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IsDB Group Private Sector Institutions organize the 10th edition of the Private Sector Forum

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4 years ago

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IsDB-Group

The Forum’s sessions included discussions on the activities, roles, and support provided to member countries

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, June 6, 2022/APO Group/ — 

The private sector institutions affiliated with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org) organized: “The Private Sector Forum” in its tenth edition, during the period from 2-4 June 2022, at the main conference hall in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The Forum occurred on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the Bank’s Board of Governors, under the theme: “Beyond Recovery: Resilience and Sustainability”.

It is worth noting that the Forum highlighted the activities of the Bank Group, in addition to its services and initiatives in the member countries, including the Arab Republic of Egypt. It also explored the investment and business opportunities and challenges facing the business sector in the member countries, as well as the available financing tools, such as Lines of finance, trade financing and development, and investment insurance, and finally export credit.  

Moreover, this event, with its list of activities, presented various economic topics and development projects. The Forum’s program included holding bilateral meetings (B2B and B2G) with the aim of networking, forming partnerships, establishing business relations, exchanging experiences, and presenting success stories.

This Forum witnessed the presence and participation of senior government officials, presidents and CEOs of local, regional, and international private sector companies, along with investors, businessmen, chambers of commerce and industry, trade, and investment promotion agencies, as well as regional and international development financial institutions.

The Forum’s sessions included discussions on the activities, roles, and support provided to member countries. The Forum also addressed issues related to private sector development and trade finance, and the challenges of investment insurance and export credit, with the aim of further encouraging economic and social development among member countries.

During the sessions, the main challenges that hinder the business community and the concerned trade and investment bodies in the Arab region and other member countries were discussed by fostering an environment that allows the parties to take advantage of the available opportunities.

His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the IsDB Group, said: “The Private Sector Forum of the Islamic Development Bank Group in its tenth edition, was held this year in a new form over three consecutive days instead of one day, like what used to happen in the past. The Forum has achieved its objectives and desired outcome during its economic, investment, and business activities and seminars, with the aim of integrating the public and private sectors, which both constitute a basic pillar for economic and social development in our member countries. The public sector is responsible for developing the infrastructure and legislation to create an attractive business climate for the private sector, to be able to develop the production and create job opportunities.”

Creating an enabling environment and putting in place appropriate safeguards that need to accompany increased private sector engagement in often sensitive sectors is crucial

His Excellency thanked the attendees for participating in the Forum, which included 20 activities, more than 100 speakers, 55 exhibitors, and 2000 participants representing 70 countries. It also witnessed the signing of more than 50 agreements.

During her speech, Dr. Hala El Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development of the Arab Republic of Egypt, expressed her pride in hosting the IsDB’s Annual Meetings by her country for the first time in 30 years, stressing that the goal of the “Private Sector Forum” is to support all development efforts of the private sector in member countries.

El Saeed pointed to the challenges that the world faces, resulting from various global turbulences, pointing to COVID-19’s crisis, then the repercussions of the geopolitical crisis and the Russian-Ukrainian war that occurred before the full recovery from the aforementioned pandemic, stressing that all of these repercussions greatly affect all countries of the world, which is the matter that requires cooperation to make more room for the private sector to participate in the development efforts.

In his opening speech, Mr. Ousama Kaissi, CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), stated: “The Private Sector Forum is an important platform for the Islamic Development Bank Group to engage with various stakeholders in different aspects. The pandemic and the Ukraine war have exposed dangerous fault lines, including supply chain disruptions, failed healthcare systems, resource scarcity, and the rising cost of living that has disproportionately affected millions, especially in low-income countries.”

He added: “We cannot overemphasize the importance of political risk insurance and credit enhancement, which have a proven track record of effectively reducing risk, thereby stimulating private investment in emerging markets through capital efficient bonds. The pressure on national budgets has severely limited the ability of governments to mobilize funds, and the need for the private sector’s capital is greater than ever, as our engagement with this sector must be realigned to include ever-changing development priorities so that we can deliver on our mandates to the citizens of our member countries.”

Commenting on the success of the Forum, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), said: “Supporting the private sector has become more important than ever and is moving towards a more flexible and sustainable economic development. In this context, ITFC truly appreciates this active participation of the private sector in the Private Sector Forum, during which an excellent platform to enhance the trade and investment opportunities was provided, which was offered by the OIC member countries. Therefore, it is very important that these new business opportunities be financed so that the private sector can operate as an economic catalyst to make a tangible and meaningful impact.”

