Posts

Posted on

Grupo United Bank for Africa (UBA) e British International Investment plc (BII) assinam carta de intenções para explorar colaboração em financiamento ao comércio em África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (“UBA UK”) (www.UBAUK.com) e a British International Investment plc (“BII”), instituição financeira de desenvolvimento do Reino Unido e investidor de impacto, anunciaram hoje a assinatura de uma carta de intenções para explorar oportunidades de colaboração no financiamento ao comércio. A iniciativa proposta visa expandir o acesso a facilidades de comércio e capital de giro para empresas que operam em África.

O acesso ao financiamento ao comércio continua a ser uma das principais restrições estruturais ao comércio africano. As empresas, particularmente as pequenas e médias empresas, frequentemente não conseguem obter cartas de crédito, garantias e financiamento da cadeia de abastecimento em condições comercialmente viáveis, limitando a sua capacidade de exportar e importar de forma competitiva. Este défice de financiamento ao comércio é estimado pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento em mais de 80 mil milhões de dólares por ano.

Para ajudar a colmatar esta lacuna, o UBA UK, subsidiária londrina do Grupo UBA, enquanto Banco Global de África, poderá alavancar as suas fortes relações na rede do Grupo presente em 20 países africanos para originar e estruturar operações de financiamento ao comércio. Por sua vez, a BII, com o mandato de apoiar um crescimento produtivo, sustentável e inclusivo em África, poderá apoiar transações que, de outra forma, ficariam fora do apetite comercial convencional.

“A assinatura desta carta com a BII representa um momento histórico para o UBA UK e para as ambições globais do Grupo UBA. Como centro de operações de comércio do Grupo, o UBA UK está numa posição única para conectar empresas africanas ao sistema financeiro internacional. Trabalhando em conjunto com a BII, podemos expandir ainda mais essa capacidade — mobilizando capital onde é mais necessário e ajudando a reduzir o défice de financiamento ao comércio que limita tanto o potencial africano.”
— Lok Mishra, Administrador-Delegado (CEO), UBA UK

“A British International Investment está comprometida em impulsionar o crescimento do setor privado em África, sendo o financiamento ao comércio um facilitador crítico desse crescimento. Saudamos a oportunidade de colaborar com o Grupo UBA, cuja rede pan-africana e fortes relações institucionais podem ajudar a concretizar a nossa ambição de expandir o acesso ao financiamento ao comércio e ao capital de giro, particularmente em mercados emergentes.“

— Chris Chijiuitomi, Diretor-Geral e Responsável para África

O anúncio surge num contexto de crescente dinamismo do comércio intra-africano, impulsionado pela Área de Livre Comércio Continental Africana (AfCFTA), que entrou em vigor em 2021 e representa uma das mais relevantes iniciativas de integração comercial a nível mundial. Ambas as instituições identificaram a operacionalização da AfCFTA como um catalisador prioritário para o desenvolvimento de uma solução de financiamento ao comércio,

sendo que a presença do UBA UK nas principais economias da AfCFTA oferece uma base sólida para apoiar empresas que navegam neste mercado continental emergente.

Esta iniciativa complementa também o envolvimento mais amplo do Governo do Reino Unido no desenvolvimento económico africano, incluindo compromissos assumidos no UK-Africa Investment Summit, e reforça o papel da City de Londres como um centro financeiro internacional de referência para a mobilização de capital com foco em África.

Qualquer cooperação futura estará sujeita a avaliações adicionais, due diligence e à obtenção das aprovações internas de ambas as partes.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).

Siga a British International Investment no:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4rHvN8P
Bluesky: https://apo-opa.co/4rBFsgX
X: https://apo-opa.co/4sjcvHQ

Sobre o united bank for africa (uk) Limited: 
O UBA UK é a subsidiária sediada em Londres do United Bank for Africa Plc, uma das principais instituições financeiras de África, com operações em 20 países africanos, no Reino Unido, nos Estados Unidos da América, em França e nos Emirados Árabes Unidos. O UBA UK atua como o centro de operações de comércio do Grupo, oferecendo um conjunto abrangente de serviços de financiamento ao comércio, tesouraria e banca correspondente a clientes institucionais e corporativos a nível global.

SOBRE United Bank for Africa Group: 
O United Bank for Africa é um dos maiores empregadores do setor financeiro no continente africano, com cerca de 25.000 colaboradores e mais de 45 milhões de clientes em todo o mundo. Presente em vinte países africanos, bem como no Reino Unido, Estados Unidos da América, França e Emirados Árabes Unidos, o UBA oferece serviços de banca de retalho, comercial e institucional, promovendo a inclusão financeira e implementando tecnologia de ponta.

