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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania sign cooperation framework to advance private sector development and strategic investment

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Islamic Corporation

A central pillar of the MoU is ICD’s commitment, on a non-binding and best-effort basis, to arrange a Shariah-compliant syndicated or club financing facility of up to USD 900 million in favor of Mauritania Saudi Mining and Steel S.A. (Takamul)

We particularly welcome ICD’s support in areas such as sovereign credit rating engagement, the development of a robust PPP ecosystem, and improving access to finance for SMEs

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • Three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed to strengthen ICD’s cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
  • ICD to arrange a Shariah-compliant syndicated financing facility of up to USD 900 million for the Atomai iron ore project, on a best-effort basis.
  • Cooperation to support sovereign credit rating readiness, PPP ecosystem development, and SME financing.

 

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for strategic cooperation across key areas of private sector development and economic capacity building.

The agreement was signed at ICD Headquarters by H.E. Dr. Abdellah Souleymane Cheikh-Sidia, Minister of Economic Affairs and Cooperation, IsDB Governor and the Acting CEO of ICD, Dr Khalid Khalafalla in the presence of H.E. Mohamed Lemine Dhehby, Central Bank of Mauritania, IsDB Alternate Governor,  and senior officials from the IsDB Group and members of the Mauritanian delegation.

A central pillar of the MoU is ICD’s commitment, on a non-binding and best-effort basis, to arrange a Shariah-compliant syndicated or club financing facility of up to USD 900 million in favor of Mauritania Saudi Mining and Steel S.A. (Takamul). The facility will support the development of the Atomai iron ore project in the Tiris Zemmour mining region, encompassing an open-pit iron ore mine, beneficiation facilities, two pelletizing plants in Nouadhibou, and ancillary infrastructure including power generation and water desalination, targeting an annual output of 10 million tonnes of High-Grade Direct Reduction Pellets.

Beyond this flagship initiative, the cooperation framework encompasses a range of activities aimed at strengthening Mauritania’s institutional foundations and broadening access to private sector financing. These include supporting Mauritania’s sovereign credit rating engagement, developing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) ecosystem, and extending lines of financing to local financial institutions to enhance SME access to capital. ICD will also work to identify and finance bankable projects in priority sectors, including energy.

Commenting on the signing, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, said: “We are honored to formalize this cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. This MoU reflects our commitment to deploying Shariah-compliant finance as a catalyst for sustainable development. From supporting one of the region’s most significant mining and industrial projects to building institutional capacity in areas such as PPP and sovereign credit rating readiness, ICD is proud to play a role in Mauritania’s long-term economic transformation.”

H.E. Abdullah Suleiman Sheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development and IsDB Governor for Mauritania, stated:  “This partnership marks an important step in strengthening Mauritania’s efforts to accelerate sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Through this cooperation with ICD, we aim to mobilize innovative and Shariah-compliant financing solutions to support strategic investments, strengthen our institutional framework, and expand opportunities for private sector development. We particularly welcome ICD’s support in areas such as sovereign credit rating engagement, the development of a robust PPP ecosystem, and improving access to finance for SMEs. These initiatives will contribute to unlocking Mauritania’s economic potential and advancing our long-term development objectives.”

H.E. Mohamed Lemine Dhehby, Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania and Alternate Governor of the IsDB Group, said: “Strengthening Mauritania’s sovereign credit profile is an important step toward deepening our integration into international financial markets and unlocking new sources of sustainable financing for our development priorities. We welcome ICD’s support in advancing our sovereign credit rating engagement and in reinforcing the financial ecosystem necessary to attract long-term investment. This collaboration will contribute to enhancing transparency, strengthening investor confidence, and supporting the continued development of Mauritania’s financial sector.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

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PT Danantara Investment Management opens DPT registration for PSEL partners

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Danantara

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – In its efforts to accelerate the energy transition while addressing the growing challenge of urban waste, the government has tapped PT Danantara Investment Management (DIM) to seek capable partners in developing waste-to-energy (WtE) power plant projects, locally known as Pengolahan Sampah Menjadi Energi Listrik (PSEL).

The PSEL program is supported by Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 109/2025, which governs urban waste management through environmentally sustainable renewable energy solutions.

The initiative begins with the establishment of a verified providers list (Daftar Penyedia Terverifikasi or DPT), a pre-qualification mechanism designed to identify companies with proven track records, strong financial capacity and technical expertise in WtE.

To that end, collaboration with private partners scheme reflects the government’s intention to share risks with the private sector while leveraging its expertise, ensuring that projects are not only delivered but also remain operationally sustainable.

Participation in the DPT is open to single entities and consortiums, both local and foreign, provided their countries maintain diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

In addition, DIM has appointed an independent registration and verification (R&V) agent to ensure a credible and transparent process, ensuring that prospective partners included in the list undergo a structured and transparent evaluation.