Mr. Ayman Sejini, CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, mentioned: “Creating an enabling environment and putting in place appropriate safeguards that need to accompany increased private sector engagement in often sensitive sectors is crucial. A set of guiding principles can help overcome policy dilemmas associated with increased private sector engagement in SDG sectors. A number of tools, including public-private partnerships, investment insurance, blended financing and advance market commitments, can help improve the risk-return profile of SDG investment projects.”

For more information, kindly visit the Private Sector Forum website: (www.IsDBG-PSF.org)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

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Global advertising spend surges 11.9% to $1.34trn this year despite consumer caution

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14 hours ago

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October 8, 2026

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WARC

Social media is expected to record the strongest growth up 21.3% to $394.6bn
VOD (15.1%), retail media (14.3%), search (14.2%) and digital OOH (13.7%) are all set for double-digit increases
Technology and electronics (20.7%), travel and transport (19.3%) and automotive (17.8%) to be fastest growing product categories
Ad spend growth in 2027 expected to moderate (8.4%) to $1.46trn

WARC Media Global Ad Spend Forecast Q3 2026 update

8 October 2026 – Global ad spend is forecast to grow 11.9% to $1.34trn in 2026, according to the latest data from WARC Media. This comes on the back of strong 10.0% growth in 2024 and 2025.

 




 
 

Advertising investment continues to grow despite consumer pressure and geopolitical uncertainty, fueled by significant corporate AI investment and major events including the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and US mid-term elections. While the economy has remained resilient to date, further escalations of global tensions pose potential downside risks.

Suzy Young, Head of WARC Media Data, says: “These are unusual times for advertising. Investment is accelerating even as many consumers face cost-of-living pressures and become more cautious with spending. This apparent contradiction reflects an increasingly uneven economy, where growth – particularly from the AI boom – is benefiting some companies, sectors and consumers more than others.”

Performance priority

Social media, search and retail media are three of the biggest channels for ad investment. Altogether they are expected to account for 66.4% of total global ad spend in 2026, rising to 70.0% in 2028.

Social media is set to register the strongest growth in ad spend this year, up 21.3% to $394.6bn, and is on course to exceed $500bn in 2028. Video on-demand (15.1% to $48.4bn), retail media (14.3% to $202.1bn), search (14.2% to $295.7bn) and digital OOH (13.7% to $21.7bn) will also see double-digit increases this year. Performance channels, which can adapt quickly to changing conditions, continue to benefit as uncertainty becomes the new norm.

Technology and electronics is forecast to be the fastest growing product category this year, rising 20.7% compared with 2025, followed by travel and transport (19.3%) and automotive (17.8%). Social media is expected to account for 40.2% of all tech and electronics spend in 2026.

2027 and 2028 ad spend outlook

Ad spend growth is expected to moderate in 2027, rising 8.4% to $1.46trn, reflecting tougher comparables and a normalisation from the exceptionally strong growth seen in recent years.

In 2028, ad spend will increase by a further 7.9% to $1.57trn – putting the market on course to be 2.3 times larger than it was a decade ago in 2019.

New AI destinations emerge

AI is driving advertising growth from multiple angles. New tech businesses are investing to acquire customers and build brands, while established companies spend heavily to compete in an increasingly crowded market. Simultaneously, AI tools are enhancing targeting, asset creation, and campaign optimisation – boosting ROI and fueling further investment.

AI is also opening new destinations for advertising. As generative search and AI assistants become gateways to product discovery and purchasing, ad dollars will follow – fundamentally reshaping where consumers encounter brands and where advertisers invest.

AI fuels ad triopoly

Alphabet, Amazon and Meta are set to take a combined market share of 59.7% of global ad spend (excluding China) this year – equivalent to $659.6bn. This is predicted to rise to 61.5%, or $804.1bn, in 2028.

Ad spend signals opportunity

Ad spend per capita vries dramatically across global markets. Developed economies like the US ($1395 per capita forecast for 2026), UK ($935), Austria ($850), and Switzerland ($825) show significantly higher advertising intensity, while China ($170), Brazil ($110), and India ($13) combine lower per-capita spending with massive consumer populations – highlighting substantial growth potential as these emerging markets mature.

WARC Media subscribers can read WARC’s global ad spend Q3 2026 update report in full.
 




 

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Investors Back Platinum Credit Uganda: First Tranche Subscribed Nearly 2.5 Times

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15 hours ago

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October 8, 2026

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The tranche is the first issuance under a UGX 70 billion Medium Term Note programme approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA)

KAMPALA, Uganda, October 7, 2026/APO Group/ –Platinum Credit Uganda this week listed its Medium Term Notes on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), after investors bid for almost two and a half times the amount on offer in the first tranche.

