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Cairo Hosts Intra-African Trade Fair 2023 (IATF2023) Business Roadshow to Promote Trade between Egypt and Africa

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IATF2023

The third edition of the IATF will be happening here in this beautiful city of Cairo in November 2023

CAIRO, Egypt, July 9, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (https://www.Afreximbank.com/), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the Ministry of Trade & Industry of Egypt hosted a high-level business roadshow, ahead of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2023) scheduled to hold on the 9th to 15th of November 2023 in Cairo, Egypt.

Under the theme “Promoting Egypt-Africa Trade and Investment Under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ‘IATF2023 Egypt High-Level Business Roadshow’ brought together captains of industry, the business community, high-level government officials, the diplomatic community, as well as executives and senior officials of Afreximbank, AUC and AfCFTA Secretariat to deliberate on how the IATF is playing an instrumental role in boosting and promoting trade and investment opportunities under the AfCFTA between Egypt and the rest of Africa.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of IATF2023 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria said “we are here today to demonstrate and reaffirm that the third edition of the IATF will be happening here in this beautiful city of Cairo in November 2023. We urge the business community to take advantage of IATF2023 and use it to explore business opportunities. Opportunities are huge and limitless. IATF2023 is expected to be bigger and better than the previous two editions and the event is expected to attract more than 1,600 exhibitors; over 35,000 visitors, buyers and conference delegates from all 55 African countries, and the rest of the world; with more than US$43 Billion in trade and investment deals.”

Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, said that the IATF was created to fast-track Africa’s economic integration through the AfCFTA. He added that “The biggest challenge on the continent is the lack of trade ad market information of what exists within the continent. This can be traced to the colonial era where Africa was divided into 55 domestic countries that had and continues to have very limited linkages with themselves. It created a situation where somebody in an African country knows more about what is happening in America, Europe and Asia than what is happening in a neighbouring country across the border. One way of dealing with this, is creating a platform like IATF, where Africans can gather to understand their markets, know themselves and understand more about the African countries. Egypt has been a major beneficiary of the IATF. At the first trade fair in 2018, which was held in Cairo, Egypt signed the largest share of deals out of the US$32 billion worth of trade and investment deals closed at the Trade Fair”.

Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals regarding the low levels of trade in Africa said “in order to develop intra African trade, we need very efficient and cost-effective road infrastructure, railway, shipping lines, airlines, airports and payment systems and fundamentally we need to produce goods and services that can be traded.  Producing and trading in raw materials cannot be the basis for intra-African trade. We need to move towards manufacturing and agro-processing so that these, based on endowments across African countries can be the basis for intra-African trade.”

Principal Communication Adviser, Ms. Grace Khoza representing the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat said “IATF is one platform that we believe creates an avenue through which Africans get to connect and know each other. Africans need to understand what products are produced in different regions of Africa that could be exported to other regions within Africa. Egypt being the second largest economy in Africa stands to benefit from immense opportunities presented by the IATF as an AfCFTA marketplace.

The event is expected to attract more than 1,600 exhibitors; over 35,000 visitors, buyers and conference delegates from all 55 African countries, and the rest of the world

H.E. Yahia El-Wathik, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry for the Arab Republic of Egypt, delivered remarks on behalf of H.E Hon. Eng. Ahmed Samir Minister of Trade and Industry and said: “IATF is becoming a prime event on the trade and economic level all over the African continent since its first edition proudly held in Egypt in 2018 witnessed participation from 1,100 exhibitors  with  up to US$32 billion in trade and investment  deals closed during the trade fair. The Egyptian Government considers African economic development as one of its top priorities. We seek to achieve this through promoting Africa to Africa investment, increasing intra-African trade, developing infrastructure projects and supporting industrialisation plans. Events like this are a true reflection of our strong commitment to materialise economic development which would be given a boost through the full implementation of the AfCFTA which is set to redefine African economic fortunes for the future.”   

The deputy minister’s address was followed by a panel session which discussed among other issues, unlocking Egypt’s export potential by leveraging AfCFTA for economic growth and continental integration. The panel session also explored various opportunities that exists under the AfCFTA for Egyptian manufacturers, exporters, investors, creatives and automotive sectors. It also took stock of Egypt’s current trade relations with Africa and discussed some of the challenges and opportunities involved with Egyptian companies operating across the continent.  Speakers included, Dr. Ahmed Fikry Abdel Wahab, Vice President, African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM); Mr. Ayman El Zoghby, Acting Director, Intra-African Trade Bank, Afreximbank;  Mr. Ahmed Sadek El Sewedy, President and Chief Executive Office, El Sewedy Electric; H.E. Yahia El-Wathik, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Mrs. Maii Assal, Chairperson, Egypt Expo and Convention Authority (EECA); and Mr. Ahmed Hanafi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LMTL Group Egypt.  

