Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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, is pleased to announce the accession of the Republic of Sierra Leone as its 51st Member Country.

This milestone marks ICIEC’s expanding presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its trade and investment partnerships through multilateral cooperation. As a Member, Sierra Leone will gain access to ICIEC’s Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance solutions designed to facilitate exports, attract foreign direct investment, and mitigate political and commercial risks.

Welcoming Sierra Leone’s membership, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, stated: “We are delighted to welcome the Republic of Sierra Leone into the ICIEC membership. This accession reflects both the growing recognition of ICIEC’s developmental mandate and Sierra Leone’s vision to build a more resilient and diversified economy. We look forward to supporting the country in mobilizing investments, enhancing export competitiveness, and creating new opportunities for its public and private sectors.”

With Sierra Leone’s membership, ICIEC now counts 51 Member Countries reinforcing its role as a leading multilateral provider of Shariah-compliant insurance and risk-mitigation solutions in support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) economies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

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 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 18th 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

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DRC Mining Week, organised annually by VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/) in Lubumbashi, has been awarded “Event of the Year” at the Katanga Awards, reaffirming its status as the leading platform for mining investment, project development, and economic transformation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to VUKA Group, the recognition comes at a particularly meaningful moment, as DRC Mining Week celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025. This milestone reflects two decades of partnership, dialogue, and sector advancement in the DRC’s mining heartland.

For over a decade, DRC Mining Week has been the country’s most influential meeting point for investment mobilisation, infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration. Each edition brings together:

• international and local investors
• mining operators and juniors
• project developers
• financial institutions
• OEMs and EPCs
• government ministries and regulators
• and longstanding institutional partners, including the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) and the Chamber of Mines of the DRC

all aligned around unlocking the full potential of the DRC’s world-class mineral wealth.

2025: Record achievement
This year’s 20th anniversary edition marked a historic milestone with:

• 16,500+ total attendees
• 1,115 delegates, including
  • 129 VIPs
  • 88 speakers
• 300+ sponsors and exhibitors
• Participation from 50+ countries
   

DRC Mining Week also featured 25+ high-level conference sessions focused on industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure expansion, beneficiation, and sustainable development—reinforcing its position as the DRC’s most influential platform for mining investment and sector growth.

Honouring national leadership and strategic partners

VUKA Group recognises and appreciates the continued support of the DRC Government and its key institutions. Their collaboration plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision, stability, and long-term impact of DRC Mining Week.

During her keynote address in Lubumbashi in June this year, DRC’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mrs Judith Suminwa Tuluka described the 20th edition of DRC Mining Week as “a moment to celebrate the remarkable progress our mining sector has achieved.”

DRC’s new Mining Minister, H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba, an industry pioneer and himself a veteran attendee of DRC Mining Week over the years, is known for calling the event “the place to be to do business in the DRC,” and he regularly invites industry stakeholders to DRC Mining Week when addressing global mining gatherings.

VUKA Group also recognises the invaluable partnership of the FEC and the Chamber of Mines, whose collaboration and guidance have strengthened the platform over many years.

Shared achievement for the mining community

“This award belongs to the mining and investment community we serve,” says Samukelo Madlabane, Event Director for DRC Mining Week. “Our purpose has always been clear—to create a trusted platform where capital, expertise, and opportunity converge to support the DRC’s long-term economic development. Celebrating our 20th anniversary with record growth and now this award is a testament to the strength, unity, and ambition of our community.”

Recognising sponsors and supporters

Madlabane adds:

“We extend our sincere appreciation to our Sponsors, Exhibitors, Media Partners, and Supporting Associations. Your continued commitment has become a cornerstone of DRC Mining Week.

“These partnerships are more than visibility—they actively shape the event into a platform for progress, opportunity, and impactful dialogue.

“To all our sponsors and exhibitors: Your contributions are the engine of DRC Mining Week’s success. This milestone year would not have been possible without your dedication, innovation, and steadfast support.”

Looking ahead to 2026

Madlabane continues: “With preparations underway for the 21st edition of DRC Mining Week (17–19 June 2026 at the Pullman Lubumbashi Grand Karavia Hotel), VUKA Group remains committed to elevating the platform’s role in connecting stakeholders, driving investment, and supporting sustainable industrial development in the DRC.

About VUKA Group’s commitment

Through DRC Mining Week and the DRC–Africa Battery Metals Forum, VUKA Group continues to invest in platforms that unlock:

• long-term investment opportunities
• local market development
• project growth
• infrastructure expansion
• industrial value creation across the Congolese economy

Furthermore, VUKA remains dedicated to supporting the DRC’s transformation into a globally competitive mining and industrial powerhouse.

