Category: English

Source: APO

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The ECOWAS Commission, through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, has finalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in Nouakchott on 14 November 2025. The agreement aims to support the harmonisation and enhancement of statistical systems across West and Central Africa.

As part of the World Bank–funded Project for the Harmonization and Improvement of Statistics in West and Central Africa (HISWACA), the agreement will support Mauritania’s participation in statistical harmonisation activities undertaken by ECOWAS. It will also provide technical assistance and opportunities for knowledge and experience sharing.

The technical experts from the ECOWAS Commission and Mauritania’s Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de l’Analyse Démographique et Économique (ANSADE) reviewed key areas of cooperation and Mauritania’s participation in the regional activities of the HISWACA project, aiming to deepen mutual understanding and identify concrete avenues for collaboration. All articles of the MoU have been agreed upon by both ECOWAS and ANSADE, with the signing ceremony scheduled to take place at a later date to be announced.

Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, held a series of meetings with government authorities and development partners in Nouakchott to advance cooperation on the implementation of the MoU. He met with Mr. Mohamed El Moctar Ahmed Sidi, Director General of ANSADE; Mr. Yeslem Hamdane, Chargé de Mission at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development; Mr. Jean Senahoun, FAO Representative in Mauritania; and H.E. Joaquin Tasso Villalonga, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Mauritania. Earlier, the ECOWAS delegation also met with Mr. Ibou Diouf, Resident Representative of the World Bank in Mauritania.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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The Energy & Mines Directorate is holding a National Experts Meeting to finalize the review of the Draft Revised ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its Implementation Matrix (Revised EMDP, 2024), in Lagos, Nigeria from the 10th to 15th of November 2025. The meeting brings together senior officers from ECOWAS Members States’ Ministries in-charge of Mineral Resources Development, ECOWAS Federation of Chamber of Mines (EFEDCOM), and staff of the Commission.

This is the 3rd National Experts Review Meeting is organized on the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024. It is recalled that the Authority of Heads of State and Government in February 2012, adopted the “ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its Implementation Plan” (EMDP, by Supplementary Act A/SP.16/02/12). The adoption of the EMDP of 2012 was to give effect to Article 31.1 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, which is on Natural Resources. It enjoins Member States to harmonize and co-ordinate their policies and programmes in the field of natural resources. The Revised ECOWAS Treaty further states in Article 31.2d that, Member States shall “coordinate their programmes for development and utilization of mineral and water resources”.

Given the sector’s dynamic operating factors, and the Policy having subsisted for over twelve (12) years after its adoption, ECOWAS Commission decided that it is essential to bring Member States together to review and/or update their consensus position on the key policy issues of currency, in the mineral sector. The main objective as stated in the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024 is to promote the development of an efficient Mineral Resources Sector in the region.

The meeting provides a unique opportunity for the national experts and policymakers to engage in in-depth discussions, exchange expertise, and refine the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024. The collective goal being to ensure that the revised policy framework aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, African Mining Vision, and global best practices, while also addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the sector within the Community.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Applause, dust, and relief filled the air as the Abyei people gathered at Banton Bridge on River Kiir’s edge.  The bridge that linked families, markets, and UNISFA patrols had largely been broken and was in a state of disrepair for months, endangering the lives of commuters and hindering free movement. That danger that loomed over each crossing was removed in October.  The newly rebuild bridge, which once again connects Abyei’s center and southern villages, is the result of the tireless efforts of the Vietnamese Level-2 Engineering Company (VMECC-4), giving the area that has long been known for its resilience new hope and opportunities.

“With this bridge, we are honored to contribute to peace in Abyei in a lasting way,” said VMECC-4 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong.  “Vietnamese peacekeepers worked to create peace, brick by brick, in addition to defending it.”

Considering the technical and environmental difficulties, the team accomplished the project in a remarkable seven days.  The engineers made sure the bridge was strong, secure, and ready to support the weight of trucks, traders, and dreams alike by rebuilding it piece by piece despite the rainy season and restricted access to resources.

Villagers gathered as the final bolts were tightened.  There was singing and dancing when the bridge was formally reopened.  The blue-helmet engineers stood proudly next to their work, and men, women, and children crossed, smiling and waving. Acting Chief Administration Justice Charles Abyei stated, “This bridge is more than infrastructure.”  “It represents cooperation and a common resolve.”

