Category: Africa

Source: APO

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org) successfully concluded the IsDB Group Day in Nigeria on 30 March 2026, bringing together senior government officials, private sector leaders, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, development partners, and international stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote investment, and enhance private sector–led growth in Nigeria.

The high-level event underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and highlighted the critical role of private sector engagement in addressing key development challenges, including infrastructure gaps, youth and women unemployment, limited access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the transition toward a more diversified and sustainable economy.

The IsDB Group Day served as a strategic platform to present the Group’s comprehensive range of services and solutions in investment, trade finance, insurance, Islamic finance, and capacity building.

The event facilitated dialogue amongst policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners, fostering meaningful engagement and the exploration of practical business and investment opportunities.

In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stated:

“As Nigeria transitions from economic stabilization to a period of robust expansion in 2026, our focus is firmly set on Growth Acceleration and Investment Mobilization. This journey toward a $1 Trillion economy by 2030 requires ‘capital with purpose’—investments that bridge the gap between financial stability and tangible social outcomes. Through our strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the implementation of the Country Engagement Framework 2026-2028, we are modernizing our infrastructure, industrializing our agribusiness, and bringing 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity. By leveraging innovative instruments like Sukuk, we are not just financing projects; we are building a Nigeria that is resilient by design, inclusive by nature, and a premier destination for global investment.”

The IsDB Group Head of Delegation underscored: “The CEF marks a new era of strategic synergy, moving beyond isolated interventions to deliver integrated, federal-scale solutions. We are aligning our institutional resources to support Nigeria’s transition toward a diversified, high-growth economy—one where the private sector serves as the fundamental engine of development.”

He further emphasized that through this partnership, the Group remains dedicated to accelerating the delivery of integrated transformative solutions that foster national resilience and competitive industrialization.

One of the main features of the program was a panel discussion on Nigeria’s development priorities and the role of IsDB Group in formulating practical avenues of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships to support Nigeria’s path towards sustainable and inclusive development.

The discussions during the IsDB Group Day were closely aligned with Nigeria’s future development vision, which focuses on building a diversified, inclusive, and resilient economy driven by private sector–led growth. Emphasis was placed on expanding access to finance for

SMEs, strengthening public–private partnerships, advancing renewable energy and green infrastructure, and investing in human capital to unlock opportunities for youth and women.

These priorities reflect Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development, economic diversification, and deeper regional integration through trade and investment.

A series of bilateral (B2B and B2G) meetings were held amongst representatives of the IsDB Group, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank Group. Inspiring success stories implemented in Nigeria in partnership with local entrepreneurs as well as local and international institutions were also presented.

The event also highlighted the activities, services, and initiatives of IsDB Group institutions, including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

The day concluded with a reaffirmation of the Islamic Development Bank Group’s commitment to continued cooperation  with the Nigerian government and the country’s private sector to further build strategic partnerships, expand investment opportunities, and enhance the business environment, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

Media Contacts:
Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)
Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH)
Email: THIQAH@isdb.org

Social Media:
Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)
X  
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Twitter: @ ICD_PS
LinkedIn: ICDPS
Facebook: icdps
Instagram: @ icdps
YouTube: ICDPSTV

International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
Twitter: @ ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ITFCCORP
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)

Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI)​
X (Twitter): https://apo-opa.co/4sBtsxo
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4cdzLRY
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4sKbJ77

Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH)
Twitter: @ IDBGTHIQAH
Facebook: @ IDBGTHIQAH
LinkedIn: IsDB Group Business Forum – THIQAH

About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group:
Rated AAA by the major rating agencies of the world, the Islamic Development Bank is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South that has been working for over 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57 Member Countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly 1 of 4 people worldwide. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place and enabling them to fulfil their potential. Headquartered in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IsDB has 10 regional hubs and a center of excellence.  Over the years, the Bank has evolved from a single entity into a group comprising: the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI); the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC); the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD); and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

About the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
Established in 1994, ICIEC seeks to strengthen economic relations and stimulate trade and investment among OIC member countries through the provision of risk mitigation instruments and financial solutions. It remains the world’s only multilateral insurer operating in compliance with Islamic Sharia.

ICIEC currently serves 50 countries and has maintained its “Aa3” insurance credit rating from Moody’s for 17 consecutive years – the among credit and political risk insurers. It also received a first-time long-term credit rating of AA- from Standard & Poor’s with a stable outlook. The Corporation’s resilience is underpinned by sound underwriting, reinsurance and risk management practices. To date, ICIEC has cumulatively insured over 121 billion USD in trade and investment across key sectors, including energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

For more information, visit: http://ICIEC.IsDB.org

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
A member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, ICD is a multilateral financial institution with an authorized capital is 4 billion USD, of which 2 billion USD is available for subscription. Its shareholders comprise the Islamic Development Bank, 56 member countries, and five public financial institutions.

