Category: MIL-OSI

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Eswatini : la Banque africaine de développement accorde au gouvernement un prêt de 47,5 millions de dollars pour stimuler la croissance économique


Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un prêt de 47,5 millions de dollars au royaume d’Eswatini pour soutenir les efforts du gouvernement visant à transformer l’économie, parvenir à une croissance durable, créer des emplois, améliorer la prestation de services et renforcer les moyens de subsistance de la population.

L’appui de la Banque permettra de mettre en œuvre le Programme de renforcement de la résilience économique et de la compétitivité (EERCP), une intervention stratégique qui soutient le Plan national de développement de l’Eswatini (2023-2028).

Il s’agit de la première phase d’un programme de deux ans qui permettra de renforcer les bases économiques de ce pays d’Afrique australe et à favoriser une croissance durable, la reprise économique et des moyens de subsistance durables pour la population, tout en répondant aux pressions budgétaires croissantes liées à la baisse des recettes de l’Union douanière d’Afrique australe (SACU) et aux soubresauts économiques.

« Cette opération intervient à un moment critique pour Eswatini, alors que le pays traverse une conjoncture économique difficile tout en mettant en œuvre des réformes ambitieuses », a déclaré Moono Mupotola, directrice générale adjointe pour l’Afrique australe de la Banque africaine de développement. « Notre soutien aidera Eswatini à renforcer sa résilience budgétaire tout en créant un environnement propice à une croissance tirée par le secteur privé, susceptible de générer des emplois pour les jeunes et les femmes », a-t-elle ajouté.

L’économie d’Eswatini est confrontée à d’importants obstacles : la croissance du PIB est passée de 5 % en 2023 à environ 3,6 % en 2024, principalement en raison de l’impact des sécheresses extrêmes sur la production agricole. Le déficit budgétaire s’est creusé, passant de 1,5 % en 2023 à environ 1,7 % en 2024, en raison de la sous-performance des recettes douanières et de la pression accrue sur les dépenses publiques.

Avec un taux de chômage des jeunes atteignant 48,7 % et un taux de chômage national de 35,4 %, Eswatini a un besoin urgent de réformes structurelles pour libérer le potentiel de son secteur privé et créer des opportunités pour sa population majoritairement jeune.

Le programme se concentre sur deux piliers complémentaires : l’approfondissement des réformes de la gestion budgétaire et des finances publiques, et le renforcement de la compétitivité afin de promouvoir une croissance verte, inclusive et tirée par le secteur privé.

Le programme s’appuie sur les succès de la Banque africaine de développement en Eswatini, notamment le Programme d’appui à la relance économique et à la croissance inclusive, ainsi que sur l’assistance technique continue apportée aux réformes des entreprises publiques, à la passation des marchés et à la mise en œuvre de la politique de genre.

Le Programme de renforcement de la résilience économique et de la compétitivité met l’accent sur la promotion d’une croissance inclusive et de l’égalité des genres et la durabilité environnementale.

Le programme devrait apporter des améliorations mesurables en réduisant les arriérés domestiques, en augmentant la croissance du secteur privé dans le PIB, en stimulant la part des énergies renouvelables et en améliorant les scores de l’Évaluation des politiques et des institutions des pays (https://apo-opa.co/44KEUgw) en matière de politique budgétaire et d’inclusion sociale. L’Évaluation des politiques et des institutions des pays de la Banque africaine de développement est un outil de diagnostic qui évalue, tous les deux ans, la qualité des politiques et la performance des cadres institutionnels des 54 pays africains.

Le Programme de renforcement de la résilience économique et de la compétitivité a été élaboré en étroite collaboration avec la Banque mondiale, qui fournit un financement complémentaire.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact média :
Emeka Anuforo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

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République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) : dans les mines d’or à Lomera, au Sud-Kivu, une épidémie de choléra se propage


Début mai, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) a lancé une intervention d’urgence pour faire face à une épidémie de choléra à Lomera, en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). La découverte d’or dans le village a provoqué un afflux massif de population qui combiné à un grave déficit d’infrastructures d’hygiène a largement contribué à la propagation rapide de la maladie. Plus de 8 000 personnes ont été vaccinées et plus de 600 patients pris en charge. Les équipes de MSF se sont mobilisées sans relâche pour soigner les malades et améliorer l’accès à l’eau potable.  

