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The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and Afreximbank Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Arab–Africa Trade and Investment

Source: APO – Report:

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in promoting trade and investment flows across Arab and African countries.

The MoU was signed in Cairo, Egypt, on 27 October 2025 by Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC, and Mr. Kofi Asumadu Addo, Director, Guarantees and Specialised Finance at Afreximbank who represented the Bank’s Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Mr. Haytham EL Maayergi.

The partnership provides a robust framework for collaboration, enabling the two parties to harmonise their efforts in supporting Arab-African businesses seeking regional market opportunities while facilitating practical information exchange in areas where access to trade and investment intelligence has been limited. Through the cooperation, ICIEC and Afreximbank will align their strategic decision-support tools, developing synergies to better serve public- and private-sector actors across their respective networks.

Areas of cooperation covered in the MoU include risk-sharing mechanisms, which will underpin Afreximbank’s efforts to mobilise financing in support of trade; a structured exchange of information to strengthen the outreach and insight of both institutions; support for Afreximbank’s digital platforms; access for both partners to TRADAR Club offerings, such as TRADAR Intelligence (TIP) and TRADAR Regulations (TRIP); joint capacity-building and advisory services; collaborative work in marketing, promotion and product development; and deployment of the AfrexInsure initiative to maximise risk mitigation and trade-finance tools.

Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC commented, “This partnership marks a milestone in our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade and investment across the Arab-Africa corridor. By combining ICIEC’s risk-mitigation expertise with Afreximbank’s expansive financing and advisory platform, we are enabling businesses to move from ambition to action. Together, we will unlock new opportunities and deliver strategic value-add to trade flows that benefit our member countries and private-sector partners.”

Commenting on the MoU, Mr Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President of Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank noted, “This MoU is a testament to the long-standing relationship between Afreximbank and ICIEC aimed at deepening Arab-Africa trade. It is expected to generate mutually beneficial and meaningful outcomes in areas such as market development, risk-sharing, digital innovation, and capacity building. Both institutions look forward to advancing our joint initiatives, including the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Arab African Trade Bridge.”

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

Media contact:
Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

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About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
As a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to counterparts in its 51 Member States. ICIEC, for the 18th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-” long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors—energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

For more information, Visit https://ICIEC.IsDB.org 

About the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank):
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

www.Afreximbank.com

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Minister hails developments around Pebble Bed Modular Reactor

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says Cabinet’s decision to lift the state of care maintenance of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor will place South Africa back to its “rightful place” at the forefront of nuclear technology.

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing on Sunday.

“South Africa is going back to its rightful place as a major player on the nuclear fuel cycle and we are confident that over a period of time, we’ll be a dominant and indispensable player on the nuclear side,” he said.

The decision allows South Africa to participate in the nuclear fuel cycle which will have both domestic and commercial opportunities.

“It means we can reopen the fuel development laboratories to undertake research and development. There are also commercial opportunities. There’s over 80% of [Small Modular Reactors] that are at differing stages of development. 

“We know that it’s only one country that is a supplier of this fuel. Globally, with the exponential rise of SMRs [Small Modular Reactors]. With the introduction of the work that we are doing, we are going to be another player in that space,” Ramokgopa added.

Last month, the Minister released the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 which included plans to install some 5200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity in South Africa.

“Nuclear is going to play a very crucial role in ensuring that we address the 600 million people on the continent that do not have access to electricity, the industrialisation of the continent, the need for us to beneficiate the critical minerals that are going to underpin the decarbonisation agenda…it’s going to rely on clean baseload and nuclear is going to feature significantly.

“As a country we are not going to be left behind. We have built a body of knowledge over time…and once we’ve lifted this care and maintenance, we are confident that the engineers that we invested in will come back and working with universities, we are going to build a pipeline of nuclear scientists who are going to participate in this build programme,” he explained.

The Minister also reflected on the selection of Duynefontein to be one of the locations for South Africa’s new nuclear build.

“On the IRP we said that we want to additional 5.2GW of nuclear generation capacity. A major decision was taken by the Department of Forestry and Environment…we were granted the EIA [Environmental Impact Assessment] for the site that we had identified for the new nuclear build and that is Duynefontein just adjacent to Koeberg.

“We can deploy, when we initiate this new build, at least 2400MW of nuclear energy. We are also able to demonstrate that now there’s a site that is fully permitted for us to able to roll out the nuclear build programme,” he said.

Other sites are also being explored in the Eastern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

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Condolences for Dr Franklin Sonn

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, November 16, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of educator, diplomat and business leader, Dr Franklin Sonn.

