Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, convened a High-Level Emergency Meeting of African Heads of State and Government, the African Union Commission, Africa CDC (https://AfricaCDC.org/), the World Health Organization, Regional Economic Communities, partners and donors to accelerate the Ebola Bundibugyo response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The meeting mobilized USD 910 million in pledges, including USD 80 million committed by African Member States. Africa CDC welcomed these African commitments as a strong signal of continental solidarity, shared responsibility and African leadership in health security.

Leaders endorsed urgent action to mobilize and disburse the full USD 518 million required for the Joint Continental Preparedness and Response Plan within the next four weeks. The plan covers immediate response in affected areas and preparedness in at-risk countries, including surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, community engagement, logistics, medical countermeasures and cross-border coordination.

“Our people will not judge us by our declarations, but by our ability to interrupt transmission, protect health workers, restore community trust, and guarantee dignified care for affected families,” said H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union.

“The Ebola outbreak is a stark reminder that health security is a shared continental responsibility requiring urgent, coordinated and sustained action. We must strengthen national and regional response plans, enhance cross-border coordination, and scale up preparedness, surveillance and containment measures to prevent further transmission. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and communities who have lost loved ones, and I commend the affected Member States, frontline health workers and emergency response teams for their dedication and professionalism. I also express my appreciation to African Union Member States, development partners and humanitarian organisations for their solidarity and support. The African Union remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to strengthen resilience, advance coordinated public health responses, and ensure that no Member State is left behind in addressing this shared challenge,” said H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

“African countries have stepped forward with USD 80 million in commitments. This matters. It shows that Africa is taking responsibility for its own health security while calling on partners to align behind one plan, one budget and one team,” said H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC. “The priority now is speed. Every pledge must translate into financing, supplies, people and support reaching the communities and responders on the ground.”

WHO reaffirmed its full support to the affected countries and to the Africa CDC-led continental response, including through surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory support, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, community engagement and coordination with partners.

“Under the leadership of DRC’s government and neighbouring nations, and with sustained regional and international support, we can defeat this Ebola outbreak, as we have with previous outbreaks. Strong cross-border cooperation among affected countries and neighbours will be critical for both the Ebola response and in addressing wider humanitarian needs,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Even as we respond to this outbreak, we must also strengthen the essential health services people rely on for other pressing needs, including malaria, measles, malnutrition and safe childbirth.”

The meeting took place as the outbreak continues to place serious pressure on affected communities and response teams. The most urgent gaps include contact tracing, supply availability, health worker protection, safe and dignified burials, treatment and isolation capacity, community engagement, and access to areas affected by insecurity and population movement.

Africa CDC warned that delayed action would increase both the human and financial cost of the response. If transmission is not rapidly contained, projected needs could rise from USD 518 million to as much as USD 1.5 billion.

The meeting identified contact tracing as a central containment priority. Africa CDC and WHO will support affected and at-risk countries to reach at least 90 to 95 per cent monitoring of all contacts through the full 21-day incubation period. Current response reporting shows persistent gaps in contact follow-up, supply availability and operational access, which continue to constrain containment efforts.

The meeting called for intensified support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to maintain and expand national response measures, including case finding, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, safe and dignified burials, treatment and isolation, and community engagement. At-risk and neighbouring countries were urged to finalize and implement national Ebola preparedness and response plans, strengthen entry and exit screening, and share epidemiological data in real time across borders.

Countries and partners were also urged to avoid unnecessary travel or trade restrictions that are not grounded in public health evidence and international health regulations, and to ensure the continued movement of essential goods, samples, supplies and health responders.

Africa CDC welcomed CEPI’s commitment of more than USD 60 million to accelerate the clinical development of vaccine candidates for the Bundibugyo strain. The meeting called for African scientists, manufacturers, regulators and institutions to be full partners in research, development, regulatory pathways, technology transfer and future access arrangements.

The meeting further called on African Union Member States to join and operationalize the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism and support the African Medicines Agency as key platforms for faster access to medical countermeasures and stronger African health sovereignty.

Africa CDC will lead a weekly commitment tracker to monitor pledges, disbursements, medical countermeasures, technical assistance, deployed personnel, delivered supplies and remaining operational gaps. This tracker will support transparency, accountability and faster delivery against the Joint Continental Preparedness and Response Plan.

The High-Level Meeting concluded with a clear call to governments, partners, donors, financial institutions, philanthropies and the private sector: move from pledges to disbursement, from commitments to delivery, and from plans to action in the communities carrying the burden of this outbreak.

Africa CDC remains fully engaged and deployed alongside affected and at-risk countries. The institution will continue to provide regular updates to Member States and partners on the epidemiological situation, operational priorities and resource gaps.

