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Afreximbank records deals worth about US$1 billion as Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) continues

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IATF2023

The Bank also announced the conclusion of cooperation agreements with the Comoros National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI – Invest in Comoros), the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), aimed at accelerating intra-African trade and investment

CAIRO, Egypt, November 13, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The third day of the third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) concluded with attendees witnessing the signing of financing and other agreements valued in excess of one billion dollars between the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and several leading business entities from across the continent.

United Bank for Africa PLC – US$ 150 million

The Bank also signed a US$150-million trade finance facility agreement with United Bank for Africa (UBA) PLC, under the Ukraine Crisis Adjustment Trade Financing Programme for Africa, to be utilized to finance trade and trade-related transactions in support of UBA clients to facilitate increased financing of trade businesses in various sectors of the Nigerian economy to mitigate the adverse effects of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Signed by Denys Denya, Executive Vice President, Finance, Administration and Banking Services, Afreximbank, and Oliver Alawuba, Managing Director of UBA PLC, the facility is expected to enhance confidence in the settlement of international trade transactions for strategic imports.

FDH Bank Malawi -ATEX – USD10M

Another facility agreement, for US$10 million, was signed with FDH Bank Malawi to support trade finance in Malawi.  Gwen Mwaba, Director, Trade Finance, signed for Afreximbank while George Chitera, Deputy Managing Director, signed for FDH Bank Malawi.

Banque Commerciale du Burundi (BANCOBU) – USD 55 Million

Under a facility agreement with Banque Commerciale du Burundi (BANCOBU), Afreximbank will provide US$55-million trade facilitation limits to BANCOBU to support importation of essential commodities, such as petroleum products, which are important for the Burundi’s trade and manufacturing sector.

Rene Awambeng, Global Head, Client Relations, signed for Afreximbank while Sylvere Bankimbaga, Deputy Managing Director, signed on behalf of BANCOBU during a ceremony witnessed by Audace Niyonzima, Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, of Burundi.

Banque de Credit de Bujumbura – US$40 Million

Afreximbank also signed an agreement under which it will provide a US$40-million AFTRAF facility to Banque de Credit de Bujumbura (BCB) to support trade finance in Burundi. Signers were Rene Awambeng, Global Head, Client Relations, for Afreximbank and Roger Guy Ghislain Ntwungeye, Managing Director, for BCB.

Exodus and Company – USD141 Million 

A term Sheet for a US$141-million intra-African investment finance facility was signed with Exodus and Company. Denys Denya, Executive Vice President, Finance, Administration and Banking Services, signed for Afreximbank while Progress Mambo, Chief Executive Officer, signed for Exodus and Company.

Ora SPV/Vista Group – Eur 140 million

Another term sheet for an EUR140-million intra-African trade investment facility was signed with Ora SPV/Vista Group for funds to be deployed in Burkina Faso. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, signed for Afreximbank while Simon Tiemtore, Chairman of Lilium Capital, signed for Ora SPV/Vista Group.

ADI SPV/Vista Bank – EUR113 million

The Bank also signed a term sheet with ADI SPV/Vista Bank for a EUR113-million facility to be deployed in Burkina Faso. The term sheet was signed by Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, for Afreximbank, and Simon Tiemtore, Chairman of Lilium Capital, for ADI SPV/Vista Bank.

IATF2023, Africa’s largest trade and investment fair, opened on 9 November and will run till 15 November 2023

Lilium Gold – US$75 Million

Another term sheet signed during the day was with Lilium Gold for a US$75-million senior debt facility for a strategic investment that will significantly enhance Burkina Faso’s mining infrastructure through the acquisition of the Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines. Helen Brume, Director, Project and Asset Based Finance, signed for Afreximbank while Simon Tiemtore, Chairman of Lilium Capital, signed for Lilium Gold.

Sapro Mayoko – US$96 million

The Bank also signed a term sheet with Sapro Mayoko for a US$96-million iron ore mine development facility in Congo. The document was signed by Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, for Afreximbank and Paul Obambi, Chief Executive Officer, for Sapro Mayoko.

International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR) – MoU

An additional document inked during the day was a memorandum of understanding with the International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR) signed by Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, for Afreximbank and Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, for ICRITR.

Anambra State – US$200 Million

Earlier on the second day of the trade fair, Afreximbank had signed a mandate letter to provide capital raise financial advisory services to the Anambra State Government of Nigeria for an estimated US$200-million facility to support the development of three major projects in the state, covering the Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City Project, the Anambra Export Emporium and the Akwaihedi Unubi Uga Automotive Industrial Park.