Jusqu’à récemment, Lomera était un petit village au bord du lac Kivu, en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). En décembre dernier, tout a changé du jour au lendemain lorsque de l’or a été découvert dans les collines environnantes. L’insécurité économique aggravée par les affrontements entre le groupe armé M23/AFC, l’armée congolaise (FARDC) et leurs alliés de la milice Wazalendo, a fait de Lomera un point de convergence pour des milliers de personnes venues chercher du travail et espérer un gain financier. 

Le choléra est une maladie endémique dans cette région de la RDC, le lac Kivu étant contaminé par la bactérie. Toutefois, une épidémie d’une telle ampleur reste exceptionnelle. À Lomera, les 13 premiers cas ont été signalés le 20 avril. En l’espace de deux semaines, ce nombre a augmenté de plus de 700 %, atteignant 109 cas — un chiffre probablement sous-estimé. Aujourd’hui, Lomera concentre à elle seule 95 % des cas de choléra enregistrés dans la zone de santé de Katana, qui compte plus de 275 000 habitants.  

En quelques mois, la population de Lomera est passée de 1 500 à plus de 12 000 habitants. Chaque jour, de nouveaux arrivants s’entassent dans des abris déjà surpeuplés—parfois jusqu’à 20 personnes vivent dans le même espace. « Nous vivons dans des conditions très difficiles, nous faisons ce que nous pouvons pour survivre », explique Chiza Blonza, 45 ans, qui a quitté sa ferme à Walungu (à environ 90 kilomètres de Lomera) pour venir travailler dans les mines.

« Tous les facteurs propices à une flambée de cas de choléra sont réunis ici », constate Matilde Cilley, référente médicale du projet pour MSF. « On observe une surpopulation extrême, le manque alarmant d’eau potable, la défécation à ciel ouvert sur les collines, et une absence totale de gestion des déchets. »  

MSF a été la principale organisation internationale à intervenir, lançant une réponse d’urgence dès le 9 mai. En seulement quatre jours, plus de 8 000 personnes ont été vaccinées — mais, faute de doses suffisantes, une seule injection a pu être administrée, au lieu des deux recommandées. Parallèlement, plus de 600 patients, dont beaucoup dans un état critique, ont été pris en charge dans une Unité de Traitement du Choléra (UTC), une structure temporaire de 20 lits mise en place par MSF.  

« La grande majorité de nos patients travaillent dans les mines, où ils utilisent l’eau contaminée du lac pour extraire l’or de la terre, ce qui les expose directement à la bactérie », explique le Dr Théophile Amani, médecin de MSF à Lomera. « Le travail physique intense, combiné à une forte consommation d’alcool, fait que beaucoup arrivent déjà déshydratés, même avant d’être infectés. »

Les équipes de MSF ont également installé une station de traitement et de distribution d’eau au bord du lac, fournissant environ 60 000 litres d’eau potable par jour. 100 latrines ainsi que 25 points de lavage des mains supervisés par des promoteurs de la santé, ont été mis en place dans le campement. « Sans investissements conséquents dans les infrastructures d’eau, d’assainissement et d’hygiène, des flambées comme celle-ci risquent de se répéter régulièrement », alerte Muriel Boursier, cheffe de mission MSF à Bukavu. « Actuellement, le puits le plus proche se trouve à trois kilomètres. Les partenaires internationaux et les autorités locales doivent se mobiliser pour mettre en place des solutions durables. »  

