Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, is proud to announce its support for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project in Nigeria, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade, and sustainable development across West Africa.

ICIEC is providing Non-Honoring of Sovereign Financial Obligations (NHSFO) insurance coverage for USD 466 million in Islamic financing extended by Deutsche Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The facility, with a seven-year tenor, plays a pivotal role in mobilizing international financing for one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures.

The project involves the construction of a 47.7-kilometer, six-lane coastal highway along Nigeria’s southern corridor, including a centrally reserved lane for a future railway line. This innovative and multimodal approach aims to ease congestion in Lagos—Africa’s most populous city—reduce travel times, and boost productivity for commuters and businesses alike.

Beyond transportation benefits, the project is expected to generate approximately 900 direct and 300 indirect jobs, with a particular focus on empowering local communities, women, and youth. At least 40% of subcontracts are allocated to Nigerian SMEs, reinforcing inclusive economic development. Structured training programs will also equip workers with in-demand technical skills, fostering long-term employability.

Environmental and social responsibility are central to the project’s implementation. Guided by comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments, the project integrates sustainable building practices, climate-resilient infrastructure, flood prevention, and biodiversity conservation—supporting SDG 13 on climate action. Community engagement and compensation plans have been designed to protect livelihoods and promote shared prosperity.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is also a strategic component of the ECOWAS Trans-West African Coastal Highway corridor, enhancing Nigeria’s role as a gateway to regional markets and supporting broader goals under SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (resilient infrastructure), and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities).

Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, commented, “This project exemplifies how Islamic finance, combined with robust risk mitigation, can drive transformative and inclusive development. ICIEC’s insurance support ensures investor confidence, paving the way for Nigeria to build the resilient infrastructure it needs to thrive economically, socially, and environmentally. We are proud to contribute to a project that reflects our mission and our unwavering commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey and underscores the critical role of multilateral cooperation and Islamic insurance in shaping a prosperous, interconnected future for the region.

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

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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 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.

Website: https://ICIEC.IsDB.org

Source: APO

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The Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) hosted a high-level ministerial roundtable on Thursday during African Mining Week 2025, bringing together representatives from several African mining ministries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), The Gambia, Nigeria and Egypt.

The roundtable focused on best practices to unlock opportunities across African markets by advancing exploration, production and value addition.

“This is not a symbolic meeting, but rather an opportunity to address real challenges. As a continent, some countries are progressing while others are being left behind when it comes to beneficiation,” said H.E Moses Micheal Engadu, Secretary-General of the AMSG.

He emphasized the need for structural remedies rooted in diplomacy, stronger African capital mobilization and the safeguarding of digital sovereignty. Engadu also underscored the role of sovereign wealth funds, national mining companies and pension funds in bridging Africa’s financing gap. Furthermore, he called for the development of a continent-wide critical minerals strategy, noting that while other regions have such frameworks, Africa still does not. “A continental strategy would help us protect and promote our interests,” he stressed.

Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority, reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to collaborate with other African nations on developing and adopting a value addition strategy, while also enhancing youth empowerment and local participation in the sector.

Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines for the DRC, highlighted the importance of advancing mineral exploration through new investment partnerships, greenfield projects and digital tools to identify deposits.

“Our priority is to establish policies that attract exploration funding and support local geologists. No one knows a country’s geology better than its own people,” Kabamba said. He further emphasized cooperation between governments and chambers of mines to improve governance and share best practices.

Supporting Kabamba’s perspective, Eng. Yusuf Farouk Yabo, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, stressed that African countries must prioritize mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits.

“After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,” Yabo stated.

He further urged the adoption of united policies to prevent the export of unprocessed minerals outside Africa.

Echoing the call for greater cooperation, Lamin Camara, Permanent Secretary at The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, noted the importance of AMSG as a platform for developing continent-wide models.

“We have Nigeria’s geological survey to guide us in mapping our resources. We want to learn from them and adapt their practices,” Camara said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About African Mining Week: 
Organized by Energy Capital & Power, African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event was held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Source: APO

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The joint parliamentary oversight delegation concluded the first day of its engagement with Eastern Cape municipalities with a firm call for greater accountability in local government.

The delegation comprising the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General engaged with the province’s two metros, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Buffalo City Metro, as well as the Amathole District Municipality on Monday. The delegation, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape provincial legislature, is this week engaging with 19 municipalities in the province about their challenges and ways to address them.