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, Afreximbank, in her remarks at the event said “Today’s roadshow will provide you all, especially the business community with critical information on the IATF, its relevance to Africa’s transformation and integration ambitions and to support the implementation of the AfCFTA. It should serve as a rallying call for the full participation of the Egyptian business community at the IATF2023 in Cairo. I’m hoping that the opportunity will be seized”. Mrs. Awani also highlighted Afreximbank’s support to Egypt’s industrialisation and export development efforts. She said “ Afreximbank has consistently provided support to the Egyptian public and private sector. Since inception Afreximbank has provided financing support to Egypt in excess of US$ 32 billion, with US$ 28 billion coming in the past 5 years alone.  Our support to Egypt cuts across major sectors and industries considered strategic to the Government of Egypt and pivotal to the growth and development of the national economy. This support has helped strengthen Financial Institutions, the Energy Sector, Telecommunication, Health and Construction, the private sector, among others.”

The roadshow concluded with a ‘Media Launch’ which featured a high-level panel and Q&A with some of the key personalities behind the IATF. The session featured H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR Chairperson of the IATF2023 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank; H.E. Yahia El-Wathik, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry for the Arab Republic of Egypt; H.E. Amb. Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals; and Grace Khoza, Principal Communications Advisor, representing the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.

The IATF2023 roadshow was a key opportunity for the Egyptian private sector to learn more about the opportunities and benefits of participating in the IATF2023, Africa’s premier trade and investment fair, which will be held between the 9th to 15th of November in Cairo. As Africa’s largest trade and investment fair, the event is not to be missed for importers and exporters looking to take advantage of a single market of 1.3 billion people created by the AfCFTA with a combined Gross Domestic Product of US 3.5 billion dollars.

The resoundingly successful inaugural trade fair held in Cairo, Egypt in 2018 was followed by an even more successful IATF2021 hosted in Durban. Collectively, the two editions of the Trade Fair brought together more than 2,500 exhibitors from 77 countries and generated over US$74 billion in deals, providing a glimpse of the immense potential that exists for intra-African trade. Building on this success, the third edition (IATF2023) holding in Cairo, Egypt, in November 2023, will again provide an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their goods and services, engage in Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) exchanges, and conclude business deals which will ensure that the momentum toward greater intra-African trade is sustained.

The Roadshow and Media Launch was preceded by the 6th IATF2023 Advisory Council meeting  which is chaired by H.E Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Reporting on the readiness of the various components of the event, including the Exhibition, the Conference, the IATF Virtual, the African Automotive Show, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, AU Youth Start-Up programme, Country Day, Diaspora Day, and Business to Business and Business to Government, the organisers demonstrated an overall satisfactory level of preparation.

To register and be part of IATF2023, interested exhibitors, buyers, trade visitors and delegates are invited to visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com and sign up.  Follow our social media to get up-to-date information as well.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Congo Is Turning Reserves into Bankable Projects – and the Investment Window Is Opening

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June 24, 2026

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Eni-led LNG expansion and ongoing deepwater investment are pushing the Republic of Congo’s energy sector toward more bankable projects ahead of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2027

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), June 23, 2026/APO Group/ –With LNG exports set to triple to 3 mtpa, upstream oil production targeting 500,000 bpd and a renewed push on local content, the Republic of Congo is positioning itself as one of Central Africa’s most investable hydrocarbon markets. Under the leadership of the newly-appointed Minister of Hydrocarbons, Stev Simplice Onanga, the country is prioritizing industry growth by balancing local content with reserve replacement and project advancement.

 

What sets Congo apart is not the scale of its reserves, but the pace at which those reserves are being turned into commercially viable projects. From Eni’s LNG expansion and TotalEnergies’ deepwater developments to brownfield optimization by Trident Energy and output growth at Ammat Global Resources, capital is flowing into projects with clearer monetization pathways and nearer-term returns.

Ahead of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2027 – the country’s leading platform for energy investment and partnerships – the story is shifting away from frontier potential toward bankable projects already under development.