“The program is designed to ensure that the establishment of the DPT is carried out in a transparent and systematic manner, in line with good governance principles,” PT Danantara Investment Management said in an official statement.

The submission period for verification documents will run from March 25 to April 25, with DIM set to hold virtual technical discussions (aanwijzing) in two cycles to provide further clarity on technical requirements. The first cycle is scheduled for March 26, followed by the second on April 1. Each cycle will include two sessions to accommodate across different time zones.

While attendance at the aanwijzing sessions is not mandatory, they are expected to serve as an important forum for prospective participants to better understand the application requirements before submitting final documents through the official channel.

Interested companies can write indication of interest by email through registrationwte@danantaraindonesia.com

For further information, providers may refer to

https://www.danantaraindonesia.co.id/media-center/highlight/dim-waste-to-energy-verified-participants-list-registration-2026

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RusselSmith and Ghana Maritime Authority in Discussions to Deploy 3D Manufacturing Solutions Across Ghana’s Maritime Sector

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RusselSmith

The potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), validates RusselSmith’s strategic commitment to building advanced manufacturing infrastructure

LAGOS, Nigeria, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –RusselSmith (www.RusselSmithGroup.com), Nigeria’s leading provider of advanced manufacturing and asset integrity solutions, has confirmed discussions with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) regarding the introduction of the company’s 3D manufacturing capabilities to Ghana’s maritime sector. The growing regional interest in RusselSmith’s advanced manufacturing solutions underscores Nigeria’s emergence as a credible hub for industrial innovation on the African continent.

The potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), validates RusselSmith’s strategic commitment to building advanced manufacturing infrastructure that serves not only Nigeria but the broader West African region. With over two decades of experience serving critical industries across the sub-region, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of a technological shift with far-reaching implications for industrial resilience and economic development.

During a courtesy visit to the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kayode Adeleke, Co-founder and CEO of RusselSmith, highlighted the stark reality that while the global 3D manufacturing market was valued at approximately $32 billion in 2024, Africa currently accounts for only about two per cent of that market. This industrial gap, Adeleke emphasised, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the continent.

To bridge this divide, RusselSmith is preparing to commission the Omnifactory, Nigeria’s first multi-technology industrial 3D manufacturing facility, in Lagos, with plans to develop a flagship Mega Omnifactory facility in Nigeria later this year. Together, these investments are designed to establish Nigeria as a continental anchor for advanced industrial solutions, enabling the local production of complex and critical components across multiple sectors, from maritime and defence to oil and gas, and reducing the cost and lead times associated with importing specialised parts.

When African countries can access advanced manufacturing capabilities locally, we reduce dependence on international supply chains

Speaking on RusselSmith’s regional ambitions, Adeleke said, “What we are building in Nigeria is advanced manufacturing infrastructure and exportable expertise. The interest from Ghana and other countries in the region validates our approach. When African countries can access advanced manufacturing capabilities locally, we reduce dependence on international supply chains, create high-value jobs, and retain economic value within the continent.”

A practical demonstration of this capability is RusselSmith’s 3D manufacturing technology for vessels, which can produce boats of up to 12 metres in length through large-format additive manufacturing. These vessels offer a sustainable and faster alternative to traditionally constructed boats, which impose significant production timelines and high maintenance burdens on operators across West Africa.

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, has noted that RusselSmith’s proposal aligns with Ghana’s strategic goal of becoming a leading Blue Nation by prioritising maritime safety and environmental sustainability. The technology’s potential to modernise transport infrastructure while reducing pressure on forest resources presents a compelling case for regional cooperation.

RusselSmith’s capabilities extend across oil and gas, defence, aerospace, and maritime sectors, delivering integrated solutions in asset integrity management and advanced manufacturing. Its ISO-certified operations and partnerships with leading global technology providers reflect its commitment to world-class standards and continuous innovation.

As supply chain vulnerabilities continue to challenge industries across Africa, the ability to manufacture critical components locally represents a strategic advantage with national and regional implications. RusselSmith’s model of combining local expertise with advanced technology offers a practical pathway for building operational resilience while creating sustainable value across the continent.

The discussions between RusselSmith and the Ghana Maritime Authority are ongoing, and both parties look forward to advancing a partnership that could serve as a model for regional industrial cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RusselSmith.

 

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TECNO CAMON 50 Series: Redefining Professional Imaging through the Power of Practical Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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TECNO

The new imaging flagship series fuses advanced hardware with visionary TECNO AI to empower artistic creation, streamline daily life, and safeguard the digital experience

BARCELONA, Spain, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO (www.Tecno-Mobile.com) today took the stage at MWC 2026 to unveil the CAMON 50 Series. Featuring the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G, CAMON 50 Pro, and CAMON 50, the lineup represents a bold evolution in mobile technology—seamlessly merging professional-grade hardware with intuitive, integrated AI.

