MIL Africa Engine

June 17, 2026

Outcomes of the Special Meeting between the Traditional Leadership and Inter‑Ministerial Committee on Migration Management

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, today Wednesday, 17 June 2026, convened a special meeting with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, led by Kgosi Seathlolo, together with the Inter‑Ministerial Committee on Migration, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The meeting reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This five‑pillar plan seeks to curb irregular migration, strengthen border security, and enforce labour and immigration laws, while upholding constitutional values and human dignity.

A detailed presentation was delivered by the Director‑General in the Presidency, Ms Phindile Baleni, outlining the work being undertaken to resolve the challenges posed by undocumented migrants. The presentation emphasized coordinated government action, improved border management, and lawful enforcement measures that respect both sovereignty and human rights.

Traditional leaders highlighted their critical role as custodians of heritage and guardians of community integrity, particularly in rural and borderland communities.

In this regard, they have pledged to continue supporting efforts to register businesses, keep records of foreign nationals, and mediate tensions in communities affected by migration pressures.

The meeting expressed strong support for the President’s call to implement the five‑pillar plan, noting that migration must be managed in a way that protects South Africa’s sovereignty while strengthening democracy and fostering social cohesion.

Deputy President Mashatile underscored that migration is part of South Africa’s historical and contemporary story, and must be addressed with firmness, fairness, and compassion. Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu, he emphasized that migration should unite rather than divide communities, contributing to a South Africa that is safe, inclusive, and prosperous.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

June 17, 2026

Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Signs USD 15 Million Shariah-Compliant Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Financing Deal with TuranBank

Source: APO – Report:

ICD and TuranBank signed an Expression of Intent for a proposed USD 15 million Shariah-compliant Line of Finance in Azerbaijan.
The financing will support onward lending to private sector projects, focusing on SME development.
The signing took place on 17 June 2026 in Baku, on the sidelines of the IsDB Annual Meeting Private Sector Forum.
This engagement deepens a decade-long relationship, with total ICD commitments to TuranBank exceeding USD 33 million across four deals.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org) and TuranBank OJSC signed an Expression of Intent for a proposed USD 15 million Shariah-compliant Line of Finance to support private sector projects in Azerbaijan. The signing took place on the opening of the Private Sector Forum alongside with IsDB Group Annual Meetings.

The proposed facility, subject to due diligence and internal approvals, will be extended to TuranBank for onward financing to eligible SMEs. As a mid-tier commercial bank with strong expertise in MSME and SME financing, TuranBank is well-positioned to deploy the funds effectively through its existing infrastructure.

The facility supports Azerbaijan’s SME sector by bridging financing gaps for smaller enterprises. ICD aims to reach a significant number of SMEs across the country through TuranBank,

ICD’s engagement with TuranBank dates back to 2006, with cumulative commitments exceeding USD 33 million, including a USD 15 million Line of Finance concluded in September 2025. This Expression of Intent signals a deepening of that long-standing partnership.

The transaction advances ICD’s mandate to mobilize Shariah-compliant financing for private sector growth, employment, and economic resilience across its 56 member countries.

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Media Contact:
For media enquiries, please contact:
icd.communication@isdb.org

About TuranBank OJSC:
TuranBank OJSC is a mid-tier commercial bank in Azerbaijan with a pronounced focus on MSME and SME financing. As of Q3 2025, the Bank reported total assets of AZN 893 million and a loan portfolio of AZN 696 million, with operating profit growing 57% year-on-year in H1 2025. TuranBank maintains an active international partnership profile, having secured financing from ADB, BlueOrchard, and ICD, the latter extending a USD 15 million Line of Finance in September 2025 for a five-year term to support SME lending in Azerbaijan. The Bank has also demonstrated a commitment to digital transformation through the launch of Open Banking functionality and was recognised as the winner of the “Best SME Deal of the Year” at the ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program Awards in Singapore. TuranBank represents a credible, growth-oriented second-tier institution with a clear strategic niche and strengthening DFI relationships. For more information, visit www.Turanbank.az.

