Category: Africa

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PSC to meet His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini Zulu

Source: Government of South Africa

PSC to meet His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini Zulu

The Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Professor Somadoda Fikeni, will meet with His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini Zulu on Tuesday, to discuss strengthening collaboration.

The engagement aims to seek His Majesty’s wisdom and guidance on how the Kingship and the PSC can work together to address the needs of traditional communities and promote their well-being. 

During his meeting in KwaZulu-Natal, Fikeni will be accompanied by Commissioners Magerule Sekonya and Bheki Zulu.

“Discussions will also explore potential areas of partnership between the PSC and the AmaZulu Kingship to strengthen service delivery and advance development in the region. 

“These consultations form part of the preparations for the enactment of the PSC Bill, which will empower the Commission to investigate and monitor local government activities,” the PSC said.

This Bill aims to strengthen the Public Service Commission and make it more impartial and independent. It also extends the Commission’s powers to local government and public entities and will provide more legislative teeth to government efforts to professionalise the public service. 

Fikeni previously met with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) to deliberate on challenges faced by traditional leaders.

In July 2024, he also engaged with the National House of Traditional Leaders on the role of traditional leadership in South Africa. 

Both meetings concluded that the PSC should consult Kings and Queens across the country to gain valuable insights, advice, and guidance on matters of mutual interest.

In line with this resolution, the PSC has initiated engagements with various Kingships across the provinces. 

Following these consultations, the PSC will compile a comprehensive report to be presented to the President and the Minister of CoGTA.– SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Deputy President responds to being mentioned at Madlanga Commission

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President responds to being mentioned at Madlanga Commission

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has categorically denied claims made by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi at the Madlanga Commission, alleging that he met with Vusimuzi Cat Matlala or that Matlala intended to meet with him.

“Deputy President Mashatile has noted claims made by Sergeant Nkosi at the Madlanga Commission earlier today. He categorically rejects Sergeant Nkosi’s claims and is prepared to cooperate with the Madlanga Commission fully should the Commission require any clarity or assistance from him,” the Presidency said on Monday.

The Deputy President indicated that they do not know the individuals referenced in the testimony and have never had any association or dealings with them. 

“Of greater significance is that the Deputy President was out of the country at the time that Matlala purportedly met with him or intended to do so,” the Presidency said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

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Over 18 000 suspects nabbed for various crimes

Source: Government of South Africa

Over 18 000 suspects nabbed for various crimes

The South African Police Service (SAPS) nationwide Operation Shanela has yielded significant breakthroughs in combating various crimes, including drug trafficking, and serious and violent crimes, leading to the arrest of 18 822 suspects.

This includes 2 739 wanted individuals linked to serious crimes.

“The week-long operations carried out between 16 and 22 March 2026 led to the arrest of wanted individuals linked to murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, assault GBH [grievous bodily harm], house and business robberies,” the police said in a statement.

Within this week, police operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking and distribution networks across the country led to the arrest of 258 suspects for dealing in drugs, and 3 107 suspects for possession of drugs. 

“The majority of arrests for drug possession were effected in the Western Cape, with 1 933 suspects arrested,” the police said.

In addition, police intercepted a Volvo truck on the N17, near Oshoek, transporting over 670 kilograms of dagga, with an estimated street value of R1 milion. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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SADC leaders address technical barriers to trade

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC leaders address technical barriers to trade

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams has officially opened the 41st annual meeting of the SADC Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Structures. 

The three-day meeting is taking place at the Protea Hotel in Johannesburg.

In line with this year’s Southern African Development Community (SADC) theme, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”, Abrahams highlighted that quality infrastructure is a critical component to facilitating rural development and industrialisation and in turn, economic growth in the southern region of the African continent.

The Technical Barriers to Regional Trade Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade provides a framework for the identification and elimination of trade barriers arising from the application of diverging standards, technical regulations or conformity assessment procedures.

Abrahams said SADC’s growing engagement in international quality infrastructure forums is encouraging, but there must be continued building of scientific, technical, and diplomatic capability to ensure global standards reflect Africa’s realities and support equitable participation.

She said this must be underpinned by deliberate investment in scientific excellence, technical depth, and coordinated diplomatic capability if we are to shape outcomes rather than respond to them.

“To achieve this, we must strengthen our national standards bodies, accreditation systems, and metrology institutes so that they can generate credible data, influence technical committees, and anchor Africa’s positions in evidence. 

“This also requires building a cadre of skilled experts and negotiators, who can engage consistently in global standard-setting platforms and ensure that emerging norms, whether in digital trade, green technologies, or advanced manufacturing are informed by the production realities, development pathways and regulatory capacities of our region,” she emphasised.

