Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-compliant multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, announced the signing of a facultative reinsurance agreement with Takaful Libya during the IsDB Group Day in Libya scheduled on 23 September 2025. The agreement enhances Takaful Libya’s capacity to underwrite Shariah-compliant export credit risks, thereby supporting the growth of Libyan exporters and contributing to the country’s economic recovery.

Under the arrangement, ICIEC will provide facultative reinsurance to selected export transactions insured by Takaful Libya. This will enable Takaful Libya to extend broader coverage to exporting companies and banks involved in cross-border trade, strengthening their resilience against payment risks and facilitating access to new markets.

“This agreement reflects ICIEC’s mandate to de-risk trade across our Member States by empowering local partners,” said Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC. “By extending export credit reinsurance capacity and know-how to Takaful Libya, we will help Libyan exporters safeguard their receivables, strengthen their competitiveness in global markets, and contribute to rebuilding national trade flows in line with the development of Libyan external trade.” he added.

“There is no doubt that the services provided by ICIEC are of immense importance in supporting the economic development of member countries. One of the Corporation’s key missions is to strengthen and encourage exports by offering vital insurance coverage that empowers businesses to grow beyond borders. For Libya, this agreement represents more than just a financial arrangement—it is a new avenue of opportunity, a platform to boost and promote our exports, and a stepping stone toward greater economic growth. We are confident that this partnership will be a strong pillar in supporting Libya’s development journey, and we look forward to seeing more initiatives of this kind in the future, initiatives that do not only protect our economy but actively drive it forward.” Stated Mr. Bashir Ali Khallat, General Manager, Takaful Insurance Company.

The partnership also paves the way for technical collaboration on key areas of underwriting, credit risk assessment, capacity building, and claims management. ICIEC’s support will allow Takaful Libya to strengthen its offerings to corporates and financial institutions while reinforcing prudential requirements.

The signing at IsDB Group Day highlights the Group’s commitment to building partnerships that mobilize trade and unlock opportunities across Member States. ICIEC and Takaful Libya will begin implementing the agreement immediately, with a focus on high-impact export sectors aligned with Libya’s national priorities.

– 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 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investment by providing credit enhancement and risk mitigation solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world and has been at the forefront of delivering a comprehensive suite of de-risking solutions to support cross-border trade and investment for its 50 Member States. ICIEC has maintained its “Aa3” rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s for 17 consecutive years, positioning the Corporation among the leaders in the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-” rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting practices, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management framework. Since inception, ICIEC has cumulatively insured over USD 121 billion in trade and investment, supporting key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture in its member states.

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

About Takaful Insurance Company:
Takaful Insurance Company was established in 2007 with an initial capital of ten million Libyan Dinars. In 2023, the capital was increased to fifteen million Libyan Dinars, with subscriptions made by businessmen and investors. In 2012, the company was fully transformed into a Takaful insurance model, thus becoming the first Takaful insurance company in Libya. It operates strictly in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia, offering all types of insurance coverage based on these principles. The company has a dedicated Sharia Supervisory Board that ensures full compliance with the rules and objectives of Islamic Sharia.

Source: APO – Report:

Launched under the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) during the UN General Assembly, the ‘Africa Saving for Growth’ programme brings together social security institutions from 15 countries, Morocco’s CDG Group, and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org) to build a policy reform roadmap, expand Africa’s capital-pools dataset, and increase allocation to infrastructure and private sector-led projects in Africa.

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) today launched a collaborative continent-wide initiative to mobilise African institutional savings into long-term infrastructure, building on AFC’s 2025 analysis identifying at least $1.17 trillion in institutional assets across Africa.

The ‘Africa Saving for Growth’ programme was introduced today under the auspices of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), part of the UN Global Compact. It prioritises specific deliverables that international investors and policymakers can act on:

• Open capital-pools database: Maintain and regularly update the most comprehensive, market-accessible dataset on African institutional savings, including pension funds, insurance, social security institutions, public development banks and sovereign wealth funds.
• Policy reform roadmap: Practical recommendations—prudential guidelines, risk-sharing mechanisms, and intermediation vehicles—that enable pension and social-security funds to invest in infrastructure while preserving asset-liability matching.
• Savings mobilisation playbook: Country-level strategies to increase formal participation and reduce the drag from large informal economies.
• Allocation diversification models: Pathways to shift portfolios away from short-term, low-yield instruments that concentrate public-sector exposure and crowd out private enterprise.
• High impact projects that can catalyse social and economic development in African countries by connecting people, countries, boost productivity and improve quality of life of the people in Africa and ensure Pension Funds sustainability.

The research and advocacy initiative is delivered with leading long-term savings institutions, including the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA)—bringing together national social security funds from 15 countries with more than $54 billion in pension assets—and CDG Group (Morocco), one of the continent’s most influential stewards of long-duration capital.

