Category: English

Source: APO

A United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) delegation led by Ms. Eden Wosornu, Director of the Response Division, met and held talks on 18 and 19 June with senior Government officials focusing on mutual cooperation and development programs.

The delegation, accompanied by Ms. Nahla Valji, Resident Coordinator of UN offices in Eritrea, held discussions with Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture; Mr. Yemane Gebremeskel, Minister of Information; as well as Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Head of Political Affairs of the PFDJ.

The objective of the visit of the OCHA delegation was to observe national development priorities and challenges, assess first-hand the impact of climate change, strengthen cooperation modalities, and review program activities.

The delegation also visited nutrition prevention and treatment services in Adi-Tekelezan; a water supply project operating with a solar energy system in Embadorho, Serejeka sub-zone; as well as the Akria National Model of Integrated Organic Agriculture.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is deeply concerned by the accelerating spread of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the growing risks it poses to displaced communities across the region.

As of 17 June, 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths had been reported across 31 health zones in the DRC. Uganda had confirmed 19 cases and two deaths. None were refugees, but the risks of the disease spreading among displaced people remain high.

More than 2 million forcibly displaced people, including over 320,000 refugees, live in areas at risk in the DRC, where fighting continues alongside the spread of Ebola disease. Fears are growing about population movements into and out of affected areas, and their potential impact on transmission, reinforcing the need to align public health with protection interventions.

For example, on 7 June, UNHCR monitored the arrival of some 2,250 people from Mbau, 20km from Beni, one of the outbreak’s epicentres, after movements of armed groups triggered panic and led them to flee to Oicha, North Kivu, an Ebola-affected zone already hosting more than 14,300 displaced people.

For refugees and internally displaced people already facing trauma and insecurity and a lack of adequate humanitarian assistance, the outbreak is fueling fear and misinformation, eroding trust in response teams and delaying access to life‑saving care. On 3 June, this distrust led some internally displaced people to temporarily block access to response teams following two Ebola‑related deaths at the Kpangba site in Ituri Province, only 25km from Bunia – illustrating how mistrust can directly hinder life‑saving interventions.

As the outbreak continues to expand in areas where conflict and disease intersect, working with community leaders is critical to building trust, countering misinformation and ensuring that public health measures are aligned with population movements.

In affected and high-risk areas, like Bunia, UNHCR is supporting government-led response plans. In the past week, we facilitated training for more than 100 community leaders by health experts on Ebola prevention and key practices, so they can relay messages in local languages and trusted formats. Further sessions are planned for more remote sites. In Ituri, along the South Sudan border, trained refugees have been helping install chlorinated handwashing stations in refugee‑hosting villages.

The risk is regional. Eastern DRC sits in an interconnected region where trade, family ties and refugee movements link Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan. UNHCR is reinforcing preparedness in those countries, working with governments, the World Health Organization and partners to strengthen surveillance, screening, infection prevention, communication and water, sanitation and hygiene support in refugee-hosting areas and border corridors. We aim to prevent further cross-border transmission without impeding people seeking safety.

Governments must continue to lead the response and have a responsibility to protect public health. We are aware that some neighbouring countries have introduced temporary movement restrictions and other precautionary measures at border crossings in response to the outbreak. UNHCR believes that border closures are ineffective at preventing the spread of the epidemic, as they can drive people towards unofficial crossing points, where health screening and surveillance are more difficult. Public health measures should preserve access to asylum for people in need of international protection, with appropriate screening, triage, isolation and referral systems.

UNHCR and partners are working with local authorities to strengthen community-led preventive measures. We are working to ensure displaced communities are included in national health responses and protected from blame or discrimination, with particular attention to women and girls. Given the rapid increase in cases, the response must scale up accordingly and remain firmly anchored in national leadership. It must not come at the expense of other essential services like primary health care, gender-based violence services and education.

As part of an inter-agency response, UNHCR is seeking $14 million for its Ebola preparedness and response from July to November to help forcibly displaced people and their host communities in the DRC and Uganda, and to reinforce preparedness in Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan.

The funds would help strengthen health and sanitation systems, support front-line personnel, including community-based protection initiatives, expand isolation and referral capacity, and ensure that displaced people are not excluded from the wider public health response.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$1 billion Framework Agreement with the Government of Burkina Faso to support trade finance activities over the next five years across agriculture, energy, health, and private sector development.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku during a meeting attended by H.E. Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, Minister of Economy, Finance and Foresight of Burkina Faso, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer, ITFC.

