Category: Africa

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Climate Change Falls Over 20% Behind Top Global Concern in 2025, New IPSOS Survey Reveals

Source: APO


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Unveiled today at its General Assembly, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (https://FSC.org/) reports a sharp slide in public concern for climate change, even after the hottest year on record. The 2025 Global Consumer Awareness Survey—conducted with IPSOS across 50 countries and 40,000+ respondents—find war and conflict (52%) now dominate public worries while climate change trails at 31%. That is a 21-point gap in the 2025 snapshot. Looking only at the 32 countries surveyed in both 2022 and 2025, the concern gap has widened from 12 points in 2022 – where economic hardship was on top position – to 16 points in 2025. 

Global highlights (beyond Europe) 

Forests as the “felt” climate impact: Issues such as loss of species, deforestation, wildfires, droughts and floods remain among the most pressing forestry concerns worldwide, underscoring that people experience climate risk very directly through forests. 

While concern about climate change ranks lower than other global crises, Canadians express strong concern about forest-related issues like wildfires — likely because they are a threat felt more locally. 

Rising concern in key markets: Japan registers a notable increase in climate concern since 2022, while Brazil also moves sharply upward — bucking the global decline. 

Attitudes at the checkout: Despite the attention shift, consumers still reward credible sustainability; demand for products that “do no harm” to plants and animals remains strong and continues to influence brand trust and loyalty. 

Europe: Declining Climate Concern in Key Economies 

The European results are particularly striking. Across France, Denmark, Spain, the UK and Germany, public concern over climate change has dropped by 6–10 percentage points since 2022. 

  • France: 52% → 45% (–8) 
  • Denmark: 51% → 41% (–10) 
  • Spain: 44% → 37% (–6) 
  • UK: 45% → 35% (–10) 
  • Germany: 42% → 34% (–8) 

These countries are among Europe’s largest economies and climate leaders, but public attention is clearly shifting. At the same time, the EU is pushing ahead with ambitious climate legislation — creating a disconnect between policy momentum and public concern. 

“This concern gap shows why we must work with the concrete realities of people’s lives if we are to address climate change effectively. The survey shows a clear contradiction: people report lower worry about climate change, and yet they reward brands that can prove sustainability. This disconnect between abstract concepts and practical choices points to a clear need: make climate action tangible in daily life,” said Subhra Bhattacharjee, FSC Director General. 

Forests Remain Where People Feel Climate Change Most Directly 

While “climate change” may rank lower as an abstract global issue in the 50-country snapshot, across the forestry module markets the impacts felt through forests—wildfires, droughts, floods, and biodiversity loss—rank among the top concerns within the forestry sector. “Loss of plant and animal species” and “deforestation” consistently appear among the most pressing forestry issues in those markets. 

Together, these results reinforce forests’ dual role as frontline climate arenas: they are highly vulnerable to climate change and essential to tackling it. 

Consumers Still Act on Climate at the Checkout 

Despite slipping concern levels, consumer behavior reveals strong climate values, with 72% of global consumers across 29 markets saying they prefer products that do not harm plants or animals. 

“Even if climate change isn’t always top of mind, people are increasingly voting with their wallets. They want sustainable choices—and they reward brands that can prove their impact,” said Helen Chepkemoi Too, Senior Director of Markets at FSC. 

Importantly, recognition of the FSC label correlates with higher levels of trust in brands, showing that climate-conscious choices are a powerful driver of loyalty and reputation. 

Africa Climate Change Highlights 

In 2025, the study included Egypt for the first time on Kenya and South Africa that was included in 2023. The results show that public concern about climate change declined most sharply in Kenya, down by 12 percentage points since 2023, followed by a 7-point drop in South Africa. 

“Africa has faced a year marked by conflict, economic strain, and social unrest. These realities inevitably influence people’s priorities,” said Annah Agasha, Deputy Director, FSC Africa. “Yet even amid uncertainty, sustainability remains a strong value across the continent. In Kenya and South Africa, FSC recognition rose to an average of 62%, up from 58% in 2023, showing that while people’s concerns shift, their commitment to responsible choices endures.”  

Why This Matters 

As wars, pandemics and inflation dominate public debate, climate change risks sliding out of political and consumer consciousness. Yet at the same time, people clearly want sustainable products and see the loss of plant and animal species as the greatest forestry related concern, with a majority expecting companies to ensure that their products do not contribute to deforestation.  

FSC calls for integrated strategies that address environmental action alongside social and economic security — ensuring climate solutions are not deprioritized in the face of crises. 