The Bank also signed an agreement to provide the state government with financial advisory services for the development of operational and governance framework for the Anambra Diaspora Fund, including capital raise financial advisory services for the Anambra Intra-City Rail Master Plan project and the Anambra Diaspora Fund. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, signed for Afreximbank while Mark Okoye, Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, signed for the state government.

Central Africa Building Society – US$40 Million

Afreximbank also signed an agreement with Central Africa Building Society (CABS), Zimbabwe’s largest building society, to provide a US$40 million line of credit to help build capacity among hundreds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Signed by Denys Denya, Executive Vice President, Finance, Administration and Banking Services, Afreximbank, and Mehluli Mpofu, Managing Director of CABS, the agreement is for three years and is aimed at fostering the growth of the SME sector by supporting productive sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing and mining.

Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) – Heads of Terms 

The Bank signed a heads of terms agreement with Arise IIP for the implementation of African Quality Assurance Centres (AQAC) projects in Benin and Gabon. Under the heads of terms, Afreximbank will develop AQACs to offer conformity assessment services such as testing, inspection and certification services in Benin, Gabon and, possibly, other African countries in collaboration with Arise IIP within industrial parks developed by Arise to support park tenants and other industries outside to enable them meet local and export market requirements. The AQAC initiative was created by Afreximbank to support African countries to improve their capacity in complying with international standards and technical regulations so as to promote exports and facilitate intra- and extra-African trade while ensuring the safety of products for consumption in Africa.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of Arise IIP, signed for the company while Oluranti Doherty, Director of Export Development, signed for Afreximbank.

Cooperation Agreements

The Bank also announced the conclusion of cooperation agreements with the Comoros National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI – Invest in Comoros), the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), aimed at accelerating intra-African trade and investment.

The agreements, signed seek to deepen collaboration with the institutions through sharing of ideas, exchange of business-oriented information to facilitate trade and investment, business matchmaking, grants, training, technical assistance and capacity building, inter-institutional cooperation and other agreed activities.

They are intended to increase the impact of Afreximbank’s TRADAR Club, a member-driven network set up to empower international businesses and executives to transform trade and investments in Africa through trusted trade intelligence and advisory services.

IATF2023, Africa’s largest trade and investment fair, opened on 9 November and will run till 15 November 2023.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Events

The 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum Successfully Held in Zhongshan, Guangdong

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Sun Yat-sen Forum

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – As 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum was held in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province—the hometown of the great pioneer—from June 27 to 29 under the theme “Carrying Forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Spirit of Endeavor and Working Together for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”. This year’s forum was the largest in its history, attracting the broadest participation from Taiwan compatriots and the highest proportion of young participants to date. Around 2,000 representatives from across the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao attended the event. Centered on cultural heritage and driven by economic and trade cooperation, the forum established a multi-level platform for cross-strait exchanges and collaboration while fostering broader consensus on integrated cross-strait development.

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

 

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Business

Toblerone Presents ” The Ultimate Gift “: The Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski

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Swarovski

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.

The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.

The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.

However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.

The Story Behind the Crystal Bar

Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.

To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.

The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.

The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.

Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”

The Craft Behind the Crystal

Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
546 individually cut facets per bar
140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance

The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All

For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.

Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.

Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”

 

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Business

Kora highlights the growing importance of payment infrastructure as stablecoin adoption accelerates

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Kora

The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –As stablecoins continue to gain traction across the financial services industry, businesses are increasingly focused on the infrastructure required to support their adoption at scale. The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently.

 

This was a key theme at Money20/20 Europe 2026, where global fintech leaders gathered to discuss the future of payments. Across the event, discussions centred on artificial intelligence, regulation and reducing fragmentation across global payment systems.

Industry leaders focus on practical implementation 

As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important

Sessions such as the live Agentic AI demonstrations and the Policy20 regulatory roundtables highlighted the industry’s growing focus on execution rather than experimentation. Stablecoins featured prominently in conversations around faster settlements, lower costs and more efficient cross-border payments.

“Kora is well-positioned for where the industry is heading,” said Tofunmi, Head, Global Partnerships at Kora. “As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important.”

Connecting Africa to the future of payments 

Money20/20 Europe reinforced the importance of payment infrastructure in enabling the next generation of financial services. Throughout the event, Kora was recognised as a trusted African payment infrastructure provider, with discussions focused on the company’s expansion efforts and growing settlement capabilities.

As demand for faster and more connected payment experiences grows, Kora continues to build the infrastructure that enables businesses to collect, send and settle payments across Africa and globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kora.

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