These workshops form part of ITFC’s Integrated Trade Solutions (ITS) framework, aligning with the organization’s goal of providing holistic trade financing interventions in OIC member countries

ABUJA, Nigeria, October 7, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), successfully concluded a workshop on Non-Interest Banking and Trade Finance in Nigeria. Held from 17th to 19th September 2024 in Abuja, the sessions aimed to enhance capacity and knowledge in Islamic banking principles, trade finance products and services, and how different financial toolkits are applied in Islamic finance from operational and business perspectives.

Nigeria’s Islamic finance industry, valued at US$3.8 billion, is one of the major Shariah compliant industries in Africa. Despite some challenges such as low public awareness and a smaller capital base compared to conventional banks, Islamic finance has been substantially contributing to reduce financial exclusion and improve access to affordable finance in the country. The three-day workshop was designed to bridge prevailing knowledge gaps focusing on key areas such as Sukuk issuance and main non-interest banking products basics.

We will continue to provide the expertise and financial backing needed to grow Islamic finance in Nigeria and beyond

Delivered under ITFC’s Integrated Trade Solutions framework, the workshop equipped professionals with the skills to promote Islamic finance in Nigeria while also highlighting ITFC’s wide range of trade financing services.

Participants reported a significant boost in understanding Islamic banking and trade finance, and the workshop showcased ITFC’s contributions to economic development through sustainable financial solutions.

Eng. Nasser Al Thakair, ITFC, remarked: “ITFC is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in Islamic finance, tailoring this workshop to address the unique challenges faced. We will continue to provide the expertise and financial backing needed to grow Islamic finance in Nigeria and beyond.”

Over 30 professionals from the Central Bank of Nigeria, non-interest banks, and other financial institutions attended, further advancing Islamic finance in the country.

As Nigeria positions itself as a leading market for Islamic finance in Africa, ITFC remains dedicated to advancing trade finance and supporting the growth of the sector for long-term economic impact.

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

A FAMAR-sponsored panel discussion at Angola Oil & Gas explored enhancing the value chain in Angola from crude to commerce

LUANDA, Angola, October 7, 2024/APO Group/ — 

By 2040, up to 60% of the African energy matrix will be fossil fuel driven, Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association remarked at a FAMAR-sponsored panel discussion during the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference on Thursday. This, he noted, highlights a fundamental need to invest more heavily in downstream infrastructure.

While efforts are being made to reduce petroleum imports, Kragha offered three recommendations to expand downstream infrastructure, strengthen regional trade and bolster energy security.

“The first is coordinated, harmonized, regional regulations – it is critical to do this. If you don’t have harmonized regulations, you won’t have harmonized markets. Secondly, you need market-based pricing and products. Lastly, you must focus on infrastructure to minimize supply chain risks. We use trucks but we should be using rails, optimizing ports and such,” he said.

Orlando Chongo, Head, Coverage in Indian Ocean and Lusophone Africa at the Trade Development Bank, emphasized the need to improve access to financing for downstream players. While plans are in place to strengthen infrastructure capacity, capital needs to be made more available.

We have new rules that are needed to be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in compliance with climate change policies

Meanwhile, in Angola, to support companies seeking investments in the country’s downstream market, the country’s downstream regulator is putting in place the requisite supportive policies. Dr. Luis Fernandes, Director General at the IRDP said that “Today, the regulatory framework allows everyone that wants to be in the market to be involved. We have new rules that are needed to be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in compliance with climate change policies. We have a legal framework that supports companies achieve this.”

For the national oil company Sonangol, expanding downstream infrastructure is a top priority. The company is prioritizing investments in refining, distribution and port infrastructure to strengthen regional trade. Three new refining projects are currently under construction, namely the 60,000 barrel per day (BPD) Cabinda project – starting operations this year -; the 100,000 BPD Soyo Refinery and the 200,000 BPD Lobito Refinery.

Other projects include the Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal. According to Mauro Graça, CEO, Sonangol Distribution and Marketing, “This will not only allow us to be self-sufficient in storage capacity but allow us to fulfil our strategic reserves. With that project, we are not only thinking about Angola, but of the region. With the Cabinda refinery, we will need more storage capacity and to be able to export. We are investing in 24,000 cubic meters in additional storage capacity. We also have a project to make a sea-line, so that larger ships can go to Cabinda to conduct operations.”

Angola’s focus on strengthening its port logistics will be instrumental in driving exports – both regionally and internationally. Sara Silva, Legal Compliance Manager at FAMAR, noted that maritime transport is imperative for global trade.

“It is proving to be the most cost-effective manner of transportation, allowing you to transport large volumes of cargo and reducing the cost per unit that you transport. It has the opportunity to connect markets, connecting Africa to the world,” she said.

In the retail sector, efforts are underway to increase the number of retail stations across the country. Óscar Sequesseque, CCO at Pumangol, shared that the company is focused on accelerating Angola’s inland fuel storage capacity. This way, Angola aims to improve access to affordable, locally-sourced fuel products.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Katrina Fisher, Managing Director of ExxonMobil Angola, discussed the company’s plans to continue growing its “world-class” assets in Angola at the 2024 Angola Oil & Gas conference

LUANDA, Angola, October 7, 2024/APO Group/ — 

ExxonMobil addressed frontier exploration drilling in Angola’s Namibe Basin and its successful redevelopment program in offshore Block 15 during an on-stage interview with Katrina Fisher, Managing Director of ExxonMobil Angola, at Angola Oil & Gas 2024.  

We undertook an 18-well program with partners Azule Energy, Equinor and Sonangol

“We undertook an 18-well program with partners Azule Energy, Equinor and Sonangol. Strong collaboration led to that program, and in the course of that program, we had two discoveries: Bavuca South-1 and Likembe-01. We are also drilling a frontier well in Namibe,” said Fisher.  

According to Fisher, ExxonMobil’s production has increased by 30% and the company has produced 2.6 billion cumulative barrels from Block 15 alone.   

Local content was also positioned at the forefront of discussions. Out of 500 employees in-country, 90% of Exxon’s workforce is Angolan and 70% of the leadership team is Angolan. ExxonMobil also places a strong emphasis on gender diversity and inclusion, with women making up 25% of its Angolan workforce – exceeding the industry average.  

“Our focus is on putting a framework in place for mentoring and advocacy, as well as policies that support women throughout their careers, providing roadmaps, role models and support systems to help women be successful.”  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.