The new framework builds on ITFC’s longstanding partnership with Burkina Faso, including the previous EUR900 million Framework Agreement signed in May 2023. That agreement is nearing full implementation, with approximately 94 percent of financing approved across sectors aligned with the country’s national development priorities.

The US$1 billion new agreement will provide a framework for continued financing in Burkina Faso’s agricultural and energy sectors while creating opportunities to expand support for health and private sector trade. Since commencing operations in Burkina Faso in 2008, ITFC has approved more than US$3.4 billion in financing. Agriculture represents 45 percent of total approvals, primarily supporting cotton campaigns, while energy accounts for 50 percent, including securing the imports of the national petroleum company, SONABHY.

Current ITFC operations in Burkina Faso include a EUR100 million financing facility with SOFITEX, the national cotton company, supporting the 2025&2026 cotton seasons. ITFC is also supporting the energy sector through a financing operation with SONABHY for the importation of refined petroleum products. In addition, the new agreement provides a platform to further develop private sector trade finance solutions in the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

For all media enquiries:
Email: ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Phone number: +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Contact ITFC:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

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About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$96 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, concluded its participation at the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku with a final day capped off with signings for member countries, private sector partners and regional trade promotion, bringing the total agreements signed to US$2.9 billion, demonstrating ITFC’s strength in connecting trade finance with trade related technical assistance and regional trade cooperation programs.

Over four days, ITFC converted high-level Annual Meetings engagements into signed agreements spanning across sovereign frameworks and private sector facilities. The agreements strengthen ITFC’s position as the IsDB Group’s trade finance and trade development arm and show how Shariah compliant trade finance is a key enabler for addressing Member Countries priorities at scale, providing timely and sustainable financing solutions that support economic resilience.

With today’s announcements, ITFC’s agreements signed during the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings are as follows:

• US$1 billion Framework Agreement with Burkina Faso for 2026 to 2030
• US$750 million Framework Agreement with Cote d’Ivoire for 2026 to 2029
• US$750 million Framework Agreement with Djibouti for 2026 to 2029
• US$250 million Framework Agreement with The Gambia for 2026 to 2029
• US$60 million Line of Trade Financing Facility with Invest Finance Bank in Uzbekistan
• US$40 million Line of Trade Financing Facility with Orient Finans Bank in Uzbekistan
• US$20 million renewal of Line of Trade Financing Facility with Asia Alliance Bank in Uzbekistan
• US$10 million Line of Trade Financing Facility with Rabitabank in Azerbaijan
• US$10 million Murabaha Financing Facility for the cotton sector in Tajikistan
• Confirming Bank Agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to support trade finance across common member countries.

On Day 4, the IsDB Group Signing Ceremony, including Private Sector Forum signings, brought forward several ITFC agreements designed to expand access to Islamic trade finance for the private sector and SMEs.

Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer, ITFC, also held a bilateral meeting with Djibouti, and signed a new Framework Agreement. The day also included ITFC’s participation in Plenary Session II, the Governors’ Round Table, the Closing Press Conference and the Private Sector Forum Press Conference, bringing ITFC’s four-day Annual Meetings programme to a close.

Key signings

Burkina Faso: US$1 billion Framework Agreement to support priority sectors

ITFC signed a US$1 billion Framework Agreement with Burkina Faso for the 2026 to 2030 period, establishing a platform for cooperation aligned with the country’s new National Development Plan, Relance, for 2026 to 2030. The agreement was signed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer, ITFC and H.E Dr Aboubakar NACANABO, Minister of Economy, Finance and Prospective.

The agreement will focus on energy security, food security, healthcare, strategic agricultural commodities and private sector development through local financial institutions. It will be implemented through individual Shariah compliant financing agreements with designated authorities and entities.

Djibouti: US$750 million Framework Agreement to support trade and priority imports

The agreement builds on a partnership exceeding US$1.9 billion and renews ITFC’s strategic cooperation with Djibouti under the country’s National Development Plan, ADEEG 2025 to 2030. It will focus on energy, food security, and healthcare.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, CEO ITFC and H.E Mr. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy & Finance, in Charge of Industry, Republic of Djibouti.