These findings are being debated this week at the FSC General Assembly, where global stakeholders are gathered to shape the future of responsible forest management and its role in tackling climate emergencies. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.

Survey details: The FSC x IPSOS Global Consumer Awareness Survey 2025 interviewed more than 40,000 people in 50 markets. Historical comparisons are based on the 32 markets that were surveyed in both 2022 and 2025. 

For interviews, please contact:
Faya Davranbekova 
f.davranbekova@fsc.org

About the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®):
FSC is a non-profit organization that provides a proven responsible forest management solution. Currently, over 150 million hectares of forest worldwide are certified according to FSC standards. It is widely regarded as the most rigorous forest certification system among NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike to tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges. The FSC forest management standard is based on ten core principles designed to address a broad range of environmental, social, and economic factors. FSC’s “check tree” label is found on millions of forest-based products and verifies that they are sustainably sourced, from forest to consumer. www.FSC.org. 

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Rwanda: Joint Communiqué on the Occasion of the Official Visit of H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia

Source: APO


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On 27th October 2025, Hon. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, received H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, who is in Kigali for a two-day official visit. 

Both Ministers reaffirmed that relations between the Republic of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Somalia are founded on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a strong spirit of Pan-African solidarity. They noted that this official visit marks a new chapter in the strengthening of bilateral ties and the deepening of cooperation across all sectors of mutual interest. 

The Ministers acknowledged the positive impact of the existing cooperation across various sectors, including political consultations, investment promotion, police, and defence. 

The Ministers signed the General Cooperation Agreement and agreed to fast-track its operationalization by establishing a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) to oversee the effective implementation of existing frameworks, and to identify new areas of collaboration, including justice, education, agriculture, ICT, and mutual legal assistance, among others. 

The Ministers exchanged views on the ongoing peace processes in Doha and Washington concerning the conflict in Eastern DRC. Rwanda also commends the work of Somalia at the United Nations Security Council in representing the interest of the Continent, through its continued engagement within the A3+ Group.

Finally, both Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within international and multilateral fora to advance shared interests and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Rwanda.

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President hails exit from greylist

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist bodes well for the integrity and reputation of the country’s financial system, status as an investment destination and for the economy as a whole, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa has officially exited the greylist after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

“This milestone is a boost for South Africa’s international reputation and global standing. Greylisting results in a country being seen as risky for investors,” the President said on Monday in his newsletter.

Just over two years since the FATF identified deficiencies that had rendered South Africa increasingly vulnerable to financial crimes, the dedication of a multidisciplinary team, led by the National Treasury, has culminated in the formal exit from the greylist.

“Exiting the greylist demonstrates that our anti-money laundering system is beginning to act against corruption and other financial crimes. It lays the basis for further improvements. It is a signal of our collective determination to ensure that the malfeasance of the past is well behind us,” President Ramaphosa said.

The decision was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary, which took place over 22 – 24 October 2025 in Paris, France.

“The practical implications are that countries have greater difficulties obtaining credit and access to international financial services. There is reduced foreign direct investment and even capital outflows, and restrictions on cross-border transactions.

“International investors seeking to do business in any country need assurance that its financial system is clean, transparent, robust and compliant with global standards,” the President said.

He noted that the perception of increased risk affects citizens and businesses financially. 

“The cost of living and doing business can increase as a result of a weakened currency. As international borrowing becomes more expensive for businesses and governments, there is less fiscal space for social spending and tax pressures increase. 

“Investor hesitancy leads to less foreign direct investment, which in turn impacts job creation and sustaining existing jobs,” he said.

The impact of South Africa’s exit from the FATF greylist will reduce pressure on citizens, businesses and government. 

Ultimately, the return of international financial confidence and a reduced risk perception will attract more foreign direct investment. 

“As our currency strengthens, the cost of living for citizens and doing business will improve. The far-reaching regulatory and institutional reforms we have instituted, as part of the FATF process, are a clear demonstration of South Africa’s commitment to improving the business and investor climate, and to ongoing reform.

“Legislative amendments have been made to enable for more stringent reporting regulations around beneficial ownership. This is so we know who ultimately owns, controls and benefits from a company, not just those who are listed as shareholders on paper,” the President said.

These changes will make it much more difficult for individuals and syndicates to funnel the proceeds of their corrupt activities through complex webs of shell companies, trusts and companies owned by friends and relatives.

“To close high-risk loopholes around terrorism financing, we have introduced regulatory amendments to enable the investigation and prosecution of such cases. We are committing more government spending to countering money laundering and terrorism financing.

