26 October 2026

The selected reports highlight the role of development banks in financing energy reforms, transport infrastructure and investment preparation. They also cover efforts by public utilities to mobilise capital. The operations are at different stages: programme approval, ratification of an agreement, clarification of financing sources and discussions with financial partners.

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Botswana AfDB approves US$503.75 million for economic and energy reforms

In a statement dated 23 October, the African Development Bank announced approval of a US$503.75 million loan for Botswana’s Economic Competitiveness and Transformation Support Program. The programme combines measures addressing energy costs with reforms intended to support private investment. Its energy component includes a national electrification action plan and at least one competitive auction for new renewable capacity; the approved amount supports a reform programme rather than a single power plant.

Sources: African Development Bank · tralac · London Daily News · b-economik

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Guinea Road financing for Labé Tougué advances through ratification procedures

Reports published on 24 October describe a further ratification step for financing the Labé–Tougué road and Banti–Koubia link, announced by decree on 23 October. In July, the Ministry of Economy and Finance had presented a €300 million package for the approximately 160 km route, including a bridge over the Bafing River. The development concerns financing formalities for an agreement signed on 22 July, rather than a new agreement concluded in October.

Sources: Guinéenews · Voice of Guinea · Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances de Guinée · Assemblée nationale de Guinée · The Rio Times

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DRC SNEL holds talks on financing power generation and transmission projects

According to reports published on 24 October, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s electricity utility, Société Nationale d’Électricité, met six financial institutions in Dubai on 22 October, including JPMorgan, HSBC and Standard Chartered. Discussions concern financial restructuring and financing four power generation and transmission projects, including through public-private partnerships. The reports do not announce a definitive agreement; financing amounts and terms remain to be determined.

Sources: Ouragan · CongoRassure · Enquete.cd · Africa Monitoring · KNB News

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Algeria Ministry clarifies financing sources for the railway towards Tamanrasset

In a statement dated 25 October, the Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure specifies that the 495 km Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Menia section is financed by the AfDB and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The 1,080 km El Menia–In Salah–Tamanrasset section is financed through the state budget. The ministry states that consultations with the Islamic Development Bank and the AfDB continue regarding other priority railway sections.

Sources: Ministère des Travaux publics et des Infrastructures de base

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AfDB and UK Export Finance establish a framework for cofinancing in Africa

Published by the AfDB on 23 October and covered by the press on 25 and 26 October, the first framework agreement with UK Export Finance was signed in Conakry on 21 October. It provides for identifying, assessing and developing cofinancing opportunities for sovereign and non-sovereign operations, including energy, water, sanitation and digital infrastructure. The memorandum establishes a cooperation framework without announcing an overall financing envelope.

Sources: African Development Bank · The Guardian Nigeria · b-economik

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Information notice

This press review has been prepared for information purposes using publicly available sources. The information and opinions reported are those of the cited sources and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of the Secretariat of the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa (ICA) or its members. The selection of content and references to institutions, companies or projects do not constitute endorsement or recommendation. This review does not claim to be exhaustive; readers are encouraged to consult the original sources before making decisions or using the information.