This collaboration is designed to strengthen trade and investment ties between the Arab and African regions, fostering economic integration and mutual growth

ALGIERS, Algeria, December 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-compliant multilateral insurer and a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group has entered into a Service Agreement with the Islamic International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), Jef Vincent, and ActorX GmbH to create a three-year business plan for the proposed Africa-Arab Guarantee Fund (AAGF). This collaboration is designed to strengthen trade and investment ties between the Arab and African regions, fostering economic integration and mutual growth. 

The agreement was finalized virtually in the last week of November. Mourad Mizouri, AMAN Union Project Manager and speaker during Session 4 of the 14th AMAN Union Annual General Meeting, announced the agreement during a session focused on unlocking trade opportunities between Arab and African regions, underscoring its strategic importance.

As the Coordinator of the Arab-Africa Guarantee Fund, ICIEC is joining forces with ITFC, which represents the Secretariat of the Arab-Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program. Together with Jef Vincent and ActorX GmbH, ICIEC aims to provide a clear roadmap for the establishment and operationalization of the Fund. The initiative will include comprehensive market analysis, consultations with stakeholders, and strategic recommendations to ensure that the Fund operates efficiently and sustainably. 

This agreement underscores ICIEC’s commitment to facilitating sustainable economic growth and fostering stronger trade and investment linkages between Arab and African countries

The Africa-Arab Guarantee Fund is positioned as a transformative initiative under the AATB Program, aiming to close critical gaps in trade and investment facilitation between the two regions. By delivering innovative guarantee solutions, the Fund is expected to empower businesses and investors and significantly enhance economic opportunities across Arab and African nations. 

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Officer-in-Charge of ICIEC, said: 
“This agreement underscores ICIEC’s commitment to facilitating sustainable economic growth and fostering stronger trade and investment linkages between Arab and African countries. The Africa-Arab Guarantee Fund has the potential to transform trade and investment landscapes in both regions, and this collaboration is a crucial step toward realizing its full potential.”

As a leading multilateral institution providing Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance solutions, ICIEC’s role in this collaboration aligns closely with its mandate to promote trade and investment in Member Countries.    

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

Mr. Van der Merwe’s appointment reinforces CLG’s commitment to providing impactful and innovative legal solutions across Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

A distinguished Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with over 12 years of legal expertise, specializing in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Litigation and Regulatory Compliance Leon Van der Merwe has joined pan-African legal and advisory group CLG (www.CLGGlobal.com) as a Partner.

A distinguished Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Van der Merwe brings over 12 years of experience in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Litigation and Regulatory Compliance. His areas of specialization include Contract Law, General and Commercial Litigation, Insolvency, Compliance, Property Law, Regulatory Law, Competition Law, Company Law and Risk Management.

His leadership and passion will be invaluable as we continue to grow together and build Africa’s largest professional service firm

Throughout his career, Van der Merwe has provided strategic counsel to national and international corporations, as well as African Governments, across various industries such as forestry, mining, construction, engineering, and retail. He holds an LLB Degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria.

“Leon’s promotion to Partner is a reflection not only of his exceptional professional skill but also of the trust he has earned from our clients, colleagues, and partners. His dedication and hard work are unmatched, and he exemplifies the core values that define CLG,” said Zion Adeoye, CEO and Managing Partner of CLG. “I am thrilled to welcome him as Partner and look forward to seeing his leadership continue to shape our journey. His elevation is more than deserved, and I know he will bring even greater value to our firm and our clients in this role.”

Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, CLG Deputy Managing Partner, added, “It gives me great joy to welcome my friend and colleague into the partnership at CLG. His dedication to the firm and unwavering commitment to our clients have been the bedrock of his practice, and I couldn’t be more excited to see him take on this well-deserved role. His leadership and passion will be invaluable as we continue to grow together and build Africa’s largest professional service firm.”

Mr. Van der Merwe’s appointment reinforces CLG’s commitment to providing impactful and innovative legal solutions across Africa. His expertise will enhance the firm’s service offerings, further solidifying its position as a leading pan-African legal and advisory group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

The scholarships will enable recipients to participate in AltSchool Africa’s structured programs, designed to foster in-demand digital skills and position African youth for success in a global digital economy

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Binance (www.Binance.com), a global leader in cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a partnership with AltSchool Africa to provide full-tuition scholarships to 500 young Africans. Kicking off in January 2025 to 31 December, this collaboration is aimed at addressing the digital skills gap in Africa by offering access to specialised education in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, sales and content creation, empowering learners with skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

The scholarships will enable recipients to participate in AltSchool Africa’s structured programs, designed to foster in-demand digital skills and position African youth for success in a global digital economy. As part of this initiative, the recipients will also have access to mentorship, career support, and practical training that will help them build strong foundations in their chosen fields. Click here (https://apo-opa.co/3CYnEt0) to register for the scholarship*.

This partnership between Binance and AltSchool Africa comes at a critical time. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) (http://apo-opa.co/3ZCKMWX), by 2030, 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, yet only 2% of the workforce currently possesses them. By offering these scholarships, Binance and AltSchool Africa aim to close this gap and equip young Africans with the expertise needed for the future digital economy .

Through this partnership with AltSchool Africa, we are excited to provide opportunities that will help shape the future of many young students across the continent

“Through this partnership with AltSchool Africa, we are excited to provide opportunities that will help shape the future of many young students across the continent,” said Samantha Fuller, Spokeswoman  for Binance. “Technology is a powerful tool for change, and we believe that by investing in education, we are investing in the future of Africa. Our goal is to empower students to become innovators and leaders in the tech space.”

Binance’s scholarship initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting educational programs across Africa, helping young people gain the skills necessary to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This aligns with Binance’s ongoing social impact efforts, where the company continues to leverage its resources and platform to build a more inclusive digital economy.

AltSchool Africa, an education platform tailored to developing digital skills across Africa, is proud to collaborate with Binance on this initiative. “With this partnership, we are able to reach more young Africans passionate about building a career in the digital economy, offering them a variety of our diploma programs and short courses,” said Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Global Operations, AltSchool Africa. ”We laud Binance for this incredible initiative which will positively impact the lives of hundreds of Africans across the continent.”

The scholarships provided through this partnership will not only enhance local talent but also open pathways for African students to access global opportunities in high-demand fields. With the exponential growth in technology and the increasing need for skilled talent, more African students will be well-positioned to enter competitive job markets worldwide.

*This program is only eligible to certain countries within Africa. Terms and conditions apply (https://apo-opa.co/3CYnEt0)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.