Policy Reform Is De-Risking Investment

Congo’s investment case is being reshaped by the alignment of resource base, regulatory reform and project delivery. Established oil production, expanding LNG capacity and fiscal adjustments are gradually reducing above-ground risk.

Recent reforms led by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo have added structure to the sector. The Gas Code, introduced in October 2025, formalizes fiscal terms for gas commercialization, while the Gas Master Plan prioritizes flaring reduction and gas-to-power deployment, targeting 1,500 MW by 2030.

A new upstream licensing round is also under consideration, aimed at attracting fresh capital into both mature and frontier acreage. Together, these measures are improving visibility across upstream, midstream and downstream segments, with recent project activity reinforcing the shift.

The Projects Driving the Next Cycle

Deepwater oil remains central to Congo’s production outlook, with operators progressing both new developments and brownfield optimization. TotalEnergies is advancing work at the Moho licence following the April 2026 Moho G discovery, backed by a $500–$600 million infill drilling program targeting about 40,000 bpd in incremental output.

Local independent Ammat Global Resources is targeting 70% production growth from its Loango and Zatchi fields, where reactivated wells and upgraded platforms have already lifted output by 75%. Perenco continues steady gains, adding roughly 6,000 bpd through its 2025–2026 drilling program.

Trident Energy, after acquiring an 85% working interest in the Nkossa and Nsoko II assets in 2025, is focused on extending field life through subsea optimization and redevelopment work.

While oil continues to anchor revenues, gas is rapidly emerging as Congo’s fastest-growing segment. Eni’s Congo LNG project delivered its first cargo from Phase 2 in February 2026, following the startup of the Nguya FLNG unit in December 2025. Together with Tango FLNG, capacity has risen from 0.6 mtpa to 3 mtpa. Trident Energy has also proposed an FLNG project aimed at adding further capacity across the country’s gas market. The project is expected to operate as shared infrastructure, allowing multiple operators to process gas from their respective fields. This creates an outlet for associated gas that might otherwise be stranded, supporting the country’s broader diversification goals.

Local Content Is Reshaping Investment Terms

Beyond upstream policy, Minister Onanga has positioned local content as a central pillar of Congo’s investment framework, and a key determinant of how capital is structured and deployed.

Decrees 2019-342, 343, 344 and 345 set requirements around subcontracting, workforce localization and training commitments, with the effect being a gradual shift in how projects are structured and how partnerships are formed. Operators are increasingly assessed not only on technical delivery but on in-country value creation, including partnerships with local firms and skills development. Logistics, maintenance and other service areas are increasingly channeled through domestic providers.

At CEIF 2027 – taking place June 1–3 in Brazzaville – attention will shift to what is moving forward and to the investors positioned to take part in that pipeline. Congo’s energy sector is no longer defined by potential alone: projects are moving, capital is being committed and policy is starting to catch up with activity on the ground.

As the Republic of Congo moves from reserves to revenue, the signal to investors is clear: this is already unfolding, not a future opportunity.

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

 

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Afreximbank secures double honours at the 2026 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards for excellence in strategic communications

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June 24, 2026

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The Award of Excellence for IATF2025 recognises the successful communications and stakeholder engagement programme delivered around the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, Africa’s premier trade and investment event

CAIRO, Egypt, June 23, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has been recognised with two prestigious honours at the 2026 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious awards programmes for strategic communications.

 

The Bank received an Award of Excellence in Special and Experiential Events category for the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) held in Algiers, Algeria and an Award of Merit in the Social Media category for its Afreximbank Social Media Campaigns, reaffirming Afreximbank’s commitment to delivering impactful communications that advance its mandate of promoting trade, investment and industrialisation across Africa and the Caribbean.

We are delighted to receive these two awards, which attest to the expertise, creativity and efficiency of Afreximbank’s communication

The Award of Excellence for IATF2025 recognises the successful communications and stakeholder engagement programme delivered around the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, Africa’s premier trade and investment event. IATF2025 brought together governments, businesses, investors, buyers, sellers and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, creating a platform for trade and investment opportunities while advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The communications campaign played a pivotal role in driving global awareness, stakeholder participation, media visibility and engagement before, during and after the event, while showcasing the scale, ambition and dynamism of African enterprise and reinforcing a positive narrative about Africa’s capacity to trade, industrialise and compete on the global stage. Over 120,000 delegates attended IATF2025 in person and virtually, with deals worth over US$50 billion recorded.