In a statement on Saturday, the Presidency said Dr Sonn who passed away at the age of 86, contributed significantly to different sectors of society and the economy.

Sonn was an esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab and recipient of numerous international honours.

President Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to Mrs Joan Sonn and children Crispin and Heather, as well the extended families and Dr Sonn’s associates nationally and internationally.

Dr Sonn, who served as the democratic South Africa’s first Ambassador to the United States, distinguished himself in leadership roles in education, politics, and business. 

He began his career as a teacher and became principal of Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Cape Town.
He was President of the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association before his appointment as Rector of the then Peninsula Technikon in Cape Town, a post he held until his diplomatic posting.

Dr Sonn was an anti-apartheid campaigner and pioneering champion of broad-based economic empowerment, who exercised his vision for a just South Africa as a board member in significant corporate businesses and as a co-founder of large black-owned enterprises.

“I join the Sonns and Franklin’s diverse friends and associates in mourning the loss of a leader whose life exemplified the essence of the Order of the Baobab. Franklin Sonn inspired the young lives entrusted to him in his early career as a teacher. He provided similar inspiration to the teachers he mobilised in the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association at a time when all sectors were mobilised against apartheid,” said President Ramaphosa.

He also remembered him as “an advocate and activist for the accelerated transformation of our country after the end of apartheid and the upliftment of historically marginalised communities.”

“He fought for equality and development in all his endeavours, which included philanthropic work alongside Joan Sonn. Together, they endowed Crispin and Heather with leadership abilities that have created an intergenerational legacy.

“Franklin Sonn played a great part in our history that lives on in our present and we owe him our commitment to keep building the society he envisioned. May his soul rest in peace,” said the President. –SAnews.gov.za

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Journée nationale de la paix (JNPaix 2025) : le premier ministre Robert Beugré mambé réaffirme l’attachement du gouvernement a la democratie et a la paix

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Représentant le Président de la République, Alassane Ouattara, le Premier Ministre Robert Beugré Mambé a présidé, ce samedi 15 novembre 2025 à Abidjan-Treichville, les festivités officielles de la 29ᵉ édition de la Journée nationale de la Paix (JNPaix 2025). A cette occasion, il a réaffirmé l’attachement indéfectible du gouvernement aux principes de démocratie, de cohésion sociale et de paix.

Placée sous le thème « Unis dans la diversité, renforçons la culture démocratique pour la consolidation de la paix », cette édition visait à sensibiliser particulièrement les jeunes et les femmes aux valeurs de paix, de tolérance et de démocratie pour une nation cohésive dans la diversité. Elle ambitionnait également de renforcer l’appropriation des valeurs démocratiques et républicaines par l’ensemble des populations, dans un contexte marqué par la nécessité de préserver la stabilité nationale.

Dans son intervention, le Chef du gouvernement a souligné que la paix, condition essentielle au développement harmonieux du pays, doit « dépasser nos personnes ». Il a rappelé l’héritage précieux légué par le père fondateur de la nation, fondé sur trois valeurs capitales : l’union, la discipline et le travail, auxquelles s’ajoute « une valeur suprême : la paix ». « Ces valeurs doivent continuer de guider notre marche sur le chemin du développement et de l’épanouissement », a-t-il déclaré.

Robert Beugré Mambé a insisté sur la nécessité de comprendre la démocratie comme l’exercice des libertés et l’acceptation des différences dans le strict respect des lois et des institutions. « La démocratie ne peut pas et ne doit pas s’illustrer par des actes ou des paroles de défiance à l’encontre de l’ordre républicain », a-t-il dit.

Le Premier Ministre a également rendu hommage au Président de la République, saluant en lui « un grand homme de paix », ainsi qu’à la ministre chargée de la Cohésion nationale, Myss Belmonde Dogo, pour ses efforts constants en faveur du vivre-ensemble. Il a étendu ses remerciements à tous les acteurs engagés pour la paix au quotidien.

Prenant la parole, la ministre Myss Belmonde Dogo a rappelé que la JNPaix s’inscrit dans une tradition républicaine de mobilisation du corps social autour des valeurs de paix. « La paix en raison de sa fragilité liée aux humeurs des humains, n’est pas un acquis définitif. La culture de paix est une quête patiente et persévérante qui ne se décrète pas, mais se co-construit », a-t-elle souligné. 

Elle a exhorté les citoyens à incarner la paix dans leur vie quotidienne, avant d’exprimer la fierté du gouvernement envers les jeunes bénévoles pour la paix. Ces 6 500 jeunes, répartis dans 17 régions du pays, ont contribué, tout au long de l’année, au renforcement de la cohésion sociale et à la prévention des violences, des conflits et des actes d’incivisme.