About ICD:
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development finance institution and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. Established in November 1999 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ICD supports economic development in its 56 member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with Shariah principles. With an authorized capital of USD 4.0 billion and more than 25 years of operational excellence, ICD complements IsDB’s activities by promoting capital market development, best management practices, and enhancing the role of market economies. ICD holds strong credit ratings of A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A by S&P. For more information, visit www.ICD-ps.org and follow ICD on X (@icd_ps), LinkedIn (@icdps), Facebook (@icdps), and YouTube (@icdps).

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June 17, 2026

La Côte d’Ivoire et Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) font avancer les discussions sur le développement de l’amont, les campagnes de forage et les progrès de la Banque africaine de l’énergie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) a tenu mardi à Abidjan des discussions de haut niveau avec Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, ministre des Mines, du Pétrole et de l’Énergie, axées sur l’accélération du développement en amont, l’augmentation des flux d’investissement et le renforcement des cadres institutionnels soutenant la croissance énergétique à long terme du pays.

Cette réunion s’est tenue alors que la Côte d’Ivoire continue de consolider sa position parmi les marchés en amont les plus dynamiques d’Afrique de l’Ouest, grâce à une production en hausse, à des campagnes de forage intensives et à un regain d’intérêt international pour l’exploration des zones offshore.

L’un des principaux thèmes abordés a été la performance des principaux projets d’amont de la Côte d’Ivoire, l’accent étant mis sur les solides résultats opérationnels déjà obtenus par les principaux opérateurs internationaux et sur la dynamique positive qui se maintient dans l’ensemble du bassin. Le projet Baleine d’Eni, développé en partenariat avec Petroci et Vitol, reste au cœur de la trajectoire de croissance de la production ivoirienne, sa troisième phase de développement devant permettre d’augmenter considérablement la production pour la porter à environ 150 000 barils par jour. Le projet continue également d’apporter du gaz associé à la production d’électricité nationale, renforçant ainsi son importance stratégique pour la sécurité énergétique du pays.

La réunion a également fait le point sur les activités de forage en cours et à venir sur les actifs en production. Les opérations de VAALCO Energy dans le bloc offshore CI-40, en partenariat avec CNR International, préparent une nouvelle campagne de forage à la suite de modernisations prévues des champs, avec des augmentations de production attendues à partir de 2026 dans le cadre d’une stratégie de redéveloppement plus large axée sur le forage d’intercalage et l’optimisation des actifs.

La dynamique d’exploration dans le bassin offshore de la Côte d’Ivoire a également été mise en avant, notamment la campagne de forage de plusieurs puits prévue par Murphy Oil, ciblant des prospects tels que Civette, Caracal et Bubale au cours de la période 2025–2026. La réunion a également souligné le regain d’intérêt international pour le secteur en amont du pays, soutenu par son environnement d’investissement favorable, notamment l’arrivée récente de Petrobras suite à l’attribution de plusieurs blocs d’exploration offshore.

Les évolutions institutionnelles et financières ont également constitué un point clé des discussions, en particulier les réformes au sein de l’Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole et les progrès vers la création de la Banque africaine de l’énergie. Le ministre a assuré que les efforts visant à rendre la banque opérationnelle progressaient, les travaux se poursuivant pour garantir qu’elle devienne pleinement fonctionnelle et capable de susciter une plus grande participation des acteurs des secteurs public et privé. Cette initiative a été présentée comme un mécanisme prioritaire visant à élargir l’accès au capital pour les projets énergétiques africains et à renforcer le développement à long terme du secteur amont à travers le continent.

« Ce que nous observons en Côte d’Ivoire n’est pas une progression graduelle, mais une nette accélération de la dynamique en amont. Avec l’avancement de grands projets, l’arrivée de nouvelles explorations sur le marché et la mise en place de cadres de financement, le pays se positionne comme l’une des destinations les plus attractives d’Afrique en matière d’investissements énergétiques », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

La Chambre a également tenu des discussions avec Africa Global Logistics (AGL), dont les dirigeants ont mis en avant le rôle croissant de l’entreprise en tant que partenaire clé en matière de logistique et d’infrastructures, soutenant le secteur pétrolier et gazier ivoirien. AGL s’est de plus en plus positionnée comme un acteur central de l’activité en amont, fournissant un soutien logistique, de transport et opérationnel à de grandes sociétés d’exploration, notamment Eni, Murphy Oil et CNR International. L’entreprise investit également dans de nouvelles infrastructures logistiques dans le pays, renforçant ainsi l’émergence de la Côte d’Ivoire en tant que pôle régional pour les services de la chaîne d’approvisionnement énergétique, tout en améliorant l’efficacité et la compétitivité en termes de coûts pour les opérateurs de l’ensemble du secteur.