DRC Mining Week dates and venue 2026:

• Expo and conference: 17–19 June 2026
• Location: The Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:
Jiten Ramjee
VUKA Group
jiten.ramjee@wearevuka.com

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About VUKA Group
VUKA Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa) (https://WeAreVUKA.com/) is a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4ieCdZS),  DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4il0pdl), Nigeria Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4psqPMk), Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4oY9JGg), Africa’s Green Economy Summit (https://apo-opa.co/44iVIuw), Carbon Markets Africa Summit (https://apo-opa.co/49C44B6), Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4rfp7zG), ECOM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/47X2use) and CEM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4pwK6wo).

Source: APO

His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Western Corridor Transformation Project, marking the official commencement of a landmark development initiative undertaken through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) with Western Corridor Limited (WCL). Executed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), the Western Corridor Limited (https://www.WesternCorridorLimited.com) is the concessionnaire incorporated by BeefCo Limited and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited.

Significant work has already commenced on the project since the groundbreaking ceremony held on October 31, 2025 in Kasempa town. The ceremony was attended by key Government Officials such as the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr. Chipoka Mulenga, the Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development, Mr. Charles Milupi, the Road Development Agency (RDA) officials, senior government personnel, traditional leaders, private sector partners and members of the electorate.

This project is a strategic private sector-led initiative, aligned with the government’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). It is poised to unlock the vast economic potential of the Western Corridor through strategic investments in key sectors, including integrated agriculture, infrastructure development, and value addition.

Western Corridor Limited (WCL) is set to upgrade the current gravel alignment to bituminous standard, including two new bridges over the Lalafuta and Luena rivers and selected urban road works in Kasempa and Kaoma Districts. The 371km road project promises improved road standards which will significantly reduce travel times, create jobs and boost export potential. The road will link key mining zones and boost agricultural capacity, as well as being the fastest trade route to the port at Walvis Bay in Namibia.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the project’s alignment with government priorities in driving economic growth, particularly in agriculture and mining. The President highlighted the vast potential that awaits in regional connectivity and international trade, he said, “This road means business, business to move goods from Zambia to the world through the port of Walvis Bay, and from the world, through Walvis Bay, back to Zambia.” The President emphasized that even when the country was bankrupt, the main priority was to help the people of Zambia through interventions such as the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to unlock investment. “This is a great day because infrastructure, roads in particular, open up investment. From Mutanda to Kasempa, Kaoma to Mongu, Senanga to Sesheke upto Katima Mulilo; this will be the fastest route to Walvis Bay. Since Independence, the residents of Kasempa can for the first time travel shorter distances to Lusaka through Kaoma and Mumbwa,”

The President further expressed contentment at the prospect of the improved road infrastructure directly addressing issues of unemployment by providing jobs to the local community and the youth as well as providing support for MSMEs through opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, with at least 20% of project works reserved for Zambian citizen contractors, service providers and/ or suppliers.

Western Corridor Limited’s CEO, Buks Jansen Van Rensburg reiterated the importance of working as a team to actualise the vision of the Mutanda to Kaoma road.  He stated, “Let’s build more roads, let’s protect our roads and infrastructure and give support to the country and to all the communities,” he emphasised. “Do not look for outside help, let’s look for Zambian solutions to Zambian challenges. Honourable Milupi gave Western Corridor Limited an opportunity, he pushed us out of our limits and now this road is a reality through Public-Private-Partnership,” he added.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited Country Manager, Dr. Godwin Beene, said the initiative reflects FQM’s belief that mining must act as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development. “We understand that a thriving mining sector depends on a robust and well-maintained road network — one that connects production centers to markets, communities to opportunities, and people to prosperity”, Dr. Beene asserted. He added that, “over the past decade, First Quantum Minerals has invested in road infrastructure within Solwezi and Kalumbila. These projects, like this one, were designed to improve accessibility, enhance safety, and stimulate local enterprise. The Mutanda–Kaoma Road builds upon that legacy; demonstrating how responsible private investment can meaningfully complement public infrastructure priorities.”

The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of major development works, heralding a new era of economic and social prosperity for the Western Corridor. This event underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, creating significant employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods throughout the province.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Corridor Limited.

For more information
Contact:
Name: Kasole Sakavuyi
Title: Media Liaison
Agency: Manic Creatives
Phone Number: +260 974607451
Email: socialmedia@manic.co.zm

About Western Corridor Limited (WCL):
WCL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established as the Concessionaire for the Mutanda–Kasempa–Kaoma Road under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model. The concession integrates design, financing, construction, operations and maintenance to deliver a safe, reliable Western Corridor.

Concessionaire: Western Corridor Limited (WCL), incorporated by BeefCo Holdings Limited (BeefCo) and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited.

Governance: Western Corridor Limited (WCL)  and the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the Ministry of Infrastructure,

Housing and Urban Development and the Road Development Agency.

Source: APO

Most Africans support the right of girls and women to make their own choices about marriage and childbearing, a new Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) Pan-Africa Profile report (http://apo-opa.co/3Kjg688) shows.

The report, based on 50,961 interviews conducted during Afrobarometer’s Round 10 surveys across 38 African countries in 2024/2025, shows that most citizens want girls who become pregnant to be allowed to continue their schooling. A large majority also favour the teaching of sexuality education in schools to help young people make informed decisions about their health and relationships.