La coordonnatrice résidente du Système des Nations Unies, Hélène N’Garnim-Ganga, a pour sa part salué les efforts de la Côte d’Ivoire pour maintenir la paix et a réaffirmé l’appui continu des Nations Unies aux initiatives locales de cohésion sociale, notamment celles portées par les femmes et les jeunes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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30e Conférence des Parties (COP30) / Marché carbone : la Côte d’Ivoire conclut un important accord d’achat de crédits carbone

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Côte d’Ivoire et la structure Emergent ont annoncé officiellement, le mercredi 13 novembre 2025, la signature d’un accord d’achat d’environ deux (2) millions de tonnes d’équivalent CO₂, représentant les excédents générés dans le cadre du Projet de Réduction des Émissions de gaz à effet de serre autour du Parc National de Taï (PRE).

Cet accord marque une étape majeure dans la mise en œuvre de la stratégie ivoirienne de valorisation de ses crédits carbones issus de ses efforts en matière de lutte contre la déforestation et de promotion d’une économie verte.

Représentant le ministre de l’Environnement, du Développement durable et de la Transition écologique, Parfait Kouadio, directeur de Cabinet, a salué l’engagement de Emergent, soulignant que « cet accord illustre la crédibilité de la Côte d’Ivoire sur le marché international du carbone et ouvre la voie à de nouvelles opportunités d’investissement durable ».

De son côté, Eron Bloomgarden, fondateur et PDG d’Emergent, a félicité la Côte d’Ivoire pour ses avancées remarquables dans la gestion de ses ressources forestières, affirmant que « ce partenariat contribuera à renforcer les efforts mondiaux de réduction des émissions et à soutenir les communautés locales ».

Inscrit dans la dynamique des CDN 3.0 de la Côte d’Ivoire, cet accord met un accent particulier sur la mobilisation de financements verts et la valorisation des mécanismes de marché carbone pour atteindre ses objectifs climatiques à l’horizon 2035.

Avant cette cérémonie, deux panels sur les thèmes « Expérience du marché carbone en Côte d’Ivoire » et « Approche durable pour concilier la conservation des parcs nationaux ivoiriens et le développement rural : Cas du Projet Agroforesterie Comoé (PAC) ont été respectivement animés par l’équipe du projet PRE et Akossi Oreste, sous-directeur à la Direction de la Lutte contre le changement climatique.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Seychelles: President Herminie Outlines Government Priorities in Address to the National Assembly

Source: APO – Report:

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Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of Republic of Seychelles, delivered his maiden address before the National Assembly on Friday evening, presenting a focused agenda aimed at strengthening governance, supporting social development, and ensuring more inclusive economic growth. The event was attended by the First Lady Mrs. Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet of Ministers, the judiciary, members of the Diplomatic corps, and other high-level officials.

In his remarks, President Herminie reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reinforcing democratic institutions and ensuring the National Assembly has the independence and resources necessary to carry out its oversight role effectively. He also announced that several constitutional amendments will soon be tabled to enhance impartiality, accountability, and fair representation across state institutions.

President Herminie outlined measures to ease the cost of living and improve welfare, including the reintroduction of the Long Service Allowance and an unconditional 13th month salary for public sector employees and support for small businesses will be strengthened.

Gratuity benefits will be increased based on years of service. Students from Praslin and La Digue enrolled in professional programmes on Mahé will receive a one-off allowance from 2026, and the Unemployment Relief Scheme will be reinstated to offer guidance, training opportunities, and financial support for jobseekers, particularly young people. The Department of Poverty Alleviation will be revived, the national housing repair budget doubled, and a living wage introduced in 2026.

Key economic and social security reforms include the removal of the Environmental Sustainability Levy for visitors staying in small establishments, the reduction of the retirement age from sixty-five to sixty-three, and an increase in monthly Social Security retirement benefits from January 2026. The government has also secured a significant share in Nouvobanq, with the proceeds directed toward strengthening the Seychelles Pension Fund.

The President also announced that a stop notice has been issued to halt the hotel construction project on Assumption Island, effective Thursday, 13th November 2025. To promote accountability and transparency, the President further announced the establishment of a new commissions of inquiry, including one led by former Chief Justice Mathilda Twomey to examine the Assumption Island development. Other inquiries will address past incidents and institutional concerns.

The Seychelles News Agency will be re-established to support access to information, while new legislation will require all politicians and their immediate families to declare their assets. A Fair Administrative Act will further ensure equality and eliminate favouritism in public administration.

Recognising national challenges in mental health and drug abuse, the government will establish a Mental Health Authority and reinstate the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR), with intensified anti-drug operations targeting maritime trafficking.