The day’s joy revealed a technical feat as well as a deeply human accomplishment. Before the newly rebuild bridge, the local community and UNISFA peacekeepers had to make the risky crossings or long detours to get to markets, health facilities, schools, and for family visits.

UNISFA’s Force Chief of Staff, Colonel Alexander De Lima, commended the Vietnamese engineers’ diligence and promptness: “Their dedication shows how engineering can directly strengthen security and stability. It’s about connection, between people, between communities, and between nations working together for peace.”

However, the engineers did more than just rebuild the bridge. VMECC-4 provided food and basic supplies to the local population in addition to their construction work; these small acts had profound significance in a place where empathy is just as important as concrete. The restoration of the Banton Bridge is a component of UNISFA’s overarching goal to promote peace through action.  In Abyei, where connectivity and mobility are vital to day-to-day existence, the Mission has sought to safeguard civilians, advance peace, and facilitate humanitarian access since its founding in 2011.

On the day of the reopening, the new bridge, a strong steel and stone ribbon that spans the bridge, shone in the last of the light as dusk approached.  On its surface, UNISFA peacekeepers stood guard, grinning, while children ran and elderly people walked cautiously.

All in all, the spirit of collaboration that shapes Abyei’s future is now carried by the bridge in addition to people and cars. One rebuilt connection at a time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance (IHLEG) has included the country platform for the “NWFE” program and the “Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing” in its recently issued report during the COP30 Climate Conference in Brazil. The report sets a roadmap to increase climate investments in developing countries to reach $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

The IHLEG issued a comprehensive report on the external financing required by 2035 for developing countries to support climate investment needs. This was done at the request of the COP29 and COP30 presidencies to establish a roadmap for increasing climate finance through realistic solutions that integrate external financing with public finance from various countries.

The report emphasized that the “NWFE” country platform for Water, Food, and Energy projects, launched by Egypt in 2022, is the first explicitly multi-sectoral country platform linking investments across overlapping vital sectors. It noted that the platform was among those issued by other developing countries to align national strategies with international climate action priorities, citing Türkiye, Brazil, and Bangladesh.

The report underscored several lessons learned from the country platform for the “NWFE” program and the country platforms of a number of developing countries. It highlighted that their most significant feature is their multi-sectoral nature, along with national ownership, where these platforms must align with the country’s priorities, not the donors’, ensuring the sustainability of efforts and building trust.

In the same context, the report stressed the quality of projects as a main pillar that enhances credibility and contributes to attracting investments and accelerating implementation. It also mentioned that starting with a focused platform and gradually expanding as the country’s capabilities grow helps in gaining experience over time.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, noted that despite three years passing since the launch of the “NWFE” country platform, it has become a model that international institutions advocate for replication in developing countries after its success in creating real integration and close coordination among the government, international institutions, and the private sector. This success has stimulated a just transition in the energy sector, as well as boosted climate action efforts in the water and food sectors. She pointed out that Türkiye, Bangladesh, and Brazil were inspired by the Egyptian model to build their national platforms, and the Ministry is working with other countries to transfer its expertise to initiate their platforms.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat added that the platform has so far succeeded in mobilizing climate investments worth $4.5 billion to implement renewable energy projects with a capacity of 5.2 GW, while projects for which Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have been signed reached about 8.8 GW, out of a total target of 10 GW. She mentioned that this funding has been made available to the private sector, enabling the state to implement its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and enhance climate action. Furthermore, the platform encouraged innovative and blended finance, such as grants, debt swaps, private sector investments, and concessional financing.

The Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing

In the same context, the report addressed practices and principles for a just transition in developing countries, reaffirming that a just transition is a cornerstone of climate and development strategies, plans, and financing.

The “Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing” reinforces this approach by calling for the integration of equity in the design and direction of climate finance.

It is noteworthy that the Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing set 12 principles to foster climate finance and support the efforts of developing countries. This includes supporting the right of developing countries to development and industrialization through just pathways within the framework of the Paris Agreement, and ensuring consistency between global climate action goals and national development goals in both mitigation and adaptation.

The Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook also underscored supporting government efforts to create an enabling environment by providing finance, raising technical and institutional efficiency and capacities. This comes in line with achieving climate goals, ensuring the right of all countries to achieve development under the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, and including the concept of just financing in the structure of international climate finance and ensuring an implementation mechanism.