“The State Capture era led to a near hollowing out of State capacity and the weakening of key institutions involved in upholding the integrity of our financial system. But we are steadily rebuilding them.

“Exiting the greylist demonstrates that our anti-money laundering system is beginning to act against corruption and other financial crimes. It lays the basis for further improvements. It is a signal of our collective determination to ensure that the malfeasance of the past is well behind us,” the President stressed.

He recognised that much work remains to be done to reduce and prevent financial crimes, and ensure speedier investigations, prosecutions and convictions of those committing such crimes.

“With the necessary regulatory frameworks in place, our focus must now be on improving and strengthening implementation. We will also sustain enforcement within both public and private institutions and deepen international collaboration,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Dr George Elombi prend le relais en tant que quatrième Président d’Afreximbank et promet un impact plus profond de la Banque

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dr George Elombi a prêté serment samedi, au Caire (Égypte) en tant que quatrième Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque (www.Afreximbank.com), succédant ainsi au Professeur Benedict Oramah à la tête de l’institution financière multilatérale africaine.

L’entrée en fonction du Dr Elombi a été officialisée par un serment administré par M. Wale Edun, Président de l’Assemblée générale annuelle des actionnaires de la Banque et Ministre des Finances et Ministre coordinateur de l’économie du Nigeria. La cérémonie d’investiture a été suivie par plus de 2 000 invités, y compris des chefs d’État en exercice, d’anciens chefs d’État, des dirigeants et des représentants de gouvernements de toute l’Afrique et des Caraïbes, des dirigeants d’entreprises africains, tous les anciens présidents d’Afreximbank, des membres du Conseil d’administration de la Banque, des actionnaires, des membres actuels et anciens du personnel, des amis et membres de la famille d’Elombi, sans oublier de nombreuses autres personnalités distinguées .

Dans son discours inaugural à la suite de la prestation de serment, le Dr Elombi a annoncé son engagement inébranlable à perpétuer l’héritage de la Banque, à approfondir l’impact, à renforcer les partenariats et à poursuivre la mission de bâtir une Afrique qui commerce avec elle-même et prospère à ses propres conditions.

Il a fait observer que la structure du commerce mondial était défavorable à l’Afrique et qu’elle devait donc changer, vu qu’elle elle dépendait trop de l’exportation de produits de base. Dr Elombi a ajouté : « Notre mission est donc de transformer la structure de ce commerce. Pour changer la structure, nous devons transformer. Nous devons produire. Si nous ne produisons pas, nous ne pouvons pas commercer ».

Le Président Elombi a annoncé qu’au cours des cinq à dix prochaines années, il accorderait la priorité aux secteurs qui, selon lui, produiraient l’impact le plus significatif et le plus durable sur le commerce et le bien-être de l’Afrique, notamment la promotion et l’accélération de la valeur ajoutée et de la transformation stratégique des minéraux pour freiner l’exportation de potentiel brut.

« Afreximbank créera donc un nouveau guichet de financement à fort impact, spécifiquement pour les projets qui transforment les minéraux bruts en produits semi-finis ou finis », a-t-il déclaré. «Nous allons mettre en place un programme stratégique de développement des minéraux pour financer l’ensemble des chaînes de valeur, de l’extraction et du raffinage à la transformation des composants finis, en vue de capter davantage de valeur ici et de créer des emplois hautement qualifiés pour nos populations ».

Dr Elombi a ajouté qu’Afreximbank donnerait la priorité à l’approfondissement du commerce intra-africain et à l’intégration régionale, dans la mesure où le succès de son programme de création de valeur dépendrait en fin de compte de sa capacité à sécuriser les marchés pour les biens produits.

« Nous intensifierons nos efforts pour faire tomber les barrières commerciales, renforcer les infrastructures transfrontalières et favoriser la circulation harmonieuse des biens, des services, des personnes et des capitaux à travers notre continent », a-t-il poursuivi. « Afreximbank continuera donc de jouer un rôle de catalyseur dans la mise en œuvre de l’Accord sur la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) en promouvant les programmes et initiatives clés déployés au cours de la dernière décennie et en introduisant de nouvelles interventions ciblées, si nécessaire, pour accélérer les progrès». 

Les autres priorités énoncées par le Dr Elombi visent  notamment les objectifs suivants  :   Catalyser et développer les infrastructures essentielles au commerce, Tirer parti de l’innovation et des technologies numériques, y compris l’exploration de la création d’une monnaie numérique panafricaine, le renforcement de l’intégration financière et de l’innovation à travers le continent ; et Mobiliser le capital africain à l’échelle mondiale.

