MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

We are living through the most delicate period for global stability since the end of the Second World War. The echo of the drums of war is part of our daily lives, and we risk becoming numb to the images of destruction and death. 

TRUST Sport survives, but it also needs injections of trust, because it risks falling into the hands of organizations that know neither dignity nor honesty. It is precisely during these dark times that illegal betting and doping thrive, exploiting the contradictions of a sporting world that is often still culturally unprepared. 

DUTY Our task, as sports journalists, is to delve into all issues and monitor the behavior of those who manage top-level sport to prevent them from taking positions contrary to the fundamental principles of transparent and educational sport.

ENHANCED GAMES The “Enhanced Games” are expected to launch in June, although it’s not yet entirely certain. These games are where anything is possible with the blessing of magic pills, which can transform a bank clerk into a world champion, as rich as Scrooge McDuck, in just a few months. These pharmacy-based games, which also promise an elixir of long life, are the perfect calling card for those who want to get their hands on sports to make money gambling with the health of others. This isn’t about being overly conservative and even a little old-fashioned; rather, we need to defend educational values, which are also the foundation of civil society. 

AI Our “enhancement” could be Artificial Intelligence, which should improve our lives as journalists, but it’s not yet entirely clear how. Like pills, AI, taken in controlled doses, can be extremely useful, while left unchecked, it can create serious problems. We must defend accurate, human information, not just artificially generated information, because otherwise we will end up in the hands of unscrupulous operators, masters of creating artificial truths. And we will all become characters in a fictional story… 

THE ROLE We are also establishing the role of Content Creators, so we are on the right track. If all wars end, sport will have the role of recreating meeting points for young people, and this will be a crucial moment, where our profession can help reopen constructive dialogue

– on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Source: APO

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• USD 20 million medium-term Islamic finance facility to expand non-woven fabrics production capacity through advanced Spunlace equipment.
• API is Jordan’s leading non-woven fabrics manufacturer, producing essential materials for personal hygiene products, healthcare PPE including gowns and face masks, and agricultural applications.
• The expansion aims to create substantial employment opportunities, strengthening Jordan’s industrial competitiveness and economic diversification.
• Supports UN SDGs including Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry and Innovation, and Partnerships for the Goals.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has recently extended USD 20 million medium-term Islamic finance facility to Applied Plastic Industries Company (API), the leading manufacturer of non-woven fabrics in Jordan. The facility will finance capital expenditure for advanced Spunlace equipment, enabling API to establish a new production line and expand its manufacturing capacity.

The financing will enable API to acquire cutting-edge Spunlace technology, enhancing production efficiency and product diversification. This investment supports Jordan’s manufacturing sector modernization while contributing to the country’s broader economic development objectives through sustainable industrial growth.

Commenting on the financing, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, stated: “This financing facility exemplifies ICD’s strategic commitment to advancing industrial development across our member countries. By partnering with Applied Plastic Industries, we are making a targeted investment in Jordan’s manufacturing value chain that aligns with the nation’s economic diversification objectives. This transaction demonstrates the powerful role of Shariah-compliant finance as a catalyst for private sector expansion, job creation, and inclusive economic development. The expansion of API’s production capacity will strengthen Jordan’s competitive position in regional non-woven fabrics markets while creating meaningful employment opportunities that directly contribute to sustainable development.”

Mr. Radwan Khattab, General Manager of Applied Plastic Industries Company, said: “We are honored to partner with ICD, a globally respected development finance institution that shares our vision for sustainable industrial growth. This financing facility represents a transformational milestone for API, enabling us to acquire state-of-the-art Spunlace technology that will enhance our production capabilities and product quality. The investment will not only expand our market reach regionally but will also create substantial employment opportunities for Jordanian professionals and skilled workers. We are committed to contributing to Jordan’s economic development agenda and are confident that this partnership with ICD will strengthen our position as a leading manufacturer in the Middle East’s non-woven sector.”

This initiative advances ICD’s mission to foster sustainable economic development in its member countries. By channeling capital into Jordan’s manufacturing sector, the project aims to create substantial employment opportunities, enhance industrial competitiveness, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The expansion project aligns strategically with Jordan’s national objectives of fostering economic growth, creating quality employment opportunities, and advancing the nation’s vision of becoming a sustainable and competitive regional economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For Media Inquiries:
Nabil El-Alami
Communications & Corporate Marketing Division Manager
Email: nalami@isdb.org

Follow ICD on:
X (formerly Twitter) @ icd_ps
LinkedIn @ icdps
Facebook @ icdps
YouTube @ icdps

About Applied Plastic Industries Company (API):
Applied Plastic Industries Company (API), established in 2019, is a prominent manufacturing entity in Jordan and a significant player in the Middle East’s non-woven sector. The company produces non-woven fabrics, calcium carbonate, masterbatch, disposable medical clothing, and non-woven reusable bags, leveraging its 540,000 tons annual capacity operated with state-of-the-art German machinery. Known for consistent growth and profitability, API employs 500 individuals and maintains a strong commitment to ongoing human resource development.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (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, reflecting its solid financial standing and commitment to sustainable development.

For more information, visit www.ICD-ps.org

Source: APO

APO Group  (www.APO-opa.com) is hiring an Executive Assistant to the Founder and Chairman (fully remote).