Compte tenu du flux constant de personnes arrivant et repartant, de nouvelles livraisons de vaccins sont également indispensables pour protéger la population. « Le Sud-Kivu—et l’est de la RDC en général—fait face à d’énormes défis logistiques pour acheminer les fournitures médicales essentielles, y compris vaccins, médicaments et équipements, là où elles sont le plus nécessaires », explique Muriel Boursier, cheffe de mission MSF à Bukavu. « Si l’insécurité a indéniablement un impact, la fermeture des aéroports de Bukavu et Goma a eu des conséquences encore plus lourdes, entravant considérablement l’acheminement de l’aide vitale. Par ailleurs, les réductions du financement humanitaire international limitent la disponibilité des fournitures médicales et leur distribution sur l’ensemble du territoire. »  

La lutte contre les épidémies de choléra reste une priorité pour MSF en RDC. En 2024, les équipes médicales ont traité plus de 15 000 cas de choléra à travers le pays, en collaboration avec les autorités sanitaires locales et les communautés. 

Distribué par APO Group pour Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Speech by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, during the Budget Vote Debate for Statistics South Africa (Vote 14)

Source: President of South Africa –

Honourable Chairperson of the Session;
Minister in The Presidency, Honourable Khumbudzo Ntshavheni;
Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Honourable Kenny Morolong;
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Honourable Thelisa Mgweba;
Honourable Members of Parliament;
Our Statistician General, Risenga Maluleka;
Our Chairperson of the Statistics Council, Dr Nompumelelo Mbele;
Fellow South Africans!

I want to start by recalling the words of English philosopher and physician, John Locke, when he said – “Our assent ought to be regulated by the grounds of probability.”

This timeless insight by Locke reminds us that belief, judgment and ultimately policy must be guided NOT by sentiment or speculation, but by evidence. And in the context of a democratic and developmental state such as ours, that evidence is found in official statistics – carefully produced, neutrally presented, and made available to all.

It is, therefore, both an honour and a duty for me to rise today in support of the Minister in the Presidency, Honourable Ntshavheni, as she tables Budget Vote 14 for Statistics South Africa, our country’s national statistical office, simple known as Stats SA.

Stats SA carries a profound responsibility: to ensure that our country has the statistical evidence it needs to make informed, transformative decisions.

As Members of Parliament and as policymakers, we cannot legislate in the dark. We must see the full picture – clearly, accurately, and regularly. That is why Stats SA’s advocacy mantra remains as relevant as ever: “Evidence-based decision-making.”

Honourable Members,

We debate this Budget Vote under the banner of a Government of National Unity -a collective political commitment to work together, across differences, to advance the aspirations of all South Africans. For this unity to succeed, it must be grounded in a shared understanding of the facts. That shared understanding can only come from a trusted and independent source of information such as Stats SA.

The department’s 2025/26 Work Programme is bold in scope and vital to our progress. It commits to the release of more than 290 statistical reports and publications, spanning the economic, social, and environmental domains. These outputs will help us understand the country we are building – its strengths, its fault lines, and its opportunities.

Among the most significant innovations in the year ahead is the continued development of the Continuous Population Survey – an ambitious re-engineering of household data collection into a modular system, enabling more detailed, localised data that aligns with our District Development Model.

This will be underpinned by updates to Stats SA’s geographic information frame, a technical but critical building block for precision in sampling and coverage.

However, Honourable Members, innovation alone is not enough. We need the public to understand and participate in Stats SA’s work. Increasingly, fieldworkers are finding it difficult to access sampled households due to rising mistrust and lack of awareness.

That is why public engagement campaigns must be prioritised. They help foster trust and improve response rates; without which our statistics lose accuracy and legitimacy.

We began our day early this morning with a community outreach initiative not far from these Chambers – in Gugulethu and Nyanga. This was not just a symbolic gesture. It was a deliberate effort to bring Statistics South Africa closer to the people, where it belongs. We engaged with commuters, distributed information, and most importantly, listened. Because statistics are not just numbers – they are our stories, our struggles, our progress or even failures.

That outreach was part of our broader mission: to demystify the work of Stats SA, encourage public participation in surveys, and remind communities that data is only powerful when it is shared, protected, and understood.

We are also mindful of the devastating floods that have impacted parts of our country. Natural disasters do not only destroy infrastructure – but they also displace lives, break routines, and often hit the poorest hardest. In times like these, Stats SA plays a critical role.