En outre, la Banque accordera la priorité à sa solidité financière, en tenant compte du fait que « seule une institution forte et bien capitalisée peut mener les interventions nécessaires à la transformation du commerce et du développement en Afrique », a poursuivi Dr Elombi. Il a ajouté que la priorité serait également accordée au développement de partenariats stratégiques et innovants, puisque les partenariats avec les institutions de développement pertinentes sont au cœur de la mission de la Banque consistant à promouvoir le commerce et la transformation économique de l’Afrique.

« Nous reconnaissons que le progrès de l’Afrique dépend non seulement de la solidité des institutions individuelles, mais aussi de l’importance de la collaboration entre elles », a encore fait remarquer le Dr Elombi.

Le Président Elombi a rappelé le discours de plus en plus hostile ciblant les institutions multilatérales africaines détenues et contrôlées par les Africains « non pas parce que nous échouons ou sommes considérés comme un autre échec africain », mais « parce que nous réussissons ». Il a ajouté que, contrairement à d’autres institutions multilatérales, le statut de créancier privilégié d’Afreximbank n’a pas été accordé par bonne volonté ou bienveillance des gouvernements, mais a été inscrit dans le traité d’établissement de la Banque qui est signé par tous les États membres, a encore expliqué Dr Elombi.

L’investiture a également été marquée par les allocutions de M. Hassan Abdalla, Gouverneur de la Banque centrale d’Égypte, de Louis-Paul Motazé, Ministre des Finances du Cameroun, d’Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Fondateur du groupe Dangote, de Mme Selma Malika Haddadi, Vice-présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine et de l’honorable Dr Terrance Drew, Premier ministre de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’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, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. 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

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Dr. George Elombi assume o cargo como o quarto Presidente do Afreximbank e promete um impacto mais profundo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) empossou no Sábado, em Cairo, Egipto, o Dr. George Elombi como quarto Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Banco, substituindo o Prof. Benedict Oramah como chefe da Instituição Financeira Multilateral Africana.

Formalizada com um juramento administrado pelo Sr. Wale Edun, Presidente da Assembleia Geral Anual de Accionistas do Banco e Ministro das Finanças e Ministro Coordenador da Economia da Nigéria, a cerimónia de investidura foi testemunhada por mais de 2.000 convidados, incluindo Chefes de Estado, ex-Chefes de Estado, líderes governamentais e representantes de toda África e das Caraíbas, os principais líderes empresariais africanos, todos os ex-Presidentes do Afreximbank, membros do Conselho de Administração do Banco, accionistas, funcionários actuais e antigos, amigos e familiares do Dr. Elombi e uma série de outras personalidades.

No discurso de tomada de posse, o Dr. Elombi anunciou o seu compromisso inabalável em dar continuidade ao legado do Banco, aprofundar o impacto, reforçar as parcerias e dar continuidade à missão de construir uma África que comercializa consigo mesma e prospera nos seus próprios termos.

Assinalou que a estrutura do comércio global é desfavorável para África e, por isso, deve mudar, uma vez que é demasiado dependente da exportação de matérias-primas, afirmando que: “a nossa missão é, portanto, transformar a estrutura desse comércio. Para mudar a estrutura, devemos processar. Devemos produzir. A menos que produzamos, não podemos comercializar.”

O Presidente Elombi anunciou que, nos próximos cinco a dez anos, daria prioridade aos sectores que, em sua opinião, teriam o impacto mais significativo e sustentável no comércio e no bem-estar de África, incluindo a promoção e aceleração da agregação de valor e do processamento estratégico de minerais para reduzir a exportação de matéria-prima.

“O Afreximbank vai, portanto, criar uma nova janela de financiamento de grande impacto, especificamente para projectos que processam minerais brutos em produtos semi-acabados ou acabados”, afirmou. “Vamos estabelecer um Programa Estratégico de Desenvolvimento de Minerais para financiar cadeias de valor completas, desde a extração e refinação até ao fabrico de componentes acabados, capturando muito mais valor aqui no nosso continente e criando empregos altamente qualificados para o nosso povo.”

O Dr. Elombi acrescentou que o Afreximbank daria prioridade ao aprofundamento do comércio intra-africano e à integração regional, uma vez que o sucesso da sua agenda de acréscimo de valor dependeria, em última análise, da sua capacidade de garantir mercados para os bens produzidos.