D’autres rencontres ont eu lieu avec GES-Petrogaz, une association locale de services pétroliers et gaziers, qui s’attache à renforcer la participation des prestataires de services nationaux dans la chaîne de valeur énergétique, à améliorer l’environnement favorable aux entreprises locales et à développer les opportunités de formation professionnelle et d’entrepreneuriat.

Des discussions ont également eu lieu avec la Société ivoirienne de raffinage (SIR), au cours desquelles ont été présentés les projets d’augmentation de la capacité de raffinage, ainsi que les efforts visant à renforcer la sécurité énergétique nationale et à soutenir la production de carburants à faible teneur en carbone, dans le cadre de la stratégie plus large de développement industriel de la Côte d’Ivoire.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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June 17, 2026

A Costa do Marfim e a Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) avançam nas discussões sobre a expansão do setor a montante, campanhas de perfuração e os progressos do Banco Africano de Energia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) realizou, na terça-feira, em Abidjan, discussões de alto nível com Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Ministro das Minas, Petróleo e Energia, centradas na aceleração do desenvolvimento do setor a montante, na expansão dos fluxos de investimento e no reforço dos quadros institucionais que apoiam o crescimento energético a longo prazo do país.

A reunião teve lugar num momento em que a Costa do Marfim continua a consolidar a sua posição como um dos mercados a montante de mais rápido crescimento da África Ocidental, apoiada pelo aumento da produção, por campanhas de perfuração ativas e por um renovado interesse internacional na exploração em áreas offshore.

Um dos principais temas de discussão foi o desempenho dos principais projetos de desenvolvimento a montante da Costa do Marfim, com ênfase nos sólidos resultados operacionais já alcançados pelos principais operadores internacionais e na dinâmica positiva que se mantém em toda a bacia. O projeto Baleine da Eni, desenvolvido em parceria com a Petroci e a Vitol, continua a ser fundamental para a trajetória de crescimento da produção da Costa do Marfim, prevendo-se que a sua terceira fase de desenvolvimento aumente significativamente a produção para cerca de 150 000 barris por dia. O projeto continua também a contribuir com gás associado para a produção de energia elétrica a nível nacional, reforçando a sua importância estratégica para a segurança energética nacional.

A reunião analisou ainda as atividades de perfuração em curso e futuras nos ativos em produção. As operações da VAALCO Energy no Bloco CI-40 offshore, em parceria com a CNR International, estão a preparar uma nova campanha de perfuração na sequência de melhorias planeadas no campo, prevendo-se aumentos de produção a partir de 2026, no âmbito de uma estratégia mais ampla de reabilitação centrada na perfuração de preenchimento e na otimização de ativos.

Foi igualmente destacado o dinamismo da exploração na bacia offshore da Costa do Marfim, incluindo a campanha de perfuração de múltiplos poços planeada pela Murphy Oil, que visa prospetos como Civette, Caracal e Bubale durante o período de 2025–2026. O encontro registou ainda um renovado interesse internacional no setor a montante do país, apoiado pelo seu ambiente favorável ao investimento, incluindo a mais recente entrada da Petrobras através da adjudicação de vários blocos de exploração offshore.

Os desenvolvimentos institucionais e financeiros foram igualmente um ponto-chave de discussão, em particular as reformas no seio da Organização dos Produtores Africanos de Petróleo e os progressos no sentido da criação do Banco Africano de Energia. O ministro garantiu que os esforços para tornar o banco operacional estão a avançar, com trabalhos em curso para assegurar que este se torne plenamente funcional e capaz de impulsionar uma maior participação das partes interessadas, tanto do setor público como do privado. A iniciativa foi destacada como um mecanismo prioritário para alargar o acesso ao capital para projetos energéticos africanos e reforçar o desenvolvimento a longo prazo do setor a montante em todo o continente.