Abrahams said agricultural transformation, in particular, requires a change in how  quality infrastructure across the value chain is approached.

“From primary production through to agro-processing and export, farmers and agri-enterprises must increasingly comply with stringent sanitary standards, traceability requirements, and sustainability benchmarks. 

“Strengthening testing, certification, and inspection capacity within the agricultural sector is therefore essential to improve food security and productivity, and to unlock access to higher-value regional and international markets,” she said.

As SADC continues to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the consolidation of standards, mutual recognition of conformity assessments, and the strengthening of institutional capability will be decisive. 

The Deputy Minister concluded by emphasising that a coordinated, well-resourced, and forward-looking approach to quality infrastructure will be essential if the region is to move towards an integrated, competitive, and resilient economic bloc that delivers sustained growth, expanded market access and tangible opportunities for its people. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Afreximbank et FCI organiseront la Conférence régionale africaine sur l’affacturage, le financement des créances et l’assurance-crédit à Kampala

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) et  (FCI) accueilleront conjointement la Conférence régionale africaine sur l’affacturage, le financement des créances et l’assurance-crédit les 15 et 16 avril 2026 à Kampala, en Ouganda. Alors que l’Afrique s’oriente vers un marché unifié, ces outils financiers jouent un rôle de catalyseurs essentiels pour combler le déficit de financement du commerce, en particulier pour les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME), et pour stimuler les échanges intra-africains.

Organisée sous le thème « Au-delà des prêts traditionnels : L’essor continu de l’affacturage et du financement de la chaîne d’approvisionnement en Afrique », la conférence bénéficie du soutien d’Afreximbank, de FCI Academy et de l’ICISA. Cet événement réunira des hauts représentants d’institutions financières, d’institutions de financement du développement, d’assureurs, d’autorités de régulation, d’organismes gouvernementaux ainsi que d’autres parties prenantes clés venues de toute l’Afrique et d’ailleurs, afin de promouvoir des solutions alternatives permettant aux entreprises africaines de se développer, en mettant particulièrement l’accent sur les PME.

Cet événement offrira une plateforme de dialogue de haut niveau sur le rôle croissant de l’affacturage, du financement des créances et de l’assurance-crédit dans le soutien au commerce, l’amélioration de l’accès au fonds de roulement et le renforcement des écosystèmes financiers à travers le continent. Les discussions porteront sur le développement des marchés, les cadres juridiques et réglementaires, l’assurance-crédit, la numérisation, ainsi que sur les aspects pratiques liés à la mise en place et au déploiement à grande échelle de solutions durables de financement des créances.

Alors que les institutions à travers l’Afrique continuent d’explorer des alternatives et des compléments efficaces aux modèles de prêt traditionnels, l’affacturage et le financement de la chaîne d’approvisionnement sont de plus en plus reconnus comme des outils importants pour soutenir la croissance des entreprises, améliorer la liquidité et faciliter le commerce national et transfrontalier. Dans ce contexte, la conférence vise à contribuer à une meilleure sensibilisation, à une compréhension plus approfondie du marché et à un dialogue constructif sur les conditions nécessaires pour soutenir le développement continu dans toute la région.

Cette conférence constituera également une occasion importante d’échanger des connaissances et de nouer des partenariats stratégiques, permettant aux participants d’écouter les témoignages de professionnels du marché, de décideurs politiques et de leaders du secteur, tout en renforçant les liens au sein de la communauté du financement des créances et, plus largement, du financement du commerce international.

S’exprimant en amont de l’événement, Mme Kanayo Awani, Vice-présidente exécutive d’Afreximbank chargée du commerce intra-africain et de développement des exportations a déclaré : « L’affacturage n’est pas seulement une alternative, c’est une nécessité pour les entreprises africaines qui ont besoin de liquidités immédiates pour rester compétitives.  En organisant ce dialogue à Kampala, nous sommes heureux de poursuivre notre collaboration avec nos partenaires de FCI afin de veiller à ce que les cadres juridiques et financiers soient en place pour transformer ces créances en fonds de roulement qui alimentent le moteur de la ZLECAf ».

Mme Betül Kurtuluş, Secrétaire générale adjointe de FCI, a déclaré : « Le développement continu de l’affacturage et du financement des créances en Afrique dépend non seulement de la sensibilisation, mais aussi d’un dialogue concret entre les acteurs du marché, les régulateurs et les institutions. Cette conférence témoigne de cet engagement commun et offre une occasion précieuse d’examiner comment ces solutions peuvent continuer à évoluer dans toute la région ».

Grâce à cette initiative conjointe, Afreximbank et FCI réaffirment leur engagement commun à soutenir le développement des marchés, à favoriser le dialogue et à promouvoir des solutions de financement pratiques qui peuvent contribuer à l’expansion du commerce et à une croissance économique plus large en Afrique.