“Africa-led investment is the most effective way to quickly achieve the scale of transformation we need while catalysing international support for the continent’s infrastructure”, said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “This initiative is about Africans coming together to put our own capital to work for Africa’s growth. By joining forces, our pension funds and financial institutions can unlock new opportunities, drive development, and demonstrate the power of collective action to build the continent’s future – without compromising fiduciary duties.”

AFC’s 2025 findings show that pension and social-security portfolios across many markets are under-leveraged for development, concentrated in short-tenor instruments that limit returns and private-sector financing. The Africa Saving for Growth programme will surface replicable lessons from successful national models and chart a pragmatic route to risk-managed, long-duration allocations.

“This alliance is a pivotal step for Africa’s long-term savings community—bringing together pension, social security, and other institutional investors,” said Meshach Bandawe, Secretary General of the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA). “This initiative reflects the ambition of the African Union’s Agenda 2063: building a prosperous and inclusive Africa, underpinned by vibrant domestic and regional financial markets, connected by modern infrastructure and powered by shared growth.”

“African pension funds and institutional investors face the challenge of harnessing domestic savings and transforming them into a true driver of economic and social development, particularly through infrastructure financing. We work closely with sister organizations across Africa to align efforts, share expertise, and unlock the full potential of long-term capital in the service of responsible development,” said Khalid Safir, Director General, Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG).

– 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:
Africa Finance Corporation (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 power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 45 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

www.AfricaFC.org

Source: APO – Report:

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Approximately 20 participants drawn from various East African Community (EAC) countries are set to take part in the inaugural cohort of the Diploma in International Trade for Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) in the region.

The International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade (CIOE&IT) recently launched the Diploma in International Trade for TPOs with the EAC with support from the European Union (EU) through the EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II).

This flagship programme, running under MARKUP II from 2023 to 2027, is designed to strengthen the capacity of TPOs across the EAC to better serve micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and unlock new opportunities for sustainable intra-African and EU-Africa trade.

The course will provide cutting-edge knowledge and tools to enhance export competitiveness, boost employment, and ultimately improve livelihoods across the region.

Miyoba Lubemba, Senior Programme Officer at the International Trade Centre underlined the importance of this milestone: “Trade is one of the most powerful drivers of inclusive growth and opportunity. By investing in the skills of trade promotion professionals across the East African Community, we are directly strengthening the backbone of MSMEs who fuel our economies. This diploma is more than a learning journey — it is a catalyst for transformation, jobs, and a more connected, competitive Africa.”

The Diploma in International Trade represents a bold step towards building stronger institutions that can guide businesses to compete effectively in regional and global markets. By equipping TPOs with the right expertise, the programme contributes directly to the EAC’s economic growth agenda and supports the vision of deeper regional integration and sustainable trade partnerships.

The launch marks not only an educational milestone, but also a strategic investment in the future of trade one where African businesses thrive, markets expand, and prosperity is shared more widely across the region.

About the SME Trade Academy 

The SME Trade Academy is the online learning platform of the International Trade Centre. It offers over 100 online courses on trade and trade-related topics. Currently, the e-learning platform has recorded over 600,000 individual enrolments in its courses and issued over 90,000 certificates of completion. 

The courses are designed for entrepreneurs, business-support organizations, government agencies, students, and trade professionals looking to expand their knowledge.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives at Al-Ittihadiya Palace the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, who is paying an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The visit comes within the framework of the two countries’ efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and open new prospects for cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received at Ittihadiya Palace the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that an official reception ceremony was held upon the arrival of the Rwandan President, where the national anthems of Egypt and Rwanda were played. This was followed by a closed meeting between the two presidents that later expanded to include delegations from both countries.

President El-Sisi began the meeting by welcoming President Kagame, and praised the strong historical relations between Egypt and Rwanda. The President emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly in the economic, trade, and medical sectors, and focusing on maximizing joint investment opportunities, particularly in medicine, medical supplies, food products, and construction.

President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s keenness to continue supporting Rwanda in achieving its developmental aspirations and Egypt’s readiness to advance cooperation in capacity building, which will contribute to the success of Rwanda’s Vision 2050.

President Kagame valued the existing cooperation between the two countries and the mutual benefit it brings to both peoples. He affirmed Rwanda’s keenness to expand this fruitful cooperation with Egypt.

The meeting touched on a number of regional and international issues. The two presidents discussed the latest developments in the Great Lakes region. President El-Sisi renewed Egypt’s stance of supporting security and stability in the region and confronting the challenges that hinder development and prosperity. Both sides also discussed developments in the Horn of Africa and ways to promote peace and security in the region. Both presidents exchanged views on how to boost integration among the Nile Basin countries and agreed to continue consultation and coordination to face common challenges and achieve sustainable development for all basin countries. This is while emphasizing respect for international law in the management of transboundary rivers.