Following presentations by the MECs for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the MEC for Finance in the Eastern Cape, the delegation expressed concern over persistent governance failures, weak accountability and the slow pace of reform in the province’s municipalities.

The leader of the delegation, Dr Zweli Mkhize, told the provincial leadership that local government cannot continue to operate on “paper reforms and rhetorical commitments”. He bemoaned repeated audit disclaimers and financial mismanagement across several municipalities and said this shows that interventions have failed to yield sustainable results. “When the same findings repeat year after year, it means our actions have not succeeded,” said Dr Mkhize. “Oversight must lead to change, not repetition.”

Both the MEC for COGTA and the CFO of the Provincial Treasury urged municipalities to restore fiscal discipline, strengthen internal controls and implement consequence management for transgressions. They also stressed that political leaders must prioritise service delivery over factionalism and that restoring financial health is central to rebuilding public trust.

Members heard that only six of the Eastern Cape’s 39 municipalities achieved clean audits. Thirty of these municipalities are also categorised as distressed and subject to intervention in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution.

Dr Mkhize cautioned that recovery and support plans for municipalities should not just be mere administrative exercises but must function as measurable performance tools. He called for a written report of all actions taken to address long-standing challenges and not just verbal assurances. He also warned that these repeated failures erode public confidence.

Referring to Section 216 of the Constitution, Dr Mkhize said municipalities that persistently breach financial management laws must face investigation and sanction. “If no investigations have been undertaken, we must ask who is being protected and why,” he said. He also urged the department of COGTA, National Treasury and sector departments to improve coordination and not work in silos since progress and change are delayed when oversight is fragmented.

Dr Mkhize emphasised that political power without economic inclusion continues to constrain the province’s development and urged municipalities to include economic and social investment in their recovery plans. “Each failed project represents a lost opportunity for growth and dignity,” he said.

The joint delegation resolved that all municipalities and departments must submit detailed written reports within 14 to 30 days, including updates on audit findings, debt recovery, consequence management and infrastructure projects.

Five more municipalities, including Sundays River, Makana, Koukamma, Blue Crane Garden Route, and Inxuba Yethemba local municipalities, will appear before the joint delegation today.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) today welcomed the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal, which has upheld the recognition of His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the rightful monarch of the AmaZulu nation.

The Chairperson of the committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said the ruling brings much-needed closure and finality to a matter that has been the subject of deep public concern and division within the royal house. “The committee believes it now provides an opportunity for healing, unity and renewed focus on the important cultural and developmental role that traditional leadership plays in our democracy,” he said.

The committee calls upon the AmaZulu royal family, traditional leaders and the people of KwaZulu-Natal to accept this judgment with dignity and to assist the royal household in reconciling and restoring harmony. “It is in the nature of royal succession that differing views may arise, but there comes a time when a lawful decision must be respected so that the institution can move forward,” said Dr Mkhize. “The Zulu royal throne is an enduring symbol of unity, continuity and the collective dignity of the AmaZulu nation. It requires the support of all, including those who may have held differing views, to ensure stability and cohesion within the institution.”

The committee further urged all leaders, elders and members of the community to approach the royal house with respect and wisdom and to resolve any remaining differences through dialogue and mutual understanding. “The province of KwaZulu-Natal stands to benefit from peace, social cohesion and economic progress,” said Dr Mkhize. “These outcomes can only flourish in an atmosphere of tolerance and cooperation. The committee trusts that this ruling will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the AmaZulu royal family and the people it represents.”

Meanwhile, the committee, along with the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General, is currently conducting a joint oversight visit to engage Eastern Cape municipalities. The delegation was scheduled to meet traditional leaders in the province in Mthatha on Friday, but this had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Chairperson reiterated the committee’s commitment to matters affecting traditional leadership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

The latest issue of Mining Review Africa is now available — and it’s one you won’t want to miss. This edition shines a light on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Africa’s mining sector, showcasing the companies and organisations driving transformation across the industry.  

Issue 5 also dives deep into Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and minerals processing, revealing how leading companies are engineering smarter, more sustainable mining operations across the continent.  

Inside your FREE digimag (https://apo-opa.co/4nMEWMk):  

Weir: Providing FEED solutions that shape the future of mining  
Weir demonstrates how its advanced FEED solutions are revolutionising minerals processing, helping miners cut energy and water use while improving plant efficiency. With over 150 years of engineering expertise, Weir is helping mines in Africa design sustainable, high-performance plants from the ground up — integrating smart technologies such as NEXT Intelligent Solutions and AI-driven predictive maintenance.  