Les inscriptions pour participer à la conférence sont actuellement ouvertes. De plus amples informations sur le programme et la participation sont disponibles sur https://apo-opa.co/4sE0RYj.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Afreximbank
Vincent Musumba,
Responsable Communication et Événements d’Afreximbank (Relations Médias)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

FCI
Mme Tanya Naysmith,
Responsable marketing principalA
Courriel : naysmith@fci.nl
Courriel : fci@fci.nl 
T : +31 (0)20 627 03 06

La Banque Africaine d’Import– Export (Afreximbank) : 
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, avec une perspective stable, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) et  A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter : www.Afreximbank.com

À propos du FCI :
FCI est l’organe représentatif mondial de l’affacturage et du financement des créances commerciales nationales et internationales en compte ouvert. FCI a été créée en 1968 en tant qu’association mondiale à but non lucratif. Avec aujourd’hui près de 400 sociétés membres dans plus de 90 pays, FCI offre un réseau unique de coopération en matière d’affacturage transfrontalier. Les transactions des membres représentent près de 60% du volume mondial de l’affacturage international.

FCI est une organisation non exclusive, ouverte à toute entreprise qui fournit des services d’affacturage ou envisage de mettre en place des activités d’affacturage, mais aussi aux prestataires de services du secteur.

FCI propose trois grands domaines d’activités :

  • CONNECTER : Le réseau d’affaires soutient les activités d’affacturage transfrontalières grâce auxquelles ses membres coopèrent en tant que facteurs d’exportation et d’importation.
  • ÉDUQUER : FCI promeut et développe les meilleures pratiques dans le domaine de l’affacturage national et international et des produits connexes de financement en compte ouvert.
  • INFLUENCER : FCI promeut et défend l’industrie auprès des parties prenantes et des décideurs politiques du monde entier.

www.FCI.nl

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Varsity Dons, Public Relations (PR) Expert Write for The Nigerian Economy Newspaper as Media Platform Aims Top Position

Source: APO

Two university lecturers, Dr Felix Ijeh and Ewere Okonta; and a public relations practitioner, Blaise Udunze have joined the league of regular contributors to The Nigerian Economy Newspaper (https://Economyng.com), as the media platform navigates the crowdy lane to the top.

Felix Ijeh, PhD, is a seasoned banker, distinguished economist, researcher and policy analyst. He is currently a senior lecturer at the Department of Economics, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo. A fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society (FNES), Dr Ijeh was a regional manager of Wema Bank before becoming a lecturer. He writes on the economy, engaging our audience in crucial and impactful economic issues and developments both locally and globally. We have put his articles together in his special column as The Tuesday Discourse with Dr Felix Ijeh. You can read read one of his insightful articles here: https://apo-opa.co/4rNAT3a.

Other analytical articles by Dr Ijeh are also published in The Nigerian Economy Newspaper on Saturday, which we bring to our teeming readers in Nigeria and across the world as The Weekend Analysis.

Commenting on his editorial involvement at the newspaper, Dr. Ijeh said: “Every well-meaning Nigerian should contribute to her growth and development with their skills and mental resources. This is the path I’ve chosen as an economic analyst and researcher and I find The Nigerian Economy Newspaper as a fantastic new media platform to reach a wide range of people in the financial, maritime, aviation and other economic sectors. I’m grateful to the newspaper’s management for giving me the platform to express my honest views and findings.”

Ewere Okonta, a senior lecturer at the Business Administration Department, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, and an entrepreneur, takes on family and social issues of man’s daily encounter with life, bringing to bare the values of discipline, morals, the relevance of trade and vocation to man’s siuccess and purposeful living. Here is one of his copies published recently by The Nigerian Economy Newspaper https://apo-opa.co/4suBoAA.

“The Nigerian Economy Newspaper is one of the few online newspapers in Nigeria with a broader coverage. I am glad to be one of its several contributors, adding to the newspaper’s premium content on a daily basis,” Okonta said, while speaking on his engagement.

Blaise Udunze, an aggressive writer and a vocal public relations professional and public analyst with a background and experience in financial sector public relations, exudes in-depth knowledge of the banking industry. In his contributions published mainly on Wenesdays, he exposes Nigeria’s hidden challenge in money politics – macro-financial management, banking leadership and public budgetting loopholes while suggesting solutions. You can read one of his very incisive articles here: https://apo-opa.co/4bYSG2S.

Commenting, Udunze said: “I am excited to find The Nigerian Economy Newspaper as another veritable platform to air my views about the Nigerian financial sector. This is an issue I’m passionate about and I’m grateful to the publisher, Mr. Samson Echenim, for providing yet another vibrant platform for my voice.”

