Eritrea: Popular campaigns in connection with Martyrs Day

Source: APO – Report:

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Popular environmental sanitation campaigns in connection with Martyrs Day, 20 June, have been carried out in the Central Region.

Accordingly, Eritrean nationals residing in the Netherlands, who are here to participate in the 35th Independence Day anniversary, conducted an environmental sanitation program at the Asmara Martyrs Cemetery on 11 June, while members of the cooperative association of the former 85th Division, workers at Halibet Hospital, and the Ministry of Finance and National Development conducted environmental sanitation and tree cultivating activities at Halibet National Referral Hospital on 13 June.

About 300 workers of Eritrean Telecommunication also conducted a similar environmental sanitation popular campaign at the Asmara Martyrs Cemetery.

In related news, an extensive environmental sanitation popular campaign, in which Government workers and members of the Defense Forces took part, was carried out in Keren city on 13 June.

Noting that the program was organized in collaboration with the Anseba Region administration and Keren sub-zone, Mr. Bekit Gubtan, from Keren sub-zone, commended the role of area administrators and heads of the PFDJ organizations.

Likewise, a water and soil conservation popular campaign is being carried out in Mariet administrative area in Nakfa sub-zone.

The residents, noting the significance of water and soil conservation in boosting agricultural production and enriching groundwater resources, expressed readiness to strengthen participation in the program.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

United Nations (UN) Women and the Government of Japan launch new initiative to strengthen gender-responsive disaster preparedness in Tanzania

Source: APO – Report:

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UN Women and the Kigoma Regional Authority have launched a new project funded by the Government of Japan, to strengthen gender-responsive disaster preparedness and climate resilience in Kigoma Region, supporting communities to better anticipate, prepare for and respond to climate-related risks. 

The project, Strengthening Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience, forms part of a broader regional initiative implemented across Tanzania, Rwanda and Malawi. It responds to the growing impact of climate-related shocks which disproportionately affect women, youth and female-headed households due to existing inequalities and limited access to resources, services and decision-making spaces.

The urgency of strengthening climate resilience is further underscored by growing food insecurity. Between February and May 2025, an estimated 466,000 people in Tanzania faced crisis levels of acute food insecurity, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis.

According to UN Women Tanzania, these crises disproportionately affected women, children and low-income households, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience.

Through this initiative, UN Women and partners will support the development of a gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction framework for Kigoma Region, strengthen the capacity of local officials and community leaders, and promote women’s meaningful participation in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. The project will also support climate-resilient livelihoods, for women and youth in flood-affected areas.

The project will target flood-prone areas in Kigoma Region, directly reaching 700 women and men, and 3,500 indirect beneficiaries. 

Speaking on behalf of the Regional Administrative Secretary, Madam Zabibu Mkamba, Assistant Administrative Secretary for Public Service in the Kigoma Regional Commissioner’s Office, reaffirmed the Regional Government’s commitment to coordinated, locally owned implementation.

“For Kigoma Region, this project is an important step in strengthening local systems so that communities are better prepared, better informed and more resilient to climate-related shocks. Women and youth must not only be protected during disasters; they must also be meaningfully involved in shaping the solutions that keep families and communities safe.”

Ms Katherine Gifford, UN Women Tanzania Representative a.i., emphasized the importance of placing women and youth at the centre of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

“Climate change and disasters are not gender-neutral. Women and girls often face the greatest risks, yet they are also at the forefront of resilience and recovery. Through this partnership, we are investing in stronger institutions, local leadership and climate-resilient livelihoods so that women and youth are not only protected from disasters but are empowered to shape the solutions.”

The launch brought together regional and district authorities, development partners, community leaders and other key stakeholders to strengthen coordination, build ownership and identify practical entry points for implementation.

Moving forward, the project will be implemented in close coordination with regional and local government structures, including councils, disaster management committees, ward and village leaders, and community-based stakeholders. This approach will help ensure that interventions are aligned with local priorities and respond to the lived realities of flood-affected communities.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Secretary-General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Copies of Credentials of Tuvalu, Antigua and Barbuda Ambassadors

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | June 16, 2026

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi separately received on Tuesday copies of the credentials of HE Ambassador of Tuvalu (non-resident) to the State of Qatar Dr. Tauisi Minute Taupo and HE Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda (non-resident) to the State of Qatar Theon Ali.