In this regard, President El-Sisi stressed that the issue of water is an existential matter for Egypt, particularly in light of the severe water scarcity it faces. The President reaffirmed that Egypt will not accept any infringement on its water rights and that cooperation in the Nile Basin region requires prioritizing a spirit of cooperation and understanding to achieve common interest.

Talks reviewed cooperation within the African Union. The two presidents agreed to continue coordination and the exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

President Kagame praised President El-Sisi’s efforts in leading the post-conflict reconstruction and development file. President El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the Rwandan President’s contributions to advancing the institutional reform agenda within the Union.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the two presidents discussed the developments following the two-state solution conference in New York and the increasing number of countries that have recognized the State of Palestine.

President El-Sisi updated the Rwandan president on Egypt’s endeavors to stop the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and to intensify the delivery of humanitarian aid.

President El-Sisi also reiterated Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. The President confirmed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital is the only path to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding in the fields of water resources management, exchange of land allocation for logistical, economic, and trade purposes, housing, and the promotion and protection of investment. The two presidents also held a joint press conference to review the outcome of their talks.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, today hosted a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) led by The Acting WHO Representative in Kenya, Dr. Adiele Onyeze. 

Discussions focused on Kenya’s progress in strengthening its national medicines regulatory system and preparations for the upcoming WHO onsite evidence verification mission. This mission will allow WHO experts to assess, the measures taken by Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to enhance inspections, pharmacovigilance, digital systems, and inter-agency collaboration which are key steps towards achieving international recognition.

This mission marks a critical step towards Kenya attaining Maturity Level 3 which is a global standard that recognizes a regulator as stable, well-functioning and capable of ensuring medicines are consistently safe, effective and of good quality.

The PS outlined ongoing measures to equip PPB with technical resources, capacity building, and inter-agency support to enhance its effectiveness as the national regulator.

The meeting was also attended by, PPB board chair, Dr. John Munyu, CEO, Dr. Fred Siyoi and other senior ministry officials.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

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Ministers and senior officials from G20 member states and invited countries gathered in Tshwane, South Africa, on 23 September 2025, for the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting.

The meeting, held under the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation for Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, reaffirmed the critical role of international cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) to address urgent global challenges. Delegates emphasised that no country could thrive in isolation, and committed to building inclusive, ethical and sustainable STI ecosystems.

The meeting endorsed a suite of initiatives referred to as the Tshwane Package, which includes –

• G20 recommendations on science engagement to foster public trust, participation and literacy in science;
• a G20 open innovation platform of platforms to facilitate voluntary knowledge sharing across borders;
• an open innovation demonstrator project focused on disaster risk reduction and water security;
• support for global biodiversity data cooperation, including the development of a catalogue of life;
• the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in STI; and
• a compendium of good practices and a thematic portal to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in STI.

The Ministers also recognised the importance of public participation in STI and endorsed the G20 Recommendations on Science Engagement, which aim to –

• promote open science through multilingual access, transparency and inclusive infrastructures;
• invest in education and skills to build a scientifically literate society from early childhood onwards;
• build trust and mutual understanding through community-based initiatives, indigenous knowledge-led projects and multilingual     publishing; and
• enhance global leadership by fostering international cooperation, celebrating science in society, and supporting vulnerable communities’ participation in research.

These efforts are designed to empower citizens to shape, contribute to and benefit from scientific progress.

Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency a series of high-level STI engagements were convened, including Science20 engagements on climate, food, water, energy and land systems; the G20 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable on evidence-based policymaking; workshops on the bioeconomy, artificial intelligence for sustainable development, and Africa’s human genetic diversity. A visit to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory site in the Northern Cape was also arranged to showcase this international research infrastructure.

The meeting expressed appreciation for the contributions of knowledge partners, including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Delegates commended South Africa’s leadership and expressed anticipation of continued progress under the United States G20 Presidency in 2026.

– on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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As South Africa prepares to celebrate Heritage Day on 24 September, the Western Cape Government is calling on residents to rediscover the rich cultural and natural heritage of our province through local travel and tourism.

Under the theme #SpringIntoAction and #ForTheLoveOfTourism, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer invites residents and visitors to explore the province’s diverse destinations, support community-based tourism businesses, and celebrate the stories that shape our shared identity.

“Every trip within the Western Cape creates an opportunity for growth, for our communities, small businesses, and for the families who depend on tourism for their livelihoods. By travelling locally, residents can help protect what makes our province bloom, ensuring our children and grandchildren will one day find peace and joy in nature and culture,” said Minister Meyer.

Tourism is more than leisure; it is a powerful economic driver. In 2023, tourism contributed R28.6 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Western Cape economy and supported over 257,000 jobs across numerous sectors, including hospitality, guiding, agriculture, transport, culture, and the creative industries.