Since its inception in 1999, the Corporation has played a pivotal role in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth through Shariah-compliant financing, cross-border investments, and vital infrastructure development. ICD has  contributed significantly to enhancing the economic landscape of its member countries.

Website: www.ICD-ps.org

About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
A member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, ITFC was established to promote trade among OIC member countries, contributing to their economic development and social well-being. Since commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided over 83 billion USD in trade finance, becoming a leader in delivering tailored trade solutions.

The Corporation’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for trade development, helping member countries access finance and capacity building programs to enhance competitiveness and global market integration.

About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org

About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH):
THIQAH serves as the private sector interface of the IsDB Group, facilitating engagement and collaboration between the Group entities and businesses in member countries. Its core aim is to build an inclusive, strategic platform for dialogue, cooperation and partnerships focused on high potentials investment opportunities.

By leveraging IsDB Group resources, THIQAH offers support services  and confidence  to investors while promoting cross-border investment flows withing member countries.

Website (https://www.IDBGBF.org)

Source: APO

.

As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeks partners to unlock its $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW), scheduled for October 14­–16, 2026 in Cape Town, will feature a dedicated session highlighting prospects across the country’s mining value chain.

The DRC Country Focus will convene regulators, project developers, service providers and international investors to explore investment and partnership opportunities amidst a national agenda to unlock the nearly 90% of the DRC’s geological potential that remains unexplored.

Speaking at AMW 2025, Louis Watum Kabamba, the DRC’s Minister of Mines, emphasized the country’s growing adoption of advanced digital technologies – including AI, electromagnetic surveys, geomagnetic mapping and radiometric gravity techniques – to unlock its frontier geological zones, accelerate exploration and shorten project development timelines.

“We are deploying satellite and spatial data technologies to accelerate greenfield exploration, reduce costs and lower uncertainty. We have 20 billion tons of iron ore – enough to supply steel for Africa and we seek to unlock this potential using advanced technologies,” stated Kabamba.

In February 2026, the government signed a contract with Xcalibur Smart Mapping to conduct an extensive aerial survey covering more than 700,000 km2, advancing its strategy to identify and develop new mineral prospects. Against this backdrop, the DRC Country Focus will provide an important platform for officials to update investors on the progress of the national geomapping initiative and connect international exploration and drilling companies with emerging prospects across the exploration segment.

Alongside exploration initiatives, the DRC is leveraging technology to strengthen local content development and workforce capacity within the mining sector. Through programs such as the ASGM Empowerment AXIS Program and Goldconnect, the government is deploying blockchain-enabled gold tokenization solutions and facilitating funding access for artisanal and small-scale miners (ASGM). These initiatives form part of a broader national strategy to formalize ASGM operations, expand formal employment and promote sustainable mining practices.

The AMW session comes as the DRC strengthens its local mineral beneficiation agenda through a series of global partnerships. In March 2026, the country launched a 600 kg-per-month pilot gold refinery in Kalemie, underscoring its commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to develop downstream processing capacity. The DRC is deploying special economic zones, that will host refineries, as part of a strategy to unlock the full value of its estimated 20 billion tons of iron ore reserves and other critical minerals. The country is also leveraging U.S. investment and technical expertise to develop new and modernize existing infrastructure to boost local beneficiation of strategic minerals, as part of partnership agreements signed with the U.S. in late 2025.

These initiatives highlight the DRC’s commitment to building a competitive mining industry through international partnerships. The DRC Country Focus at AMW will build on this momentum by providing a platform for new deals, investment partnerships and strategic collaborations that can accelerate industry growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) is urging private-sector leaders and investors across Africa to integrate public attitude data into their decision making, as citizen perspectives are essential to building resilient, competitive, and future-ready enterprises.

This call came through strongly as Afrobarometer engaged business leaders, investors, policy makers, regulators, and innovators at the CEO Conclave and Investors Forum 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum, convened by the Africa Asia Middle East Chamber of Commerce (AAMECC), brought together about 100 leaders from across the business ecosystem to explore opportunities for investment, innovation, and cross-border partnerships.

At the event, Afrobarometer presented data on economic and social conditions tailored for private-sector stakeholders and highlighted the role of citizens’ lived experiences and perceptions in shaping consumer behaviour, investment climates, and business performance.

“The environments in which you operate are shaped by the expectations, frustrations, resilience, and aspirations of people,” said Felix Biga, chief operations officer for Afrobarometer. “Citizen experiences and perceptions of economic conditions, trust in institutions, access to services, and lived realities all influence market behaviour, investment climates, and ultimately business success.”

Participants echoed the value of integrating citizen-centred data into business planning.

“As Africa emerges as a significant frontier for economic growth, those who lead will be organisations prioritising insights derived from robust data, particularly citizen-centred data,” said Peter Mutinda, president of AAMECC.

“What is most important to me in business, especially when working with African partners, is starting with data, then building connections and cooperation, and only then moving into the details and country-specific specialisations,” said Pawel Zarzecki, an export manager at Bart, a health-focused manufacturer.

