Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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With just five years left to meet global and continental development targets, African governments are shifting the way they plan and finance national priorities. The focus is turning toward long-term, integrated planning that links policy ambition with realistic budgeting and resource strategies.

This evolving approach was the focus of a side event at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), co-organized by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), UN DESA and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

The session explored how African countries are applying future-oriented planning methods to address persistent financing challenges and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.

Rather than tackling development bottlenecks in isolation, participants stressed the importance of systems thinking, looking at the broader structures that give rise to gaps in infrastructure, development financing and social spending. Linking planning with budgeting, implementation and institutional capacity was presented as essential for making better use of limited resources

“Long-term planning pushes countries to think beyond the immediate, ensuring that development strategies are more adaptive, coordinated and resilient,” said Nassim Oulmane, Chief of the Green and Blue Economy Section at ECA.

Country examples reinforced this message. Ethiopia is implementing a ten-year national plan supported by new tax and revenue measures. Uganda is aligning its national planning processes with the SDGs. Sierra Leone is applying long-term approaches at the sector level, and Nigeria is coordinating development plans across both national and state institutions.

All four countries are also participating in follow-up to the Seville Financing for Development (FfD4) conference, where domestic resource mobilization featured prominently.

To support these efforts, ECA and APRM are promoting practical tools like the Integrated Regional Planning Toolkit (IRPT), which helps governments embed long-term planning into national strategies and financial frameworks.

The session also underscored the broader economic stakes. Africa continues to lose significant capital through leakages and inefficiencies, undermining development even in countries with strong growth potential. By planning more strategically and investing in anticipatory systems, countries can position themselves to mobilize internal resources and build more resilient economies.

With global financing under strain and aid flows declining, participants agreed that better planning is not just a technical fix but a strategic necessity. As Africa moves through the Decade of Acceleration, how governments plan, and how effectively those plans are linked to implementation, may well determine the pace of progress.

– on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Source: APO – Report:

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed local authorities in Kampala’s five divisions to establish accurate data on the number of households within their jurisdictions to help in the equitable allocation of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The call was made on Saturday, July 19, 2025, during his visit to Kyambogo Complex Parish in Nakawa Division, where he met with PDM beneficiaries, including a standout success story, Ms. Mbabazi Lillian.

The President emphasized the need for a data-driven approach to planning and budgeting for the PDM program, highlighting that the uniform allocation of UGX 100 million per parish annually is insufficient for urban centers with dense populations and high demand for financial support.

“So, this is the kibalo (calculation) I want in the town: to know how many parishes and how many homesteads are in each parish so that when we plan, we shall give over one million, plus some additional funding, based on the number of homes in that parish,” said President Museveni.

He noted that urban parishes, like those in Kampala, are experiencing overwhelming demand for PDM funds, and the current funding structure fails to cater effectively to the high number of eligible households.

During the meeting, President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, also toured the poultry enterprise of Ms. Mbabazi, a PDM beneficiary who used her UGX 1 million funding to launch a successful poultry business.

Mbabazi initially purchased 125 broiler chicks with UGX 350,000 and invested the remaining funds in feed and poultry housing. After a month, she sold the broilers for UGX 1.5 million and reinvested in a second round, earning UGX 2.6 million. Her success did not stop there. She later bought 250 more chicks at UGX 700,000 and sold them for UGX 3.2 million. Eventually, she transitioned into layer chicken farming for egg production, purchasing chicks at UGX 6,500 each. After three months, her hens began laying, and she now collects six trays of eggs daily.

Standing beside her husband, Mr. Samuel Rukundo, Mbabazi expressed gratitude to the President and the government for initiating the PDM.

“Now I have some achievement because I was badly off due to COVID-19. My children now go to school, and we’re doing well. I have UGX 3 million in savings and have also started a small juice and chips business,” she said.

Despite her success, she voiced concern over her lack of permanent land, stating that her current residence is on Kyambogo University property, which restricts her expansion.

Moved by her story, President Museveni congratulated Mbabazi for exemplifying the benefits of PDM when effectively implemented.

He offered her UGX 10 million to scale up her poultry business and pledged to buy her two acres of land for permanent settlement and farming.

“When I come here and see that Rukundo and Mbabazi have implemented one of the seven items under the four-acre model, then I feel very happy,” President Museveni stated.

