MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://ISDBInstitute.org/), and the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) are deepening their partnership through the Global Islamic Finance and Impact Investing Platform (GIFIIP) to enhance capacity building in Afghanistan’s financial sector.

Established by UNDP ICPSD and IsDB in 2016, GIFIIP is a joint initiative that positions Islamic finance and impact investing as enablers of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), convening public and private actors to mobilize capital and scale market-based solutions. It develops knowledge products, facilitates deal sourcing and matchmaking, and supports policy and standards to expand inclusive, sustainable finance.

This collaboration focuses on adapting international standards and supporting professional training to foster a more resilient and sustainable financial system. GIFIIP’s collaboration with AAOIFI, initiated in 2024, has already delivered impactful programs in 2024 and 2025.

More than 120 participants—including representatives from the Central Bank of Afghanistan (Da Afghanistan Bank), banks, and microfinance institutions—have enrolled in AAOIFI’s flagship certification programs such as the Certified Shari’ah Advisor & Auditor (CSAA), Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA), Certificate of Proficiency in Shari’ah Standards (CPSS), and Certificate of Proficiency in Financial Accounting Standards (CPFAS). These certifications are equipping Afghanistan’s financial sector with qualified professionals in Shari’ah compliance and financial reporting, ensuring alignment with global best practices.

In addition to certification programs, the partnership has delivered a series of targeted workshops and events designed to strengthen professional expertise:

1. Ethics for Islamic Finance Professionals (EIFP) Workshop – 23 July 2024, Kabul 
2. Public Hearing on the Exposure Draft of Shari’ah Governance Standard: Governance and Management of Investment Accounts – 23 July 2024, Kabul
3. CIPA Training/Revision Classes – 24–30 November 2024 (7 days)
4. CIPA Training/Revision Classes – 12–20 June 2025 (9 days)
5. Training/Revision Classes for CSAA, CPSS, CPFAS – 19–28 August 2025 (7 days)

These initiatives highlight the tangible results achieved through Islamic finance certification and professional development, aimed at broadening institutional capacity, strengthening cross-border financial cooperation, and creating an enabling environment for investment.

The UNDP, IsDBI, and AAOIFI collaboration underscores the transformative potential of Islamic finance in advancing sustainable development, particularly in fragile contexts such as Afghanistan. Together, these efforts are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive financial sector that supports long-term growth and resilience.

– on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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About the Islamic Development Bank Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://ISDBInstitute.org/

Source: APO

ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pan-African developer and operator of integrated industrial zones, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a landmark USD 700 million capital raise, welcoming Vision Invest, a leading Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor and developer, into its shareholder base.

This transaction marks one of the largest private infrastructure capital raises in Africa to date, with both primary and secondary components. The capital will support ARISE IIP’s continued expansion across the continent and the development of green, inclusive, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.

The institutional shareholder base of ARISE IIP comprises the founding shareholders Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Equitane, along with the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact platform of Afreximbank, and, with this transaction, Vision Invest the newest shareholder.

Founded in 2010 with operations in Gabon, ARISE IIP has expanded to more than 14 countries across Africa, deploying nearly USD 2 billion in infrastructure and enabling over 50,000 jobs. The platform focuses on creating local value through the transformation of raw materials and import substitution.

“ARISE has always believed in Africa’s promise and the talent driving its growth. The partnership with Vision Invest and the continued support of our institutional shareholders will help us build resilient, self-sustaining industrial ecosystems that deliver long-term value,” said Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP, highlighting the strategic significance of the new investment.

Commenting on the transaction, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation and Chairman of ARISE IIP, emphasized the alignment between capital and continental development goals: “ARISE IIP has demonstrated what is possible when global capital aligns with Africa’s ambitions. We are proud to deepen our partnership and support ARISE IIP as it scales industrial transformation across the continent.”

In support of the milestone, Professor Benedict Oramah GCON President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, shared his congratulations, stating: “Afreximbank congratulates Arise IIP management on this landmark deal. With this capital increase, Arise IIP will become an even stronger partner of Afreximbank in the drive to promote export manufacturing and industrialization in Africa.”

Echoing this optimism, Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, added: “We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to ARISE IIP by participating in this historic capital raise. ARISE IIP exemplifies the kind of platform that drives sustainable growth and regional integration across Africa.”

From Vision Invest, Mohammad A. Abunayyan, Chairman of Vision Invest, reflected on the alignment of values: “This marks our first direct investment in Africa and a natural extension of our values and impact investment philosophy, which centres on the socio-economic development of the communities in which we invest. We are proud to partner with AFC, FEDA, and Equitane to support economic diversification and local development.”