Speaking on the development, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chiief, The Nigerian Economy Newspaper, Mr. Samson Echenim said: “Together, these new firebrand writers provide that in-depth, incisive and insightful contents that set The Nigerian Economy Newspaper apart from the crowd of online newspapers, giving us a popular edge over our counterparts and competitors.

“This is in addition to our partnership with Apo Group, an international media content provider, to deepen the quality of our stories and create a unique value in the online media ecosystem. Today, we have become the fastest growing digital business newspaper, not only in Nigeria, but across the globe.”

“This is one of the several ways we have chosen to do things differently. The crowd is huge and the challenge is real. We have chosen not to be lost in crowd by providing those contents that do not only inform and educate, but put our readers ahead of time. In a world where things move too fast, we are taking deliberate decisions to make our readers be on top of trends. We are grateful to our millions of readers across the world and we promise more.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Nigerian Economy Newspaper.

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Afreximbank and FCI to host Africa Regional Conference on Factoring, Receivables Finance & Credit Insurance in Kampala

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and FCI will jointly host the Africa Regional Conference on Factoring, Receivables Finance & Credit Insurance on 15–16 April 2026 in Kampala, Uganda. As Africa moves towards a unified market, these financial tools serve as essential catalysts for bridging the trade finance gap, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and accelerating intra-African trade volumes.

Held under the theme “Beyond Traditional Lending: The Continued Rise of Factoring and Supply Chain Finance in Africa,” the conference is supported by Afreximbank, FCI Academy and ICISA. The event will bring together senior representatives from financial institutions, development finance institutions, insurers, regulators, government bodies, and other key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to advance alternative scaling solutions for African businesses, with a strong focus on SMEs.

The event will provide a platform for high-level dialogue on the growing role of factoring, receivables finance and credit insurance in supporting trade, enhancing access to working capital and strengthening financial ecosystems across the continent. Discussions will focus on market development, legal and regulatory frameworks, credit insurance, digitalisation, and the practical considerations involved in building and scaling sustainable receivables finance solutions.

As institutions across Africa continue to explore effective alternatives and complements to traditional lending models, factoring and supply chain finance are increasingly being recognised as important tools for supporting business growth, improving liquidity and facilitating domestic and cross-border trade. Against this backdrop, the conference aims to contribute to greater awareness, deeper market understanding and constructive dialogue on the conditions needed to support continued development across the region.

The conference will also offer an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and strategic engagement, enabling participants to hear from market practitioners, policymakers and industry leaders while strengthening connections across the receivables finance and wider trade finance community.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs Kanayo Awani Executive Vice President-Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank noted: “Factoring is not just an alternative, it is a necessity for African businesses that need immediate liquidity to remain competitive. By bringing this dialogue to Kampala, we are happy to continue collaborating with our partners at FCI to ensure that the legal and financial frameworks are in place to turn these receivables into the working capital that drives the AfCFTA engine.”

Ms. Betül Kurtuluş, Deputy Secretary General of FCI, shared: “The continued development of factoring and receivables finance in Africa depends not only on awareness, but also on practical dialogue between market participants, regulators and institutions. This conference reflects that shared commitment and provides a valuable opportunity to explore how these solutions can continue to evolve across the region.”

Through this joint initiative, Afreximbank and FCI reaffirm their shared commitment to supporting market development, fostering dialogue and advancing practical financing solutions that can contribute to trade expansion and broader economic growth across Africa.

Registration for the conference is currently open. Further information on the programme and participation is available via https://apo-opa.co/4sE0RYj.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contacts:
Afreximbank
Vincent Musumba,
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

​FCI
Ms. Tanya Naysmith,
Senior Marketing Officer
Email: naysmith@fci.nl
Email: fci@fci.nl 
T: +31 (0)20 627 03 06                                                                                              

About 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) at “Stable”, Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), and Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). 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.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

About FCI:
FCI is the Global Representative Body for Factoring and Financing of Open Account Domestic and International Trade Receivables. FCI was set up in 1968 as a non-profit global association. With today close to 400 member companies in more than 90 countries, FCI offers a unique network for cooperation in cross-border factoring. Member transactions represent nearly 60% of the world’s international correspondent factoring volume.

FCI is a non-exclusive organisation, open to any company which is providing Factoring Services or plans to set up Factoring Activities but also to service providers to the industry.