The government launched the country platform for the “NWFE” program—the nexus between Water, Food, and Energy projects—during the Climate Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022, attended by a large gathering of development partners, international alliances working in the climate field, and the private sector. It also launched the “Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing” with the participation of think tanks, research centers, and international experts to reinforce guiding principles for stimulating climate investments.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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It gives me pleasure, in my capacity as the African Union Champion for the dossier of Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD), to announce the launch of the fifth edition of the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Awareness Week. The event will extend from November 17 to 23, 2025, under the theme: “Rebuilding Lives After Conflict Through Reparative Justice”, with Cairo hosting the main functions of this year’s edition.

Our African continent is encountering a multitude of intertwined security and developmental challenges. Those include internal conflicts, the spread of terrorism, transnational crime, humanitarian crises, poverty, and declining education rates. This occurs concurrently with other emerging challenges, such as climate change and the use of advanced technology. The continent is also at the forefront of those affected by the surrounding international conditions, which are characterized by polarization and competition. This further perpetuates the fragile conditions and the security and developmental challenges in the continent, thus negatively impacting genuine African efforts toward the implementation of the African Union’s ambitious strategies and policies aimed at achieving stability, development, and prosperity for our African peoples, in line with Africa’s Development Agenda 2063.

Despite these challenges, our African continent is abundant with immense potential, resources, and a massive human capital wealth. It has made significant strides towards leveraging these assets to foster peace, security, and development in its nations.

It is now imperative to strengthen solidarity and adopt comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of the challenges facing the continent. At the heart of this must be Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) and the activation of the relevant updated African Union policy in post-conflict settings. This involves working to rehabilitate institutions, support national ownership of solutions, build the capacities of citizens and personnel, raise awareness of the risks of conflict, drive comprehensive development efforts, and engage all sectors of society, primarily youth and women, in all these endeavors, while striving to achieve justice for the victims of conflicts.

The convening of the Fifth Edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development in October 2025 embodied the Egyptian vision aimed at reinforcing the nexus between peace, security, and development, including efforts in Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.

In this context, I would like to commend the efforts of the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUC-PCRD) in Cairo for the programs and activities it has carried out over the past years in a number of African nations. Those are aimed at supporting their efforts toward stability and recovery from the effects of conflicts, building their national capacities, and raising awareness among their citizens. I look forward to the continuation and expansion of these efforts to realize the aspirations of the peoples of our cherished continent for enduring peace and security.

Finally, I must commend the efforts of the African Union Commission in supporting the implementation of reconstruction and peacebuilding activities across the continent. From the standpoint of my leadership of this agenda, I reaffirm my personal commitment to continue exerting every effort, in coordination with my fellow African leaders, the African Union Commission, regional stakeholders, and international partners, to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the continent’s peoples and to achieve the goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in promoting trade and investment flows across Arab and African countries.

The MoU was signed in Cairo, Egypt, on 27 October 2025 by Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC, and Mr. Kofi Asumadu Addo, Director, Guarantees and Specialised Finance at Afreximbank who represented the Bank’s Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Mr. Haytham EL Maayergi.

The partnership provides a robust framework for collaboration, enabling the two parties to harmonise their efforts in supporting Arab-African businesses seeking regional market opportunities while facilitating practical information exchange in areas where access to trade and investment intelligence has been limited. Through the cooperation, ICIEC and Afreximbank will align their strategic decision-support tools, developing synergies to better serve public- and private-sector actors across their respective networks.

Areas of cooperation covered in the MoU include risk-sharing mechanisms, which will underpin Afreximbank’s efforts to mobilise financing in support of trade; a structured exchange of information to strengthen the outreach and insight of both institutions; support for Afreximbank’s digital platforms; access for both partners to TRADAR Club offerings, such as TRADAR Intelligence (TIP) and TRADAR Regulations (TRIP); joint capacity-building and advisory services; collaborative work in marketing, promotion and product development; and deployment of the AfrexInsure initiative to maximise risk mitigation and trade-finance tools.

Eng. Yasser Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at ICIEC commented, “This partnership marks a milestone in our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade and investment across the Arab-Africa corridor. By combining ICIEC’s risk-mitigation expertise with Afreximbank’s expansive financing and advisory platform, we are enabling businesses to move from ambition to action. Together, we will unlock new opportunities and deliver strategic value-add to trade flows that benefit our member countries and private-sector partners.”

Commenting on the MoU, Mr Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President of Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank noted, “This MoU is a testament to the long-standing relationship between Afreximbank and ICIEC aimed at deepening Arab-Africa trade. It is expected to generate mutually beneficial and meaningful outcomes in areas such as market development, risk-sharing, digital innovation, and capacity building. Both institutions look forward to advancing our joint initiatives, including the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Arab African Trade Bridge.”