«O que estamos a observar na Costa do Marfim não é um progresso incremental — trata-se de uma clara aceleração da dinâmica no setor a montante. Com grandes projetos a avançar, novas explorações a entrar no mercado e quadros de financiamento a tomarem forma, o país está a posicionar-se como um dos destinos de investimento energético mais atraentes de África», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC.

A Câmara também realizou debates com a Africa Global Logistics (AGL), onde a liderança destacou o papel crescente da empresa como parceiro-chave em logística e infraestruturas, apoiando o setor do petróleo e gás da Costa do Marfim. A AGL tem-se posicionado cada vez mais como um facilitador central da atividade a montante, fornecendo apoio logístico, de transporte e operacional a grandes empresas de exploração, incluindo a Eni, a Murphy Oil e a CNR International. A empresa está também a investir em novas infraestruturas logísticas no país, reforçando a emergência da Costa do Marfim como um centro regional para serviços da cadeia de abastecimento energético, ao mesmo tempo que melhora a eficiência e a competitividade em termos de custos para os operadores de todo o setor.

Outros encontros incluíram a GES-Petrogaz, uma associação local de serviços de petróleo e gás, focada no reforço da participação dos prestadores de serviços nacionais na cadeia de valor energética, na melhoria do ambiente propício para as empresas locais e na expansão do desenvolvimento de competências e das oportunidades de empreendedorismo.

Foram igualmente realizadas discussões com a Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), onde foram delineados planos para expandir a capacidade de refinação, a par de esforços para reforçar a segurança energética nacional e apoiar a produção de combustíveis com menor pegada de carbono, no âmbito da estratégia mais ampla de desenvolvimento industrial da Costa do Marfim.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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June 17, 2026

Ivory Coast and African Energy Chamber (AEC) Advance Discussions on Upstream Expansion, Drilling Campaigns and Africa Energy Bank Progress

Source: APO – Report:

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) held high-level discussions on Tuesday in Abidjan with Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, focused on accelerating upstream development, expanding investment inflows and strengthening institutional frameworks supporting the country’s long-term energy growth.

The meeting took place as Ivory Coast continues to consolidate its position as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing upstream markets, supported by rising production, active drilling campaigns and renewed international exploration interest across offshore acreage.

A key area of discussion was the performance of Ivory Coast’s flagship upstream developments, with emphasis on the strong operational results already achieved by key international operators and the continued positive momentum across the basin. Eni’s Baleine project, developed in partnership with Petroci and Vitol, remains central to Ivory Coast’s output growth trajectory, with its third development phase expected to significantly increase production to around 150,000 barrels per day. The project also continues to contribute associated gas to domestic power generation, reinforcing its strategic importance to national energy security.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing and upcoming drilling activity across producing assets. VAALCO Energy’s operations in offshore Block CI-40, in partnership with CNR International, are preparing a new drilling campaign following planned field upgrades, with production increases expected from 2026 as part of a broader redevelopment strategy centered on infill drilling and asset optimization.

Exploration momentum across Ivory Coast’s offshore basin was also highlighted, including Murphy Oil’s planned multi-well drilling campaign targeting prospects such as Civette, Caracal and Bubale over the 2025–2026 period. The engagement also noted renewed international interest in the country’s upstream sector, supported by its favorable investment environment, including Petrobras’ latest entry through the award of multiple offshore exploration blocks.

Institutional and financing developments were also a key point of discussion, particularly reforms within the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization and progress toward the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank. The Minister provided assurances that efforts to operationalize the bank are advancing, with work ongoing to ensure it becomes fully functional and able to drive greater participation from both public and private sector stakeholders. The initiative was underscored as a priority mechanism to expand access to capital for African energy projects and strengthen long-term upstream development across the continent.

“What we are seeing in Ivory Coast is not incremental progress – it is a clear acceleration of upstream momentum. With major projects advancing, new exploration entering the market, and financing frameworks taking shape, the country is positioning itself as one of Africa’s most compelling energy investment destinations,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

The Chamber also held discussions with Africa Global Logistics (AGL), where leadership highlighted the company’s expanding role as a key logistics and infrastructure partner supporting Ivory Coast’s oil and gas sector. AGL has increasingly positioned itself as a central enabler of upstream activity, providing logistics, transport and operational support to major exploration companies including Eni, Murphy Oil and CNR International. The company is also investing in new logistics infrastructure in the country, reinforcing Ivory Coast’s emergence as a regional hub for energy supply chain services while improving efficiency and cost competitiveness for operators across the sector.