HE the Secretary-General wished the two ambassadors success in carrying out their duties, assuring them of full support to advance bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and their two countries to closer cooperation across various fields.

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Opens 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings with Focus on Trade Finance, Private Sector Growth, and Regional Cooperation

Source: APO – Report:

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, opened its participation at the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku with three strategic agreements signed and a full day of high-level engagements focused on promoting cooperation in the areas of trade finance, trade development, private sector growth, and regional economic cooperation.

Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, led the Corporation’s delegation in bilateral meetings with governors and delegations from member countries, including Bangladesh, The Gambia, Guinea, Maldives, Senegal, Somalia, and Tajikistan, as well as with partners, including Vakif Katilim Bank and Turk Eximbank. Discussions focused on expanding trade finance cooperation, strengthening access to Shariah-compliant financing, and identifying practical ways to align ITFC’s interventions with national development priorities.

ITFC also participated in the Halal Economy Leadership Forum 2026, where Mr. Nazeem Noordali, ITFC Chief Operating Officer, joined the Strategic Leadership Dialogue on Ethical Halal Business Models and Risk-Resilient Financing. The session explored how halal economy models, Islamic finance, and risk-sharing mechanisms can support regional integration, MSME participation, and cross-border trade across member countries.

Key Signings

The Gambia: US$250 Million Framework Agreement to Support the Vital Sectors of the Economy

ITFC signed a three-year US$250 million Framework Agreement with the Republic of The Gambia to guide the next phase of cooperation between the two parties. The agreement follows the full utilization of the previous five-year US$250 million Framework Agreement signed in January 2021.

The new agreement will provide a platform for ITFC to support priority sectors in The Gambia, including energy supply, food security, healthcare, agricultural value chains, and private sector financing through local financial institutions.

The agreement was signed by Hon. Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC.

Tajikistan: US$10 Million Direct Murabaha Facility to Support Cotton Trade

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed a US$10 million Direct Murabaha Financing Facility with the Republic of Tajikistan to support the purchase and trade of cotton and cotton-related products. The agreement was signed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, CEO ITFC and HE. Mr Hokim Holiqzoda, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The pilot facility will provide working capital to the cotton sector stakeholders, enabling Agency for Export under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan through processing companies to procure cotton from farmers during the harvest season for further exporting, thus supporting a sector that contributes significantly to export activity, agricultural value chains, and rural livelihoods.

With approximately 37,000 cotton-producing farms and entities engaging an estimated 680,000 people across the country, the financing is expected to strengthen market linkages and sustain income-generating activities. The agreement builds on ITFC’s ongoing support for strategic sectors in Tajikistan and reflects its commitment to delivering Shariah-compliant trade finance solutions that address the development priorities of its member countries.

Regional: Confirming Bank Agreement with IFC to Expand Trade Finance Access

ITFC signed a Confirming Bank Agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), marking a new step in strengthening collaboration between the two institutions to support trade finance across common OIC member countries. The agreement was signed by Mr. Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer of ITFC, and Mr. Abdullah Jefri, IFC’s GCC Division Director, and witnessed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC.

Through the partnership, ITFC will be able to expand its trade finance operations by leveraging IFC’s risk-sharing framework and guarantees covering the payment obligations of issuing banks. The collaboration is expected to enhance access to trade finance for importers and exporters in OIC member countries, facilitate critical cross-border trade transactions, and support greater trade connectivity and economic growth across member countries.

Held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the opening day of ITFC’s Annual Meetings program placed trade finance, trade development, and Islamic finance at the center of its agenda. Further agreements and high-level engagements are expected throughout the week as ITFC continues to work with member countries and partners to finance essential trade, expand private sector participation, and strengthen regional connectivity.

– 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/43BigWT)
Facebook: @ITFCCORP (https://apo-opa.co/4vMkcYq)
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://apo-opa.co/3SrwuqM)

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. 