President Herminie concluded by calling for unity and collective responsibility, emphasizing his vision of a Seychelles that serves the interests of all its people and commits to governing with humility, courage, and integrity.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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South Africa: President Ramaphosa mourns passing of educator and diplomat Dr Franklin Sonn

Source: APO – Report:

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of educator, diplomat and business leader Dr Franklin Sonn who contributed significantly to different sectors of society and the economy.

Dr Sonn, an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab and recipient of numerous international honours, has passed away at the age of 86.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to Mrs Joan Sonn and children Crispin and Heather, as well the extended families and Dr Sonn’s associates nationally and internationally.

Dr Sonn, who served as the democratic South Africa’s first Ambassador to the United States, distinguished himself in leadership roles in education, politics, and business. 

He began his career as a teacher and became principal of Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Cape Town.

He was President of the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association before his appointment as Rector of the then Peninsula Technikon in Cape Town, a post he held until his diplomatic posting.

Dr Sonn was an anti-apartheid campaigner and pioneering champion of broad-based economic empowerment, who exercised his vision for a just South Africa as a board member in significant corporate businesses and as a co-founder of large black-owned enterprises.

President Ramaphosa said: “I join the Sonns and Franklin’s diverse friends and associates in mourning the loss of a leader whose life exemplified the essence of the Order of the Baobab.

Franklin Sonn inspired the young lives entrusted to him in his early career as a teacher. He provided similar inspiration to the teachers he mobilised in the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association at a time when all sectors were mobilised against apartheid.

We remember him as an advocate and activist for the accelerated transformation of our country after the end of apartheid and the upliftment of historically marginalised communities.

He fought for equality and development in all his endeavours, which included philanthropic work alongside Joan Sonn. Together, they endowed Crispin and Heather with leadership abilities that have created an intergenerational legacy.

Franklin Sonn played a great part in our history that lives on in our present and we owe him our commitment to keep building the society he envisioned.

May his soul rest in peace.”

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Morocco: His Majesty (HM) the King Congratulates Palestinian President on National Day

Source: APO – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, on his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign expresses to President Mahmoud Abbas His warmest congratulations and His best wishes of health and well-being, wishing for the brotherly Palestinian people to achieve their aspirations of peace, security and prosperity.

On this occasion, His Majesty the King expresses His great pride in the brotherly, deep and historic ties between the two brotherly countries and peoples, founded on mutual esteem, fruitful cooperation and acting solidarity, reiterating the Kingdom of Morocco’s continuous support for the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, foremost among which is their right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with Al-Quds East as capital, on the basis of the internationally agreed two-state solution.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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Eritrea: International Diabetes Day Commemorated Nationally in Mendefera

Source: APO – Report:

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International Diabetes Day was commemorated at national level in the city of Mendefera on 14 November, under the theme “Diabetes and Well-being at Work.”

Speaking at the event that featured public and student participation as well as awareness-raising and artistic programs, Dr. Goitom Mebrahtu, Chairman of the National Association of Diabetes Patients, said that adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity are crucial in preventing non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes.

Noting that over half a billion people worldwide are currently living with diabetes, including about 100,000 in Eritrea, Dr. Goitom indicated that unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity remain the primary causes for the increasing prevalence of the disease.

Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, Head of the Ministry of Health branch in the Southern Region, stated that 72% of deaths in the region are caused by non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. He further noted that diabetes is a dangerous condition that gradually damages vital organs and called for strengthened awareness and preventive efforts.

Mr. Welday Gebre, Chairman of the Southern Region Council, and Ms. Amete Negusse, Secretary of the PFDJ, underlined the significant role of continuous public education in preventing the disease and its complications. They called for reinforced and organized campaigns to enhance public awareness.

Finally, Mr. Kalab Tesfaselassie, Director General of the Social Services Department, said that diabetes is not only a health concern but also a factor that negatively affects citizens’ productivity. He affirmed that the regional administration will contribute to efforts aimed at behavioral change and the elimination of harmful habits that expose individuals to the disease.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Swearing-in ceremony of new members of National Executive to be held 

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, November 16, 2025

The country’s new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams, will be sworn into office at a ceremony at the Union Buildings on Monday.

In an advisory on Sunday, the Presidency said the Swearing-in Ceremony of the newly appointed members of the National Executive will take place on Monday, 17 November 2025 at 9 am.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, in accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

“The President has also appointed Ms Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, in accordance with section 93 (1) (a) of the Constitution,” said the Presidency. 

The President announced changes to the National Executive earlier this week.

READ | Changes to National Executive announced
–SAnews.gov.za