Additionally, the President extended UGX 10 million in cash to each PDM beneficiary from the Kyambogo complex parish.

President Museveni used the opportunity to reflect on Uganda’s economic transformation journey since independence. He underscored the challenge of transitioning the population from subsistence farming to a money economy, citing that in the 1960s, only 4% of households were integrated into the monetary system.

He explained that Uganda’s traditional economy revolved around “3 Cs and 3 Ts”—cotton, copper, coffee, tobacco, tea, and tourism. While some communities, particularly in Buganda and Northern Uganda, engaged in commercial farming, the majority remained in subsistence agriculture.

“In my district, Ntungamo, there were six shops for Indians and Arabs. But we had land, banana plantations, and cows, just for home consumption. This has been our struggle,” President Museveni said.

To reverse this, he initiated the four-acre model, a strategic framework advocating for diversified farming focusing on items such as coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy, food crops, and backyard enterprises such as poultry, piggery, or fish farming.

“Those who listened have moved. Masaka focused on coffee and is doing well. Poultry and dairy are also transforming lives,” he remarked.

President Museveni narrated the historical evolution of government-led wealth creation initiatives, from the Entandikwa program through LC structures to NAADS and eventually Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). While OWC saw a marked improvement in integrating Ugandans into the money economy, reaching 61% by 2020, President Museveni expressed discontent over reports of favoritism by UPDF officers.

“I started hearing stories that the soldiers were “baali beegabira bokka” (giving to friends and relatives), spoiling the name of the UPDF. I told them, let the army get out. Let’s give money directly to people at their parishes. If they misuse it, God is there; he will deal with them,” the President said.

He cited the success of Mbabazi as a vindication of the shift to direct disbursement of funds under the PDM.

Highlighting the case of Kawempe Division, President Museveni noted that with 22 parishes each receiving UGX 100 million annually, a total of UGX 6.6 billion has been injected into approximately 7,000 households over the past three years.

“This money, if used wisely, can transform lives. You don’t need a moneylender who charges UGX 400,000 per month, UGX 5.8 million a year. With PDM, you return UGX 1 million plus UGX 120,000 interest in two years,” H.E. Museveni explained, further urging beneficiaries to understand the revolving nature of PDM and not expect lump-sum access to the fund, emphasizing that with patience, all will benefit.

President Museveni’s visit to Kyambogo marked one of the penultimate events of his nationwide PDM sensitization tour, which has seen him crisscross the country to evaluate impact, inspire uptake, and recalibrate the program’s delivery.

The grand finale will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, where a mega rally is expected to draw thousands of Kampala residents.

The event in Kyambogo was also attended by key government figures, including Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, National PDM Coordinator Hon. Denis Galabuzi Ssozi, KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki and her deputy Mr. Benon Kigenyi, Presidential Advisors Hajjat Sarah Kanyike and Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, among others.

– on behalf of State House Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance – March 23 Movement, which took place in Doha.

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, commended the efforts of the State of Qatar in facilitating the dialogue that led to the declaration, which marks a significant step toward national reconciliation and the promotion of stability in eastern DRC.

His Excellency reaffirmed the UAE’s support for all regional and international efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through peaceful means and strengthening the foundations of security and stability across the African continent and globally.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, has marked another significant milestone with the reaffirmation of its “AA-” long-term issuer credit and financial strength rating by Standard & Poor’s (S&P), with a stable outlook. This rating remains the highest within its peer group globally.  

The reaffirmation underscores ICIEC’s solid credit profile with robust financial strength and low credit risk. S&P expects ICIEC to continue expanding its business operations while maintaining robust levels of capital adequacy, exceptional liquidity buffers, and steadily increasing profitability.  

The rating report reconfirms ICIEC’s Enterprise Risk Profile (ERP) as ‘strong’ under S&P’s Multilateral Lending Institutions (MLIs) criteria, underpinned by the corporation’s supportive shareholder base, strong Preferred Creditor Treatment (PCT), and unique policy role of conducting all business in a Shariah-compliant manner. 

Moreover, for the second year, S&P assesses ICIEC’s Financial Risk Profile (FRP) as ‘very strong’ under its insurance criteria, as ICIEC’s capital adequacy shows a significant buffer above the 99.99% confidence level, as measured by its insurers’ risk-based capital model. Additionally, the Corporation maintains exceptional liquidity, reaffirming its upscaled financial strength. 