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Vogue India Spotlights Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Leadership, Purpose, and Vision for Empowering Women

Source: APO

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com), has been featured by leading lifestyle media publication Vogue India. The feature article, titled “Empowering Change: Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Vision for Women-Led Development”, highlights her inspiring leadership journey, her vision for empowering women and girls through education and healthcare, and the transformative impact of Merck Foundation’s programs in advancing healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, and driving social change across Africa and beyond.

Click here to read the full Vogue India article: https://apo-opa.co/4ox2VzX

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential African Women (2019-present) shared, “I am truly honoured to be featured by Vogue India, yet again. As a long-time reader of Vogue, I have always admired its ability to celebrate fashion, individuality, and influential voices. This feature not only highlights the impact of my work but also reflects a message I strongly believe in that women should never feel they must compromise their femininity to become effective leaders. Leadership today is multidimensional; it is not only about the decisions we make, but also about how we present ourselves and represent our mission. I believe confidence, authenticity, professionalism, and personal style can coexist seamlessly, and that embracing our individuality can make us stronger leaders and role models for others.”

Beyond her personal leadership journey, The Vogue India feature also highlights Dr. Kelej’s close collaboration with 33 African and Asian First Ladies, through which she champions programs that empower women in healthcare and STEM, break infertility stigma, support girls’ education, and create lasting impact in communities across Africa and Asia.

Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the lives of millions through their impactful programs including the “Merck Foundation Scholarships Program”, through which more than 2,600 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

She also created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement in 2015, one of the most impactful and widely recognized campaigns, that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. The campaign is building quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, raising awareness about infertility prevention & male infertility, and Supporting Girl Education.

As a passionate advocate for supporting girls’ education Dr. Kelej has launched Merck Foundation Educating Linda program, which provides annual scholarships to high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, in partnership with African first Ladies. To date, more than 1,500 annual scholarships are awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books and uniforms, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.

The article also showcases how Dr. Kelej has leveraged innovative and creative platforms, including media, fashion, music, animation films, and storybooks, to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Through these initiatives, Merck Foundation has been able to engage communities and create culture shift in communities across Africa and beyond.

The feature also spotlights Dr. Kelej’s distinctive style and fashion presence while offering insights into the personal philosophy that has guided her journey, she shares, “My learnings and takeaways from my work and journey have been to never give up and always be yourself. Be consistent, persistent, and disciplined. Not only in your work commitments and goals, but also in your personal ones, such as daily exercise, healthy eating, and self-development, to stay relevant. Most importantly, practice daily stress management, which is the key to sustainable high performance.”

To learn more about the Dr. Rasha Kelej’s journey, visit her Social Media Handles: Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4e9ld72), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3S7lU8p), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ozx0PA),  and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oxi58B).

And Merck Foundation Social Media Handles: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vSburx), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4gpFN4p), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vNbQzH) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4azdIE6)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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Qatar Condemns Continued Israeli Violations Against Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, June 16, 2026

The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation of the continued grave violations and attacks committed by Israel, the occupying power, against Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians, as well as its expansion of illegal settlement activities, forced displacement, and targeting of the Palestinian presence, in blatant violation of international law, relevant international agreements, and United Nations resolutions.

This was stated in Qatar’s remarks delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, on Tuesday during her participation in the interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Item 2, within the framework of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She called on the international community to take immediate action to stop these violations, end the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories, open border crossings to ensure full access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and hold all Israeli officials accountable for the violations and crimes they have committed.

Her Excellency stressed that achieving just and lasting peace, stability, sustainable development, and the promotion and protection of human rights cannot be achieved through wars and oppression, but through continued dialogue, diplomacy, adherence to international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and a human rights-based approach.

She also noted Qatar’s welcome of the agreement reached on the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the settlement of outstanding issues between them, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva reaffirmed Qatar’s continued full support for all mediation efforts aimed at promoting security and stability and reaching sustainable solutions to conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means.

Advisor to Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Qatar Supports Pakistani Mediation, Will Be Represented at Geneva Signing Ceremony

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 16, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari confirmed that the State of Qatar will be represented at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, alongside other regional stakeholders and the Pakistani mediators.

Speaking during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly media briefing, Dr. Al Ansari said the State of Qatar participated in supporting the mediation track led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

He explained that following meetings held in Islamabad, contacts were made with various countries in the region, including the State of Qatar, in order to bridge differences between the parties and bring an end to the crisis that has affected everyone.