Further engagements included GES-Petrogaz, a local oil and gas services association, focused on strengthening the participation of domestic service providers in the energy value chain, improving the enabling environment for local companies and expanding skills development and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Discussions were also held with Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), where plans to expand refining capacity were outlined alongside efforts to enhance national energy security and support the production of lower-carbon fuels as part of Ivory Coast’s broader industrial development strategy.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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June 17, 2026

Africa Finance Corporation and Leading Italian Institutions Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreements at AFC-Italy Forum to Mobilise Capital and Accelerate Industrial Development Across Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today signed a series of strategic cooperation agreements with leading Italian partners at the AFC–Italy Business Forum in Rome, marking a significant step in translating Italy–Africa cooperation into bankable projects, scalable financing solutions and long-term industrial partnerships across Africa.

The forum brought together senior representatives from government, including Deputy Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, and Director General of the Treasury, Riccardo Barbieri Hermitte, development finance institutions, industry, investors and project sponsors to strengthen Africa–Italy cooperation and advance the objectives of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa. As part of the strategic forum’s key outcomes, several agreements were signed with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), SACE, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo and IMAGRO S.p.A., to establish a framework for enhanced collaboration across infrastructure financing, export credit support, project preparation, industrial procurement, business matchmaking and private sector participation in AFC-supported projects throughout Africa.

The partnerships align with the objectives of Italy’s Mattei Plan and bring together AFC’s infrastructure development mandate, African project pipeline and risk-mitigation capabilities with Italy’s development finance, export credit instruments, industrial networks and private sector capabilities. Together, the institutions will work to mobilise capital and accelerate investment across key sectors including power and renewable energy, transport and logistics, critical minerals, natural resources, heavy industry, manufacturing, technology-enabled infrastructure and regional trade corridors.

The agreements build on a growing partnership between AFC and Italian institutions. Over the last few years, CDP has provided facilities totalling EUR400M to AFC, including a EUR250 million loan in 2025, supported by an 80% guarantee from SACE. These transactions reinforce the institutions’ confidence in AFC’s ability to deliver high-impact infrastructure projects across the continent, with particular focus on the Lobito Corridor. The new cooperation frameworks expand that relationship beyond traditional development cooperation to commercially viable infrastructure and industrial projects that can deliver long-term economic competitiveness, supply chain resilience and shared prosperity.

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, said, “The AFC–Italy Business Forum was established to move beyond dialogue and create practical pathways for investment and industrial cooperation between Africa and Italy, and the agreements signed today demonstrate that commitment in action. By combining AFC’s project development expertise and investment pipeline with Italy’s financial, industrial and technological strengths, we are creating the partnerships needed to mobilise capital, reduce investment risk and accelerate industrial development across Africa. These collaborations will help transform opportunities into bankable projects that strengthen value chains, create jobs and support sustainable economic growth across the continent.”

Lorenzo Ortona, National Deputy Coordinator of the Mattei Plan, said “The Mattei Plan was created to build an equal partnership with African countries, grounded in concrete projects and shared benefits. Our collaboration with Africa Finance Corporation fully embodies this spirit: over these years, AFC has proven to be a reliable and capable partner, able to translate the Plan’s ambitions into bankable initiatives and real investments that benefit both African economies and the Italian system. I wish to thank AFC for the work we have accomplished together, which has made it possible to mobilise capital, share risk and open new opportunities for Italian companies along strategic value chains – from infrastructure to energy, from critical raw materials to trade corridors. The agreements signed today consolidate a journey already underway and strengthen the economic ties between Italy and the African continent. I am confident that this synergy between the Italian system and AFC can only continue to grow, generating investment, employment and shared prosperity on both shores of the Mediterranean.”