The agreement will be implemented through individual Shariah compliant financing agreements with designated entities, with ITFC deploying its own resources and mobilising additional financing on a best-efforts basis.

Uzbekistan: US$100 million in partner bank facilities to expand SME access to Islamic trade finance

On the sidelines of IsDB Group Annual Meetings, ITFC extended two lines of financing facilities to partner banks in Uzbekistan, reinforcing the country’s role as a growing hub for Islamic finance. These facilities included a US$60 million Line of Trade Financing with Invest Finance Bank, and US$40 million Line of Trade Financing with Orient Finans Bank.

The agreements were signed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, CEO ITFC and Mr. Bakhtiyorjon Djuraev, Chairman of the Management Board of Invest Finans Bank and Mr. Ilkham Tursunov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Orient Finans Bank, respectively.

The facilities will support the expansion of Islamic finance industry in Uzbekistan and access to trade financing solutions to private sector clients, particularly SMEs. The Orient Finans Bank facility will also promote women entrepreneurship and green financing.

Across Uzbekistan, ITFC has approved Line of Trade Finance Facilities totalling US$1.2 billion for 14 local banks since 2018. These facilities help local banks finance SME and corporate clients engaged in trade activity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

For all media enquiries:
Email: ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Phone number: +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Contact ITFC:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org  

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About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$96 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market. 

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$750 million Framework Agreement with the Republic of Djibouti to guide trade finance cooperation between the two parties from 2026 to 2029.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku by H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Industry, and IsDB Governor for the Republic of Djibouti, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer, ITFC.

Under the new Framework Agreement, ITFC will work to mobilize financing in support of Djibouti’s development agenda, with cooperation focused on priority sectors including energy, food security, healthcare, and private sector trade finance.

The agreement builds on ITFC’s longstanding partnership with Djibouti. Since commencing operations in 2008, ITFC has approved approximately US$1.9 billion in trade finance for the country, with a primary focus on strengthening energy security and supporting the importation of strategic commodities.

As a regional logistics and trade hub, Djibouti relies heavily on trade and import finance to sustain economic activity and support national development objectives. The new framework provides a platform for both parties to continue financing essential trade flows while exploring opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, and support for local financial institutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

For all media enquiries:
Email: ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Phone number: +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Contact ITFC:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Social Media: 
Twitter: @ITFCCORP (https://apo-opa.co/3SAzX6q)
Facebook: @ITFCCORP (https://apo-opa.co/4emazKo)
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://apo-opa.co/3SaaC3h)

About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$96 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

Source: APO

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral credit and political risk insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Huzhou Co., Ltd. (BoH) to strengthen cooperation in supporting trade and investment flows across ICIEC Member States. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the IsDB Group 2026 Annual Meetings, held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 16 to 19 June 2026.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework to promote cross-border trade and investment by combining ICIEC’s expertise in credit and political risk insurance solutions with BoH’s banking capabilities and client network.

Under the MoU, the two institutions will work together to identify and develop business opportunities, support trade finance transactions, and provide offer Shariah-compliant appropriate risk mitigation solutions to public and private sector entities meeting ICIEC’s eligibility criteria.

Commenting on the signing, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said: “Our partnership with Bank of Huzhou reflects ICIEC’s commitment to building strong alliances with financial institutions that can help expand trade and investment in between China and our Member States. By bringing together BoH’s banking capabilities and ICIEC’s Shariah-compliant suite of risk mitigation solutions, we aim to support businesses in accessing new markets, mobilising finance, and pursuing opportunities with greater confidence.” He added: “This MoU provides a practical platform to advance cross-border cooperation, strengthen financial connectivity, and contribute to sustainable development across member markets.”

Through this non-exclusive partnership, ICIEC and BoH will focus on jointly marketing and sourcing opportunities, providing advisory support, and facilitating financing backed by ICIEC’s insurance solutions for BoH’s corporate clients. The MoU also provides scope to explore innovative initiatives including potential InsurTech-enabled platforms, to expand access to trade and investment opportunities, enhance service delivery, and strengthen economic linkages between China, other major markets and ICIEC Member States in support of sustainable development in line with ICIEC’s eligibility criteria.

Distributed by APO Group 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: http://ICIEC.IsDB.org

Source: APO

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The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), has launched the second annual Automotive Executive Short Course (ESC) for senior government officials in Accra, Ghana.