He noted that next Friday will witness the direct signing of the memorandum of understanding that had previously been signed electronically, paving the way for the negotiation phase.

He pointed out that all regional parties, including the State of Qatar, are working to facilitate communication between the two sides to ensure the success of the process and the restoration of regional peace and security to the situation that existed before the war.

He highlighted that Qatar’s role focused primarily on supporting the Pakistani efforts aimed at reaching a common understanding between the two sides, ensuring the restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining the ceasefire, and moving forward with negotiations between the parties.

He expressed Qatar’s cautious optimism that the signing of the memorandum of understanding will lead to the next phase of negotiations, contributing to regional stability through talks focused on the nuclear file and regional security issues.

He stressed that no conflict in the world ends without a sustainable mechanism to address it, and that achieving stability in the region requires continued dialogue, while lasting peace can only be achieved through an ongoing political process.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that continued regional dialogue represents an essential requirement in the next phase, with the aim of rebuilding trust among the parties.

He pointed out that following the signing of the agreed memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened to regular navigation, contributing to the resumption of global energy supplies and reducing the burden that the closure of the strait has placed on energy markets, as well as global food markets due to fertilizer shortages.

He noted that the signing of the memorandum will open the door to negotiations aimed at establishing a sustainable framework for this vital maritime passage.

He expressed hope that the signing of the memorandum of understanding would mark the beginning of a negotiation process leading to sustainable peace in the region, noting that all parties had participated positively in the talks.

He added that a significant portion of the discussions had taken place through telephone calls and virtual meetings, in addition to direct meetings.

He also expressed satisfaction that the contents of the memorandum of understanding have not yet been disclosed, indicating that this suggests the process is proceeding in the right direction ahead of the official signing.

He affirmed that all key issues will be discussed within the framework of the memorandum and that its details will become clear after the signing.

He noted that the efforts led by Pakistan, with the support of a number of countries in the region, stemmed from a commitment to regional peace and security, particularly the security of Gulf states.

They also took into account the security of countries affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting implications for energy security and food security.

He reiterated that since the first day of the crisis, the State of Qatar has focused on the safety and security of its citizens and residents, and on protecting national and economic security as an essential component of the regional security framework.

He expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a first step toward broader regional consensus that guarantees sustainable security and stability in the region.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said contacts between the parties are still ongoing, and the State of Qatar continues, within the framework of its support for the Pakistani mediation, to communicate with the various parties with the aim of bringing the agreement safely to fruition, while at the same time confirming that no meetings are currently being held in Doha between the parties concerned or any other parties.

Regarding the economic repercussions of the war, Al Ansari explained that there is an economic aspect that relates not only to reconstruction, but also to investment in light of the circumstances witnessed by the region, adding that he cannot comment on the details of the economic aspect, but it can be confirmed that any effort of this kind must be an international effort, not a bilateral one, but rather part of full international coordination, aimed at ensuring that economic development in the region is a collective responsibility.

He stressed that no Qatari funds have been paid in this regard, but rather, there is international coordination to deal with the consequences of this crisis.

As for reports regarding an electricity linkage, Al Ansari confirmed that there is no agreement in this regard between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying in this context that repercussions of the crisis have affected the economies of the region and energy security, but there is no agreement in this regard as reported by some media outlets.

He reiterated the State of Qatar’s support for the Pakistani mediation and its backing of the brothers in Pakistan in their capacity as the principal mediators between the United States and Iran, noting that the State of Qatar is playing its role in supporting the security and stability of the region in coordination with various regional and international partners.

He stressed that the State of Qatar supports the mediation led by Pakistan, and there is no separate Qatari mediation in this file.

He pointed out that mediation processes by their nature go through complex stages and difficult moments before reaching any agreement, stressing that the mediation led by Pakistan was not an easy effort, and that all parties involved in it, foremost among them the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and its officials, in addition to the supporting international teams, exerted great efforts to ensure its success.

Regarding negotiations related to the Gaza Strip, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar continues its mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza and support US President Donald Trump’s plan there.

He explained that the recent meetings held in the Arab Republic of Egypt with the participation of mediators and regional and Palestinian parties resulted in positive understandings regarding some points of disagreement, while efforts continue to reach the full implementation of the proposed agreement.