FCI offers three major areas of activities:

  • CONNECT: the Business network supports cross-border factoring activities through which its members cooperate as export and import factors
  • EDUCATE: FCI promotes and develops best practices in both domestic and international factoring and related Open Account Finance products
  • INFLUENCE: FCI promotes and defends the Industry with stakeholders and policy makers worldwide

www.FCI.nl

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O Afreximbank e a FCI vão organizar a Conferência Regional Africana sobre Cessão Financeira (Factoring), Financiamento de Créditos e Seguro de Crédito em Kampala

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) e a FCI vão organizar conjuntamente a Conferência Regional Africana sobre Cessão Financeira (Factoring), Financiamento de Créditos e Seguro de Crédito, nos dias 15 e 16 de Abril de 2026, em Kampala, Uganda. À medida que África avança para um mercado unificado, estas ferramentas financeiras servem como catalisadores essenciais para reduzir o défice de financiamento comercial, sobretudo para as pequenas e médias empresas (PME), e para acelerar os volumes de comércio intra-africano.

Realizada subordinada ao tema “Para além do Crédito Tradicional: A Ascensão Contínua da Cessão Financeira (Factoring) e do Financiamento da Cadeia de Abastecimento em África”, a conferência conta com o apoio do Afreximbank, da FCI Academy e da ICISA. O evento reunirá representantes de alto nível de instituições financeiras, instituições de financiamento ao desenvolvimento, seguradoras, entidades reguladoras, organismos governamentais e outras importantes partes interessadas de toda África e do exterior, com o objectivo de promover soluções alternativas de expansão para as empresas africanas, com especial destaque para as PME.

O evento constituirá uma plataforma para o diá. de alto nível sobre o papel crescente da cessão financeira (factoring), do financiamento de créditos a receber e do seguro de crédito no apoio ao comércio, na melhoria do acesso ao capital de exploração e no reforço dos ecossistemas financeiros em todo o continente. Os debates centrar-se-ão no desenvolvimento do mercado, nos quadros jurídicos e regulamentares, no seguro de crédito, na digitalização e nas questões práticas envolvidas na criação e expansão de soluções sustentáveis de financiamento de créditos a receber.

À medida que as instituições em toda África continuam a explorar alternativas eficazes e complementos aos modelos tradicionais de crédito, a cessão financeira (factoring) e o financiamento da cadeia de abastecimento são cada vez mais reconhecidos como ferramentas importantes para apoiar o crescimento empresarial, melhorar a liquidez e facilitar o comércio interno e transfronteiriço. Nesse contexto, a conferência visa contribuir para uma maior sensibilização, uma compreensão mais aprofundada do mercado e um diá. construtivo sobre as condições necessárias para apoiar o desenvolvimento contínuo em toda a região.

A conferência vai igualmente constituir uma importante oportunidade para a troca de conhecimentos e o envolvimento estratégico, permitindo aos participantes ouvir profissionais do mercado, decisores políticos e líderes do sector, ao mesmo tempo que reforça as ligações entre a comunidade do financiamento de créditos e a comunidade mais alargada do financiamento do comércio.

Em declarações antes do evento, a Sr.ª Kanayo Awani, Vice-Presidente Executiva para o Comércio Intra-Africano e Desenvolvimentos de Exportação do Afreximbank, assinalou: “A cessão financeira (factoring) não é apenas uma alternativa, é uma necessidade para as empresas africanas que necessitam de liquidez imediata para se manterem competitivas. Ao trazer este diá. para Kampala, temos o prazer de continuar a colaborar com os nossos parceiros da FCI de forma a garantir que sejam implementados quadros jurídicos e financeiros para transformar estes créditos em capital de exploração que impulsione o motor da ZCLCA.”

A Sr.ª Betül Kurtuluş, Secretária-Geral Adjunto da FCI, afirmou: “O desenvolvimento contínuo da cessão financeira (factoring) e do financiamento de créditos em África depende não só da sensibilização, mas igualmente do diá. prático entre os intervenientes no mercado, as entidades reguladoras e as instituições. Esta conferência reflecte esse compromisso comum e constitui uma oportunidade valiosa para explorar a forma como estas soluções podem continuar a evoluir em toda a região.”

Através desta iniciativa conjunta, o Afreximbank e a FCI reafirmam o seu compromisso conjunto de apoiar o desenvolvimento do mercado, promover o diá. e impulsionar soluções de financiamento práticas que possam contribuir para a expansão do comércio e para um crescimento económico mais abrangente em toda África.

As inscrições para a conferência já estão abertas. Para mais informações sobre o programa e a participação, por favor consulte https://apo-opa.co/4sE0RYj.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Afreximbank
Vincent Musumba,
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com a Imprensa)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

FCI
Sr.ª Tanya Naysmith,
Oficial Sénior de Marketing,
Correio Electrónico: naysmith@fci.nl
Correio Electrónico: fci@fci.nl
T: +31 (0)20 627 03 06  

Sobre o Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank):
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) de “Estável”, pela Moody’s (Baa2), pela China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA) e pela Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com

Sobre a FCI:
A FCI é o Órgão Representativo Mundial para a Cessão Financeira (Factoring) e Financiamento de Créditos Comerciais Nacionais e Internacionais em Conta Corrente. A FCI foi fundada em 1968 como uma associação mundial sem fins lucrativos. Actualmente com cerca de 400 empresas associadas em mais de 90 países, a FCI oferece uma rede única para a cooperação em operações de cessão financeira (factoring) transfronteiriças. As transacções dos membros representam quase 60% do volume mundial de operações de cessão financeira (factoring) internacional entre correspondentes.