Building on this, Omar N. Al-Midani, President and CEO of Vision Invest, concluded: “ARISE IIP represents the ideal platform for Vision Invest’s entry into Africa, combining world-class execution, an institutional shareholder base, and an operating model that focuses on in-country beneficiation. We look forward to building long-term value together.”

Standard Chartered Bank and Norton Rose Fulbright acted as exclusive advisors to ARISE IIP. EFG Hermes and Linklaters advised Vision Invest.

This announcement underscores the continued confidence of global and regional institutions in ARISE IIP’s ability to deliver infrastructure that drives industrialisation, enhances local value chains, and creates shared prosperity across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Contact details:
Audrey Mebaley
Global Head of communications – Arise IIP
audrey.mebaley@arisenet.com 

Suha Matar
VP, Corporate Communication – Vision Invest
s.matar@visioninvest.com

About ARISE IIP:
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) is a Dubai-headquartered pan-African infrastructure developer and operator driving the creation of sustainable industrial ecosystems. Active in more than 14 countries, ARISE IIP designs, finances, builds, and operates bespoke industrial zones that strengthen local value chains, promote exports, and generate long-term employment.

About the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA):
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) is a $1 billion multi-investment platform and the impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank. It was set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and private credit capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the trade sector in Africa.

FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain, which includes financial services, technology, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, creative industry as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks.

About Africa Finance Corporation (AFC):
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. With 45 member countries and over US$15 billion invested in 36 countries, AFC is a trusted partner delivering high-quality infrastructure assets in sectors such as power, transport, telecoms, natural resources, and heavy industry.

About Equitane:
Equitane is a long-term investment platform deeply invested in fostering progress in Africa and beyond. Its diverse portfolio spans across infrastructure, renewable energy, electric vehicles, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. Equitane is committed to driving sustainable economic development through innovation and strategic investments, ensuring projects deliver tangible positive impacts while supporting local communities and stakeholders.

About Vision Invest:
Vision Invest is a leading Saudi Arabian infrastructure investment and development company at the forefront of public and private sector partnerships in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and beyond. Contributing to sustainable economic development and growth, the company operates across a wide range of vital sectors, including energy transition, advanced digital infrastructure, resource recovery and preservation, transport and logistics, and health and social infrastructure. Its portfolio footprint spans four continents, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America with more than US$ 95 billion in assets under management.

Source: APO – Report:

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The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) will showcase the critical role played by African Mining Chambers in driving policy reform, promoting governance transparency and enabling partnerships between governments, industry and investors. AMW will feature representatives from African Chamber of Mines, showcasing lucrative investment opportunities across the continent’s mining value chain.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is 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.

Thierry Naweji, Executive Chairman of the SA-DRC Chamber of Commerce, will participate in the Powering Africa’s Mining Operations with Renewables panel. Naweji is expected to highlight emerging renewable energy–mining investment and partnership opportunities between South African and Congolese firms, showcasing the growing energy‑minerals nexus.

Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Mines, will lead discussions on Uganda’s expanding extractive sector. Amid recent developments – including the country’s first ever production-sharing agreement (http://apo-opa.co/4mVIWtc) for the Kilembe copper–cobalt mine and the formation of a state mining enterprise (http://apo-opa.co/46amu8v) – Asiimwe is expected to highlight investment prospects and reform progress underpinning Uganda’s strategy moving forward.

Fousseni Togola, President of the Mali Chamber of Mines will participate in the Africa’s Gold Economy: Value, Processing and Global Market Positioning panel, where she is expected to spotlight Mali’s growing gold market. As Africa’s third-largest gold producer, Mali is advancing key gold projects, creating compelling opportunities for global investors. In June 2025, the country kickstarted construction of a new gold refinery, highlighting its commitment to sustainable industry expansion and creating prospects for gold value chain players.

AMW will also feature representatives from the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe in discussions showcasing developments within Zimbabwe’s lithium, platinum, chrome and gold sectors. The UK-Angola Chamber of Commerce is expected to highlight emerging opportunities within the gold sector and across the critical mineral space ahead of the country’s target to achieve first rare earth production by late 2026 (http://apo-opa.co/3VaZsJQ).

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

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Now reaching 23.5 million children, these programmes are emerging as a strategic investment in education, nutrition, and economic development, according to the latest edition of the State of School Feeding Worldwide, a flagship biennial report released today by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

“WFP is proud to partner with MENA governments who are demonstrating visionary leadership by leveraging school meals as a tool for both human and economic development,” said WFP Regional Director for MENA and Eastern Europe Samer Abdeljaber. “These programmes are vital in a region grappling with economic pressures and humanitarian crises.”

Particularly in countries plagued by conflict, school meals often serve as the only reliable source of nutrition for children and a vital incentive for school attendance. In Syria and Yemen, where protracted crises have devastated infrastructure and livelihoods, school meals are often the only nutritious meal a child receives. In 2024, In Syria, over 911,100 children benefited from date bars, fresh meals and cash-based transfers, with school attendance rising to 88 percent.