By providing accurate data on household vulnerability, migration patterns, service delivery, and access to housing, the national statistics office helps government and relief agencies respond better and faster. Data enables targeted disaster response and long-term recovery planning. In short, stats save lives.

Let us also salute the youth – not just as future leaders, but as present-day champions of change. 
We are a young nation with a median age of 28. This youthful population presents a powerful opportunity – a potential demographic dividend – that could drive economic growth and social progress. But this dividend is not automatic.

To unlock it, we must ensure our youth are well-educated, gainfully employed, and in good health. Only then can their energy, innovation, and numbers become the engine of our nation’s future.
So, as the Minister tables Budget Vote 14 before this House, we carry the voices of people from Gugulethu and Nyanga and the rest of the country we meet earlier today. Our engagements this morning reinforces a vital truth: that national progress starts with local trust. Stats SA does not work from afar.

The work of the national statistics office reinforces a simple fact – the interconnected of data collection, community participation, and policy formulation.

Together, let us keep building South Africa on facts – not fear.

Let me be clear:

A well-funded, capacitated Stats SA is not a luxury. It is an essential endowment to our democracy and our developmental state. Reliable data is the bedrock of reducing inequality, targeting services, and measuring progress.

Inadequate funding and persistent vacancies at Stats SA risk weakening one of the very tools meant to strengthen our country.

Honourable Members,

Recent debates around unemployment statistics remind us of the need for clarity about Stats SA’s mandate. The department is guided by the Statistics Act of 1999, now strengthened through the amendments signed into law in December 2024. The new Statistics Amendment Act (No. 29 of 2024) enables improved coordination across government and enshrines the professional independence required for statistical credibility.

Let us not forget:

Stats SA does not create unemployment. It measures it.
Stats SA does not make policy. It informs it.
It is for us – the policymakers, the lawmakers, the executive – to use these insights wisely.

Chairperson,

I would like to bring to your attention the operating environment of statistics offices worldwide. 

National statistics offices – including our own Stats SA – face modern challenges that demand innovation and resilience. These include growing mistrust in institutions, misinformation spreading faster than facts, declining survey response rates, digital exclusion in poor and rural communities, and the increasing cost and complexity of collecting reliable data. 

In this environment, we must adapt by embracing digital tools, investing in data literacy among our people, strengthening partnerships with community leaders, and reaffirming the independence and credibility of our statistical systems. Only then can we ensure that evidence-based decision-making remains the cornerstone of democracy and development.

I close by acknowledging the thousands of hardworking professionals at Stats SA, from fieldworkers to statisticians, whose quiet dedication helps all of us see South Africa more clearly. May we match their commitment with the resources, legislation, and support they require to do their work effectively.

As this House considers and adopts Budget Vote 14, let it be said that we chose not to govern by instinct, nor by ideology alone – but by truth, by facts, and by evidence.

Ke a leboga. Enkosi. Thank you.

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Stats SA moves into digitally powered future

Source: South Africa News Agency

Statistics South Africa has now commenced with the development of its digital business transformation strategy, which will guide the institution going forward.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, outlined the institution’s plans when she tabled its Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

“This strategy aligns with South Africa’s Roadmap for Digital Transformation of government that aims to, amongst others, enhance data exchange for improved access to information for improved service delivery.

“Stats SA’s digital transformation journey commenced with the Household Survey programme, transitioning from a paper-based data collection approach to a computer assisted methodology, thereby streamlining survey operations, resulting in significant cost savings,” Ntshavheni said.

She revealed that the institution will, over the next five years, “reinvent its statistical products and processes”.

Key initiatives over the medium-term include:

  • Researching the use of artificial intelligence in producing official statistics.
  • Introducing web-based data collection methods in economic statistics programmes.
  • Applying data science and modern methods to big data and alternative data sources.
  • Exploring the use of cloud technology in Stats SA.

“The shift to digital platforms is designed to streamline survey operations, making it more efficient and user friendly,” she said.

Ntshavheni said Stats SA’s allocation is R2.7 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, rising to R2.91 billion in 2026/27 and reaching R3.04 billion in 2027/28.