A FCI é uma organização não exclusiva, aberta a qualquer empresa que preste serviços de cessão financeira (factoring) ou pretenda iniciar esse tipo de actividade, bem como a prestadores de serviços do sector.

A FCI oferece três grandes áreas de actividade:

  • CONECTAR: a rede empresarial apoia actividades de cessão financeira (factoring) transfronteiriças pelas quais os seus membros cooperam como agentes de exportação e importação;
  • EDUCAR: A FCI promove e desenvolve as melhores práticas tanto em cessão financeira (factoring) nacional como internacional e em produtos financeiros de conta aberta relacionados;
  • INFLUENCIAR: A FCI promove e defende o sector junto das partes interessadas e dos decisores políticos em todo o mundo

www.FCL.nl

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Le Sommet sur la résilience climatique en Afrique de l’Ouest met l’accent sur la collaboration pour des solutions locales adaptables

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Sommet sur la résilience climatique en Afrique de l’Ouest réunira des représentants des pouvoirs publics, des autorités locales, des chercheurs, des jeunes et des partenaires au développement afin de discuter des priorités régionales et d’identifier des pistes concrètes pour renforcer la résilience climatique. Intitulé « De la crise climatique à la résilience climatique : les voies à suivre pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et le Sahel aux niveaux local et régional », cet événement s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une série de sommets mondiaux sur la résilience climatique organisés conjointement par l’Académie Pontificale des Sciences (APS) et l’Académie Pontificale des Sciences Sociales (APSS).  L’édition de Dakar (https://apo-opa.co/4sY4Q1C), organisée en partenariat avec AKADEMIYA2063 (https://AKADEMIYA2063.org/) et le Centre de Suivi Écologique, vise à promouvoir le dialogue politique de haut niveau pour renforcer la résilience climatique, en mettant l’accent sur l’inclusion et les perspectives de diverses parties prenantes – notamment les jeunes – sur la science et l’action climatique.

Télécharger le document : https://apo-opa.co/3NA774a

Le Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancelier de l’APS et de l’APSS, a déclaré à ce sujet : « Le changement climatique nous affecte tous et personne n’est à l’abri de ses conséquences profondes. L’Afrique, cependant, en subit les effets de manière disproportionnée (cf. « Climate apartheid » de Desmond Tutu). Les communautés confessionnelles s’accordent sur le fait que nous devons réagir en mobilisant l’expertise du continent et en favorisant le dialogue pour élaborer des solutions intégrées et efficaces afin de protéger la création ».

Face à la crise climatique mondiale, l’APS et l’APSS encouragent une approche ascendante inédite et pointue de la résilience. Cette initiative de résilience climatique a été lancée lors d’un sommet international qui s’est déroulé à la Casina Pio IV au Vatican et a abouti à un appel à l’action signé par le Pape François, ainsi que par des chercheurs, des décideurs politiques et des leaders de diverses communautés religieuses. Dans le cadre de cet appel à l’action, l’APS et l’APSS organisent une série de sommets régionaux à travers le monde afin de catalyser une action coordonnée à l’échelle locale et mondiale dans un cadre commun de résilience. À ce jour, cinq sommets ont été organisés sur quatre continents, en Autriche, au Brésil, au Kenya et aux États-Unis. Le travail se poursuit sous la direction du Pape Léon XIV.

Selon Dr Cheikh Mbow, Directeur général du Centre de Suivi Écologique, « c’est à juste titre que ce dialogue historique se tient au Sénégal, un pays qui a mis en place un cadre stratégique solide, fortement axé sur l’adaptation dans les secteurs de l’agriculture, de la protection du littoral et des énergies renouvelables ». Il a déclaré que « ces priorités se reflètent dans la nouvelle stratégie de développement du Sénégal, Vision Sénégal 2050 – Agenda National de Transformation, et dans le Plan National d’Adaptation du secteur de l’agriculture aux changements climatiques horizon 2050, visant à renforcer la résilience. Il est essentiel de renforcer les connaissances en matière d’action climatique durable afin de garantir des politiques fondées sur la science et ancrées dans les réalités locales.