The programme, which is academically supported by the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS), is designed to strengthen public sector capacity to advance Africa’s automotive industrialisation agenda and support practical delivery under the AfCFTA.

Following the inaugural programme in 2025, which focused on unlocking Africa’s automotive industry potential, the 2026 Executive Short Course places greater emphasis on practical execution under the AfCFTA Automotive Framework Agreement. Running from 15 June to 7 August 2026, the programme is titled “Driving AfCFTA Execution to Develop Africa’s Automotive Value Chain Potential.”

The eight-week programme will bring together senior policymakers, trade officials and industrial development leaders from across the continent to deepen their understanding of automotive value chains and strengthen their ability to develop and implement automotive industrial policies aligned with the ambitions of the AfCFTA.

Africa’s automotive industry is increasingly recognised as a strategic sector with the capability to support industrialisation, job creation, skills development, technology transfer and regional economic integration. Unlocking this potential will require coordinated policy delivery, stronger collaboration between governments and industry, and practical mechanisms to support regional value chain development.

The Executive Short Course has been specifically designed to equip public sector leaders with the knowledge and practical tools required to translate policy ambitions into practical industrial development programmes.

The programme will be delivered through three integrated phases where phase one features a  five-day Automotive Seminar Week hosted in Accra, Ghana, from 15 to 19 June 2026. The second phase consists of a six-week online Automotive Policy and Strategy Assignment, during which participants will work in syndicate teams to develop AfCFTA-aligned automotive policy frameworks and implementation strategies, while the third and final phase will be a Learning Consolidation and Best Practice Study Week hosted in Durban, South Africa, from 3 to 7 August 2026, including visits to leading automotive manufacturers, component suppliers and technology centres.

Participants will explore key topics including the structure of the global automotive value chain, emerging industry trends such as new energy vehicles and mobility services, African automotive market opportunities, industrial policy design, regional value chain development, and the implementation requirements of the AfCFTA Automotive Framework Agreement.

The programme will also provide direct exposure to successful automotive manufacturing operations through industry site visits in both Ghana and South Africa.

Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, Director: Trade Facilitation & Investment Promotion at Afreximbank, noted:

“Africa’s automotive sector represents one of the clearest opportunities to move from ambition to industrial delivery under the AfCFTA. Building competitive automotive value chains requires more than capital. It requires coordinated policy, stronger institutions, bankable projects and the technical capacity to connect production, finance and markets across borders. Through this programme, Afreximbank is helping to equip public sector leaders with the practical tools needed to support industrialisation, deepen intra-African trade and deploy more of the US$ 1 billion committed by the Bank towards financing the automotive industry to ensure that more value from Africa’s automotive future is created and retained on the continent.”

Themba Khumalo, Director: Private Sector Unit at the AfCFTA Secretariat, said:

“The AfCFTA creates the framework for a more integrated African market, but its success will depend on the ability of countries to translate commitments into practical policy action. The automotive sector is a priority because it can connect manufacturing, services, logistics, skills development and regional value chains. This Executive Short Course supports the officials responsible for that delivery, helping them design policies and implementation strategies that can unlock investment, expand production and strengthen Africa’s participation in automotive value chains.”

Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, Chief Executive Officer of AAAM, said:

“Africa has moved beyond discussing the potential of regional integration. The focus now is on execution. Developing competitive automotive value chains across the continent will require coordinated policy action, strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to implementation. The future success of Africa’s automotive industry will depend not only on private sector investment but also on the ability of governments to create enabling policy environments.”

Backhaus-Jerling added: “We are very grateful to Isuzu Motors South Africa, Volkswagen Group Africa, Toyota South Africa Motors, GIZ and Rana Motors for partnering with us and sponsoring this year’s programme. Their support reflects the importance of collaboration between public institutions, industry and development partners in building a unique platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and capacity building among the officials responsible for shaping that future”

Participants who successfully complete all three phases of the programme will receive a Course Completion Certificate accredited by TWIMS.

The Executive Short Course forms part of broader efforts by AAAM and its partners to support the development of a competitive, integrated and sustainable African automotive ecosystem capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contacts: 
African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM):
Email coms@aaamafrica.com

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

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA):
Cynthia E. Gnassingbe-Essonam
Director, Private Sector Engagement & Communications
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
E-mail: Cynthia.Gnassingbe@au-afcfta.org
Accra, Ghana.