Eve Mischeki from the Women in Business network also underscored the relevance of the findings presented by Afrobarometer.

“As a woman in business, I see strong synergy with Afrobarometer’s data, particularly in the key priorities it highlights, which closely reflect the realities we navigate,” she said.

This engagement forms part of Afrobarometer’s broader effort to deepen collaboration with business leaders through a series of targeted dialogues aimed at increasing awareness of its data and co-creating solutions that respond to both business and societal priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Iberi
Afrobarometer communications coordinator for East Africa
Telephone: +254 725 674 457
Email: diberi@afrobarometer.org

Social Media:
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
Whatsapp
Bluesky
Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica

About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 430,000+ interviews in 43 countries, representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent’s data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (www.Afrobarometer.org) and may be analysed free of charge using AB’s online data analysis tool (https://apo-opa.co/4v6rBm4).

Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

Source: APO – Report:

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (http://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, is pleased to announce the appointment of Leah Nakazwe Kooma as Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, effective 1 April 2026.

With over two decades of experience across the telecommunications, financial services, and media sectors, Leah’s appointment underscores Liquid’s strategic growth and dedication to expanding its leadership in digital infrastructure in Zambia and beyond. This move reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and regional development.

“Leah’s leadership is pivotal at this stage for our Zambia business and the broader region. Her proven ability to deliver results will drive Liquid Zambia’s next phase of growth,” said Wellington Makamure, CEO of Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassava Technologies.

Leah began her career at Barclays Bank before joining Celtel, where she worked across multiple African markets. She joined the founding team of Vodafone Zambia in 2016, playing a key role in launching the country’s first 4G LTE network as Chief Sales and Distribution Officer. In 2017, she joined MultiChoice Zambia as the GOtv Commercial General Manager and was later appointed Chief Customer Officer, then Managing Director.

“I am very excited about joining the Liquid team. I have watched from the terraces as the business has evolved over the years, and I believe that, together with my team, we can take it to the next level. Having started my career in sales, marketing, and customer service has helped me understand what customers want and how to treat them. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which has enabled me to collaborate seamlessly across diverse business environments. This experience also helped me grow into an effective communicator, whether with customers, clients, or co-workers,” explains Leah.

Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Development Studies from the University of Zambia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Wales. She currently serves on several boards, including as Board Chair for the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, and is a member of the Institute of Directors and Business Professional Women International.

– on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent.

For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.    

Source: APO

The National Football League (NFL) (https://NFL.com/International), in collaboration with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), hosted a four-day series of flag football development clinics in Ghana, bringing together local educators, international coaches and global federation representatives as part of ongoing efforts to grow the game worldwide and expand access to flag football across Africa.

The programming included a Ghana-based teachers clinic focused on equipping local educators with the tools and resources to introduce and scale flag football in schools, followed by an Africa Coaching Clinic delivered in collaboration with IFAF and its member federations from across the continent. Participating countries included Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda.

Together, the sessions emphasized both grassroots access and high-performance development, reflecting the NFL and IFAF’s shared commitment to building sustainable pathways for flag football at all levels of the game.

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with millions of players participating across more than 100 countries. As the sport continues to expand internationally — including its upcoming debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 — the NFL and IFAF are working together to increase access, strengthen development pathways and support national federations around the world.

“Flag football continues to create new opportunities for athletes and communities around the world,” said Afia Law, International Flag Football Development Manager, NFL. “Through this work in Ghana, we’re proud to support local educators and coaches while also partnering with federations across Africa to expand access to the game and build sustainable pathways for growth across the region.”

The four-day programming began with two days of locally focused development in Ghana, including a teachers clinic that provided a free opportunity for approximately 40 educators involved in the NFL Flag program. Sessions focused on building coaching frameworks, developing sustainable school-based programs and introducing game fundamentals, with on-field drills and gameplay offering participants hands-on experience in implementing what they learned.

Tshe final two days expanded to an international focus, as the Africa Coaching Clinic brought together IFAF delegates and coaches from across the continent for on-field instruction, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Participating countries included Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. The sessions also featured participation from a retired Olympic sprinter from Sierra Leone, underscoring the increasing connection between flag football and the Olympic movement.

“Programs like this demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving the global development of flag football,” said Lars Carlsen, IFAF Sport Manager. “By working together with partners like the NFL, we are able to support national federations, strengthen coaching structures and continue building momentum for the sport as it grows internationally and moves toward its Olympic future.”

Coaches participating in the clinics also had the opportunity to engage directly with peers from other countries, fostering cross-border collaboration and strengthening the broader flag football ecosystem across Africa.

The Ghana programming builds on ongoing NFL and IFAF efforts to expand flag football globally, with a focus on accessibility, inclusion and long-term development pathways for athletes and coaches alike. Flag football is also seeing rapid growth across Africa, with IFAF member federations across the continent reporting significant increases in participation in recent years, reflecting strong local momentum and continued investment in the sport.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Football League (NFL).