MIASA: Collaboration key to regional mining growth  
The Mining Industry Association of Southern Africa (MIASA) is championing regional cooperation to unlock Africa’s mineral wealth. Executive Secretary Vusi Mabena outlines how collaboration among SADC nations is vital for building a sustainable mining value chain and ensuring critical minerals benefit the continent first.  

Angola: Brimming with potential  
Angola’s mining sector is expanding beyond oil and diamonds. Experts from SRK Consulting discuss new opportunities in copper, iron ore, and rare earth elements, as well as the infrastructure projects — including the Lobito Corridor — that are positioning Angola as a rising mining hub in Africa.  

Armco: Supplying tunnelling solutions to a satisfied mining clientele  
From decline tunnels to drainage systems, Armco’s MP200 structures continue to dominate Africa’s mining landscape. Backed by decades of expertise, the company’s Horseshoe Arch design is helping mines improve safety and efficiency in challenging environments.  

Invincible Valves: Tackling Africa’s mining projects with ease  
Invincible Valves remains a trusted partner to Africa’s mining operations, delivering durable, high-quality valve solutions tailored to meet the continent’s demanding mining conditions.  

Equal Opportunity: Reshaping one of Africa’s most vital industries  
This DEI feature explores how mining companies are working to ensure fair representation and create opportunities for women, people with disabilities, and previously disadvantaged groups.  

Cementation Africa: Safety first: Effective FEED drives Zero Harm  
Cementation Africa shares insights on how FEED integration enhances safety and operational performance, proving that sustainable design is central to achieving the industry’s Zero Harm goals.  

Discover these stories and more in Mining Review Africa’s Issue 5 (2025) — your essential guide to Africa’s mining innovation, growth, and transformation.  

Download your free copy here (https://apo-opa.co/4nMEWMk)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has welcomed the announcement that the Minister of Water and Sanitation intends to initiate an investigation into a series of governance concerns that have emerged within the past month. The committee called for the process to be expedited to ensure the water utility’s integrity and credibility is preserved, particularly as it seeks external funding for major infrastructure projects.

“The various media reports, including the removal of the Chairperson of uMngeni Water Services, issues around board fees, and the sponsorship of an employee to the New York Marathon, raise serious concerns about governance mechanisms within the entity,” said Mr. Sello Dithebe, acting committee Chairperson. “Water plays a vital role in driving socio-economic development, and the governance of water entities must be beyond reproach.” The committee welcomed the board’s commitment to make its policy framework available for scrutiny and advice on its sponsorship of individuals and employees for sporting activities.

While not seeking to pre-empt the outcomes of the proposed investigation, the committee emphasised that the current positive credit rating for the utility is of national importance and must be actively protected to ensure its long-term viability.

The committee also applauded the announced R22 billion capital expenditure (capex) budget, noting that infrastructure development is key to unlocking economic growth. “The successful implementation of this plan is essential,” Mr. Dithebe stated. “To realise its full benefits, the utility must ensure it has the required skills and capacity to implement the capex plan effectively.”

However, the committee remains concerned about ongoing challenges municipalities face in addressing non-revenue water. It warned that unless this issue is resolved, investments in bulk infrastructure could be rendered ineffective. “Municipalities must pull up their socks and urgently address non-revenue water losses,” Mr. Dithebe added.

In line with promoting energy resilience, the committee urged the utility to expedite its plans to convert biogas from sludge into electricity at the Darvill Waste Water Treatment Plant. This project would allow the facility to continue operations even during power outages.

Regarding the Upper uMkhomazi Water Project, the committee encouraged the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority to deepen stakeholder consultations and engage with key government departments, including the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to secure broader support.

The committee also underlined the importance of securing off-take agreements with municipalities to ensure the sustainability of water infrastructure investments.

The committee is currently conducting an oversight visit to key infrastructure projects in KwaZulu-Natal, including the Lower uMkhomazi Water Project, Ngwadini Dam and the Mdloti River Development Project.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Partnerships with global mining stakeholders are vital for Africa to formalize its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, said Kwaku Nsiah-Asare, CEO of Ghana-based gold mining firm Typhoon Greenfield Development.

Speaking at African Mining Week 2025 on Thursday, Nsiah-Asare stressed that cooperation with global institutions as well as regional governments, the private sector and local communities is the best path toward formalization.

