication and urges commentators, analysts and social media influencers to rely only on authenticated information.
DPRP assured stakeholders that, when appropriate, comprehensive, and accurate details regarding any proposed transaction would be made available through official channels, including regulatory filings, authorised press releases, and coordinated communications by the Enterprise and its appointed advisers.
“This communication is for information purposes only and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any such offer, if made, will be undertaken solely on the basis of duly authorised offer documentation and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements,” added the DPRP.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has reached a major milestone in restoring degraded land, announcing the rehabilitation of one million hectares under the Saudi Green Initiative, demonstrating that large-scale land restoration is achievable even in some of the world’s most water-scarce environments.
The achievement comes at a time of growing global pressure on land and water systems, as droughts intensify, food systems face increasing strain, and land degradation continues to affect nearly half of the global population.
“This milestone shows that restoring land at scale is not only possible but also it is already happening,” said UNCCD Executive Secretary, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, in a recorded message marking the occasion.
Saudi Green Initiative
“In a world facing rising drought and increasing water stress, this achievement sends a clear signal: with the right policies, science, and commitment, countries can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for resilience and growth,” Fouad added.
“Reaching one million hectares of restored land marks a pivotal milestone in Saudi Arabia’s environmental journey. It reflects our leadership’s commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how coordinated action across government, private sector and communities can deliver lasting impact, strengthening ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and advancing our Vision 2030 goals,” stated Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, KSA.
Implemented under challenging climatic conditions and limited water availability, the restoration effort reflects a comprehensive approach combining innovation, science-based solutions and long-term planning. Measures such as cloud seeding programmes, early warning systems for sand and dust storms, and the expansion of protected areas have contributed to strengthening ecosystem resilience and improving land productivity.
Land restoration is increasingly recognised as a critical investment in sustainable development. Healthy land systems underpin food security, water availability, economic resilience and stability, making restoration not only an environmental priority, but a strategic economic and social imperative.
“Land is our most vital infrastructure,” added Dr. Fouad. “When land degrades, water systems weaken, food production declines, and communities become more vulnerable. Investing in healthy land is investing in people, stability and long-term prosperity.”
Saudi Arabia’s efforts also contribute to strengthening international cooperation on land, including through initiatives such as the Middle East Green Initiative and the G20 Global Land Initiative, hosted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The Kingdom’s leadership during its presidency of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties has further reinforced global ambition to address land degradation and drought.
The milestone illustrates the importance of aligning national action with global frameworks, demonstrating how countries can translate commitments into measurable progress on the ground.
As the international community prepares for the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UNCCD, to be held in Mongolia in August 2026, this achievement provides a timely example of the scale and pace of action required to restore land, strengthen drought resilience and support sustainable livelihoods worldwide.
“Restoring land is not only an environmental necessity, but also a pathway to resilience, stability and prosperity,” Dr. Fouad said. “The progress we are seeing today shows what is possible when ambition is matched with action.”
The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Day, observed annually on March 27 following a Cabinet decision, reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to establishing a culture of sustainability, enhancing national environmental efforts, and encouraging all sectors to achieve sustainable development goals in line with Vision 2030.
The initiative recently achieved a significant national milestone by rehabilitating one million hectares of degraded land through the National Greening Programme, overseen by the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. This objective aims to expand vegetation cover, reduce desertification, improve quality of life, and enhance the natural capacity of local environments to adapt to climate change.
The achievement is an extension of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to protect natural resources, reduce emissions, promote reliance on clean energy, and preserve biodiversity, thereby strengthening Saudi Arabia’s regional and international standing in environmental action.
Over the past year, the initiative has continued to make tangible progress. More than 159 million trees were planted across the Kingdom, and environmental reserves saw the birth of Arabian oryx calves for the third consecutive year. Furthermore, the National Water Efficiency and Conservation Center currently saves 120,000 cubic meters of water daily, with plans to increase this capacity to 300,000 cubic meters.
These combined efforts align with the objectives of Vision 2030 and contribute to strengthening the Kingdom’s regional and international standing in environmental sustainability.
SGI Day is observed annually to highlight the initiative’s achievements, review its future goals, and encourage broad sector participation in environmental efforts and sustainable development.
These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s approach to environmental and climate action, driven by the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, both launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, underscoring its ongoing commitment to supporting the transition toward a more sustainable development model.
Chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Dr. Layi Fatona, has been awarded the 2026 Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) highest honour, the NMGS/Shell Award, at the Society’s just concluded 61st Annual International Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Also honoured at the event is Renaissance’s Vice President for Exploration, Johnbosco Uche, who received the 2026 NMGS/Durotoye/COMEG Award.
Speaking on the deserving attributes of the Fatona and Johnbosco, NMGS President, Ms. Rose Ndong, said their contributions to the growth of mining and geosciences had been consistent over the years and had brought about economic development to the Nigerian nation.
L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Tony Attah; Mrs. Toyin Fatona; the recipient of he 2026 Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) highest award, the NMGS/Shell Award, and Chairman, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Dr. Layi Fatona; President, NMGS, Ms. Rose Ndong; and the recipient of the 2026 NMGS/Durotoye/COMEG Award and Renaissance’s Vice President for Exploration, Mr. Johnbosco Uche, at the NMGS Awards Ceremony that rounded off the 61st NMGS Annual International Conference and Exhibition… in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State… on Wednesday
“Your economic contributions to the profession also singled out for the awards,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Fatona called for tighter regulation of Nigeria’s mining and energy sectors, warning against the proliferation of unqualified practitioners and the risks of weak enforcement, environmental neglect, and short-term opportunism.
“We are living in extraordinary times with the global energy transition accelerating and critical minerals becoming strategic assets,” Fatona said. “Nigeria must not be a spectator. We must be a strategic player, and that requires competence, discipline and professional integrity.”
He urged the industry to restore what he termed “professional sovereignty,” where trained experts lead practice and institutions enforce standards. “Capital must partner with competence – not replace it,” he added.
Fatona drew parallels between Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and its mining industry, noting that while the oil industry has matured faster, it has also faced challenges including environmental damage, governance issues and dilution of professional authority. He cautioned that the mining sector must avoid repeating those mistakes.
Reacting to the honour done two leaders of Renaissance, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Attah, said the two recipients reflect the commitment of Renaissance to redefining Nigeria’s energy future with ambition, belief, and courage.
He said, “Every day, we benefit from the foresight, wisdom and experience of Dr. Fatona, including his vision and thoughts on how to better manage Nigeria’s abundant natural resources for the nation’s industrialisation.”
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation and The Central Africa Markets Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CAMPEA) on Friday, March 27, 2026, announced a strategic partnership designed to strengthen collaboration between conservation and private capital markets across Africa.
The alliance brings together EPI Foundation’s pan-African conservation mandate with CAMPEA’s regional investment network to accelerate sustainable financing solutions that support both biodiversity protection and economic development.
EPI Foundation and CAMPEA plan to mobilise private capital to strengthen elephant protection, empower local communities, and develop investment models
Through this partnership, the organisations will explore innovative financing mechanisms that align long-term elephant conservation goals with responsible investment frameworks. The collaboration aims to foster dialogue with African governments, corporate and institutional investors, and private sector stakeholders to promote sustainable land use, climate resilience, and nature-friendly development initiatives in African elephant-range states.
Under the agreement, the EPI Foundation and CAMPEA will jointly convene industry roundtables, develop knowledge-sharing platforms, and support capacity-building programmes that bridge conservation priorities with private capital deployment. The partnership will also seek to mobilise new funding pathways that integrate environmental stewardship into regional investment strategies.
“This partnership reflects a shared vision that conservation and economic prosperity are not competing ambitions,” said John Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer at the EPI Foundation. “By working alongside CAMPEA, we can mobilise private capital to strengthen elephant protection, empower local communities, and develop investment models that recognise natural capital as a cornerstone of Africa’s long-term resilience and growth.”
Tania Eyanga, MBA. CEO at CAMPEA, added: “The future of responsible investment in Africa depends on partnerships that connect capital with long-term environmental and social impact. Collaborating with the EPI Foundation enables us to engage investors who recognise the value of preserving natural capital while supporting resilient economies.”
The Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation is a UK-registered charity that serves as the secretariat supporting the Elephant Protection Initiative, a coalition of African governments committed to conserving their elephants. The EPI Foundation’s board is led by Hon Sharon Ikeazor CON, a former Nigerian minister of the environment.
Central Africa Markets Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CAMPEA) is the regional industry body dedicated to strengthening private capital markets in Central Africa by connecting institutional investors, policy makers, commercial and philanthropic enterprises and corporate entities alongside fund managers and development partners to work symbiotically to foster a capital-expansive, sustainable investment ecosystem that drives tangible economic growth.
Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, raised concerns over accelerating global deforestation, revealing that an estimated 10 million hectares of forests are lost every year.