In a related context, Al Ansari confirmed that the Lebanese file was among the issues discussed and agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding, stressing that “there is no justification for the continued Israeli attacks on brotherly Lebanon, and Lebanon’s sovereignty is a red line for all of us in the region, and these attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The continuation of escalation in the region does not contribute to consolidating any ceasefire and does not achieve sustainable peace, he continued, adding that the escalation in Gaza, the targeting of civilians, the violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, and the incursions into Syrian territory all endanger the security of the entire region and make the chances of reaching peaceful outcomes more difficult.

He added that Qatar is confident that continued communication with the United States and with regional and international parties will contribute to achieving a ceasefire, not only in the Gulf region but also in other areas, including Lebanon, noting that this remains linked to the extent of the Israeli government’s commitment to respecting the ceasefire.

On the return of normalcy following the crisis, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that what we need now is to build a new reality based on rebuilding trust, reopening channels of communication, and reaching a common understanding regarding the shape of the region in the post-war phase, in light of what it has witnessed during the recent period.

He added that it cannot be said that we will return to the situation that previously existed in the region, but it can be confirmed that there is a significant need for dialogue and consensus on how to guarantee the security of the region and its countries in the next phase. 

Qatar Strongly Condemns Unlawful Israeli Decisions and Measures in Occupied West Bank

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, June 16, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemned the unlawful Israeli decisions and measures in the Occupied West Bank, including the reclassification of large swaths of Palestinian land as so-called “state land” by Israel, and accelerating the pace of settlement activity in a flagrant breach of international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions.
It called on the international community to urgently spring into action to halt these violations against the brotherly Palestinian people, end the Israeli occupation, and ensure accountability.

This was declared in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered on Tuesday by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during her engagement in the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, Item 2 of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the legislations and measures that intend to deepen the occupation, including enacting laws allowing the imposition of capital punishment in the occupied West Bank, along with the restrictions imposed on the freedom of worship for both Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem.

This is alongside the attempts intended to impose a new reality in occupied Jerusalem and alter its legal, historical, and demographic nature, thereby vitiating the opportunities of achieving fair and enduring peace based on resolutions of international legitimacy.

HE Dr Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah stressed that these persistent killings, displacement, and violence against the Palestinians, amid the lack of effective international accountability, condone the continuation of these abuses and undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Her Excellency emphasized that the conflicts and challenges unfolding in the world today should never deflect the attention of the international community from the ongoing perilous situations and gross violations in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Africa Finance Corporation Maintains its Top-Tier AAA Ratings with Stable Outlook from China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd (CCXI) and from S&P Global (China) Ratings

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has received renewed top-tier credit ratings with stable outlooks from China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd (CCXI) and S&P Ratings (China) Co., Ltd. (S&P Global (China) Ratings), reaffirming the Corporation’s strong financial profile, prudent risk management framework, and growing strategic relevance within global capital markets.

CCXI affirmed AFC’s AAA domestic issuer credit rating with a stable outlook, while S&P Global (China) Ratings also affirmed AFC’s AAAspc issuer credit rating with a stable outlook. These renewals underscore continued confidence in AFC’s resilient balance sheet, disciplined capital management, robust liquidity position, and consistent execution of its mandate to accelerate infrastructure-led industrialisation across Africa.

The renewed credit ratings further strengthen AFC’s position within China’s domestic debt capital markets and support the Corporation’s strategy to diversify funding sources, broaden investor access, and mobilise long-term capital for transformative infrastructure projects across the continent.

“AFC has established sound risk management processes and governance mechanisms to proactively and systemically address asset deterioration and challenges arising from market and economic fluctuations. Its comprehensive risk management framework is supported by a professional management team, including the Board Risk and Investment Committee… These entities work in concert to monitor key risk areas, including credit risk, market risk, operational risk, asset and liability management risk, and environmental and social risk”, CCXI analysts concluded in their report. “AFC adopts a prudent risk appetite and enforces strict risk exposure limits to ensure portfolio diversification. Industry exposure is capped at 35% of the total investable funds.”