SOBRE British International Investment:
A British International Investment é a instituição financeira de desenvolvimento do Reino Unido e investidor de impacto. A organização investe em empresas em países em desenvolvimento com o objetivo de melhorar a vida das pessoas e proteger o planeta. O trabalho da BII incide sobre as causas estruturais da pobreza e da crise climática, ajudando os países a reduzir a dependência da ajuda externa de forma sustentável. 

Entre 2022 e 2026, pelo menos 30% dos novos compromissos da BII serão direcionados para financiamento climático. A BII é também membro fundador do  2X Challenge (www.2XChallenge.org) que já mobilizou mais de 33,6 mil milhões de dólares para promover o empoderamento económico das mulheres. A organização tem investimentos em mais de 1.600 empresas em 66 países e ativos líquidos totais de £9,87 mil milhões. Para mais informações, visite: www.BII.co.uk | Assita Aqui (https://apo-opa.co/4ux4Ret).  

Posted on

Le groupe United Bank for Africa (UBA) et British International Investment plc (BII) signent une lettre d’intention visant à explorer les possibilités de collaboration en matière de financement du commerce à travers l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (« UBA UK ») (www.UBAUK.com) et British International Investment plc (« BII »), l’institution de financement du développement et l’investisseur d’impact du Royaume-Uni, ont annoncé aujourd’hui avoir signé une lettre d’intention visant à développer des opportunités de collaboration en matière de financement du commerce. L’initiative proposée vise à élargir l’accès aux facilités de financement du commerce et de fonds de roulement pour les entreprises opérant à travers l’Afrique.

L’accès au financement du commerce reste l’un des principaux obstacles structurels au commerce africain. Les entreprises, en particulier les petites et moyennes entreprises, sont souvent incapables d’obtenir des lettres de crédit, des garanties et des financements de la chaîne d’approvisionnement à des conditions commercialement viables, ce qui limite leur capacité à exporter et à importer de manière compétitive. La Banque africaine de développement estime ce déficit de financement du commerce à plus de 80 milliards de dollars par an.

Pour contribuer à combler ce déficit, UBA UK, la filiale londonienne du groupe UBA — la banque mondiale de l’Afrique —, s’appuiera sur ses relations étroites au sein du réseau africain du groupe, présent dans 20 pays, pour initier et structurer des opérations de financement du commerce.

De son côté, BII, dont la mission consiste à soutenir une croissance productive, durable et inclusive à travers l’Afrique, peut soutenir des opérations qui, autrement, pourraient ne pas répondre aux critères commerciaux conventionnels.

« La signature de cette lettre avec la BII marque un tournant décisif pour UBA UK et pour les ambitions mondiales du groupe UBA. En tant que pôle des opérations commerciales du groupe, UBA UK occupe une position unique pour relier les entreprises africaines au système financier international. En collaborant avec la BII, nous pouvons étendre encore cette capacité en mobilisant des capitaux là où ils sont le plus nécessaires et en contribuant à combler le déficit de financement du commerce qui freine tant le potentiel africain. » — Lok Mishra, directeur général, UBA UK

« British International Investment s’engage à catalyser la croissance du secteur privé à travers l’Afrique, et le financement du commerce est un catalyseur essentiel de cette croissance. Nous nous réjouissons de cette opportunité de collaborer avec le groupe UBA, dont le réseau panafricain et les relations institutionnelles solides peuvent contribuer à faire avancer notre ambition d’élargir l’accès au financement du commerce et du fonds de roulement, en particulier sur les marchés frontières. » — Chris Chijiuitomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa

Cette annonce s’inscrit dans la dynamique croissante du commerce intra-africain facilitée par la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECA), qui est entrée en vigueur en 2021 et représente l’une des initiatives d’intégration commerciale les plus importantes au monde. Les deux institutions ont identifié la mise en œuvre de la ZLECA comme un catalyseur prioritaire pour un mécanisme de financement du commerce, le réseau d’UBA UK couvrant les principales économies de la ZLECA offrant une base pour soutenir les entreprises qui s’aventurent sur ce marché continental émergent.

Cela vient également compléter l’engagement plus large du gouvernement britannique en faveur du développement économique africain, notamment les engagements pris lors du Sommet sur l’investissement Royaume-Uni-Afrique, et renforce le rôle de la City de Londres en tant que centre financier international de premier plan pour la mobilisation de capitaux axée sur l’Afrique.

La coopération future reste soumise à une évaluation plus approfondie, à une diligence raisonnable et à l’obtention des autorisations internes par les deux parties.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).

Contact presse :
Valerie Dawodu
Responsable de la marque, du marketing et de la communication
United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited
vdawodu@ubauk.com

Suivez British International Investment sur :
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4rHvN8P
Bluesky: https://apo-opa.co/4rBFsgX
X: https://apo-opa.co/4sjcvHQ 

À propos de United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited : 
UBA UK est la filiale londonienne de United Bank for Africa Plc, l’une des principales institutions financières africaines, présente dans 20 pays africains, au Royaume-Uni, aux États-Unis d’Amérique, en France et aux Émirats arabes unis. UBA UK sert de plaque tournante du groupe pour les opérations commerciales, fournissant une gamme complète de services de financement du commerce, de trésorerie et de correspondance bancaire à des clients institutionnels et d’entreprise du monde entier.