Heritage tourism plays a vital role in this ecosystem, offering immersive experiences that connect visitors to the province’s history, traditions, and landscapes.

This Heritage Day, residents are encouraged to:

• Celebrate Spring by attending cultural festivals, visiting “dorpies”, townships and villages, and supporting local tourism entrepreneurs.
• Explore Nature by visiting CapeNature reserves and SANParks facilities, travelling responsibly, and respecting biodiversity.
• Spring Into Heritage by visiting iconic sites such as Robben Island, the Cape Floral Kingdom, the District Six Museum, the Iziko Slave Lodge, and experiencing living history in the Bo-Kaap, Stellenbosch, Tulbagh, Matjiesfontein, and Cederberg rock art sites.

For under R50, Cape Town offers a range of accessible heritage experiences:

• Explore the V&A Waterfront’s free historical walking route, which highlights the area’s maritime and cultural legacy.
• Visit the Green Point Urban Park, a biodiversity showcase and family-friendly space.
• Enjoy a scenic walk along the Sea Point Promenade, a beloved public space with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Join free guided walking tours to learn about the city’s layered history, architecture, and communities.

Events such as the !Khwa ttu Heritage Festival and other cultural showcases offer opportunities to celebrate the province’s diverse traditions, languages, and architecture.

Every local journey makes a difference:

• Every visit supports local entrepreneurs, guides and artists.
• Every ticket purchased helps grow our economy.
• Every responsible action protects our fragile biodiversity and cultural legacy.

“Tourism is a shared journey. When residents travel with impact, the entire province prospers,” concluded Minister Meyer.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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23 September 2025, Technical experts from 14 African countries, multilateral development banks, development partners, and global health initiatives are convening in Johannesburg for a three-day Regional Technical Meeting on Innovative Financing for Health in Africa, co-organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and the Global Fund. 

“We are truly delighted to host this regional technical meeting as we collectively reflect on the challenges and opportunities before us in building sustainable and resilient health financing systems for our continent. Africa is at a turning point, and innovative thinking will be essential to ensure our resolutions translate into meaningful action. By applying innovative thinking, we can ensure that health financing reforms become meaningful action that strengthens our health systems and secures equity for our people,” said Dr Percy Mahlathi, Deputy Director General, Institutional Capacity, South Africa National Department of Health. 

The meeting offers a collaborative platform for countries and partners to examine practical strategies to mobilize sustainable resources, improve alignment of financing flows, and scale up innovative mechanisms to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

“This technical meeting is an opportunity for countries and partners to share practical experiences, co-create solutions, and strengthen alignment around national health financing priorities. The focus is on concrete, evidence- based approaches that countries can adapt and scale,” said Nertila Tavanxhi, Senior Manager- Health Financing Country Support- The Global Fund).

Health financing remains a major challenge across Africa. Out-of-pocket spending accounts for about 36% of total health expenditure, and nearly half of sub-Saharan African countries depend on external resources for more than one- third of their health spending — leaving them vulnerable to reductions in external funding. 

The meeting aims to: 

• Mobilize and sustain domestic financing for health by exploring fiscal policies and innovative instruments that can expand health budgets and reduce donor dependency.
• Enhance efficiency, alignment, and impact through improved partner coordination and integration of health financing within national frameworks.
• Promote innovative approaches such as blended finance, social impact bonds, pooled procurement, and climate-health financing. 

“Strengthening health financing is not just about finding more money, it is about using resources more strategically, aligning them with country priorities, and building resilient systems that deliver for everyone”, said Dr. Adelheid Werimo Onyango, Director of Health Systems & Services, WHO Regional Office for Africa. “This meeting allows us to bring technical expertise together to generate solutions that will sustain health gains and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage.” 

“Fiscal pressures and shifting external financing realities are testing our ability to sustain the health gains of the past two decades. Yet, this challenge also presents us with an opportunity: to rethink our approaches and mobilize sustainable, country-led, and innovative financing solutions that will strengthen resilience, equity, and progress toward Universal Health Coverage” said Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, Country Representative, WHO South Africa. “Innovative financing is not only about new instruments, but also about new partnerships, new ways of sharing risk, and stronger commitments to align resources with national priorities.” 

Over three days, participants will engage in keynote presentations, country case studies, peer learning, and ideation sessions. The agenda highlights country-led innovations including: 

• Ghana’s Medical Trust Fund and removal of caps on VAT revenue for health insurance.
• South Africa’s pioneering TB Social Impact Bond, linking financing to measurable health outcomes. •
• Tanzania and Nigeria’s advances in pooled procurement and local pharmaceutical production. 

The meeting will culminate in the development of country ideation maps, outlining pipelines for innovative financing opportunities and a commitment to establish a regional community of practice to sustain momentum and foster ongoing collaboration.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Africa.