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About AAAM:
The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to advancing the automotive industrialization and growth of Africa, while connecting global stakeholders with interests in the continent. AAAM focuses on developing robust automotive frameworks, ecosystems, and strategies that drive economic development and support the automotive industrial agenda across Africa. The association provides strategic advice on national and inter-regional trade policies to support regional industrialisation and foster economic integration. 

AAAM’s mission is to create sustainable and affordable mobility solutions, facilitate strategic linkages and partnerships, and develop regional automotive value chains that promote production and trade within and beyond the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AAAM is also committed to championing access to affordable financing for both the automotive industry and consumers. 

Today, AAAM proudly represents a network of more than 70 members spanning the continent, working together to shape Africa’s automotive future. 

For more information visit https://AAAMAfrica.com/ 

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A strong supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), Moody’s (Baa2) and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information visit https://www.Afreximbank.com/

About AfCFTA:
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and entered into force on 30 May 2019, with trading under the Agreement commencing on 1 January 2021. It is a high-ambition trade agreement aimed at bringing together all 55 African Union (AU) Member States, covering a market of more than 1.3 billion people. With a comprehensive scope, the AfCFTA addresses key areas of Africa’s economy, including trade in goods and services, digital trade, investment protection, intellectual property rights, and competition policy among other areas. By eliminating barriers to trade within the continent, the AfCFTA seeks to significantly boost intra-African trade, particularly in value-added production and services sectors. According to estimates, the Agreement has the potential to increase intra-African trade by 52.3% through tariff liberalization and trade facilitation measures.

For more information, please visit: https://AU-AfCFTA.org

Source: APO

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People with mobility difficulties can now enter Stad Linite Stadium freely, after the official opening today of the Ramp Up Rise Up accessibility ramp, a facility born from one family’s refusal to accept exclusion as the norm.

The President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, and Minister for Youth and Sports, Ms Kalsey Belle, jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque at a ceremony held at the stadium this morning. The ceremonial ribbon cutting that formally opened the ramp was performed by the First Lady, Mrs Veronique Herminie, accompanied by Mr Jason Winslow, member of the Ramp Up Rise Up Association.

The ceremony was attended by the Vice-President, Mr. Sebatien Pillay, Designated Minister and Chairman of the National Day Committee, Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, Ministers, Members of the National Day Committee, members of the Ramp Up Rise Up Association, representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council and the Seychelles Football Federation, athletes, and other guests.

The project was founded on a mother’s vow. When Jason arrived at Unity Stadium last year to witness the inauguration of President Herminie, he found no accessible ramp and was unable to enter. He turned back, having missed the ceremony entirely. For his mother, Christine Winslow, Founder of the Ramp Up Rise Up Association, that moment became a defining one.

“Never again should any disabled person be excluded from society. Never again should their dignity, their worth, or their place in this nation be overlooked,” Mrs Winslow pledged. “Accessibility is not a charity. It is not a favour. It is a fundamental human right,” she said addressing the guests at the ceremony.

That promise has been made tangible in concrete and steel. In addition to the accessibility ramp, the project delivered a disabled-accessible toilet and five designated parking bays, a comprehensive package ensuring that persons with disabilities are accommodated fully, not merely granted entry.

The facility also carries strategic significance for Seychelles football. The ramp meets FIFA minimum standards for accessibility, opening the pathway for international matches to be hosted at Stad Linite, a prospect previously constrained by the absence of inclusive infrastructure.

Minister Belle underscored the project’s alignment with the Government’s broader agenda: “This project is what the Government stands for, creating platforms for inclusive development to ensure that every citizen has the support and access needed to reach their full potential. It is the kind of collaboration across government, NGOs and the private sector that turns aspiration into action.”

The architectural and structural design was provided free of charge by an engineering firm owned by Jason’s father, working in close partnership with the Seychelles Infrastructure Authority, which initiated the works in March 2026 and provided full technical supervision throughout. The pro bono contribution of the family’s professional expertise alongside government oversight exemplifies the cross-sector collaboration that brought this project to life.

The opening falls within Seychelles’ 50th Independence Year, anchored in the theme Nou Pep, Nou Lidantite, Nou Desten. Today, that theme found expression not in words but in a ramp: a simple structure that says every citizen belongs, and every citizen may enter.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.