“ sincerely congratulate the Member States, His Excellency the Chairman and distinguished Members of the ICIEC Board of Directors, and the dedicated Staff for their unwavering commitment and sustained achievements.” said Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC. ” Aligned with the IsDB Group’s strategic direction, we reaffirm our deep commitment to supporting Member States through advancement of Islamic finance and key development priorities, including green financing, ESG integration, and food security. ICIEC will continue to play an integral role in implementing the Group’s strategy in the years ahead.” added Dr. Khalid. 

The reaffirmation of the “AA-” highlights ICIEC’s strong financial position, prudent risk management, and sound governance practices. It also underscores the Corporation’s ability to navigate complex global challenges and its commitment to supporting sustainable economic development in member states. 

– 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 The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC): 
As a member of the “AAA” rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), 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 financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top 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 second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors—energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.  

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

Source: APO – Report:

Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of intergovernmental organization the International Energy Forum (IEF), has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a speaker. As the world’s largest gathering of energy ministers, the IEF accounts for more than 90% of global oil and gas supply, and as such, Alshirawi is well-positioned to lead discussions around Africa’s oil market, including trends, opportunities and challenges.

Representing the global home of energy dialogue, the IEF focuses on energy security, data transparency and energy transition, uniting global energy ministers and stakeholders to advance global supply chains. Founded more than 30 years ago, the organization facilitates discussions between producing and consuming countries, offering a neutral and inclusive platform to address supply chain challenges. Alshirawi’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 – Africa’s largest energy event – is expected to further strengthen these discussions as Africa’s role in global energy markets increasingly grows.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Alshirawi’s participation comes as Africa moves to promote Africa-centric energy policies, ones that center around the continent’s need to scale-up energy capacity while advancing a just energy transition. Given that over 600 million people currently lack access to electricity across the continent while 900 million people lack access to clean cooking solutions, many countries are advocating for a differentiated approach to the energy transition in Africa, one that prioritizes the development of low-carbon oil and gas. Organizations such as the IEF are uniquely positioned to facilitate energy dialogue, thereby enhancing a better understanding of Africa’s energy dynamics.

Beyond energy dialogue, the IEF provides a series of reports and data analysis, with insights supporting investments and decision-making by leading operators and financiers. In the IEF’s latest Comparative Analysis of Monthly Reports on the Oil Market, the organization offers a comparison of forecasted market trends by major organizations such as OPEC and the International Energy Agency (IEA). In its comparison, the IEF outlines that OPEC predictions show global oil demand rising 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, driven predominantly by increased consumption of transportation fuels. The 2026 forecast will see demand rise by a further 1.3 million bpd, sustained by rising demand for mobility and petrochemicals feedstocks. At the same time, the IEA projects global oil demand to rise by 0.7 million bpd in 2025 and 720,000 bpd in 2026. These discrepancies underscore the need to connect under one platform, with AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 emerging as a strategic forum in this regard.

AEW: Invest in African Energies unites stakeholders from the global and African energy landscapes to discuss strategies for accelerating investment and development in pursuit of enhanced energy security. As a continent rich with a variety of natural resources and offering significant untapped opportunities, Africa is well-positioned to play a more central role in global supply chains. Established markets such as Angola, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo and Libya are rapidly increasing oil and gas production, targeting new exploration frontiers and incremental production projects. Concurrently, emerging markets such as Namibia, Uganda, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Zimbabwe are all driving frontier exploration, with the aim of establishing themselves as future producers. In tandem with advancements in clean energy developments – from large-scale green hydrogen to integrated solar and wind – Africa offers significant opportunities across its entire energy sector and value chain.

Stepping into this picture, Alshirawi’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will strengthen Africa-global dialogue. His participation will not only seek to address challenges and opportunities across the global energy market but foster discussions around Africa’s unique strategy to scale-up energy and advance its transition.

“As Africa’s energy sector experiences rapid growth, a unique opportunity has emerged for operators, financiers and technology providers to capitalize on global demand and position the continent as a major supplier. Insights shared by the IEF have long-played an important part in de-risking investments in Africa and will continue supporting developments as companies unlock the full potential of the continent’s energy resources,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.