– on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media contact:
KolyS@africacdc.org
Communication and Public Information Directorate

About Africa CDC:
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the autonomous public health agency of the African Union, mandated to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, disease prevention and control across the continent.

Source: APO – Report:

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The 20th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance was successfully held in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Prosperity through Islamic Finance,” in conjunction with the IsDB Group Annual Meetings.

The Forum brought together distinguished policymakers, regulators, development practitioners, and industry leaders to explore how Islamic finance can foster sustainable prosperity and address development challenges across Member Countries.

Aligned with the broader Annual Meetings theme, “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity,” the Forum examined how countries and institutions can leverage Islamic finance to deepen regional integration, enhance economic resilience, and promote inclusive growth across IsDB Member Countries.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to contributing to the future development of the Islamic finance ecosystem, highlighting the country’s role as a reformer and a bridge between regions and markets. He emphasized the importance of a clear strategic vision in shaping future growth and cooperation.

Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, in a keynote speech on behalf of the IsDB Group, emphasized that Islamic finance should not be viewed merely as an alternative set of financial contracts or a niche segment of the global financial industry, but rather as a values-driven development paradigm that reconnects finance with the real economy, productive activity, shared prosperity, and social well-being.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDB Institute, highlighted the significant contribution of the IsDB Group to the development of the global Islamic finance industry, now valued at approximately US$ 4-5 trillion. He underscored the importance of innovation in maintaining the leadership of the IsDB Group and ensuring the industry remains relevant and continues to contribute to sustainable development.

Key highlights of the forum included:

• The launch of a new report titled “Islamic Finance in Azerbaijan: Breaking New Ground,” jointly produced by IsDBI and ITFC, along with other flagship publications.
• Announcement of a memorandum of understanding between IsDBI and the Labuan Financial Services Authority to explore the Awqaf Free Zones flagship project.
• Two high-level panel discussions focusing on Islamic finance and development.
• Recognition of top performers in the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge.

The first panel session explored how Islamic finance can help countries overcome structural development challenges and achieve sustainable economic transformation. Speakers included Mr. Shahin Aydin Mahmudzade, Executive Director, Central Bank of Azerbaijan; Mr. Adnan Zaylani, Deputy Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia; Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR; Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean, Asian Development Bank Institute; and Dr. Areef Suleman, Chief Economist, IsDB Group. The session was moderated by Mr. Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance, London Stock Exchange Group.

The second panel session examined practical approaches to mobilizing sustainable finance in support of food and energy security, drawing on insights from Member Countries and partner institutions. Speakers included Mr. Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board, AFEZ Authority, Azerbaijan; Dr. Mansur Muhtar, Chairman of the Board, Bank of Industry, Nigeria; Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Azmi Omar, President & CEO, INCEIF University; and Mr. Orkhan Vidadi oglu Mammadov, Chairman, Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBİA). The session was moderated by Mr. Yahya Rehman, Associate Manager, IsDBI.

Winners of the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge were also recognized, as follows: Mr. Emin Jaafar (AlifPay) received first place, followed by Mr. Khalil Ben Mohamed (Ayech) in second place, and Mr. Elchin Huseyn (Mink Platform) in third place.

The Forum identified key priority areas for future collaboration, including scaling innovative Islamic finance instruments, strengthening institutional partnerships, and enhancing capacity development initiatives. It also reinforced the role of the IsDB Institute as a key partner in advancing practical, innovative solutions that support sustainable development and regional integration within the framework of Islamic finance.

A video recording of the Forum is available here: https://apo-opa.co/43DnKQV

– on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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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

Source: APO – Report:

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Africa), marking a significant step toward strengthening technical collaboration, knowledge transfer and innovation across Africa’s energy industry.

The agreement formalizes a strategic partnership between one of Africa’s leading energy advocacy organizations and a globally recognized technical authority with more than 127,000 members across 145 countries. Through the collaboration, SPE Africa will provide technical expertise, advisory support and industry insight to strengthen AEC’s growing portfolio of conferences, strategic initiatives and policy-driven engagements.

At a time when Africa is working to accelerate energy development, attract investment and navigate an increasingly complex global energy landscape, the partnership underscores the importance of technical excellence in delivering sustainable, bankable and efficiently executed energy projects across the continent.

Under the terms of the MOU, SPE Africa will contribute technical content, expert participation and sector-specific guidance across AEC platforms, helping to deliver high-quality, insight-driven industry engagements. A Joint Working Group will also be established to coordinate collaboration, define priority areas and oversee the implementation of joint activities.