“Intensificaremos os esforços para eliminar as barreiras comerciais, reforçar as infra-estruturas transfronteiriças e promover a circulação contínua de bens, serviços, pessoas e capitais em todo o nosso continente”, afirmou. “O Afreximbank continuará, portanto, a desempenhar um papel catalisador na implementação do Acordo da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA ), impulsionando os principais programas e iniciativas desenvolvidos ao longo da última década e introduzindo novas intervenções específicas, sempre que necessário, para acelerar o progresso.”

Outras prioridades delineadas pelo Dr. Elombi incluem catalisar e construir infra-estruturas críticas que facilitem o comércio; alavancar a inovação e a tecnologia digital, incluindo a exploração da criação de uma moeda digital pan-africana, reforçando a integração financeira e a inovação em todo o continente; e mobilizar o capital africano global.

O Banco dará igualmente prioridade à sua solidez financeira, reconhecendo que “só uma instituição forte e bem capitalizada pode realizar as intervenções necessárias para transformar o panorama comercial e de desenvolvimento de África”, afirmou o Dr. Elombi, acrescentando que será igualmente dada prioridade ao estabelecimento de parcerias estratégicas e inovadoras, uma vez que as parcerias com instituições de desenvolvimento relevantes são fundamentais para a missão do Banco de promover a transformação comercial e económica de África.

“Reconhecemos que o progresso de África depende não só da força das instituições individuais, mas igualmente do poder da colaboração entre si”, afirmou o Dr. Elombi.

O Presidente Elombi fez menção à narrativa cada vez mais hostil dirigida às instituições multilaterais africanas detidas e controladas por africanos, “não porque falhamos ou sejamos vistos como mais um fracasso africano”, mas “porque somos bem-sucedidos”, e acrescentou que, ao contrário de outras instituições multilaterais, o estatuto de credor preferencial do Afreximbank não foi concedido por boa vontade ou benevolência dos governos, mas consagrado no Tratado de Constituição do Banco, assinado por todos os Estados-Membros, explicou o Dr. Elombi.

A investidura contou ainda com as intervenções do Sr. Hassan Abdalla, Governador do Banco Central do Egipto, de S. Ex.ª Louis-Paul Motazé, Ministro das Finanças dos Camarões, do Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Fundador do Grupo Dangote, de S. Ex.ª Selma Malika Haddadi, Vice-Presidente da Comissão da União Africana, e de Sua Excelência Dr. Terrance Drew, Primeiro-Ministro de São Cristóvão e Nevis.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com os Meios de Comunicação Social)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

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Sobre o 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 grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e Fitch (BBB-). 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.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit during a Working Visit to Malaysia

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Delegates,

It is a great honour for me to address this distinguished gathering.

The East Asia Summit as a vital platform for strategic dialogue and cooperation on the most pressing political, security and economic challenges of our time. 

Our participation reflects our commitment to multilateralism, regionalism and the strengthening of South-South cooperation.

We are proud to have joined ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2023, which affirms our shared commitment to peace, prosperity and inclusive development.

The ASEAN ethos of mutual upliftment and regional solidarity is one we share. It resonates with South Africa’s values and those embedded in the African Union. 

The world is undergoing profound change and uncertainty. We face crises of climate change, inequality and geopolitical instability. 

Rising protectionism, supply chain disruptions and unequal access to markets continue to undermine development prospects.

These challenges demand coordinated responses and innovative partnerships.

We see great potential in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the African Union. 

These platforms can serve as vehicles for enhanced connectivity, economic resilience and peacebuilding across and between our regions. 

We are honoured to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg this November. 

In response to the global challenges of today, South Africa’s G20 Presidency is guided by the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.

We have identified four key priorities for our G20 Presidency:

Our first priority is to strengthen disaster resilience and response.

We are calling for global cooperation –  which includes financial institutions and the private sector – to scale up post-disaster reconstruction.

Our second priority is to ensure debt sustainability for developing economies.

Many countries, particularly in Africa, are struggling with mounting debt and high borrowing costs.

The G20 needs to recognise that unsustainable levels of debt are an obstacle to inclusive growth in these country. This debt limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, climate actions, healthcare, education and other development needs.

Our third priority is to mobilise finance for a just energy transition.

We need increased climate finance flows to developing economies, strengthening multilateral development banks, and leveraging private capital for initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

Our fourth priority is to use critical minerals for inclusive growth.

As the world transitions to a green economy, as demand for critical minerals grows, we must not replicate the exploitative practices of our past that have often left resource-rich countries poorer and less stable.

We need to harness critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. We must ensure that those countries and communities endowed with these resources are the ones to benefit the most.

The G20 has an important contribution to make to creating an environment of inclusive economic growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development, especially in the Global South and on the African continent.