“In a world defined by rapid change, complex challenges and competing narratives, official statistics provides us with one constant: the truth told in numbers.

“They serve as a mirror through which a nation sees itself not just as it is but how its evolving. From economic performance and health outcomes to education levels and environmental conditions, statistics are the evidence base upon which sound decisions are made.”

The Minister urged Parliamentarians to support the budget vote to equip Stats SA to help government navigate ever changing global dynamics.

“It is important to support this budget vote because we are navigating a path in a world that is undergoing rapid and profound changes, and this is equally true in the realm of statistics.

“Global fundamental shifts are reshaping every aspect of human life from the escalating impact of climate change to the swift advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of digital economies, changing social dynamics and global political tensions.

“By accurately capturing and analysing these trends, we can better equip ourselves to respond to the challenges and opportunities they present – ensuring that our nation remains resilient and forward thinking in this ever-evolving landscape,” Ntshavheni emphasised.

She assured that the institution remains “unwavering in its commitment to the strategy of improving lives through data economic systems”.

“As the landscape of information technology and data analytics continues to transform, our focus is on harnessing the power of data to enhance the wellbeing of our citizens,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Republic of Korea supports food security for vulnerable communities in northern Mozambique


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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes generous contributions from the Republic of Korea for the second consecutive year, totalling US$ 7.6 million to improve food security for communities affected by multiple shocks in northern Mozambique.

The contributions, comprising more than 5,000 metric tonnes of high-quality rice, will enable WFP to deliver life-saving food assistance to over 233,000 vulnerable people in Cabo Delgado Province.

The Republic of Korea has been a key partner to WFP in Mozambique, providing critical support at a time marked by protracted internal conflict, recurring climate shocks, and growing funding gaps. During the 2024-2025 cyclone season, northern Mozambique was hit by three cyclones in as many months, affecting more than 1.4 million people — many of whom were already reeling from the effects of the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado province.

This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea will help prevent a further deterioration in food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable groups in the north.

“This support comes at a crucial time — it’s more than a donation, it’s a lifeline that helps protect people’s dignity and restore hope in a region that has endured far too much,” said Antonella D’Aprile, WFP Country Director in Mozambique.” Thanks to the continued solidarity of the Republic of Korea, we can reach the most fragile communities in Cabo Delgado with food assistance.

“This contribution reflects the strong partnership between the Republic of Korea and Mozambique, and our shared commitment to humanitarian values. In the face of conflict and climate shocks, it is essential to act with urgency and compassion. The ROK will continue to stand by Mozambique on the path to recovery and resilience,” referred Bok Won KANG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Mozambique.

The Republic of Korea has been a long-standing partner of WFP in Mozambique. Since 2019, it has contributed more than US$ 16.3 million to support the country’s most vulnerable populations with lifesaving assistance and restoration of livelihoods.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

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The European Union (EU) and World Food Programme (WFP) enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda


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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of EUR 5 million from the European Union (EU) to support income-generating activities to enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda.

Uganda hosts 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. The Government of Uganda’s national refugee policy allows refugees to work and move freely, but economic opportunities remain scarce in and around refugee settlements, meaning that humanitarian and development assistance are a lifeline for refugee families as they seek to build a self-reliant life in safety.

“Empowering refugees in Uganda to become self-reliant has never been more important,” said Genevieve Chicoine, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Uganda. “This vital contribution from the European Union will enable WFP to support thousands of refugees and host communities with the skills they need to earn a living and put food on the table.”

WFP supports 660,000 refugees in Uganda with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance, as well as programmes to increase self-reliance and improve the nutrition of mothers and their children. 

This contribution from the EU will support the food security for 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members. It includes training on best farming practices like regenerative agriculture, financial literacy skills for business management and resource growth, and nutrition assistance for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

“This partnership reflects a shift from delivering aid to delivering opportunity,” said Guillaume Chartrain, European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Uganda. “Refugees and host communities are gaining the tools they need to shape their own futures. By investing in people’s skills and potential, we are supporting more stable, self-reliant communities—and that benefits everyone.” 

