Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.ITFC-idb.org), has been named Leading non-bank trade finance and investment provider, including trade finance funds at the GTR+ MEA Leaders in Trade Awards 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/47rnBlc).

The recognition was determined by a vote of Global Trade Review (GTR) readers, as the awards moved to a reader-voted format for the first time in 2026. The awards recognise institutions demonstrating leadership and impact across the trade finance landscape in the Middle East and Africa.

The recognition comes as ITFC continues to provide Shariah-compliant trade finance and trade development solutions across Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries. In 2025, the Corporation approved US$9.3 billion across 144 trade finance operations in 25 member countries, supporting trade flows spanning essential commodities, private sector businesses and SMEs.

Since commencing operations in 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$100 billion in financing to OIC member countries. The Corporation works with governments, financial institutions and private sector clients to expand access to trade finance, support essential trade and strengthen regional and intra-OIC trade. Under its 2026 to 2030 strategy, ITFC is expanding its sovereign, private sector and non-sovereign business while integrating development impact into its operations and maintaining financial resilience.

Media opportunities

ITFC spokespeople are available for interviews to discuss:

• The significance of the GTR+ MEA Leaders in Trade Award and ITFC’s work across OIC member countries
• The role of Islamic trade finance in supporting essential trade, including food and energy security
• Expanding access to trade finance for SMEs and private sector businesses
• How ITFC is mobilising partnerships between governments, financial institutions and the private sector to support trade
• ITFC’s growth priorities under its 2026 to 2030 strategy

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

Media enquiries:
To arrange an interview or for further information, please contact ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com or reply to this email.

About the International Islamic 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 contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of people across the world.

Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$100 billion of financing to OIC member countries. 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 trade-related capacity-building tools to help them compete in the global market.

Source: APO

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC) and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, Amb. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, visited AUSSOM Sector 2 in Kismayo, accompanied by the Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, the OiC Police Commissioner, ACP Dr. Samuel Asiedu Okanta, and other members of AUSSOM Senior Management Team.

The visit is part of the SRCC’s tour of frontline within AUSSOM’s Area of Responsibility aimed at assessing the mandate implementation, operational challenges, and the best way forward. The delegation was received by the Sector Commander, Brig. Joel Maiyo, and met with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops and Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU). The commanders in the Sector briefed on progress made in implementing the AUSSOM mandate, challenges encountered and recommendations.

In his address, Amb. Diene reiterated the importance of strong planning, closer coordination among military, police, civilians, Somali and international partners to degrade Al-Shabaab, protect civilians, advance stabilisation and support humanitarian action, stressing efficient use of resources, early-warning, timely response and community engagement.

“We need to work as efficiently as possible. We don’t have enough resources, but what we have, we can do a lot with, as efficiently as possible.”

In his remarks, Lt. Gen. Kavuma commended the KDF and SLFPU personnel for their dedication to restoring peace and security in the Sector.

“We know the challenges we’ve been facing. We have achieved a lot but there are yet so many to be achieved,” the Force Commander said.

The SRCC called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and Mission regulations and underscored personnel welfare, including during extended deployments.

Discussions reaffirmed that togetherness is critical for peace, security and stability in Somalia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Source: APO

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso exchanged views with his counterparts from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Algeria, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

At the meeting with the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the latter expressed his gratitude to the Burkinabe authorities for the participation of Comrade Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore in the funeral of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and for the solidarity in Tehran in the face of external aggression.

H.E. Abbas Araghchi also affirmed his country’s willingness to build stronger ties with the AES, with the wish to organize a meeting in the Islamic Republic of Iran-Confederation of Sahel States format in the near future. On the Burkinabe side, the Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the growing dynamic of cooperation between the two nations. For him, the quality of bilateral relations between the two countries requires moving forward in sectors mutually beneficial to the Burkinabe and Iranian peoples.

On the consultation desired by the Islamic Republic of Iran with the AES Confederation, the Burkinabe Foreign Minister said he embraced the idea and promised to get in touch with his counterparts from Mali and Niger, to discuss the modalities of the organization of the said consultation. In addition to the Islamic Republic of Iran, cooperation will have to experience a new dynamic between Burkina Faso and Algeria.