Le concept de résilience climatique (https://apo-opa.co/3NlOLnv) est ancré dans la stratégie AATS : Atténuation, Adaptation et Transformation Sociétale. Il met l’accent sur la connexion entre les contextes régionaux, l’engagement communautaire, la collaboration mondiale, la science et les solutions fondées sur la nature, tout en débloquant les financements, les assurances, l’équité et la justice. Ce cadre mondial, conçu pour être adapté aux niveaux locaux dans le monde entier, s’appuie sur l’expertise des maires, des gouverneurs, des chercheurs régionaux et des professionnels les plus au fait de l’urgence des impacts climatiques.

Constatant que « l’année 2023 figure parmi les plus chaudes jamais enregistrées, dépassant probablement les records de paléo-températures remontant à 125 000 ans », Prof. Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, Chancelier de l’Université du Massachusetts à Boston et membre du conseil de l’APSS, a déclaré que « le changement climatique est une réalité dynamique ; nous devons nous efforcer d’accélérer les actions en faveur d’un environnement durable et d’un avenir résilient ». Il a également indiqué que « pour renforcer la résilience des populations et des écosystèmes face aux pressions climatiques croissantes, nous devons autonomiser les communautés locales et conjuguer les savoirs traditionnels et des approches interdisciplinaires fondées sur la science. Cette intégration n’est pas seulement essentielle à la résilience climatique au niveau local ; elle constitue aussi la voie décisive vers un avenir juste et durable. » 

Le Sommet sur la résilience climatique en Afrique de l’Ouest s’appuiera sur l’expertise régionale en la matière et sur la collaboration avec l’APS et l’APSS. Des discussions thématiques favoriseront la coopération régionale et internationale, ainsi que l’échange de connaissances, afin de promouvoir des solutions climatiques efficaces, innovantes et adaptables. Ce dialogue permettra également d’adapter les réponses aux divers risques climatiques, aux différents types de gouvernance et aux contextes socio-économiques et culturels de la région, notamment en explorant le rôle des forêts ainsi que d’autres solutions fondées sur la nature. 

Partant du principe que « les mesures d’adaptation aux changements climatiques et de durabilité exigent une gestion plus judicieuse des ressources biologiques et écologiques, ainsi que des politiques de renforcement de la résilience dans l’ensemble des secteurs », Dr Ousmane Badiane, Président d’AKADEMIYA2063, a déclaré : « Ce Sommet offrira aux acteurs climatiques régionaux et mondiaux une plateforme pour explorer les pistes de renforcement des capacités et de partage des bonnes pratiques pour la mise en œuvre locale des solutions de résilience climatique, en mettant l’accent sur la planification régionale et locale, l’adaptation et le financement. »

Ce Sommet de deux jours réunira un large éventail de parties prenantes — notamment des décideurs politiques, des maires, des scientifiques et des chercheurs de renom, des leaders des communautés chrétiennes et islamiques, des représentants de la jeunesse et de la société civile — offrant ainsi une plateforme interdisciplinaire où convergent les sciences du climat, les sciences sociales, les politiques publiques, le monde des affaires et les communautés religieuses.

« En Afrique de l’Ouest et au Sahel, l’adaptation est étroitement liée à l’alimentation et à l’agriculture. Le Sommet portera donc également sur les innovations en matière de systèmes alimentaires et sur l’eau », a déclaré Prof. Joachim von Braun, Président de l’APS. Il a ajouté : « Nous appelons à un renforcement des mesures en faveur de la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle face aux aléas climatiques, ainsi qu’au déploiement de mécanismes de financement innovants pour les soutenir. »

L’objectif premier des sommets régionaux sera de concevoir un plan d’action pour la résilience climatique, qui pourra être adopté localement par les communautés du monde entier. Les sommets régionaux de 2025-2026 favoriseront l’élaboration du Protocole universel pour la résilience climatique, qui aboutira à un sommet mondial au Vatican en 2027 et à la publication dudit Protocole.

Distribué par APO Group pour AKADEMIYA2063.

Liens supplémentaires :
Climate Resilience Summits https://apo-opa.co/3NlOLnv
West Africa Climate Resilience Summit https://apo-opa.co/4sY4Q1C

Contact pour les médias :
Dr Layih Butake
Directrice de la Communication et de la Sensibilisation, AKADEMIYA2063
Lbutake@akademiya2063.org

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West Africa Climate Resilience Summit Champions Cooperation for Scalable Local Solutions

Source: APO – Report:

The West Africa Climate Resilience Summit will bring together public officials, local authorities, researchers, youth, and development partners to discuss regional priorities and identify actionable pathways for climate resilience. Themed “From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience: Pathways for West Africa and the Sahel at Local and Regional Levels,” the event is part of a global series of Climate Resilience Summits jointly organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS). The Dakar edition (https://apo-opa.co/4sY4Q1C), hosted in partnership with AKADEMIYA2063 (https://AKADEMIYA2063.org/) and the Centre de Suivi Écologique, aims to foster high-level policy dialogue to advance climate resilience, emphasizing inclusion and perspectives from diverse stakeholder groups—particularly youth—on science and climate action.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/3NA774a

“Climate change affects everyone, and no one is exempt from its far-reaching effects,” said Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of PAS and PASS. “Yet Africa bears a disproportionate share of its impacts (cfr. Climate apartheid of Desmond Tutu). Faith-based communities agree that we must respond by harnessing the continent’s expertise and fostering dialogue to develop integrated, effective solutions, protecting creation.”