“Global and regional cooperation allows for inclusive regulation, affordable compliance, access to finance and equipment and smooth integration of ASM into the formal market,” he said.

He noted that Ghana’s ASM sector employs more than one million people – making formalization not just important, but essential.

“Formalization of the ASM industry is a must, not an alternative. Although tough, it is possible with partnerships,” Nsiah-Asare added.

Highlighting practical examples, he pointed to Ghana’s work with the World Bank and World Gold Council, as well as Typhoon’s partnerships with Rand Refinery, TDI Sustainability, MKS PAMP and the Development Gold International to align with national and global standards.

“Typhoon is proof that ASM can meet international standards. We employ 70% of our workforce from local communities, have reclaimed 180 acres of land from illegal miners and planted 15,000 trees,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About African Mining Week:
Organized by Energy Capital & Power, African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event was held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Source: APO

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New funding to the AdVAncIng Clinical TRials Excellence in Africa (AVAREF) could help accelerate the development of life-saving vaccines to contain infectious disease outbreaks on the continent.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is providing $1 million to AVAREF as part of a new two-year project to enhance the efficiency with which African regulatory agencies and ethics committees—who are already part of the AVAREF network—review and make emergency decisions on multi-country clinical trial applications. Part of the funding will also support AVAREF to coordinate and further fine-tune the procedure for issuing scientific advice to developers, an important element which aids the development and eventual licensure of vaccines and other health products.

At present, not all countries on the continent have emergency review and scientific advice procedures suitable for public health emergencies. In certain cases, the standard time to review a clinical trial application, often driven by sequential ethics and regulatory reviews, could take anywhere between 6-18 months – by which point an outbreak could have spread beyond containment.

With CEPI funding, experts at national regulatory authorities and ethics committees across Africa will gain further experience in accelerating the regulatory process by participating in existing AVAREF scientific advice, joint emergency reviews and simulation exercises. The emergency joint review process is used by AVAREF to bring together relevant national authorities of regulators and ethics committees and decide whether a clinical trial—typically submitted to AVAREF by a vaccine developer looking to run a multi-country study—is to be approved and enable recruitment of participants in as little as 10 to 15 days from receiving the application, without compromising robust technical considerations.

Greater understanding and experience in issuing scientific advice and in approving clinical trial submissions could help AVAREF safely accelerate the parallel regulatory and ethics review of the clinical trial applications of vaccine and other health intervention candidates during a future epidemic or pandemic threat affecting Africa. Expedited mechanisms could support faster regulatory approvals, meeting CEPI’s ambitious goal to develop a new vaccine in response to a novel outbreak in as little as 100 days.

Jacqueline Rodgers, Senior Regulatory Affairs Lead for Africa at CEPI, said: “From Mpox to Marburg and Ebola Sudan to Lassa fever, Africa has tackled an abundance of deadly outbreaks in recent years and vaccines are urgently needed to mitigate these persistent threats. Each day counts in an outbreak, so rapid meaningful response to requests for scientific advice and well-designed vaccine clinical trials that meet the criteria for emergency approval by relevant authorities can be a game changer in helping to control the spread of a disease. Building robust, pandemic-ready regulatory systems on the continent advances Africa’s self-sufficiency, with more streamlined and efficient AVAREF processes acting as models that could drive the establishment of similar AVAREF-like forums in Asia and the Americas to fulfill a vision of global preparedness.”

Emphasizing the importance of this collaboration, Dr Benido Impouma, Director of Health Promotion / Diseases and Prevention Control Cluster at the World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, said: “We greatly appreciate CEPI’s financial support to AVAREF. This contribution will strengthen the capacity of African regulatory authorities and ethics committees to conduct timely and high-quality reviews of clinical trial applications. With WHO’s continued support, this partnership will help countries accelerate access to safe and effective vaccines and health products, protect communities, and improve preparedness for future health emergencies. Together, we are building stronger systems that safeguard the health and security of our communities.”

AVAREF supports the countries by identifying subject matter experts from within the continent, as well as globally to support the scientific advice process. CEPI funding allows for simulations of this process, in preparation for product development to address epidemics and future pandemics including an unknown ‘Disease X’. Experiencing the joint review process and simulation exercises can provide national regulators and relevant ethics committees with insights on how to better optimise local clinical trial application review timelines and share knowledge with peers also involved in the process.

Regulatory experts from Germany’s medical regulatory body, the Paul Ehrlich Institute, will provide expertise to support simulations and training elements of the project.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.