The partnership further reflects a shared commitment to talent development and capacity building within Africa’s energy sector. By leveraging SPE Africa’s extensive student and young professional networks, the collaboration will expand opportunities for early-career engineers to engage with industry leaders, gain exposure to real-world technical challenges and support the advancement of STEM education across the continent. This focus on nurturing the next generation of engineers, especially women, is seen as critical to sustaining long-term growth, innovation and technical excellence in Africa’s energy industry.

“By bringing SPE Africa’s global technical expertise into closer alignment with the Chamber’s platforms and advocacy, we are ensuring that Africa is not only attracting investment, but also delivering projects that are efficient, competitive and built to last. This collaboration will strengthen the quality of technical dialogue across the industry while advancing capacity building and STEM development, creating space where innovation, practical solutions and meaningful collaboration can move the sector forward,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

The partnership will also support SPE Africa’s broader role in convening key industry platforms, including the Africa Technology Conference (ATC), a dedicated technical conference that brings together energy professionals, technical experts and industry decision-makers from across Africa and global markets. The conference features in-depth technical presentations, cutting-edge research and expert-led discussions on advancements in technology, engineering solutions and sustainable practices, and serves as a key forum for advancing innovation, strengthening collaboration and addressing technical and operational challenges.

“SPE Africa is proud to partner with the African Energy Chamber to support the advancement of Africa’s energy sector through technical excellence and professional collaboration. By connecting our global expertise with AEC’s influential platforms, we are creating new opportunities to strengthen capacity, share knowledge and accelerate innovation,” said Dr. Riverson Oppong, President of SPE Africa.

The MOU establishes a two-year framework for collaboration, with specific projects and deliverables to be defined through subsequent agreements. As Africa continues to position itself as a key player in the global energy landscape, the partnership between AEC and SPE Africa is expected to enhance the quality of industry dialogue, strengthen technical capacity and support more effective energy development across the continent.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral credit and political risk insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, is pleased to announce its support for a EUR 100 million financing facility extended by ING Bank (Germany) and SMBC Bank International Plc (United Kingdom) to the Export Credit Bank of Türkiye (Türk Eximbank).

The transaction was signed on the sidelines of the IsDB Group 2026 Annual Meetings, held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 16 to 19 June 2026.

ICIEC is providing Non-Honoring of Financial Obligations for State-Owned Enterprises (NHFO-SOE) insurance cover for a tenor of 10 years, helping Türk Eximbank access long-term funding to expand affordable export financing for Turkish companies, particularly SMEs.

Türk Eximbank serves a broad base of Turkish corporates, predominantly SMEs. The facility will help expand access to affordable financing, enabling these companies to scale their operations, pursue new markets, and support employment creation in line with Türkiye’s export growth strategy.

Commenting on the transaction, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said: “SMEs are central to Türkiye’s export ambitions and long-term economic resilience. Through this facility, ICIEC is helping Türk Eximbank broaden access to competitive financing for companies seeking to expand beyond domestic markets. This agreement reflects the practical value of multilateral cooperation in enabling trade, supporting enterprise growth, and creating lasting development impact.”

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

Contact:
Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

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About ICIEC:
As a member of the rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and Shariah-compliant financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. ICIEC has led in delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and stakeholders across its 51 Member States. For the 18th consecutive year, ICIEC maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top tier of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-” long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the third consecutive year, with a Stable Outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting practices, a robust global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 138 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC’s activities span several key sectors, including energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

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

Source: APO

• ICD and SOCAR signed an MOU on 17 June 2026 in Baku after the opening of the Private Sector Forum during IsDB Group Annual Meeting.
• The MOU sets a framework to explore Shariah-compliant, limited-recourse PPP financing for projects in Azerbaijan and other ICD member states.
• The Cooperation targets infrastructure and energy projects in Azerbaijan and other ICD’s member countries being developed through joint venture project companies co-owned by SOCAR and its partners (2026–2027).
• The partnership leverages SOCAR’s sector expertise and ICD’s development finance mandate and experience to mobilize additional private investment and resources to fund targeted projects.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org) and SOCAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meeting in Baku. The MOU  establishes a framework to jointly explore Shariah-compliant senior limited-recourse financing for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Azerbaijan and other ICD member countries.

Under the MOU, ICD and SOCAR will identify and evaluate financing opportunities for project companies co-owned by SOCAR and its investment  partners, with ICD providing tailored Shariah-compliant financing solutions. The collaboration, which will be active from  2026 through to 2027, leverages on recognised PPP structures to accelerate the development of  large-scale energy and infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan and other member countries of ICD.

