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Afreximbank and Zep-Re launch the Trans-Africa Bond Alliance (TABA)

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11 months ago

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Afreximbank

The alliance will harmonize trade practices and introduce a standardised framework that ensures secure, predictable, and efficient trade movement

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 28, 2025/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and Zep-Re (PTA Reinsurance Company) today launched the Trans-Africa Bond Alliance (TABA), a transformative initiative, designed to bridge the insurance capacity gap and empower African contractors to secure more construction and procurement projects while boosting cross-border trade and enhancing the movement of goods and investment across Africa.

 

By providing robust transit guarantee mechanisms, the joint venture between Afreximbank and Zep-Re is expected to reduce trade barriers, lower costs, and improve efficiency in the movement of goods across Africa. Moreover, TABA will promote seamless cross-border trade and the growth of trade insurance business within the continent, all within the transformative framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services across 54 countries. By facilitating seamless transit trade, TABA will strengthen the trade insurance sector, making it easier for businesses to operate with confidence while minimising financial risks.

Speaking at the launch, H.E Veronica M. Nduva, CBS, Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) noted, “The East African Community has long been committed to fostering regional integration and economic development. Indeed, our two pillars of the four of establishment are a customs union and a common market. The establishment of TABA aligns seamlessly with our regional integration program, which aims to enhance cross border trade, reduce trade costs and promote economic growth across the continent with simplified trade regimes.”

Africa has around 110 borders, with 16 land-locked countries relying on complex and costly trade processes. According to African Development Bank (https://apo-opa.co/42cf7vn), transport charges in some cases exceeding the value of goods being traded. With TABA, traders can transport goods from Cape Town to Cairo using a single transit bond, significantly reducing delays and cutting trade costs. This transformative solution enhances the efficiency of African supply chains while ensuring customs authorities receive guaranteed revenue in the event of procedural breaches.

Through this collaboration, our goal is not to displace local operators but to boost the capacity and efficiency of interstate transit regimes

The establishment of TABA builds on decades of efforts to bolster intra-African trade through key financial and insurance institutions. By leveraging expertise from these institutions; Afreximbank, which is playing a critical role in trade finance and facilitation since its founding in 1993, and ZEP-RE, a leading reinsurance provider supporting trade insurance solutions across Africa, TABA aims to address the challenges businesses face in navigating Africa’s diverse regulatory environments. The alliance will harmonize trade practices and introduce a standardised framework that ensures secure, predictable, and efficient trade movement.

Mr Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, said:

“Today we forge a new alliance to dismantle the artificial barriers and tighten the bolts and nuts of the wheels of trade and investment flows across national borders. This couldn’t have come at any other time than now, when the pillars of global cooperation and integration are being disintegrated, and fragmentation, isolationism and protectionism have taken hold in our world. Through this collaboration, our goal is not to displace local operators but to boost the capacity and efficiency of interstate transit regimes, paving the way for a continental framework under the AfCFTA.”

Ms Hope Murera, Managing Director and CEO of Zep-Re (PTA Reinsurance Company), noted during the launch the impact TABA would make in Africa trade ecosystem. She said, “Today, we are not just unveiling a new partnership—we are ushering in a new era. One that reimagines how we facilitate trade, manage risk, and support cross-border movement across our continent. ZEP-RE’s experience and impact through flagship regional programs demonstrates what is possible when vision meets action.  TABA represents a shared vision—a vision where Africa is connected by bridges of opportunity, not barriers”.

TABA introduces a streamlined approach to trade facilitation by leveraging Transit Bonds, Performance Bonds, and Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs) to guarantee the secure movement of goods. This initiative will:

  • Enhance trade efficiency by eliminating delays caused by multiple national bond requirements,
  • Boost investor confidence through a structured and transparent customs guarantee system,
  • Reduce trade costs, making African exports more competitive on a global scale,
  • Ensure compliance with customs regulations, preventing illicit trade and securing revenue for governments and
  • Expand market opportunities for African businesses by enabling smoother cross-border trade.

Following today’s launch, key stakeholders will engage in B2B meetings and marketplace interactions to discuss strategies for implementing TABA across Africa. The alliance will also roll out an awareness campaign to educate businesses and financial institutions on the benefits and operational framework of the new system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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