 




  

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/4rUcD15

Ugandan investors have given Platinum Uganda a strong vote of confidence

The first tranche of the private placement, with a base quantum of UGX 20 billion with a greenshoe option of UGX 10 billion, closed at a subscription rate of 246%, with investors applying for more than UGX 49 billion. Given the strong demand, Platinum Credit exercised the greenshoe option, and UGX 30 billion of notes was accepted. The tranche is the first issuance under a UGX 70 billion Medium Term Note programme approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). The programme also includes a greenshoe option of UGX 30 billion, which takes the full programme to UGX 100 billion.

Investors could choose between three-, five- and eight-year notes, with interest paid quarterly. The notes were issued on 30 September 2026.

The company plans to use the new funding to grow its lending to the individuals and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) it already serves. At the end of 2025, Platinum Credit Uganda had over 30,000 active clients across Uganda. In the same year, small and medium businesses received more than UGX 71 billion in loans, helping them keep their cash flow steady and their operations running. In 2026, the company aims to put a further UGX 10 billion into Ugandan small businesses, prioritising those led by women and young people, and to expand its lending to smallholder dairy farmers.

Albert Abaasa, Managing Director of Platinum Credit Uganda, said: “We invited bids for UGX 20 billion and investors offered us nearly UGX 50 billion, which allowed us to exercise our greenshoe option and raise UGX 30 billion. That is a clear sign of trust in how we run this business and in where we are taking it. These funds will help us reach more customers across Uganda, and listing on the USE gives investors an opportunity to back a business that is expanding access to finance.”

Brett Sievwright, Chief Executive Officer of Platcorp Group, said: “Ugandan investors have given Platinum Uganda a strong vote of confidence. Raising long-term funding locally, in shillings, means the business can lend in the same currency its customers trade in. The strength of demand shows clear investor confidence in Platinum Uganda’s growth story. We thank the Capital Markets Authority, the Uganda Securities Exchange and our partners for their work in bringing these notes to market.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Platcorp Group.

 

 




 

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All Roads Lead to Namibia: The 7th Canada-Africa Business Conference Returns to Windhoek, 2–4 February 2027

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18 hours ago

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October 8, 2026

By

Ateau Zola

The Conference is anticipated to be the largest event the Chamber has convened on the African continent in its 33-year history

TORONTO, Canada, October 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.CanadaAfrica.ca) is pleased to announce that the 7th Canada-Africa Business Conference will take place in Windhoek, Namibia, from 2–4 February 2027, under the headline sponsorship of B2Gold. The program opens with a site visit to B2Gold’s Otjikoto operations on 2–3 February, followed by a full conference day on Thursday, 4 February — in the days immediately preceding the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. The Conference is anticipated to be the largest event the Chamber has convened on the African continent in its 33-year history.

 




  

During Africa Accelerating 2026, held in Toronto, a point was made that echoed throughout the program: all roads lead to Namibia for the next Canada-Africa Business Conference. “We are so delighted to be returning to Windhoek, and to be doing so with partners who continue to demonstrate what Canada-Africa collaboration can achieve,” said Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

“Last year we welcomed over 50 Canadian company representatives among the hundreds of delegates – we’ve now doubled capacity for the next event, based on demand,” explained Bloor during the Africa Accelerating conference underway in Toronto this year.

Otjikoto has shown what is possible when a Canadian company and a Namibian community build together over the long term, in a country that is a gateway to the African continent

In remarks to the previous Canada-Africa Business Conference in Windhoek, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, recognized the Chamber “for convening leaders from across Canada and Africa” — commending its role in advancing investment, trade and partnership, and in connecting businesses and institutions to drive practical collaboration and shared growth.

“B2Gold is proud to support the Chamber’s largest event on African soil in its 33-year history, and proud that it is taking place in Namibia,” said John Roos, Managing Director of B2Gold Namibia. “Otjikoto has shown what is possible when a Canadian company and a Namibian community build together over the long term, in a country that is a gateway to the African continent. Welcoming business leaders to the mining operations, and to the investments in other sectors that have grown up around them, alongside the launch of the B2Gold Foundation in Windhoek, is our way of inviting others to see that partnership for themselves — and to consider what they might build here.”

Africa Accelerating, the Chamber’s flagship conference taking place in Canada this week, also featured a keynote address by Neil Reeder, Vice President, Government Relations at B2Gold, underscoring how vital B2Gold’s work is as a model for Canada-Africa trade and investment — and for deeper engagement between Canada and African markets.

Individuals who wish to find out more may visit the conference page here (https://apo-opa.co/4zjUsEH).

Registrants who wish to indicate their interest in joining the event may do so here (https://apo-opa.co/4hwRBlL).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

 




 

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