Inclusive growth is essential for creating jobs and economic opportunities. It enables governments to invest in infrastructure, improve the reach of services and deliver public goods like health and education. This in turn raises standards of living, lifts people out of poverty and reduces inequality.

We reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the representivity, effectiveness and impact of the multilateral development banks to support inclusive and sustainable development.

Throughout history, trade has been a powerful instrument of economic growth and social progress.

We must therefore increase mutually-beneficial trade by improving market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade connectivity between our regions. 

Strengthening partnerships and expanding dialogue is important to collectively shape the G20’s approach to issues requiring international cooperation. 

In this endeavour, there is much scope for cooperation with East Asia and ASEAN.

Together, we can develop solutions to the challenges we all face as developing economies. 

Together, we can defend multilateralism and address critical issues such as climate change, development and resolution of conflict. 

We must seize this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to multilateralism and to deepen our partnerships.

We must honour the legacy of Band building a future defined by unity, dignity and progress.

I thank you.
 

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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Indonesia Exim Bank Sign Letter of Intent to Strengthen Cooperation in Shariah-Compliant Investment and Support Indonesia’s Financial Sector

Source: APO – Report:

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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-PS.org/), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and Indonesia Eximbank today announced the signing of a landmark Letter of Intent (LOI) expressing their intention to explore a potential  USD 30 million Line of Finance (LoF) facility to be extended by ICD to Indonesia Eximbank (the “Facility”).

The proposed Facility is intended to be used by Indonesia Eximbank for onward financing of eligible private sector enterprises whose operations have strong development impact in Indonesia. In deploying the Facility, there will be strong focus on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and large corporates whose operations have the potential of boosting national export performance and the growth and development of export-oriented halal industries in Indonesia thereby driving economic growth and strengthening national development.

Following the signing of the LOI, Mohammad Asheque Moyeed, Acting Director of Banking Department of ICD commented:

“This proposed LOF facility is not just another financing line; it is a landmark shariah compliant transaction designed to increase access to capital and open new opportunities for private sector growth and development in Indonesia. The Facility aims to unlock new opportunities and serve as a catalyst for attracting greater participation from investors and financiers in our member countries and other international markets into the dynamic Indonesia’s economy. It reinforces our commitment to expanding and diversifying Islamic finance globally.”

Indonesia Eximbank expressed its appreciation for ICD’s proactive engagement, emphasizing that the proposed Facility will be efficiently channeled to finance eligible businesses, unlocking new opportunities for Indonesian enterprises and contributing to the advancement of export-oriented halal businesses and the growth of the Islamic finance industry in Indonesia.

Anwar Harsono, Managing Director of Finance, Operations, & Information Technology of Indonesia Eximbank said:

“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s export sector and expanding SME access to financing. We believe this Facility will support the growth of export-oriented halal industries and further strengthen Indonesia Eximbank’s role as the Special Mission Vehicle of the Ministry of Finance in promoting national businesses, particularly halal products, in the international market.”

ICD has a strong track record of providing Line of Finance facilities to financial institutions across its 56 member countries. This partnership with Indonesia Eximbank represents a strategic step in expanding ICD’s footprint and growing impact in its member countries within the ASEAN region and promoting inclusive and sustainable private sector growth.

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Media Contact:
Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Nabil Al-Alami
Manager, Communication & Corporate Marketing, ICD
Email: nalami@isdb.org

Indonesia Eximbank
Corporate Secretary – Indonesia Eximbank
Ph: (021) 39503600
Email: corpsec@indonesiaeximbank.go.id
Web: www.IndonesiaEximbank.go.id

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution that supports the economic development of its member countries. ICD is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group with an authorized capital of $4 billion, ICD’s shareholders include the IsDB, 56 member countries, and five public financial institutions. ICD’s mandate is to promote  the economic development of its member countries by financing and encouraging the establishment, expansion and modernization of private sector enterprises and projects in its member countries, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, and encouraging cross-border investments.  The ICD is currently rated ‘A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A+’ by Fitch, and ‘A’ by S&P. For More information on ICD visit: https://ICD-PS.org/.

About Indonesia Exim Bank:
Established under Law No. 2/2009, Indonesia Eximbank is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. Its primary objective is to enhance national export growth and support exporters in expanding their business capacity.

Indonesia Eximbank is committed to promoting Indonesian exporters as respected global players, offering world-class export products and services to international markets.

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New discovery reveals chimpanzees in Uganda use flying insects to tend their wounds

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kayla Kolff, Postdoctoral researcher, Osnabrück University

Animals respond to injury in many ways. So far, evidence for animals tending wounds with biologically active materials is rare. Yet, a recent study of an orangutan treating a wound with a medicinal plant provides a promising lead.