S&P Global (China) Ratings noted AFC’s strong liquidity profile, robust governance standards, resilient asset quality, and sufficient capital buffers, even under challenging market conditions. ”AFC’s issuer credit rating of AAAspc is mainly based on its stand-alone credit profile in terms of high policy importance, disciplined capital management and sufficient liquidity buffer,…” S&P Global (China) Ratings wrote. ”AFC adheres to a highly conservative approach to liquidity management. It employs the Minimum Liquidity Level (MLL) and the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), among other critical indicators and triggers, to mitigate liquidity risks. Both the MLL and LCR are determined based on  an 18-month business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and a 12-month stressed scenario. As of the end of 2025, the LCR stood at 203% under BAU assumptions (year-end 2024, 194%) and 207% under a stressed scenario (year-end 2024, 191%),” they added.

Commenting on the affirmations, Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head, Financial Services at AFC, said, ”The dual reaffirmations build on AFC’s successful expansion into China’s financial markets and reflect growing international recognition of the Corporation’s role as a trusted infrastructure financier for Africa. It recognises our financial resilience, robust governance, and global reach, and will enable stronger ties with Asian markets to drive critical investment in economic development, high-value job creation, and Africa’s prosperity.”

AFC has continued to deepen its strategic partnership with China’s foremost financial institutions, advancing a relationship that has grown steadily in scale, sophistication and ambition. In 2025, AFC and the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) signed a landmark partnership agreement to promote Chinese-African trade through catalytic infrastructure projects in priority sectors across AFC’s member countries. The collaboration builds on a relationship of considerable standing. CEXIM had earlier extended AFC a five-year loan facility designed to enhance trade finance and bolster private -sector initiatives, an early engagement that established the foundation of trust on which subsequent transactions have been built.

In 2024, AFC finalised a US$1.16 billion syndicated loan facility co-led by Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), London Branch, in conjunction with other global banks. The momentum carried into 2025, when AFC secured a US$1.5 billion syndicated facility from a consortium of leading Asian and Middle Eastern banks, with Bank of China serving as Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner. The transaction notably broadened AFC’s base of Chinese partners, attracting first-time lenders including Bank of Communications and Hua Nan Commercial Bank.

This trajectory culminated in AFC’s largest syndicated loan facility to date — a US$2 billion syndicated transaction with Bank of China and ICBC acting as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners, and CEXIM, Hua Nan Commercial Bank and China Construction Bank, among others, participating as lenders. The facility stands as a powerful endorsement of AFC’s credit standing and the strength of its relationships across the Chinese banking sector.

Together, these strategic collaborations with China’s leading financial institutions exemplify AFC’s commitment to diversifying its funding sources, broadening its investor base and forging enduring global partnerships in the service of Africa’s economic development.

Read the full ratings report by CCXI here: CCXI 2026 Credit Rating Report (https://apo-opa.co/3StHp3b) and by S&P Global (China) Ratings here: S&P Global (China) 2026 Credit Rating Report (https://apo-opa.co/3ScXxGi).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

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International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and The Gambia Sign US$250 Million Framework Agreement to Advance Trade, Energy Security and Private Sector Development

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and the Republic of The Gambia have signed a new US$250 million Framework Agreement to support the country’s development priorities through enhanced trade finance, energy security, food security, and private sector growth.

The Agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, by Hon. Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and IsDB Governor for the Republic of The Gambia, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC.

The new three-year Framework Agreement follows the successful implementation and full utilization of the previous five-year US$250 million Framework Agreement signed in January 2021. It reflects the remarkable scale of cooperation between ITFC and The Gambia and provides a strategic platform to expand trade finance interventions in support of energy security, food security, private sector growth, and sustainable economic development.

Since commencing operations in The Gambia, ITFC has approved more than US$870 million in financing and trade development interventions, supporting key sectors of the economy and reinforcing its position as a long-standing development partner of the country.

The partnership is already delivering tangible impact across strategic sectors of the Gambian economy. Current operations support the importation of petroleum products through financing facilities benefiting the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) and the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), helping to strengthen the country’s energy security and ensure the continuity of essential economic activities across the country. ITFC also supports food security through the financing of essential commodity imports and promotes private sector growth through trade finance partnerships with local financial institutions.

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

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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.

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