The Award of Merit for Afreximbank Social Media Campaigns recognises the Bank’s strategic use of digital platforms to engage stakeholders, amplify its developmental impact and elevate conversations around trade, industrialisation, economic integration and investment opportunities across Africa and the Caribbean. Through a combination of compelling storytelling, thought leadership content, executive advocacy, multimedia production and real-time event coverage, Afreximbank’s social media platforms have continued to expand their reach and influence among policymakers, businesses, investors, development partners and the wider public. Among these platforms is the Afreximbank TV, a digital TV channel that is wholly owned and managed by Afreximbank, whose fifth edition was celebrated with dedicated coverage of IATF2025, providing live coverage of the activities to both pan African and global audiences.

Anne Ezeh, Director & Global Head, Communications and Events at Afreximbank commented: “We are delighted to receive these two awards, which attest to the expertise, creativity and efficiency of Afreximbank’s communications. As a pan African multilateral financial institution, we see storytelling as a powerful tool for advancing our mission — ensuring our initiatives, events, programmes and key announcements not only inform, but also inspire confidence, deepen engagement and amplify Africa’s transformation. These awards reinforce our resolve to continue delivering world-class communications that elevate African voices and projects a bold and authoritative narrative of the continent.”

Ms. Ezeh added that through innovative storytelling, digital engagement and integrated campaigns, the Bank will continue to amplify the impact of its programmes and partnerships  to project a more authentic narrative of Africa, one defined by opportunity, innovation, resilience and growing influence in the global economy.

For more than five decades, the IABC Gold Quill Awards have recognised excellence in strategic communications globally, celebrating programmes and campaigns that demonstrate measurable impact, innovation, creativity and outstanding execution. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the communications profession, the awards are judged through a rigorous and independent evaluation process conducted by experienced communication leaders from around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

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Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Institute Unveils 2025 Annual Report During Group Annual Meetings in Baku

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June 24, 2026

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In 2025, IsDBI significantly expanded its footprint in Islamic finance transformation, approving 25 new technical assistance projects valued at US$4.14 million and completing 19 projects worth US$3 million

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 23, 2026/APO Group/ —

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) has released its 2025 Annual Report during the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings held in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcasing a year of expanded impact in Islamic finance transformation, innovative solutions, and capacity development.

 

The report highlights how IsDBI strengthened its role as a global knowledge leader by advancing innovative solutions and scaling support to Member Countries through knowledge-based interventions, Islamic finance grants, and strategic partnerships.

In 2025, IsDBI significantly expanded its footprint in Islamic finance transformation, approving 25 new technical assistance projects valued at US$4.14 million and completing 19 projects worth US$3 million, supporting countries in strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting inclusive financial systems.

Since 2013, the Institute’s interventions in this regard have reached over US$27.57 million across 181 projects benefiting more than 34 countries, underlining its sustained contribution to development outcomes across the Islamic world.

I am pleased to note that the Institute has continued to strengthen its unique role in the global development ecosystem

The Annual Report highlights major progress in IsDBI’s three flagship transformative projects, namely Awqāf Free Zones, Digital Postal Islamic Financial Services, and Smart Countertrade System, which have all advanced to pilot-ready stages. These initiatives aim to address global challenges such as financial inclusion, food and energy security, and trade resilience.

Furthermore, the Institute accelerated its focus on digital innovation in Islamic finance, enhancing its Islamic Finance Artificial Intelligence Assistant (IFAA) and hosting its first AI Hackathon on Islamic Finance, engaging more than 40 teams in developing cutting-edge solutions aligned with industry standards.

Human capital development in Islamic finance also remained a cornerstone of IsDBI’s work in 2025, with the delivery of over 20 training programs reaching around 500 professionals across Member Countries. A key achievement in this area was the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program, a flagship initiative equipping emerging leaders from 20 countries with innovation-driven and values-based entrepreneurship skills. The program was designed and implemented in collaboration with Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Saudi Arabia.

The Institute also strengthened its thought leadership through flagship publications, global partnerships, and digital engagement, reinforcing its position as a leading voice in Islamic economics and finance.

Commenting on the issuance of the Annual Report, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said: “I am pleased to note that the Institute has continued to strengthen its unique role in the global development ecosystem by bridging knowledge creation, building human capital, and designing innovative solutions to address economic challenges.”

The 2025 Annual Report is accessible on IsDBI website here (https://isdbinstitute.org/product/isdbi-annual-report-2025/).

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

 

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