Chimpanzees, for example, are known to lick their wounds and sometimes press leaves onto them, but these behaviours are still only partly understood. We still do not know how often these actions occur, whether they are deliberate, or how inventive chimpanzees can be when responding to wounds.

Recent field observations in Uganda, east Africa, are now revealing intriguing insights into how these animals cope with wounds.

Read more: Inside the chimpanzee medicine cabinet: we’ve found a new way chimps treat wounds with plants

As a primatologist, I am fascinated by the cognitive and social lives of chimpanzees, and by what sickness-related behaviours can reveal about the evolutionary origins of care and empathy in people. Chimpanzees are among our closest living relatives, and we can learn so much about ourselves through understanding them.

In our research based in Kibale National Park, Uganda, chimpanzees have been seen applying insects to their own open wounds on five occasions, and in one case to another individual.

Behaviours like insect application show that chimpanzees are not passive when wounded. They experiment with their environment, sometimes alone and occasionally with others. While we should not jump too quickly to call this “medicine”, it does show that they are capable of responding to wounds in inventive and sometimes cooperative ways.

Each new insight adds reveals more about chimpanzees, offering glimpses into the shared evolutionary roots of our own responses to injury and caregiving instincts.

First catch your insect

We saw the insect applications by chance while observing and recording their behaviour in the forest, but paid special attention to chimpanzees with open wounds.

Insect application by subadult Damien.

In all observed cases, the sequence of actions seemed deliberate. A chimpanzee caught an unidentified flying insect, immobilised it between lips or fingers, and pressed it directly onto an open wound. The same insect was sometimes reapplied several times, occasionally after being held briefly in the mouth, before being discarded. Other chimpanzees occasionally watched the process closely, seemingly with curiosity.

Most often the behaviour was directed at the chimpanzee’s own open wound. However, in one rare instance, an adolescent female applied an insect to her brother’s wound. A study on the same community has shown that chimpanzees also dab the wounds of unrelated members with leaves, prompting the question of whether insect application of these chimpanzees, too, might extend beyond family members. Acts of care, whether directed towards family or others, can reveal the early foundations of empathy and cooperation.

The observed sequence closely resembles the insect applications seen in Central chimpanzees in Gabon, Africa. The similarity suggests that insect application may represent a more widespread behaviour performed by chimpanzee than previously recognised.

Read more: A chimpanzee cultural collapse is underway, and it’s driven by humans

The finding from Kibale National Park broadens our view of how chimpanzees respond to wounds. Rather than leaving wounds unattended, they sometimes act in ways that appear deliberate and targeted.

Chimpanzee first aid?

The obvious question is what function this behaviour might serve. We know that chimpanzees deliberately use plants in ways that can improve their health: swallowing rough leaves that help expel intestinal parasites or chewing bitter shoots with possible anti-parasitic effects.

Insects, however, are a different matter. Pressing insects onto wounds has not yet been shown to speed up healing or reduce infection. Many insects do produce antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory substances, so the possibility is there, but scientific testing is still needed.

For now, what we can say is that the behaviour appears to be targeted, patterned and deliberate. The single case of an insect being applied to another individual is especially intriguing. Chimpanzees are highly social animals, but active helping is relatively rare. Alongside well-known behaviours such as grooming, food sharing, and support in fights, applying an insect to a sibling’s wound hints at another form of care, one that goes beyond maintaining relationships to possibly improving the other’s physical condition.

Adult male Wayne (right) observing adult male Garrison (left). Kayla Kolff, Author provided (no reuse)

Big questions

This behaviour leaves us with some big questions. If insect application proves medicative, it could explain why chimpanzees do it. This in turn raises the question of how the behaviour arises in the first place: do chimpanzees learn it by observing others, or does it emerge more spontaneously? From there arises the question of selectivity – are they choosing particular flying insects, and if so, do others in the group learn to select the same ones?

In human traditional medicine (entomotherapy), flying insects such as honeybees and blowflies are valued for their antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects. Whether the insects applied by chimpanzees provide similar benefits is still to be investigated.

Finally, if chimpanzees are indeed applying insects with medicinal value and sometimes placing them on the wounds of others, this could represent active helping and even prosocial behaviour. (The term is used to describe behaviours that benefit others rather than the individual performing them.)

Watching chimpanzees in Kibale National Park immobilise a flying insect and gently press it onto an open wound reminds us how much there is still to learn about their abilities. It also adds to the growing evidence that the roots of care and healing behaviours extend much further back in evolutionary time.