Ezemonye raised the concern during activities marking the International Day of Forests at the university in Edo State.
According to him, the level of deforestation poses far-reaching environmental and socio-economic threats.
Activities marking the International Day of Forests at the Igbinedion University, Okada, in Edo State
Ezemonye said that Nigeria was not insulated from the trend, citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which ranked the country among those with the highest deforestation rates in Africa.
“The consequences of this loss are grave,” he said, pointing to rising cases of flooding, desertification, ecosystem collapse, displacement of communities and the worsening impacts of climate change.
Describing the annual observance as more than ceremonial, Ezemonye said it should serve as a rallying point for urgent action.
He added that universities must play a central role as “custodians of knowledge and incubators of solutions.”
The V-C reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability, emphasising that it remained a core institutional value beyond academic discourse.
Also speaking, Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Nosa Adams, said forests must be protected as critical climate assets.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Victor Otamere, said “protecting the forests is protecting our lives.”
Adams said that the state government had taken steps to safeguard forest resources, including the establishment of the Edo Forestry Commission.
The Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Valentine Asuen, represented by Area Forest Officer for Ovia North East, Mrs. Joan Omosigho, acknowledged the mounting pressure on forest resources and urged Nigerians to take responsibility for its protection.
Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the university, Prof. Spencer Nwangwu, said that forests across the world were under intense threat from human activities.
Nwangwu listed the activities to include agricultural expansion, urbanisation and illegal logging.
He urged participants to move beyond rhetoric and commit to practical actions that would reverse environmental degradation.
The event, themed “Forests and Economies,” drew attention to the critical role forests play in sustaining livelihoods and supporting global economic systems.
WorldStage Nigeria projects inflation will ease to 12.94 per cent, citing ongoing reforms and cautious optimism for economic growth.
The media firm notes the forecast is below the current inflation rate of 15.06 per cent.
It presented the outlook at its Macroeconomic Outlook 2026 event with the theme “Nigeria’s Economy: Getting it Right” on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Lagos.
L-R:Mr Segun Adeleye, President/CEo, World Stage limited, Miss Nike Popoola, a journalist and Insurance Expert; Dr. Abina Praise representing Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA and Chairman of OPSN; Captain Badamasi M.S, a Pilot and Mr Segun Koiki, a journalist and Aviation Expert at the public presentation of WorldStage Nigeria’s Macroeconomic Outlook 2026 on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the LCCI-BOI Innovation Hub, Nurudeen Olowpopo Street, Alausa Ikeja Lagos
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, reviewed the publication titled “Turning the Corner”.
Represented by Ms. Temilade Aruya, Director, Public Affairs in the ministry, he described the report as a timely contribution to economic discourse.
He said it captures a country transitioning from economic strain towards recovery, stability and sustainable growth.
“As its title suggests, ‘Turning the Corner’ reflects a nation moving towards recovery and long-term growth,” he said.
Omotoso said the report projected GDP growth of 4.49 per cent in 2026 alongside easing inflation, reflecting “cautious optimism”.
“This balance between optimism and realism is a key strength, acknowledging infrastructure gaps, high capital costs and global uncertainties,” he said.
He said the report provided a broad assessment covering banking, capital markets, telecommunications, agriculture, manufacturing, maritime, aviation, health, education and the creative sector.
According to him, the analysis highlights the need for a holistic and inclusive growth strategy.
“No single sector can drive growth in isolation. Progress must be interconnected across industries,” he said.
On banking, he said reforms including recapitalisation, digital innovation and stronger regulation positioned the sector as critical to a one-trillion-dollar economy.
He, however, stressed the importance of workforce stability.
“Sustainable growth must be people-centred. Strong institutions depend on capital and human resources,” he said.
On capital markets, he noted strong performance and rising investor confidence, while warning of policy uncertainty risks in a pre-election period.
“Policy consistency, regulatory clarity and macroeconomic stability will sustain investor confidence,” he said.
Omotoso said the report identified growth opportunities driven by reforms, innovation and investment across key sectors.
He added that it provided insight into policies such as exchange rate reforms, subsidy removal and tax restructuring.
He acknowledged short-term challenges but said the reforms were vital for long-term stability.
“The message is clear: consistent policy implementation will determine reform success.
“The report also identifies risks including inflation, exchange rate volatility, rising debt costs and infrastructure gaps,” he said.
He stressed that inclusive growth must translate into better living standards, jobs and wider opportunities.