À propos du groupe United Bank for Africa : 
United Bank for Africa est l’un des plus grands employeurs du secteur financier sur le continent africain, avec 25 000 employés à l’échelle du groupe et plus de 45 millions de clients à travers le monde. Présente dans vingt pays africains, au Royaume-Uni, aux États-Unis, en France et aux Émirats arabes unis, UBA propose des services bancaires aux particuliers, aux entreprises et aux institutions, tout en jouant un rôle de premier plan dans l’inclusion financière et en mettant en œuvre des technologies de pointe.

À propos de British International Investment : 
British International Investment est l’institution de financement du développement et l’investisseur d’impact du Royaume-Uni. L’organisation investit dans des entreprises des pays en développement afin d’améliorer les conditions de vie des populations et de contribuer à la protection de la planète. Le travail de BII s’attaque aux causes profondes de la pauvreté et de la crise climatique, aidant ainsi les pays à s’affranchir définitivement de leur dépendance à l’aide.

Entre 2022 et 2026, au moins 30 % de la valeur totale des nouveaux engagements de BII seront consacrés au financement climatique. BII est également membre fondateur du  2X Challenge (www.2XChallenge.org) , qui a levé plus de 33,6 milliards de dollars pour favoriser le développement économique des femmes. La société détient des participations dans plus de 1 600 entreprises réparties dans 66 pays et dispose d’un actif net total de 9,87 milliards de livres sterling. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur: www.BII.co.uk |regardez ici (https://apo-opa.co/4ux4Ret).

Posted on

Joint Statement Issued by the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of a Group of Arab and Islamic Countries Regarding the Iranian Attacks

Source: Government of Qatar

Riyadh, 19 March 2026

Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, The Republic of Azerbaijan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Lebanon, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, held a consultative ministerial meeting on Wednesday, 29 Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to 18 March 2026 AD, in Riyadh regarding the Iranian attacks.

The Ministers discussed the Iranian attacks on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, The Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Türkiye, and they affirmed their condemnation and denunciation of these Iranian deliberate attacks with ballistic missiles and drones which targeted residential areas, civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic premises. The Ministers further affirmed that such attacks could not be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever.

The Ministers also stressed the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article (51) of the United Nations Charter.The Ministers called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks and affirmed the necessity of respecting international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness, as a first toward ending the escalation, and achieving security and stability in the region, and promoting diplomacy as a means to resolve crisis. The Ministers further emphasized that the future of relations with Iran depends on respecting the sovereignty of states and non-inference in their internal affairs, as well as refraining from violating their sovereignty or their territories in any manner whatsoever, and to not use or develop its military capabilities to threaten countries of the region.

The Ministers stressed the need for Iran to abide by implementing the Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which called for an immediate halt to all attacks, and unconditional cessation of any provocative acts or threats against neighboring states, and the cessation of support, financing and arming its affiliated militias in Arab countries, which Iran is doing to serve its goals and against the interests of these countries. Furthermore, to refrain from any measures or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in Bab al-Mandab.

The Ministers reaffirmed support for the security, stability and territorial integrity of Lebanon, activating the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all its territories, and supporting the Lebanese government’s decision to limit weapons to the state. They also condemned Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and its expansionist policy in the region.

The Ministers reaffirm their commitment to continuing intensive consultation and coordination in this regard, to monitor developments and assess emerging issues in a way that ensure the formulation of common positions and the adoption of necessary legitimate measures and procedures to protect their security, stability, and sovereignty, and to halt the Iranian heinous attacks on their territories.

Posted on

Qatar Condemns in Strongest Terms Iranian Targeting of Energy Facilities in Saudi Arabia and UAE

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 19, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian targeting of energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the past two days, deeming it a blatant violation of international law and a serious threat to global energy security, navigation, and the environment.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that Iran’s brutal attacks on countries in the region have crossed all red lines by targeting civilians, civilian objects, and vital facilities, stressing the need to spare the region the consequences of these unjustified attacks and to work towards de-escalation to restore regional and international security and stability.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the brotherly nations and its support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

Posted on

Qatar Condemns, Denounces Blatant Iranian Attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 18, 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attack targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, which caused fires resulting in significant damage to the facility.

It describes the attack as a dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of state sovereignty, and a direct threat to its national security and regional stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that despite Qatar’s policy of distancing itself from this war since its outset and its commitment to avoiding any escalation, the Iranian side continues to target it and neighboring countries in an irresponsible approach that undermines regional security and threatens international peace.