Following the signing of the MOU, the Acting CEO of ICD, Dr Khalid Khalafalla commented: “This partnership with SOCAR marks a significant step in ICD’s strategy to mobilize private capital across our member countries. By combining SOCAR’s energy expertise with ICD’s Shariah-compliant financing, we are advancing the development of  PPP projects that will drive economic growth in Azerbaijan and beyond, in line with the IsDB Group’s development mandate and  priorities.”

Mr. ROVSHAN NAJAF, CEO of SOCAR, also stated: “The Memorandum of Understanding opens significant opportunities for the development of future cooperation between the parties on energy projects. The document is important in terms of facilitating joint efforts on projects that may be implemented in Azerbaijan and other member countries of ICD, as well as exploring suitable financing mechanisms and identifying potential areas of cooperation”.  

The partnership combines SOCAR’s deep expertise in oil, gas, and infrastructure with ICD’s multilateral development finance capabilities to mobilize private sector investment. It aligns with ICD’s broader mandate to support sustainable private sector growth across its 56 member countries through innovative Islamic finance, reinforcing multilateral development as a catalyst for economic transformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Media Contact: 
icd.communication@isdb.org

Follow ICD on:
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About SOCAR: 
SOCAR, a global energy company headquartered in Azerbaijan, specializes in the extraction, processing, and distribution of energy resources. As the largest integrated energy enterprise in the South Caucasus region, the company has a significant presence worldwide, underscoring its importance in various international markets

About ICD: 
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development finance institution and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. Established in November 1999 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ICD supports economic development in its 56 member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with Shariah principles. With an authorized capital of USD 4.0 billion and more than 25 years of operational excellence, ICD complements IsDB’s activities by promoting  the growth and expansion of private sector, the development of capital markets,  and enhancing the role of market economies in its member countries. ICD holds strong credit ratings of A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A by S&P. For more information, visit www.ICD-ps.org 

Source: APO

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• ICD and Azerconnect Group signed a mandate letter on 17 June 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan during the opening of the Private Sector Forum in IsDB Group Annual Meetings.
• The USD 20 million long-term Shariah-compliant financing facility will  be used to part-finance Azerconnect Group’s capital expenditure program
• The ICD’s facility  is expected to promote the creation of direct and indirect employment, generate additional tax revenues to the government, and strengthen Azerbaijan’s telecom infrastructure

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org) and Azerconnect Group signed a mandate letter for a USD 20 million Shariah-compliant facility to part-finance Azerconnect Group’s capital expenditure program. The signing took place on 17^th June 2026 on the sidelines of the Private Sector Forum during the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku.

The facility will support Azerconnect Group’s telecom infrastructure expansion, aligning with Azerbaijan’s digitization agenda. Azerconnect Group, part of NEQSOL Holding, offers mobile, internet, leased lines, and digital services including FinTech, AdTech, and Media & TV.

The transaction advances ICD’s mandate to foster private sector growth through Islamic finance, while generating employment and tangible telecom infrastructure improvements across Azerbaijan. It demonstrates ICD’s commitment to supporting the development of strategic sectors like telecom by bridging funding gaps, supporting diversification, and driving sustainable development.

Commenting on the signing, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, stated: ” Telecom is a critical pillar of Azerbaijan’s economic modernization, and ICD is proud to support Azerconnect Group through Shariah-compliant financing. This mandate reflects our commitment to mobilizing long-term capital for infrastructure and private sector growth. We look forward to working with Azerconnect Group and NEQSOL to conclude the transaction and deliver lasting impact for Azerbaijan”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Media Contact:
icd.communication@isdb.org

About Azerconnect Group:
Azerconnect Group, the region’s leading ICT company, delivers advanced solutions, including Mobile, Internet, International leased lines provisioning, FinTech, AdTech, and Media/TV. Delivering AI-powered solutions to nearly 6 million customers, Azerconnect Group includes companies such as Bakcell, AzerTelecom, Citynet, UltraNet, Goldenpay, DataSphere, and NewMedia. With more than 4,000 professionals, Azerconnect Group is one of Azerbaijan’s largest employers.

Azerconnect Group is part of NEQSOL Holding, an internati onal group of companies operating in various countries and sectors.

About ICD:
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development finance institution and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. Established in November 1999 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ICD supports economic development in its 56 member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with Shariah principles. With an authorized capital of USD 4.0 billion and more than 25 years of operational excellence, ICD complements IsDB’s activities by promoting the growth and expansion of private sector, the development of capital market and enhancing the role of market economies in its member countries. ICD holds strong credit ratings of A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A by S&P. For more information, visit www.ICD-PS.org and follow ICD on X (@icd_ps), LinkedIn (@icdps), Facebook (@icdps), and YouTube (@icdps).