At the audience held at the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, H.E. Mr. Ahmed ATTAF, he said that his country is willing to strengthen dialogue to give more substance to cooperation with Burkina Faso. According to Comrade Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Burkina Faso is aligned in the same vein, in view of the depth of relations that the two countries have the opportunity to revive and thus avoid causing harm to their peoples who share common values.

He also welcomed Algeria’s participation in the side event organized by the AES Confederation on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, as well as the easing of tensions between this country and the other two AES countries, Mali and Niger, making it possible to preserve the social and historical ties that unite the peoples of the region without consideration of the political differences that may arise.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministère des Affaires étrangères, Burkina Faso.

Source: APO

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC-Central Government) has directed the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to provide a comprehensive account of the US$510 million World Bank loan under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Patrick Oshabe, was constrained to proceed with its consideration of the Auditor General’s Report for the Financial Year 2024/2025 after ministry officials failed to provide satisfactory responses to queries about the programme.

The ministry delegation, led by Under Secretary Dorcas Olalany, appeared before the committee on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to respond to audit findings relating to its operations and expenditure.

Olalany informed MPs that the first USMID phase received US$150 million to support 14 municipalities and that an additional US$360 million was released to expand the programme’s scope.

Through USMID, the government constructed roads, markets and other infrastructure in selected municipalities and cities to improve urban service delivery.

MPs, however demanded details on the cost of constructing a kilometre of road, the implementation status of the different projects and the overall utilisation of the borrowed funds.

“We are asking how much you spent on the road in Entebbe and Ntungamo municipalities,” asked Hon. Nsegumire Kibedi (NRM, Mityana North).

Kibedi observed that roads constructed during the second phase of USMID appeared to be of a lower standard than those delivered under the first phase.

Hon. Cadet Benjamin (NRM, Bunyaruguru County) asked the ministry to explain the fate of incomplete USMID-funded roads whose contractors have filed lawsuits.

Gweri County MP, Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko, also raised concern over the ministry’s failure to construct abattoirs and undertake the planned remodelling and beautification of mayors’ gardens.

MPs further sought clarification on when the government is expected to begin repaying the loan and how the obligation will affect public finances.

“These are loans, we borrowed money and we will need to start paying back, we therefore wish to know when government intends to begin paying the first installments,” said Oshabe.

The committee observed that proper accountability for the initial US$510 million was particularly important after the ministry revealed that the government had secured an additional US$540 million to accelerate urban service delivery.

The ministry officials were directed to return to the committee with accurate figures, supporting documentation and clear responses to the outstanding audit queries. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

Government has allayed concerns over the development of City [Constitution] Square, probably the last green space within Kampala City, with the establishment of a shopping mall complex.

This follows concerns by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, who alluded to a letter by President Museveni regarding a proposal for the development of a solar-powered eco-friendly modern commercial and business complex at city square.

This was during the plenary sitting presided over by Speaker Jacob Oboth on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

The LOP expressed concern over Parliament’s absence in the matter, noting that Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has previously sought Parliament approval on several matters including requests to lease out prime plots of land.

“I thought Parliament should not be locked outside, and then we end up doing a post-mortem. Is it actually true that government is considering giving away one of the few remaining green spaces we have in our city? We should be looking to create a lot more green spaces instead,” said Ssenyonyi.

In a 30 August 2026 directive the President tasked the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, to evaluate businessman Hassan Bulwadda’s proposal to redevelop the square.

The Minister was also tasked to discuss the proposal with KCCA, and give a report back to the President.

The State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, told Parliament that the President’s letter was internal in nature, and was referred to the relevant Ministers for review.

“The letter asked the Ministers to study the proposal and give advice, and the proposal is indeed being studied. So, there is no cause for alarm,” Bahati said.

Meanwhile businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba has since laid claim on the same prime piece of land, telling the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on 23 September 2026 that he is pursuing compensation from government following the cancellation of his company’s agreement to redevelop the property.