Under the agreement with CDP, AFC and Italy’s development finance institution will explore opportunities for co-financing strategic projects, future funding arrangements, project preparation initiatives and collaboration with both African and Italian enterprises. The partnership will also support the identification and development of bankable projects across priority sectors including infrastructure, energy, water, environmental protection, natural resources, agriculture, food security and manufacturing.

Giovanni Gorno Tempini, President of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, said: “The agreements signed today mark a significant step in advancing a new phase of partnership between Italy and Africa, reflecting a broader shift introduced by the Mattei Plan towards long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation based on shared priorities and industrial development. As Italy’s National Promotional Institution and Development Finance Institution, CDP plays a central role in delivering this vision, mobilising financial resources and instruments to support transformative investment programmes across the continent. By renewing the partnership with Africa Finance Corporation, we are strengthening our capacity to co-develop projects, expand co-financing opportunities and connect African and Italian enterprises from an early stage, helping to make investments more robust, bankable and attractive to private capital, and ultimately contributing to sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

The cooperation framework with SACE, Italy’s export credit agency, will focus on leveraging guarantees, credit enhancement tools, export credit support and risk-sharing mechanisms to crowd in investment and facilitate greater participation by Italian companies in African infrastructure and industrial projects.

Michele Pignotti, CEO of SACE, said: “SACE is the leading Export Credit Agency per new Commitments in Africa, with over 6.4 billion mobilised across the continent since the launch of the Mattei Plan for Africa. Partnering with AFC is fundamental to unlock the full potential of Italy-Africa trade & investments. Together, we aim to facilitate the participation of Italian companies in the continent’s most strategic projects, spanning transport corridors, energy infrastructure, industrial development and critical raw materials value chains. Our agreement creates a framework that allows us to identify opportunities in advance, mobilise capital more effectively and generate stronger synergies between our respective instruments and capabilities.”

AFC also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, the organisation that supports the internationalisation of Italian companies in Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. The agreement will strengthen engagement between African project sponsors and Italian businesses through business missions, investment promotion activities, matchmaking initiatives, conferences and knowledge-sharing platforms designed to increase private sector participation in AFC projects.

Enrico Maria Bagnasco, President of Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, said: ”The collaboration with Africa Finance Corporation is an opportunity to support a stronger and more effective Italian presence in Africa. The Memorandum of Understanding we signed today with AFC is an important step in this direction. It gives our cooperation a more structured basis and can help strengthen the link between AFC and Italian industry, opening new project opportunities and supporting the involvement of Italian companies in Africa’s infrastructure development.”

As AFC continues to expand its network of strategic partnerships with development finance institutions, export credit agencies and industrial stakeholders around the world, the Corporation remains committed to mobilising the capital, expertise and partnerships required to build resilient infrastructure, advance industrialisation and unlock Africa’s long-term economic potential.

– on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Nineteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

www.AfricaFC.org

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June 17, 2026

Qatar Reaffirms Human Dignity as a Fundamental Principle of Its Health Policies

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, June 17, 2026

The State of Qatar affirmed that safeguarding human dignity constitutes a fundamental principle of its health policies, based on its firm belief that the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is a right guaranteed to everyone without discrimination.
This came in the statement of the State of Qatar delivered on Wednesday by Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Hamad Mohammed Al Suwaidi, during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to health, as part of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council being held in Geneva.
In its statement, the State of Qatar stressed its continued efforts to develop a comprehensive, people-centered healthcare system that ensures access to high-quality health services while respecting privacy, autonomy, informed consent, and equality in access to healthcare.
Al Suwaidi noted that the State of Qatar attaches special importance to the underlying determinants of health, including social, economic, and environmental factors, and works to strengthen social protection and improve quality of life in a manner that positively reflects on the health of all members of society.
He explained that the Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities Charter, adopted by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, sets out a comprehensive framework for healthcare that guarantees patients access to safe, high-quality care without discrimination, while preserving their dignity and privacy.
He also noted that the charter obliges patients to cooperate with medical staff and respect the regulations of healthcare facilities.
He reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to cooperating with the international community to promote the right to health and safeguard human dignity, ensuring that no one is left behind.