If insect applications prove to be medicinal, this adds to the importance of safeguarding chimpanzees and their habitats. In turn, these habitats protect the insects that can contribute to chimpanzee well-being.

– New discovery reveals chimpanzees in Uganda use flying insects to tend their wounds
– https://theconversation.com/new-discovery-reveals-chimpanzees-in-uganda-use-flying-insects-to-tend-their-wounds-267301

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President Ramaphosa calls for enhanced ASEAN-AU cooperation

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a strengthened strategic alliance between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and African Union as two major blocs in the global South. 

The President was delivering remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit during a Working Visit to Malaysia.

The two regional blocs represent billions of people with countries within the groupings still considered developing or emerging nations.

“The world is undergoing profound change and uncertainty. We face crises of climate change, inequality and geopolitical instability. Rising protectionism, supply chain disruptions and unequal access to markets continue to undermine development prospects. These challenges demand coordinated responses and innovative partnerships.

“We see great potential in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the African Union. These platforms can serve as vehicles for enhanced connectivity, economic resilience and peacebuilding across and between our regions,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that ASEAN’s ethos of “mutual upliftment and regional solidarity is one we share” adding that it resonates with “South Africa’s values and those embedded in the African Union”. 

The President emphasised that increased trade is one of the tools that can be used by both blocs to drive prosperity.

“Throughout history, trade has been a powerful instrument of economic growth and social progress.

“We must therefore increase mutually beneficial trade by improving market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade connectivity between our regions,” he said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that cooperation can lead to the development of “solutions to the challenges we all face as developing economies”.

“Together, we can defend multilateralism and address critical issues such as climate change, development and resolution of conflict. We must seize this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to multilateralism and to deepen our partnerships.

“We must honour the legacy of Band building a future defined by unity, dignity and progress,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA calls for unity ahead of G20 Women’s Declaration

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has called on G20 member states to exercise maximum flexibility and solidarity as the Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) enters the final phase of negotiations on the first-ever G20 Ministerial Declaration on the Empowerment of Women.

Delivering her welcoming remarks at the 4th Empowerment of Women Technical Meeting, currently underway in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Director-General, Advocate Mikateko Joyce Maluleke, expressed optimism that the declaration, if adopted, would mark a historic milestone for the G20’s gender equality agenda.

“If we can reach agreement amongst ourselves, this would indeed be a momentous occasion — for the G20 Forum to adopt, for the first time, the Empowerment of Women Ministerial Declaration,” Maluleke said.

The meeting, which takes place from 27 – 29 October 2025, is attended by representatives from G20 member states, including guest countries and international organisations. It is the final meeting under South Africa’s Presidency of the Working Group.

The delegates are negotiating the Ministerial Declaration, to be adopted during the EWWG Ministerial Meeting on 31 October 2025.

Maluleke commended the “robust engagement” of delegations over the past three and a half months, noting that 29 paragraphs of the draft declaration have been finalised, with 18 still under negotiation.

She also reflected on the evolution of the text since South Africa introduced the initial draft, emphasising efforts to balance diverse perspectives. These include references to gender issues, which have increased significantly, from 13 mentions in the Zero Draft to 44 in the latest revision (REV3), showing the growing recognition of women’s empowerment as a core development priority.

However, she acknowledged that some contentious issues, such as references to comprehensive sexuality education, patriarchy, and harmful practices, had been removed through successive revisions to reach consensus.

“This is an indication that the issues under discussion are vibrant and relevant under the gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls’ agenda for all delegation,” Maluleke said.

She also appealed for the use of “agreed UN language” in remaining discussions, stressing that the goal was to produce a declaration that is balanced, ambitious, bold, and action-oriented, ensuring that “all women and girls in our countries will be able to confirm that their human rights are also promoted and protected in the G20.”

The EWWG, first established under India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, has since evolved under Brazil in 2024 and now South Africa in 2025. The Johannesburg meeting marks the culmination of this three-year process, setting the stage for a potential global commitment to women’s empowerment within the G20 framework.

As the delegates gather for their final week of negotiations in Gauteng, Maluleke expressed confidence that collective determination would lead to success.

“We rely on all delegations to exercise their maximum flexibility in this last leg of the negotiations. When the negotiation session resumes, I want us all to reflect, take cognisance that we have spent 55 hours in each other’s company engaging in this text over three and a half months.

“This has not been an easy process, and we cannot allow all this hard work to turn into nothing,” the Director-General said. – SAnews.gov.za