The report acknowledges the immense challenges in delivering school meals in areas of active conflict or siege. For instance, in Gaza, the ongoing crisis has severely hampered humanitarian access, making consistent school meal delivery extremely difficult, if not impossible. The last time WFP could reach children with school meals in Gaza was in 2024 when it distributed snacks to 117,886 children in UN temporary learning spaces. This highlights the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure children’s basic rights, including access to food and education, are met.

The report highlights the broader economic impact of school meals that are proving to be one of the most cost-effective public investments generating between $7 and $35 in economic returns for every $1 spent. Globally, government-run school meal programmes support an estimated 7.4 million cooking jobs.

“The return on investment in school feeding goes far beyond the classroom,” Abdeljaber added. “Feeding millions of children creates a ripple effect; it means jobs for cooks and transporters, income for farmers and suppliers, and stronger local economies.”

WFP-led initiatives in Egypt are increasingly linking school feedinfsg to local agricultural production, providing stable income for farmers and reducing reliance on imports. In Jordan and Yemen, WFP launched a Healthy Kitchens to provide home-grown school meals, creating jobs for women and supporting local agriculture.

The report comes ahead of the School Meals Coalition Global Summit in Brazil next week, where leaders will gather to accelerate progress and address funding gaps in low-income countries.

MENA countries are active members of the School Meals Coalition, a global platform of over 100 governments and over 140 partners committed to expanding access to school meals by 2030. Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Yemen and Lebanon are among the countries contributing to this momentum, sharing best practices and scaling up their programmes.

WFP uses its operational expertise to support governments in strengthening their national systems. In Iraq, for example, WFP has supported the transition of school meals programmes from relying on WFP for programme delivery to full national ownership in 2023. During the 2023–2024 school year, the Government of Iraq provided daily school meals (five meals a week) to 775,686 school-aged children, representing nearly 13 percent of primary school students. The government plans to expand coverage to 1.4 million children initially and subsequently the entire 6 million primary school aged children.

Globally, school meal coverage has reached 466 million children, up nearly 80 million from 2020. Funding has nearly doubled to $84 billion with 99% coming from national budgets, underscoring government’s strong investment in these programmes – and their children’s future.

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO – Report:

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The AU successfully concluded its Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction Efforts, which took place from August 25-27, 2025, in Gaborone, Botswana. The three-day meeting culminated in the adoption of the Gaborone Strategic Framework for Action on Strengthening Continental Responses to Address Illicit Synthetic Drug Production, Trafficking, and Related Transnational Organized Crime.

In his keynote address, H.E Advocate Duma Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, described the spread of synthetic drugs as a “pandemic.” He emphasized the urgent need for teamwork across Africa and the world and welcomed the new framework as a vital step forward. “The growing sophistication of trafficking methods means we need better detection tools, shared information, and strong intelligence to create effective laws. This will protect public health and national security by dismantling illicit drug networks which are often powerful cartels capable of undermining governance and destabilizing institutions,” President Boko stated.

The consultation brought together experts, leaders, and representatives from AU Member States and international partners. They shared knowledge, identified major challenges, and gained a deeper understanding of the threat posed by the drug trade.

The discussions made it clear that a united and coordinated response is essential to address the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, which pose a significant threat to security, health, and development in Africa. The Gaborone Strategic Framework is a direct result of this dialogue. It provides a clear and comprehensive roadmap for tackling this challenge and is a key part of the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims for a peaceful, well-governed Africa that protects its youth.

The new Framework is built on several key pillars, including:

• Building stronger laws and institutions.
• Improving cooperation and information sharing across borders.
• Strengthening public health programs and prevention campaigns.
• Tackling the root causes of drug trafficking and related organized crime..”

“The adoption of the Gaborone Strategic Framework signifies a new turning point in our collective endeavor to address the devastating impact of synthetic drugs on our continent,” said H.E. Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development. “This framework transcends a mere document; it represents a shared commitment and a clear blueprint for coordinated action. It will empower our Member States to dismantle drug trafficking networks and cultivate safer, more secure communities for all Africans. The collaborative spirit demonstrated during the consultation underscores our shared resolve to confront this global challenge.”

The AU remains committed to working closely with its Member States and partners, particularly the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, to fully implement the Gaborone Strategic Framework, beginning a new era in the continent’s fight against drug-related organized crime through strong partnerships for development.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO – Report:

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The African continent has seen the most significant rise of any region, with the number of children receiving school meals rising by over 30 percent from 66 million in 2022 to 87 million in 2024. Chad, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Rwanda have increased the number of pupils receiving school meals by up to six times.