June 17, 2026

Arab Coordination Group (ACG) and Côte d’Ivoire Advance Investment Opportunities Under the National Development Plan 2026–2030 at Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Annual Meetings in Baku

Source: APO – Report:

The Government of Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (https://TheACG.org), successfully hosted a high-level Investment Forum on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in Baku, Azerbaijan, to showcase investment opportunities under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030 and strengthen strategic partnerships for its implementation.

The forum brought together representatives of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds, private investors, and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities across key sectors of the Ivorian economy and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.

The event highlighted the strong and longstanding partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and the Arab Coordination Group, whose member institutions currently support a development portfolio of nearly USD 4 billion in the country. Through financing, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, ACG institutions have played a significant role in supporting infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transport, and social development projects that contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic transformation.

During the forum, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire presented the priorities and investment opportunities under the National Development Plan 2026–2030, which aims to accelerate economic transformation and position the country as an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. The Plan requires investments estimated at approximately USD 209 billion, with more than 70 percent expected to be mobilized from the private sector.

Participants were introduced to a pipeline of priority public, private, and public-private partnership (PPP) projects and engaged in discussions on financing opportunities, strategic partnerships, and investment facilitation mechanisms to support the successful implementation of the Plan.

The forum provided an important platform for dialogue between the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, Arab development partners, and the private sector, reinforcing investor confidence and strengthening cooperation to advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The successful event reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s position as one of West Africa’s leading investment destinations and underscored the commitment of the Arab Coordination Group and its partners to supporting the country’s long-term development ambitions.

– on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

Media files

June 17, 2026

Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Turkic Investment Fund Sign USD 50 Million Islamic Co-Financing Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Development

Source: APO – Report:

ICD and the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) signed a USD 50 million Managed Islamic Co-Financing Program (MICFP) on 17 June 2026 in Baku during the Private Sector Forum.
Under a Framework Agreement, ICD will act as agent to manage Shariah-compliant financing opportunities in Central Asian and Turkic member countries.
TIF’s USD 50 million will support SMEs and private sector businesses in markets with limited access to long-term Islamic development finance.
This first ICD–TIF partnership establishes TIF as an anchor institutional partner in ICD’s capital mobilization platform.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org) and the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) signed a USD 50 million Managed Islamic Co-Financing Program (MICFP) on the margins of the IsDB Group Annual Meeting Private Sector Forum in Baku.

Under the Framework Agreement, ICD will act as managing agent to source, structure, and deploy Shariah-compliant financing across its LOF pipeline in Turkic and Central Asian member countries, with TIF committing USD 50 million over 2026–2028.

The MICFP advances ICD’s strategy to attract institutional investors, such as development funds, sovereign funds, commercial banks, pension funds, and takaful providers, to co-invest alongside ICD. The framework gives TIF access to a diversified portfolio of Shariah-compliant transactions in markets where ICD has deep operational expertise.

The program aims to expand long-term Islamic financing for SMEs and private sector businesses across Central Asia and Turkic regions, driving inclusive growth, employment, and financial access in underserved markets. TIF becomes an anchor institutional partner within ICD’s capital mobilization platform.

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

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About the Turkic Investment Fund:
The Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) is the first dedicated international financial institution jointly established by the Turkic states, focusing on fostering economic cooperation, increasing intra-regional trade, and sustainable development across the Turkic world. Established by an agreement signed at the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara on March 16, 2023, TIF operates with a total authorized capital of USD 600 million and currently comprises six member states — Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. Headquartered in Istanbul, the Fund’s mission is to enhance economic cooperation, boost intra-regional trade, and support sustainable development across the Turkic world. Having transitioned from its establishment phase to full operationalization in early 2026, TIF has begun conducting initial discussions with regional and international financial institutions to lay the groundwork for co-financing partnerships, positioning it as a key multilateral platform for channeling capital into high-impact, cross-border projects across the Turkic region. For more information, visit https://TurkicFund.org/.

Media files

June 17, 2026

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 17, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Antonio Tajani.

During the call, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them. They also discussed the latest regional developments, particularly the agreement reached between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.

During the conversation, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s full support for all efforts and good offices aimed at promoting regional security and stability and achieving sustainable solutions to outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means, in line with the principles of international law and good neighborliness and contribute to opening new horizons for cooperation, development and prosperity while advancing the shared interests of the peoples of the region and the world.