The ministry stresses that Qatar has repeatedly called for the need to refrain from targeting civilian and energy facilities, including within the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in order to preserve the resources of the region’s peoples and safeguard international peace and security. However, the Iranian side continues its escalatory policies that are pushing the region toward the brink and drawing countries not party to this crisis into the conflict zone.

The ministry affirms that this attack constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution No. (2817), renewing its call on the Council to assume its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and to take the necessary measures to stop these serious violations and deter their perpetrators.

The ministry also reiterates that the State of Qatar reserves its right to respond in accordance with Article (51) of the United Nations Charter and the right to self-defense as guaranteed by international law, stressing that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents.

Posted on

Eritrea: Commendable progress in ensuring maternal and infant health

Source: APO


.

As a result of sustained awareness-raising activities in health facilities, commendable progress is being registered in ensuring maternal and infant health in Keren city.

Sister Almaz Mebrahtu, head of health facilities in Keren, said that as a result of the strong efforts carried out, last year pre- and post-natal care coverage increased to 90%, while vaccination coverage for children under five years of age rose to over 95%.

Sister Almaz went on to say that, in addition to the professional advice and regular follow-up being provided to women, they are also receiving HIV/AIDS counseling, treatment for syphilis and hepatitis, as well as cervical vaccination for girls between 9 and 15 years of age and tetanus vaccination for women between 15 and 45 years of age.

Furthermore, Sister Almaz said that, as part of the effort to control the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, free diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes is being conducted for people over 40 years of age, and efforts are being made to assess the health condition of students through visits to schools.

In Keren city, there are five health stations providing health care services to the public.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Posted on

Eritrea: Students’ week in Adi-Keih sub-zone

Source: APO


.

Students’ week has been conducted in Adi-Keih sub-zone under the theme “Our Culture – Reflection of Our Values and Identity.”

The students’ week, in which students from 22 schools took part, featured cultural and sports competitions.

Mr. Amanuel Mel’ake, head of culture, sports, and health in the sub-zone, said that the annual students’ week is a program through which the rich culture of the society is reflected and the psychological and physical condition of students is observed and assessed.

Noting that cultural and sports programs are being given equal attention alongside other educational subjects, Mr. Beyene Tesfay, head of the education office in the sub-zone, called for reinforced participation to ensure equal participation of female students.

At the event, awards were provided to winners of various competitions.

In Adi-Keih sub-zone, there are 77 schools, ranging from pre-school to high school, providing active educational services to students.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Posted on

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli to host Youth Services Expo Programme in Kuruman

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will host a Youth Services Expo at the Kuruman Town Hall in the Northern Cape on Friday 20 March 2026 aimed at bringing essential government services and opportunities directly to young people in Kuruman, Northern Cape.

The outreach programme will provide young people with access to information on employment opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and a range of government services. The initiative brings together key stakeholders including government departments, agencies, local mining companies, and private sector partners, all contributing to youth empowerment through exhibitions and programme presentations.

The Deputy Minister will deliver remarks and conduct a walkabout engaging directly with exhibitors and young attendees.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Friday, 20 March 2026
Time: 10:00 – 13:00 (Exhibitions open from 09:00)
Venue: Kuruman Town Hall, Kuruman, Northern Cape

The programme will include presentations from key institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Department of Employment and Labour, SAPS, SETAs, TVET Colleges, local mining stakeholders, and other organisations supporting youth empowerment initiatives.

Media enquiries: MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za / 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Royal Moroccan Football Federation Acknowledges Decision Rendered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee

Source: APO


.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) (https://FRMF.ma) wishes to reiterate that its appeal was ever aimed at contesting the sporting merit or performance of the teams involved in this tournament, but solely to ensure the proper enforcement of competition regulations.

The federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the regulations, ensuring the clarity of the competitive framework and maintaining the stability of African football competitions.

The Federation also wishes to commend all the nations that participated in this year’s edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which served as a significant moment for African football.

The FRMF will issue a more comprehensive official statement in the coming days after a scheduled meeting of its governing bodies

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.

Contact:
FRMF
Omar KHYARI
+212 661-435843

Posted on

La Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football prend acte de la décision rendue par la Commission d’appel de la Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La FRMF (https://FRMF.ma) tient à rappeler que sa démarche n’a jamais eu pour objet de contester la performance sportive des équipes engagées dans cette compétition, mais uniquement de demander l’application du règlement de la compétition.

La Fédération réaffirme son attachement au respect des règles, à la clarté du cadre compétitif et à la stabilité des compétitions africaines.

Elle tient enfin à saluer l’ensemble des nations ayant participé à cette édition de la CAN, qui a constitué un moment majeur pour le football africain.

La Fédération s’exprimera demain, officiellement, après avoir réuni ses instances dirigeantes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.

Contact presse :
FRMF
Omar KHYARI
+212 661-435843