Government investments in school meals in Sub-Saharan Africa have also increased, signalling a significant shift from reliance on foreign aid to recognising school meals as a strategic public investment in children’s education, health, and broader national development.

In countries like Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, and Zambia, school meal programmes are mainly funded through national budgets. Other governments, such as Ethiopia and Burundi, have doubled and tripled their respective contributions since 2022, while still receiving some funding from external sources.

“We are proud that the majority of school meal programmes are funded through domestic budgets. WFP is dedicated to helping national governments expand state-funded school meals, ensuring that no child is left behind,” said Margot van der Velden, WFP’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “We need to work together with partners and communities in feeding the future of our children, giving them the chance to grow and thrive.”

Beyond education and children’s wellbeing, sustainable school meal models, such as home-grown school feeding programmes, also have far-reaching benefits for smallholder farmers, agricultural economies and climate-smart food production.

• In Benin, where the government primarily funds school meals, purchasing local food for these programmes contributed over US$23 million to the economy in 2024. Direct purchases from smallholder farmers increased by 800 percent, benefiting more than 23,000 people.
• In Burundi, WFP’s local food procurement for school meals resulted in a 50 percent increase in farmers’ incomes in 2024 and created employment opportunities across 67 cooperatives with 20,000 members.
• In Malawi, every US$1 spent on school meals generates US$8 in economic benefits.
• In Sierra Leone last year, 40 percent of food for school meals came from smallholder farmers – mainly women and youth – providing a varied diet with rice, pulses, sweet potatoes, and vegetables.
• In Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, WFP, The Novo Nordisk Foundation, The Grundfos Foundation and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs are supporting diverse, eco-friendly diets for children by creating 1,300 school gardens, training 61,500 smallholder farmers in climate-smart agriculture, and supplying schools with fuel-efficient cooking equipment.

“A meal at school is more than just giving food to a child; it is also an investment in the family, the community, and ultimately a country’s future. Sourcing food locally provides healthy, culturally appropriate meals for children while supporting smallholder farmers, driving economic growth and national development,” said Eric Perdison, WFP’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.

However, millions of children, especially in low-income African countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia, and South Sudan, still lack access to school meals due to low domestic funding and a reliance on decreasing external donor support. WFP will continue prioritising children in these fragile settings for direct delivery of school meals to safeguard their access to learning and nutrition amid global uncertainty and reduced funding.

The report comes out the week before the second School Meals Coalition Global Summit in Brazil, on 18-19 September, where leaders will meet to assess progress and mobilise further action.

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO – Report:

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Following the declaration of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kasai Province, World Health Organization (WHO) is intensifying efforts to support the government to scale up measures to halt the spread of the virus as swiftly as possible.

Soon after the alert about the outbreak was received, WHO mobilized experts who joined an advance team of first responders from the Ministry of Health being deployed to Bulape and Mweka health zones in Kasai Province. WHO also provided two tonnes of emergency health supplies and equipment that were delivered as the advance team deployed.

Additionally, within 48 hours of the declaration of the outbreak on 4 September 2025, the Organization airlifted 12 tonnes of outbreak control materials including personal protective equipment, patient isolation materials, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to support clinical care and protect frontline health workers. More supplies are being shipped to the country to strengthen the response.

“The affected localities are hard to reach. We are working round the clock to rapidly roll out response measures to ensure robust outbreak control to stop the virus from spreading further and save lives,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.  

On 7 September, teams of frontlines responders were vaccinated against Ebola in Kinshasa ahead of their deployment in the field thanks to a stockpile of vaccines that had been preposition in the country’s capital with support from WHO and partners.

As the outbreak response is scaled up, efforts are also underway to strengthen health emergency coordination, with WHO working with partner organizations to rally efforts, resources and expertise to support the national authorities mount an effective response.

WHO is working with the national authorities in 10 priority countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo to initiate readiness assessments and contingency planning.

In Tanzania, for example, disease surveillance is being enhanced in localities bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo to swiftly detect any cases and respond in a timely manner to halt any further transmission of the virus. In Angola, WHO is supporting the national authorities step up preparedness, especially in Lunda Norte Province, which borders Kasai Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The ongoing outbreak is the country’s 16th since Ebola was identified in 1976. The outbreak is occurring in a complex epidemiological and humanitarian context. The Democratic Republic of the Congo country is currently facing several outbreaks, including mpox, cholera and measles.

WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by the ongoing outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level.

Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe, often fatal illness in humans. Human-to-human transmission is through direct contact with blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola, objects that have been contaminated with body fluids from a person sick with Ebola or the body of a person who died from Ebola.

However, with the currently available effective treatment, patients have a significantly higher chance of survival if they are treated early and given supportive care.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.