Omotoso urged government, private sector and civil society to remain committed to sustaining reforms.
“Turning the corner is only the beginning. Sustained progress requires discipline, strong institutions and collective commitment,” he said.
Earlier, WorldStage President, Mr. Segun Adeleye, said the outlook offered detailed analysis of trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the economy.
He said credible information was essential for operators to make informed investment decisions as the economy expands.
Adeleye noted the report was produced through partnerships with public and private stakeholders.
He added that quarterly reports would be released to guide businesses as Nigeria targets a one-trillion-dollar economy.
“Work on the Q1 2026 report is advanced, offering actionable insights for policymakers, businesses and investors,” he said.
According to him, key metrics include GDP, inflation, exchange rate, oil output and prices, non-oil revenue, manufacturing PMI and foreign reserves.
Kano State Government is updating and reviewing its forestry law to align with modern standards.
Mustapha Mohammad, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, made this known in Kano, the state capital, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, during the opening of the review meeting.
He said the review would strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable forest management and address issues like deforestation, adding that “the existing law is outdated and doesn’t address current environmental challenges.”
Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Kano State
He explained that the revised legislation is expected to reflect current global practices, particularly in safeguarding natural resources and addressing growing threat of deforestation.
Director of Ecology and Forestry in the ministry, Mohammad Auwal, described the review as timely and necessary, stressing that it would enhance the state’s capacity to tackle environmental degradation.
Auwal said the new law would provide stronger legal framework for prosecuting individuals involved in unauthorised tree felling, which he identified as major contributor to environmental decline in Kano State.
A retired Director from the Ministry of Justice, Salisu Abdullahi Marmara, expressed optimism that the involvement of experienced professionals would ensure the emergence of a robust legal framework.
He added that the reviewed law would be forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval once finalised.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) says small and large enterprises have benefited from a N825 million clean energy financing window.
The initiative is part of a $600,000 GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP project.
Of the total, $550,000 were disbursed to BOI for on-lending to eligible industries.
Dignitaries at the presentation of the financing results to national stakeholders and financial institutions in Abuja on Thursday
The funding supports investments in energy efficiency, cleaner production technologies, renewable energy solutions, recycling infrastructure, and resource-efficient production systems.
Mrs. Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, Executive Director, Risk Management and ITD, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP, disclosed this during the presentation of the financing results to national stakeholders and financial institutions in Abuja on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
She said the programme demonstrated how targeted financing could unlock industrial growth while promoting environmental sustainability.
“The initiative enabled companies to adopt energy-efficient machinery, reduce production costs, and improve environmental performance,” she added.
She said the programme, implemented with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), involved collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to deepen industrial participation.
Uz’Okpala emphasised that both large and small firms benefited, with small businesses accessing grants and financing for equipment upgrades and cleaner technologies across manufacturing, agro-processing, hospitality, logistics, and other value chains.
Dr Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer, UNIDO, said the initiative was part of Nigeria’s Programme for Country Partnership framework and had strong potential for scaling up resource-efficient and cleaner production practices nationwide.
He called for expansion of the financing model to reach more industries and deepen Nigeria’s transition to green manufacturing, emphasising that partnerships among government, financial institutions, and development agencies were critical to sustaining gains.
Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Chairman of the Investment Committee and Director-General of MAN, said the programme leveraged risk-sharing mechanisms to encourage investments in innovative technologies.
“The first-loss guarantee structure helped reduce lender risks while attracting private sector participation,” he added.
Mr. Kabiru Jeda of the Federal Ministry of Environment commended stakeholders for promoting environmental sustainability, saying the programme aligned with Nigeria’s goals of green growth and reducing environmental impacts across industries.
Dr Jacob Oladapo, National Project Coordinator, said beyond technical support, the project helped industries identified practical opportunities to cut costs, improved productivity, and reduced environmental impact through cleaner production practices.
He emphasised that access to financing remained the critical missing link, adding that the session guided stakeholders on funding options, eligibility, and translating technical recommendations into real investments.
Forests are not only vital ecosystems but also indispensable to economies and industries worldwide. This year’s International Day of Forests highlights the crucial link between forests and economies, underscoring the role forests play across sectors – from agriculture and construction to energy and tourism.
Globally, forests supply essential raw materials for housing, medicine, food and fuel – but their economic value extends far beyond production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), at least 33 million people are employed in the forest sector worldwide, with demand for forest-based products and ecotourism continuing to grow.