APO Group is seeking a highly organised, discreet, and exceptionally reliable Executive Assistant to support its Founder and Chairman (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com). This is a position of absolute trust, requiring sound judgement, maturity, and the ability to operate seamlessly across both professional and personal matters.

The role is fully remote, but demands very high availability, flexibility, and a strong commitment beyond standard working hours, reflecting the Founder’s international schedule and responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the Founder’s calendar, priorities, and scheduling with absolute discretion
• Coordinating meetings, calls, and travel across multiple countries and time zones
• Acting as a trusted point of coordination between the Founder and internal and external stakeholders
• Preparing briefs, documents, correspondence, and follow-up notes
• Ensuring continuity, organisation, and execution across ongoing priorities
• Handling selected personal and family-related matters with sensitivity, confidentiality, and efficiency
• Managing sensitive information with the highest level of discretion

Working Conditions & Availability

This role requires:

• Significant availability, including evenings, weekends, and short-notice requests when necessary
• Comfort operating in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment
• A mindset oriented towards ownership, responsiveness, and reliability

This position is best suited to someone who views availability and discretion as core aspects of the role, not exceptions.

Profile Sought

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or in a comparable senior support role
• Exceptional organisational, communication, and prioritisation skills
• High level of autonomy, accountability, and sound judgement
• Strong attention to detail and anticipation of needs
• Comfortable working remotely and independently
• Fluent English required; additional languages are an asset

Compensation & Status

• EUR 3,000 gross per month (approximately £2,600)
• Paid directly by the company

Please note:
The selected candidate will be required to register as a freelancer (self-employed) or under an equivalent independent status in her country of residence and will be responsible for managing her own local taxes and social contributions.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by 15 January 2026 using the following form: https://apo-opa.co/49ndoa9

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Jobs.

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. The company specialises in elevating the reputation of organisations across Africa by combining deep-rooted African expertise with a global perspective.

Recognised for excellence and innovation, APO Group works with a prestigious portfolio of clients including Emirates, Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, UNDP, WHO and Coca-Cola. With teams operating across multiple African countries, the Group offers unmatched insight, reach and influence, with a clear mission: reshaping narratives about Africa and bringing inspiring African stories to a global audience.

Source: APO

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, President Adama Barrow has unveiled a  plaque renaming the University of Gambia’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Services as Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Services. The historic occasion recognized and immortalized Adesina’s name, leadership, contributions to Africa, and his visionary role in the transformation of agriculture and food security on the continent.

Adesina, whose tenure as President of the African Development Bank Group (2015 to 2025),  was marked by strategic development gains across the continent, pioneered a transformative High 5 program to Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialize Africa and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa. According to the Bank’s data, the program impacted on the lives of over 535 million people. 

Under his  leadership, the African Development Bank’s capital rose from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest in the history of the Bank. The institution won several  global accolades including the most transparent financial institution in the world, and best multilateral development bank in the world, while maintaining  its AAA  credit rating by global credit rating agencies.

Under Adesina’s leadership, the African Development Bank launched the Feed Africa strategy to transform agricultural sector and food production, which provided food security for over 104 million people. 

In The Gambia, fulfilling a decades old dream since independence in the 60s, the Bank under Adesina’s leadership financed a now iconic and historic landmark bridge connecting The Gambia and Senegal. The new bridge seamlessly cuts travel time between both countries by hours and  boosts trade and regional integration.

The decision of the Government of The Gambia and the University of The Gambia was communicated in a letter dated 27th November 2025 by the Honorable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, who said, “Your tenure as President of the African Development Bank has been transformative, driving economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development across Africa. Your leadership in launching the Feed Africa Strategy and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative has revolutionized agricultural productivity and food security, empowering millions of smallholder farmers and enhancing climate resilience.

The citation adds, “Beyond your tenure at the African Development Bank, your pioneering reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture laid a foundation for modernizing the agricultural sector, boosting food production, and creating economic opportunities. Your tireless advocacy for leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for industrialization, job creation, and youth empowerment continues to inspire policies across the continent.”

Recognizing Adesina’s exceptional leadership, and his belief in the transformative power of Africa talent and ingenuity, the University said, “By naming our School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in your honor, we seek to immortalize your legacy and inspire our students to emulate your vision, determination, and passion for Africa’s development This decision reflects our profound appreciation for your exceptional leadership and enduring belief in the transformative power of African talent and ingenuity”. 

In a  letter of appreciation to President Barrow, Adesina said 

“It is with great humility and a deep sense of gratitude that I write this letter to express to you my immense appreciation of the exceptional honor you have conferred on me , with the renaming of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of The Gambia as “Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. It is a rare honor which immortalizes my name in recognition of my leadership in supporting the transformation of agriculture in Africa. It is an exceptional honor. I wish to convey to you, Your Excellency, my most profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for this exceptional honor. I look forward to visiting The Gambia soon to witness this monumental development which will remain ever green in my memory”.

Adesina also expressed his deep and appreciation gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Higher

Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor and the Dean of the School of Agriculture, of University of The Gambia.

 In 2023, President Adama Barrow awarded Dr. Akinwumi Adesina the country’s  highest national honor,  the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic in recognition of his leadership and immense contributions to The Gambia and Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

Contact:
Dr. Victor Oladokun
+1 202 733 0826