A Professional Imaging System, Re-imagined with AI

The CAMON 50 Ultra 5G is a powerhouse built for visionaries. At its core lies a segment-leading 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C Ultra Night Camera, engineered to achieve exceptional clarity even in the most challenging low-light environments. Complementing this is a dedicated 50MP 3X Telephoto Camera (available on Ultra 5G and Pro models) that brings the iconic 70mm portrait focal length to your fingertips. Whether capturing intimate, flattering close-ups or seizing crisp action from across a stadium with its AI 60X SuperZoom, this flagship system ensures every perspective is rendered with professional-grade precision.

Beyond the lens, the AI RAW 2.0 imaging engine acts as the brain of the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G system, mastering complex light and detail to deliver surgical accuracy and crystalline clarity. The experience is further elevated by Super-Zoom FlashSnap, a breakthrough that seamlessly merges high-speed action capture with powerful telephoto capabilities, allowing users to freeze split-second emotions with perfect precision even from a distance. To perfect the creative process, the industry-first AI Auto Zoom serves as an on-the-go editor, intelligently detecting subjects and cropping for optimal composition into a gallery-ready masterpiece.

Underscoring its exceptional imaging capabilities, the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G achieved an impressive DXOMARK overall camera score of 146—the highest for smartphones under $600—along with a stellar portrait score of 142, ranking among the top in its price segment. “With the upcoming CAMON 50 Ultra 5G, TECNO’s proprietary Universal Tone technology confirms a bright and engaging image style that closely matches how users naturally see the scene. Combined, these strengths will make the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G stand out as a compelling choice for accurate and inclusive skin tone rendering under $600,” commented Frédérique Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK.

We’ve focused on making cutting-edge AI feel warm and intuitive, a natural extension of your creativity and your daily life

Everyday AI: A Creative and Efficient Partner

TECNO believes AI should empower your vision, not complicate it. The CAMON 50 Series debuts the industry-first AI Art Gallery, a creative sanctuary where ordinary photos transcend into extraordinary art. Driven by the Dream Scape Model, it offers a global palette of artistic styles, allowing you to reimagine your world through the lens of world-renowned masterpieces or vibrant local heritage. This creative freedom extends beyond the static: the AI Image-to-Video Generator breathes life into still images, while Live Photo captures the heart of every moment and AI 3D PhotoSpace adds immersive spatial depth to ordinary photos.

Even in challenging environments, AI LightMaster 2.0 acts as your invisible lighting crew, vanishing glare, reflections, and distracting shadows with a single tap. Beyond the lens, this intelligence is woven into the fabric of daily life. A dedicated AI Key puts a professional researcher and editor in your pocket; whether you are distilling complex articles with One-Tap FlashMemo, refining social media captions via AI Writing 2.0, or managing wellness via the AI Health Assistant. The upgraded AI assistant, Ella, has evolved into a versatile mentor, serving as your personal Oral Practice Partner and a 24/7 problem-solving tutor.

The CAMON 50 Series also leverages the OneLeap platform to deliver a “silky smooth” experience with TECNO Laptops and MEGAPADs. This interconnected hub facilitates Phone Mirroring, Keyboard and Mouse Sharing, as well as Cross-device Copy and Paste for Text and Image, transforming the series into a high-efficiency workspace.

Engineered for Confidence: Security and Durability Built to Last

The CAMON 50 Series is engineered as a steadfast guardian of your digital life. It marks the debut of TGuard, TECNO’s comprehensive security ecosystem. A defining pillar of TGuard is its industry-first off-grid search technology, enabling you to pinpoint your device’s location even without a SIM card or when the battery is completely depleted.

The flagship CAMON 50 Ultra 5G delivers reliable performance powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultimate processor. All models in the series feature a 1.5K 144Hz Ultra-bright AMOLED display for ultra-smooth visuals. Durability is paramount, with the series featuring the highest IP68/IP69/IP69K dust and water resistance. This is coupled with a 5-year durability battery of up to 6500mAh (varies by market) and 45W Super Charge. For explorers, the innovative FreeLink technology allows for network-free calling and messaging over Bluetooth Long Range.

“The CAMON 50 Series is designed to be a thoughtful partner in your day,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “The AI isn’t just for show; it’s there to help, whether that’s by remembering important information for you, giving your photos a creative twist, or simply making your phone smarter and easier to use. We’ve focused on making cutting-edge AI feel warm and intuitive, a natural extension of your creativity and your daily life.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

 

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