Forests supply essential raw materials for housing, medicine, food and fuel. Photo credit: Dhana Kencana / Climate Visuals Countdown
Forests also provide ecosystem services with wide-ranging benefits for economic growth and prosperity. By regulating climate, maintaining soil fertility and safeguarding water security, they boost agricultural productivity and help reduce the costs associated with climate-related disasters.
These benefits are particularly significant for poverty alleviation and inclusive, sustainable development. In many low-income countries, forests contribute a larger share of GDP and provide a vital safety net for vulnerable communities during times of economic stress. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) estimates that more than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for subsistence, income or employment.
Yet these economic lifelines are under growing threat. Deforestation, forest degradation and climate change are putting these ecosystems – and the industries and communities that rely on them – at risk. Strengthening restoration and conservation efforts is therefore not only an environmental imperative but also an economic one. FAO estimates that non-wood forest products alone are worth at least 9.41 billion USD annually, with potential for further growth.
Strengthening transparency through REDD+ assessments
UN Climate Change is convening the 13th technical assessment week of REDD+ reference levels in Bonn from March 23 to 27, 2026.
These assessments play a key role in enhancing the transparency and credibility of efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), while supporting countries in their implementation. Improving the accuracy of reference levels also helps build technical capacity and strengthen national systems.
This year, seven countries are undergoing technical assessments. Cameroon and Guinea have submitted their reference levels for the first time, while Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi, Nepal and Nigeria have updated theirs using improved methodologies and data.
COP30 Presidency launches roadmap to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030
At COP30, the Brazilian Presidency positioned forests as both an economic cornerstone and a critical front in climate action.
“Forests can buy us time in climate action in our rapidly closing window of opportunity,” said COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago ahead of the conference. “If we reverse deforestation and recover what has been lost, we can unlock massive removals of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere while bringing ecosystems back to life. Healthier ecosystems can equally offer resilience and bioeconomy opportunities by promoting local livelihoods, creating sophisticated value-chains, and generating innovations in biotechnology.”
The COP30 Presidency closed the conference by launching work on a Roadmap for Halting and Reversing Deforestation and Forest Degradation by 2030. The initiative aims to translate the outcomes of the first global stocktake into concrete action, emphasizing the need to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation to achieve the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal, including through incentives such as results-based payments.
The roadmap will provide guidance, identify existing solutions and means of implementation, and highlight key obstacles. As a first step, the COP30 Presidency has opened a call for submissions until March 31, 2026, inviting contributions from diverse stakeholders and emphasising the importance of an inclusive, participatory and transparent process.
From March 23 to 25, 2026, Nouakchott in Mauritania hosted the Elective General Assembly of the pan-African organisation, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa). Held under the auspices of the Nouakchott Region, which had held the presidency since 2022, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the past term and elect new leadership for the next three years.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mohamed Ahmed Lemine, Mauritania’s Minister of the Interior, Decentralisation, and Local Development. The ceremony brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Abdallahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya, as well as the Deputy Minister for Decentralisation, Yacoub Salem Vall. Also present were members of UCLG Africa from the continent’s five regions, the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from UCLG World and international partners (UNDP, GIZ, UNFPA).
The Elective General Assembly of UCLG Africa in Nouakchott, Mauritania
In his opening remarks, the Minister of the Interior emphasised that the assembly is part of an effort to strengthen inter-African cooperation, while highlighting the crucial role of local governments in the continent’s governance. He also noted that Mauritania’s decentralisation strategy is based on major institutional and legal reforms designed to bring the administration closer to citizens and increase the effectiveness of public action.
The President of UCLG Africa and the Nouakchott Region, Ms. Fatimetou Abdelmalick, reviewed the achievements of her term, which was marked by efforts to restore the organisation’s administrative and financial health.
“The journey has been demanding and fraught with considerable challenges. However, thanks to the collective will and unwavering commitment of our teams, we have been able to restore the necessary balance and put the organisation back on a stable and constructive path. This success would not have been possible without the support of Morocco, the Mauritanian authorities, and the favourable political climate currently prevailing on the African continent with regard to decentralisation,” she said.
For his part, Bamba Ould Dermane, president of the Association of Mayors of Mauritania, emphasised that the conference is taking place at a time of major climate, economic, and security challenges. In the face of rapid urbanisation, he stressed the leading role of local governments in developing tailored, community-based solutions.
Echoing this sentiment, the UNDP Resident Representative in Mauritania, Mansour Ndiaye, noted that the meeting is taking place in an international climate marked by persistent development challenges. To this end, he reaffirmed the strategic importance of decentralised cooperation and the territorialisation of public policies.