This initiative is part of the European Union’s Action for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (EUPADS), supporting efforts to address the root causes of displacement while reinforcing national policies for displaced people living in countries like Uganda.

WFP’s food assistance programmes in Uganda are facing critical funding shortfalls. In May, the agency was forced to halt food assistance for nearly one million refugees and reduce food rations for others to an unprecedented low of 22 percent. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

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CORRECTION: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Wins Global Trade Review (GTR) Best Deals of 2025 for Türkiye Earthquake Response Financing

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has been recognized with a GTR (Global Trade Review) Best Deals of 2025 for its innovative US$150 million Murabaha financing facility, to support Türkiye’s post-earthquake economic recovery.

Executed in close partnership with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye, the Industrial Development Bank of Türkiye (TSKB), and the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye (TKYB), this landmark Shariah-compliant financing was the first Islamic trade finance facility designed for post-disaster recovery.

The financing was developed in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023, resulting in an estimated US$100 billion in damages and disrupting over 220,000 businesses. The facility delivered working capital support and laid the foundation for sustainable economic revival in key sectors including food security, agriculture, and trade.

Commenting on the award, Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer, ITFC highlighted, “This award is a testament to our continued commitment to support trade-driven resilience. By partnering with Türkiye’s public sector and key development banks, we have introduced an Islamic finance solution that strengthens recovery and supports long-term trade sustainability.”

Ms. Sedef Aydaş Head of Department the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Treasury and Finance, stated that ITFC is one of the first financing organizations showing its willingness to support Türkiye’s post-earthquake economic recovery and added that: “We as Ministry of Treasury and Finance are delighted and thankful to receive GTR Best Deal of 2024 with the first transactions with ITFC for its financing support to Türkiye regarding food security, agriculture and SME trade financing in the earthquake region. I hope the deals we had with ITFC will be one of the landmark projects for future transactions in various areas.”

The project has also accelerated the adoption of Islamic trade finance solutions in Türkiye’s public sector. TSKB and TKYB utilized the opportunity to develop new Shariah-compliant frameworks with strategic impact across other sectors like renewable energy, climate resilience, employment and inclusive development. It also opened new avenues for Islamic financing in Türkiye’s public sector, paving the way for future Murabaha based financing from international players.

Commenting on the award, Ms. Meral Murathan, Executive Vice President & Sustainability Leader of TSKB, said: “As Türkiye’s first privately-owned development and investment bank, we have been committed to supporting sustainable and inclusive development for the past 75 years. In the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake, we placed the sustainable redevelopment of the affected regions at the core of our mission. The US$ 150 million Murabaha-based agreement we signed with ITFC in August 2024 marks the first cooperation between TSKB and ITFC. We are pleased to have structured this partnership to support trade-driven recovery and resilience in the earthquake-impacted areas by addressing the urgent needs of local businesses.”

The award was presented at the GTR Best Deals 2025 ceremony, where ITFC representative alongside officials from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye and TSKB.

İbrahim H. Oztop, the CEO of the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye commented “We are very pleased to be involved in this transaction, executed in collaboration with ITFC, our partner institution. This financing not only represents a step forward in strengthening our corporate financing structure but also helps us to achieve our strategic goals. We consider this award as a recognition of our institution’s vision and mission on an international level.”

This recognition reinforces ITFC’s leadership in Islamic trade finance solutions and its contribution to achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure).

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

Contact Us:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337 
Fax: +966 12 637 1064  
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/449UUsq
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3G6J6hv
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/40Ac5AZ

About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, enabling them to successfully compete in the global market.

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United Kingdom (UK) Reinforces Commitment to Ethiopia’s Economic Growth and Reform, Eyeing Key Investment Sectors


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The United Kingdom has significantly reinforced its commitment to boosting Ethiopia’s economic landscape, with Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Health, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ethiopia, leading a crucial meeting with H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister at the Ministry of Finance. As one of only 32 global Trade Envoys, Baroness Ramsey expressed her profound honor in her role and her eagerness to cultivate strong ties with Ethiopian partners and investors. The UK is keen to help Ethiopia expand and grow business and investment, aligning its support for Ethiopia’s economic reform efforts with both multilateral and bilateral development initiatives.