In response to the global climate crisis, PAS and PASS advanced an unprecedented, bottom-up global approach to resilience. The Climate Resilience initiative was launched with an international summit at the Casina Pio IV in the Vatican, culminating in a Call to Action signed by Pope Francis, along with scientists, policymakers, and leaders of diverse faith communities. In pursuit of this Call to Action, PAS and PASS are convening a series of regional summits worldwide to catalyze coordinated local and global action within a shared resilience framework. To date, six summits have been held across four continents—in Austria, Brazil, Kenya, and the United States. The work continues under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.

“It is fitting that this landmark dialogue is taking place in Senegal, which has developed a robust strategic framework with a strong focus on adaptation in agriculture, coastal protection, and renewable energy,” said Dr. Cheikh Mbow, Director General of the Centre de Suivi Écologique. “These priorities are reflected in Senegal’s new development strategy, Vision Sénégal 2050 – Agenda National de Transformation, and the National Plan for the Adaptation of the Agricultural Sector to Climate Change, aimed at strengthening resilience. Advancing knowledge for sustainable climate action remains crucial to ensure science-driven policies grounded in local realities.”

The Climate Resilience (https://apo-opa.co/3NlOLnv) concept is anchored in the MAST strategy: Mitigation, Adaptation, and Societal Transformation, emphasizing the intersection of regional contexts, community engagement, global collaboration, science, and nature-based solutions, while unlocking finance, insurance, equity, and justice. This global framework, designed for local adoption worldwide, draws on the expertise of mayors, governors, regional scientists, and practitioners who are closest to the urgency of climate impacts.

“The year 2023 ranked among the hottest on record, possibly exceeding paleotemperature records dating back 125,000 years. Climate change is not standing still; our endeavors are to accelerate action toward a sustainable environment and a resilient future,” said Prof. Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston, and PASS Council Member.  “To strengthen the resilience of people and ecosystems under growing climate stress, we must empower local communities and fuse traditional knowledge with science-driven, interdisciplinary approaches. This integration is not only essential for climate resilience at the local level—it is the decisive path to a just and sustainable tomorrow.” 

The West Africa Climate Resilience Summit will draw on regional expertise in climate resilience, in collaboration with PAS and PASS. Thematic discussions will foster regional and international cooperation and knowledge exchange to advance effective, innovative, and scalable climate solutions. The dialogue will also tailor responses to the region’s diverse climate risks and socio-economic, governance, and cultural contexts, equally exploring the role of forests and other nature-based solutions.

“Sustainability and adaptation to a changing climate require a more judicious use of biological and ecological resources, alongside resilience-proofing policy interventions across sectors,” said Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson of AKADEMIYA2063. “This Summit will provide a platform for regional and global climate actors to explore pathways for enhancing capacity-strengthening and sharing best practices to support the local implementation of climate resilience solutions, with a strong focus on regional and local planning, adaptation, and resilience financing.”

The two-day Summit will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders—including policymakers, mayors, leading scientists and researchers, leaders of Christian and Islamic communities, youth leaders, and civil society—providing an intersectional platform where climate science, social science, policy, business, and faith-based communities converge.

“Adaptation in West Africa and the Sahel is very much a matter of food and agriculture. The Summit will therefore also focus on food system innovations and water,” said Prof. Joachim von Braun, President of PAS. “We call for enhanced action for food and nutrition security under climate stress and deploying innovative financing mechanisms in support of that.”

The primary outcome of the regional summits will be a blueprint for climate resilience that can be adopted locally by communities worldwide.  The 2025–2026 regional summits will further advance the call to action for a Universal Protocol for Climate Resilience, culminating in a comprehensive Vatican summit in 2027 and the release of the Universal Protocol.

– on behalf of AKADEMIYA2063.

Additional Links:
Climate Resilience Summits https://apo-opa.co/3NlOLnv
West Africa Climate Resilience Summit https://apo-opa.co/4sY4Q1C

Media Contact:
Dr. Layih Butake
Director, Communication & Outreach, AKADEMIYA2063
Lbutake@akademiya2063.org

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