He noted that in 2001, his company, HABA Group, won the tender to redevelop the City Square and paid the then Kampala City Council (KCC) a shs1.6 billion premium for the project, adding that proposed redevelopment would have preserved the green space above the square.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a congratulatory message to the government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion marking that country’s 77th       Founding Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in his message to his H.E. Xi Jinping, President Joseph Boakai on behalf of the government and people of Liberia and in his own name, extended best wishes through President Xi to the government and people of China as they celebrate this historic day.

The Liberian leader reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and strategic partnership happily subsisting between the two countries and peoples. President Boakai said Liberia deeply values its longstanding relations with China and remains appreciative of China’s continue cooperation and support toward the national development.

“it is my sincere hope that the close friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between Liberia and China will continue to grow from strength to strength, as we work together to advance the share aspirations of our peoples for peace, development, and prosperity”, President Boakai said. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Liberia.

Source: APO

Ghana and the Philippines have agreed to deepen trade and investment, convene business fora in both countries and establish a chamber of commerce.

This was affirmed during an impactful meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the well-regarded Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Her Excellency Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA in New York.

Honourable Ablakwa conveyed Ghana’s commendation to the Government of the Philippines for deciding to open an Embassy in Ghana later this year for the first time in the cherished Ghana-Philippines bilateral relations.

The two sides also agreed to exchange ideas and expertise on labour mobility agreements.

Long live Ghana-Philippines relations!!.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

The Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur participated in the 6th Colours of Africa Event held on 28th September 2026 in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand. Uganda was represented by H.E. Amb. Dr. Betty Bigombe, High Commissioner, accompanied by Ms. Brenda Byonabye.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and was graced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow. At the exhibition, the Mission showcased Uganda’s coffee, tourism and investment opportunities. It also participated in a business networking session to promote trade, tourism and investment between Uganda and Thailand.

According to World Bank WITS (2023), Uganda’s exports to Thailand were USD 0.79 million compared to imports of USD 98.2 million, creating a trade imbalance but significant growth headroom. In 2024, bilateral trade increased by USD 59 million, underscoring momentum. With Uganda’s exports dominated by low-value raw materials and hides, there is strong potential to grow value-added exports in coffee, leather products, textiles and agro-processing.

The engagement strengthened bilateral cooperation and advanced Economic and Commercial Diplomacy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia.

Source: APO

Harvestfield Healthcare FZE (www.HarvestfieldHealthcare.com) has commenced commercial production of Synera DuoForte, a next-generation insecticide-treated nets in Nigeria, marking a new phase in the country’s capacity to manufacture a critical malaria prevention intervention locally.

Operations at the company’s manufacturing facility in the Harvestfield Free Trade Zone, Ogun State, commenced on 13 September 2026, with the facility already supplying a World Bank-funded programme reaching 31 states.

The facility is the first of its kind in Nigeria to be wholly Nigerian-owned and manufactures dual active ingredient long-lasting insecticidal nets of the pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr class. Harvestfield manufactures the nets under a manufacturing agreement with GDM Health Products, producing Synera DuoForte, a dual active ingredient long-lasting insecticidal net developed and owned by GDM.

Unlike conventional insecticide-treated nets that rely primarily on pyrethroids, these nets combine a pyrethroid with a second insecticide that works through a different mode of action.

The distinction is significant as mosquito populations across much of Nigeria have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. While conventional nets can continue to provide a physical barrier, resistance can reduce their insecticidal effect. Dual active ingredient nets are designed to remain effective in areas where pyrethroid resistance has taken hold, and the World Health Organisation recommends this class of net for areas with established pyrethroid resistance.

Synera DuoForte is a WHO-prequalified product, developed and held under prequalification by GDM Health Products. The Harvestfield manufacturing site in Ogun State is also included as an approved manufacturing location under that prequalification, and the facility is separately certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and ISO certified. These standards provide the foundation for manufacturing nets for national malaria programmes and other health interventions requiring internationally recognised quality systems.