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

Media 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 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 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 counterparts in its 51 Member States. ICIEC, for the 18^th 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 https://ICIEC.IsDB.org 

About the African Export-Import Bank (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 stalwart 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 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

www.Afreximbank.com

Source: APO – Report:

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Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of Republic of Seychelles, delivered his maiden address before the National Assembly on Friday evening, presenting a focused agenda aimed at strengthening governance, supporting social development, and ensuring more inclusive economic growth. The event was attended by the First Lady Mrs. Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet of Ministers, the judiciary, members of the Diplomatic corps, and other high-level officials.

In his remarks, President Herminie reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reinforcing democratic institutions and ensuring the National Assembly has the independence and resources necessary to carry out its oversight role effectively. He also announced that several constitutional amendments will soon be tabled to enhance impartiality, accountability, and fair representation across state institutions.

President Herminie outlined measures to ease the cost of living and improve welfare, including the reintroduction of the Long Service Allowance and an unconditional 13th month salary for public sector employees and support for small businesses will be strengthened.

Gratuity benefits will be increased based on years of service. Students from Praslin and La Digue enrolled in professional programmes on Mahé will receive a one-off allowance from 2026, and the Unemployment Relief Scheme will be reinstated to offer guidance, training opportunities, and financial support for jobseekers, particularly young people. The Department of Poverty Alleviation will be revived, the national housing repair budget doubled, and a living wage introduced in 2026.

Key economic and social security reforms include the removal of the Environmental Sustainability Levy for visitors staying in small establishments, the reduction of the retirement age from sixty-five to sixty-three, and an increase in monthly Social Security retirement benefits from January 2026. The government has also secured a significant share in Nouvobanq, with the proceeds directed toward strengthening the Seychelles Pension Fund.

The President also announced that a stop notice has been issued to halt the hotel construction project on Assumption Island, effective Thursday, 13th November 2025. To promote accountability and transparency, the President further announced the establishment of a new commissions of inquiry, including one led by former Chief Justice Mathilda Twomey to examine the Assumption Island development. Other inquiries will address past incidents and institutional concerns.

The Seychelles News Agency will be re-established to support access to information, while new legislation will require all politicians and their immediate families to declare their assets. A Fair Administrative Act will further ensure equality and eliminate favouritism in public administration.

Recognising national challenges in mental health and drug abuse, the government will establish a Mental Health Authority and reinstate the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR), with intensified anti-drug operations targeting maritime trafficking.

President Herminie concluded by calling for unity and collective responsibility, emphasizing his vision of a Seychelles that serves the interests of all its people and commits to governing with humility, courage, and integrity.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of educator, diplomat and business leader Dr Franklin Sonn who contributed significantly to different sectors of society and the economy.

Dr Sonn, an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab and recipient of numerous international honours, has passed away at the age of 86.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to Mrs Joan Sonn and children Crispin and Heather, as well the extended families and Dr Sonn’s associates nationally and internationally.

Dr Sonn, who served as the democratic South Africa’s first Ambassador to the United States, distinguished himself in leadership roles in education, politics, and business. 

He began his career as a teacher and became principal of Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Cape Town.

He was President of the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association before his appointment as Rector of the then Peninsula Technikon in Cape Town, a post he held until his diplomatic posting.

Dr Sonn was an anti-apartheid campaigner and pioneering champion of broad-based economic empowerment, who exercised his vision for a just South Africa as a board member in significant corporate businesses and as a co-founder of large black-owned enterprises.

President Ramaphosa said: “I join the Sonns and Franklin’s diverse friends and associates in mourning the loss of a leader whose life exemplified the essence of the Order of the Baobab.

Franklin Sonn inspired the young lives entrusted to him in his early career as a teacher. He provided similar inspiration to the teachers he mobilised in the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association at a time when all sectors were mobilised against apartheid.

We remember him as an advocate and activist for the accelerated transformation of our country after the end of apartheid and the upliftment of historically marginalised communities.

He fought for equality and development in all his endeavours, which included philanthropic work alongside Joan Sonn. Together, they endowed Crispin and Heather with leadership abilities that have created an intergenerational legacy.

Franklin Sonn played a great part in our history that lives on in our present and we owe him our commitment to keep building the society he envisioned.

May his soul rest in peace.”

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.