Despite strong support for teaching sexuality education in schools, public opinion is divided on whether to make contraceptives available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of age. However, a majority of Africans endorse the idea of making contraceptives available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of marital status.

Opinions are also mixed on the issue of abortion: There is broad acceptance of pregnancy termination if the mother’s health or life is in danger, but only half of citizens consider abortion justifiable if the pregnancy is due to rape or incest, and there is strong opposition to abortion if the woman does not want to have a baby or does not have the resources to take care of one.

Given the sensitive nature of topics explored in this report, analyses of the proportions of non-responses and the robustness of measurement of individual items point to findings that should be interpreted with caution. For a more detailed discussion of these issues, see Afrobarometer Methods Note No. 5 (http://apo-opa.co/4pu2vdc).

Afrobarometer survey

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. National samples of 1,200-2,400 yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Key findings

• On average across 38 countries, large majorities of Africans say women should be able to decide for themselves whether and when to marry (75%) as well as when to have children and how many children to have (62%) (Figure 1).
  • Women are significantly more likely than men to support a woman’s autonomy in marriage decisions (78% vs. 71%) and reproductive choices (69% vs. 55%) (Figure 2).
• More than seven in 10 Africans (73%) endorse the teaching of sexuality education in school.
  • Support is almost universal in Madagascar and Cabo Verde but drops below one-fourth of citizens in Morocco and Mauritania (Figure 3).
• About eight in 10 citizens (81%) – including majorities in all surveyed countries – say girls who get pregnant or have children should be allowed to continue their schooling (Figure 4).
• A majority (58%) of Africans say contraceptives should be made available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of marital status (Figure 5).
  • But only about half (49%) would make them available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of age.
  • Access to contraceptives regardless of marital status and age is less popular among rural residents, older respondents, and less educated citizens.
• A majority (63%) of respondents say abortion can “sometimes” or “always” be justified if the woman’s health or life is at risk (Figure 6).
  • Almost half (48%) say the same for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, while the other half (47%) disagree.
  • Solid majorities say pregnancy termination is “never justified” in cases where the woman is economically unable to care for a child (65%) or where she doesn’t want the pregnancy for any reason (69%).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny
Director of Communications
Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +233 243240933
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

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Source: APO

Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, is proud to announce that its Cloudmania business has won the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Egypt. Cloudmania was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft Cloud applications, services, devices, and AI innovation during the past year. Awards are classified in various categories, with honourees chosen from more than 4,600 nominations across over 100 countries. Cloudmania was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services in Egypt.

“This award is an incredible milestone for Cloudmania. In just one year of operations in Egypt, we’ve built a strong network of partners committed to delivering cloud and AI solutions that empower businesses, accelerate digital transformation, and drive sustainable growth. This recognition underscores our role as the distributor of choice for Microsoft solutions in the Egyptian market and reinforces our commitment to enabling Africa’s digital future,” said Sherif Shaltout, Managing Executive, MENA at Liquid C2.

Since launching in Egypt in 2024, Cloudmania has rapidly built a trusted reputation as a channel-first distributor supporting local managed service providers, system integrators, and independent software vendors. Through strategic initiatives such as its Startup Accelerator Programme, Cloudmania continues to champion innovation by equipping entrepreneurs and small businesses with access to Microsoft’s transformative cloud technologies, training, and go-to-market support.

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards,” said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. “This year, our partners harnessed the transformative power of Microsoft’s Cloud and AI platforms to deliver solutions that redefine innovation. The 2025 honourees exemplify what’s possible when technology and vision unite to empower customers around the world.”

This recognition follows previous wins by Cloudmania in Ethiopia and Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing its growing influence across the MENA region. It also aligns closely with Cassava’s vision to be the leading digital solutions provider in its chosen markets.   

The 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced ahead of Microsoft Ignite, which will be held in San Francisco from November 18–21. Additional details on the 2025 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner Blog (http://apo-opa.co/488fADf). The full list of categories, winners, and finalists can be found here: http://apo-opa.co/3LXJhht.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Cloudmania:
Launched by Liquid C2 in 2021, Cloudmania is a Cloud Services and Solutions provider extending convenience, diversity, and a range of services. The company has opened its doors to numerous countries across the African continent, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving the mission to bring about digital disruption using the power of the cloud. Cloudmania offers cutting-edge solutions to provide a full suite of partner-focused products and services. The organisation was awarded a Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia 2022 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2023. For more information https://Cloudmania.africa/ 

About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, delivers cutting-edge cloud and cybersecurity services and solutions. Committed to facilitating digital transformation, Liquid C2 is positioned to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the digital era by empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape securely. The company’s offerings span cloud solutions that enhance accessibility and scalability, and robust cybersecurity services to safeguard sensitive data and elevate security and compliance posture to ensure businesses remain seamlessly connected and protected. https://LiquidC2.com/