Discussions during the meeting centered on Ethiopia’s evolving business environment, with Baroness Ramsey acknowledging notable improvements in the investment climate. H.E. Semereta Sewasew stressed the vital need for regulatory reforms, especially within the banking sector, alongside reforms in foreign exchange and governance, to foster a more open and competitive investment environment.

The UK’s interest in Ethiopia spans several key sectors that are ripe for collaboration and investment. In telecommunications, the UK considers the potential introduction of a third operator to be “very, very important,” recognizing Ethiopia’s vast population and the opportunity to serve up to 200 million users. This development could significantly enhance connectivity across the country.

In the creative industries, a substantial investment of £120 million was discussed, aimed at supporting sustainable creative ventures. The goal is to help these industries expand and thrive, thereby promoting economic diversification and creating new jobs. The agro-industry sector also features prominently in the UK’s investment plans. A notable example is a $300 million project focused on advancing crop production for dairy processing. The discussion highlighted that this initiative is currently assessing its environmental and social impacts and will begin with the development of processing plants in its pre-production phase. The UK is actively investing in this sector, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and add value through processing.

Mining remains another key area, with gold mining specifically identified as a significant sector. This reaffirms the UK’s ongoing commitment to investing and collaborating within Ethiopia’s mining industry. In financial services, the UK expressed strong enthusiasm about engaging with Ethiopia’s newly opened financial sector. Emphasizing the importance of a competitive regulatory framework, particularly within banking, the UK sees great potential for growth and modernization.

Finally, progress was reviewed on major infrastructure projects, including new airports and Ethiopia Electric Power initiatives on the country’s east side. Updates on the approval processes for these projects underscored the ongoing efforts to advance Ethiopia’s infrastructure development.

H.E. Semereta Sewasew acknowledged that these sectors represent vital opportunities for strengthening UK-Ethiopia partnerships, driving economic growth, and fostering sustainable development. Baroness Ramsey reiterated the UK’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Ethiopian government and stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of unlocking further investment and fostering a strong, mutually beneficial economic partnership, with the UK looking forward to continuing these vital discussions and collaborating on these important initiatives to support Ethiopia’s economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia.

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Expo Osaka 2025 : La Côte d’Ivoire réaffirme sa volonté de créer des opportunités d’investissements au profit de son commerce extérieur avec le Japon


La Côte d’Ivoire a réaffirmé sa volonté de créer des opportunités d’investissements au profit de son commerce extérieur avec le Japon, a souligné le ministre du Commerce et de l’Industrie, Souleymane Diarrassouba, à l’occasion de l’Exposition Universelle d’Osaka 2025.

“L’Expo 2025 Osaka donnera à la Côte d’Ivoire l’occasion de partager son expérience et son savoir-faire, mais aussi marquer sa volonté de créer des opportunités d’investissements et d’affaires au profit de son commerce extérieur avec le Japon, en particulier, et les pays de l’ASEAN, communément appelés les Dragons du Sud Est Asiatique, en général”, a expliqué Souleymane Diarrassouba.

Pour le ministre du Commerce, l’Exposition Universelle d’Osaka 2025, qui se déroule sous le thème : “Concevoir la Société du Futur, imaginez notre Vie de Demain”, représente bien plus qu’une simple occasion de se distinguer sur la scène internationale. La Côte d’Ivoire souhaite revitaliser les débats et les échanges, en favorisant les avancées scientifiques et technologiques pour optimiser l’utilisation intelligente des terres, tout en préservant un équilibre entre les divers écosystèmes et en assurant une gestion rigoureuse des ressources naturelles.

Il a souligné l’engagement du pays dans sa quête de co-créativité et de conception d’une société durable qui soutient les aspirations des individus concernant leur mode de vie futur, sous l’influence et l’impulsion de l’Intelligence Artificielle.