Participants attended a high-level panel discussion titled: “City Diplomacy and Cross-Border Cooperation in the Context of Multifaceted Crises.” Moderated by Mr. François Menguélé, the new Secretary General of UCLG Africa, this discussion brought together Mr. Sidi Khalifa, Permanent Secretary of the Association of Mayors of Mauritania; Mr. Chakir Mohammed, from Morocco’s General Directorate of Local Authorities (DGCT); and Mr. Elroy Africa, an expert advisor on decentralisation and integrated border management (speaking via videoconference).
The panelists demonstrated that cross-border cooperation is an essential extension of state diplomacy, particularly in the face of security, climate, and migration crises. On this occasion, Morocco’s experience was highlighted through the African Fund for Support to International Decentralised Cooperation (FACDI). This major financial mechanism supports South-South cooperation projects between the Kingdom’s local authorities and their counterparts across the continent.
Elections
The second day of the meeting was devoted to the renewal of UCLG Africa’s governing bodies. Delegates proceeded to elect the members of the Pan-African Council (45 members), the Financial Management Committee (five members), the Executive Committee (15 members, plus three ex officio members from the REFELA, YELO, and FORAF networks), and the Presidency (five members).
As guests of honour at the event, the President of the global organisation (UCLG), Mr. Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya (Turkey), and the Secretary General of UCLG World, Ms. Emilia Saiz, sent messages of support to the Africa Chapter. They reaffirmed the continent’s central role within the global organisation, while inviting the new leadership of UCLG Africa to actively participate in the World Congress, scheduled to take place in Tangier (Morocco) from June 23 to 26, 2026.
The Association of Mayors of Senegal (AMS) has been elected to the head of UCLG Africa presidency. Represented by its president, Mr. Oumar Ba, the AMS is beginning a three-year term. This new leadership was appointed by consensus by all members.
Composition of the new Presidency
The presidency is supported by five regional vice-presidencies, distributed as follows:
West Africa: Association of Mayors of Senegal (Senegal)
Central Africa: United Communes and Cities of Cameroon (CVUC)
East Africa: Kisumu County (Kenya)
Southern Africa: Mazabuka City Council (Zambia)
North Africa: Nouakchott Region (Mauritania)
Network Elections
YELO (Network of Young Local Elected Officials in Africa): The municipality of Haouza, represented by its mayor, Mr. Sidi Alal Boussid, was elected to lead the network.
REFELA (Network of Local Elected Women of Africa): The network proposed postponing the election of its leadership by one month. A meeting will be held for this purpose in late April 2026, in the region of the new President of UCLG Africa.
FORAF (Forum of African Regions): The Forum of African Regions also decided to postpone the selection of its leadership to a later date.
African Candidates for UCLG Global Bodies
In preparation for the renewal of UCLG World’s leadership, the following candidates have been officially nominated to represent the African continent:
UCLG World Co-Presidency: Mr. Bheki Stofile (President of SALGA, South Africa).
UCLG World Treasurer: Ms. Fatiha El Moudni (Mayor of Rabat, Morocco).
Chair of the Gender Commission: Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malick (President of the Nouakchott Region, Mauritania).
Vice-Chair of the Africa Section of UCLG World: Mr. Amadou Koné (UVICOCI, Côte d’Ivoire).
The new president of UCLG Africa chaired the organisation’s first Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. In his inaugural address, Mr. Oumar Ba expressed his deep gratitude to his peers and issued a solemn call for unity and teamwork.
“We are counting on everyone’s commitment. UCLG Africa now occupies a strategic position within the institutional architecture, both at the continental and global levels. Our top priority is to preserve these fundamental achievements. Next, we will focus on strengthening integration across the continent’s various regions,” he stated.
At this first meeting of the Executive Committee, a motion of recognition was adopted in honor of Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malick. In recognition of her exemplary leadership, the outgoing president was elevated to the rank of President Emeritus of the organisation.
A heartfelt tribute to Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi
One of the highlights of this General Assembly was the series of tributes paid to Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, the outgoing Secretary General, for his unwavering commitment to the African and global municipal movement over the past two decades. Expressions of deep gratitude were offered by the Executive Committee, the Culture Commission of UCLG Africa, the Secretary General of UCLG World, and his successor as Secretary General.
All paid tribute to the legacy of a visionary whose work has left a lasting mark on the territorial architecture of the continent.