Jon Bastow, a representative of GDM Health Products, said: “GDM is pleased to strategically partner with Harvestfield to bring Synera DuoForte to Nigeria, the country with the biggest global malaria burden, and support the prequalification of Harvestfield’s Ogun State manufacturing facility to make Synera DuoForte.”

Commenting on the development, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said:

“Building the capacity to manufacture our own health products is central to Nigeria’s health security. A Nigeria-based facility producing next-generation insecticide-treated nets to international standard, and already supplying programmes across thirty-one states, is the kind of capability the Renewed Hope agenda was created to build.”

For Harvestfield, the move into manufacturing builds on more than two decades of experience in Nigeria’s vector control sector. The Harvestfield group has operated in Nigerian vector control for 26 years, delivering more than 42 million insecticide-treated nets across all 36 states and serving as an exclusive national distribution partner for WHO-prequalified nets since 2018.

The transition from distribution to manufacturing also strengthens the domestic supply chain for insecticide-treated nets. Producing locally reduces dependence on overseas supply schedules and the 45 to 60-day ocean journey associated with imported nets, while creating greater capacity to respond as malaria control needs and insecticide resistance patterns evolve.

Commenting on the role of local manufacturing in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare value chain, Dr Abdul Mukhtar, Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), said:

“PVAC exists to move Nigeria from importing its health products to making them. What matters is not only that a factory exists, but that it meets the standards international buyers accept and can supply at national scale. A facility based in Nigeria doing both is precisely the outcome this initiative was created to unlock.”

The investment also creates local manufacturing, technical, quality and regulatory capabilities that can support the production of other health products over time. For Harvestfield, the net manufacturing facility represents the first platform in a broader effort to build healthcare manufacturing capability in Nigeria.

This development is aligned with the Federal Government’s focus on strengthening domestic production of health products under the Renewed Hope agenda for health, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), and the Nigeria First procurement policy.

www.HarvestfieldHealthcare.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Harvestfield Healthcare FZE.

Contact:
Isaac Awofisayo
Managing Director
Harvestfield Healthcare FZE
i.a@harvestfieldhealthcare.com

About Harvestfield Healthcare FZE:
Harvestfield Healthcare FZE is a wholly Nigerian-owned healthcare manufacturing company based in the Harvestfield Free Trade Zone, Ogun State. It manufactures dual active ingredient long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria prevention programmes in Nigeria and West Africa. Its manufacturing site is the first facility in Nigeria to be included under World Health Organisation prequalification, and the facility is NAFDAC-certified and ISO certified. The company is part of the Harvestfield group, which has operated in Nigerian vector control for 26 years and has delivered over 42 million insecticide-treated nets across all 36 states of the federation.

About GDM Health Products Ltd:
GDM or GuangDong Medical Health Products are a Chinese health company based in Guangdong, China. Founded in 1957 to import and export health products, GDM has recently moved into Vector Control to build on its parent companies rich heritage in textiles, combined with chemistry and formulation expertise

Source: APO

On 25 September 2026, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the High-Level Ministerial side event on “African Leadership and Partnerships for Prevention and Peacebuilding: Advancing National Peace Infrastructures,” co-hosted by Egypt, Kenya, the United Nations Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO), and the African Union (AU) during the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) at the African Union Mission in New York.

In his statement, the Vice Minister commended Africa’s leadership and experience in the peacebuilding process in the region, aligning with the principle of national leadership and ownership. He also reaffirmed Thailand’s determination to strengthen its partnerships with Africa, emphasizing that sustainable development is essential for durable peace. In this regard, Thailand has applied the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) through the deployment of its military engineering contingent serving in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Furthermore, Thailand supports stronger cooperation between regions, particularly ASEAN and the African Union to exchange experiences and knowledge in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Thailand’s participation in this side event builds upon the visit to Africa by H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in August 2026. This reflects Thailand’s steadfast commitment to deepening cooperation with Africa in all dimensions, including through the Thailand – Africa Initiative (TAI), with a view to promoting lasting peace and prosperity for the people of Thailand and Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.