Il convient de noter que du 13 avril au 13 octobre 2025, la ville d’Osaka continuera de vibrer au rythme de l’innovation. Pendant ces 183 jours, la Côte d’Ivoire sera au centre de cet échange mondial.  

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Building local value through skills development at the Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) Forum 2025


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The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through its Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) and with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), convened the LKDF Forum 2025 under the theme “Skills Development and Local Value Addition: Ensuring Sustainable Growth in Global Supply Chains.” The Forum took place both online and in-person at the World of Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

Achieving sustainable, ethical supply chains requires transforming industrial processes, business relations, and workforce skills, with local value addition key to reducing dependency on external inputs and boosting resilience. For emerging markets, building local capabilities diversifies economies and creates jobs; for multinationals, localizing supply chains offers market growth, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. UNIDO’s Director General Gerd Müller opened the event by calling for greater investment in skills for responsible, future-oriented supply chains, declaring “To build competitive and resilient supply chains with more local value addition, more high value manufacturing and services, more market access, [and] more prosperity, skills development is absolutely key.” 

Maria Tegborg, Acting Head of the Global Department of Sida, echoed this message, underscoring the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in bridging skills gaps and improving economic outcomes, stating “we must continue to invest in skills development to ensure that supply chains operate responsibly.”

The Forum highlighted how localizing skills and competencies across value chains—particularly in manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and industrial processing—is key to enabling multinational corporations and developing countries to thrive.   

UNIDO’s Virpi Stucki stressed the need for systemic approaches to workforce development, explaining that strong policy frameworks and transparent supply chains must support sustainable value addition. “When combined with strong policy direction and stakeholder engagement along the way, developing the labour force can be a continuing input into national benefit,” she noted.    

Anchoring programs in local priorities and ambitions was also a recurring theme. Enabel’s Charlotte Vanstallen stressed, “It all starts, I think, with the local objective and the local focus and the [local] ambition… it cannot be mentioned enough.” Participants agreed that without a strong local perspective, initiatives risk being ineffective or unsustainable. Early engagement of local stakeholders and tailoring programs to community needs make efforts more demand-driven, effective, scalable, and foster stronger ownership and lasting impact. 

The discussion recognized  the importance of soft skills, sustainability literacy, ESG compliance, and attention to the informal economy, which still represents the majority of employment in many parts of the world. In this context, Caterina Occhio, Economic Inclusion and ESG Advisor at UNIDO, emphasized the power of social procurement models to professionalize informal labour, raise compliance standards, and promote living wages—contributing to what she described as a “culture shift” for sustainable sourcing. 

The Forum underscored the need for strong cross-sectoral partnerships to close the skills gap across supply chains. UNIDO’s Public-Private Development Partnerships (PPDP) were highlighted as an effective model for aligning vocational training and education with industry demands. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, these partnerships foster targeted training programs that integrate technical skills with sustainability practices.   

The Forum welcomed 37 in-person participants and 231 online attendees,  from public and private sectors, civil society, academia, and international organizations. Among the distinguished participants were representatives from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the European Commission, the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Volvo Group, Siemens Healthineers, Enabel, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Festo Didactic, and numerous Swedish and international companies representing a wide range of global value chains.   

The first day of LKDF Forum 2025 concluded with a strong call to action: align national industrial policies with education and training reforms, strengthen cooperation at regional and global levels, and place local communities at the centre of development strategies. Participants were united in the view that sustainable industrialization will depend on holistic, inclusive, and partnership-based approaches to skills development and value addition.   

The second day of the LKDF Forum 2025 featured a co-creation workshop facilitated by UNIDO’s LKDF team in partnership with the Volvo Group. Participants from public, private, and development sectors engaged in strategic discussions aimed at fostering actionable, cross-sector collaboration to strengthen skills ecosystems. This interactive session enabled meaningful exchanges and connections among attendees, laying the groundwork for future partnerships across industries and generating thirteen new PPDP project ideas. The day continued with a guided visit to the Volvo Trucks Experience Facility, where participants learned about Volvo’s history, explored the latest innovations in truck manufacturing, and even had the opportunity to test drive several vehicles. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).