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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Commits Eur 40 Million to Nakkas- Basaksehir Section of Türkiye’s Northern Marmara Highway Project

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2 years ago

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Marmara

It involves a 31.3-km toll road, including a 1.6-km cable-stayed bridge and multiple overpasses and underpasses

ISTANBUL, Turkey, October 30, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • ICD is investing EUR 40 million in the Nakkaş-Başakşehir section as part of a EUR 1.04 billion funding package.
  • The project incorporates solar energy and LED lighting, aiming to cut energy use and emissions significantly.
  • It’s backed by a consortium led by Rönesans Holding, with support from MDBs and ECAs.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org) has signed a EUR 40 million to co-finance the Nakkaş-Başakşehir section of Türkiye Northern Marmara Highway Project.

The Project  aimes to enhance Istanbul’s east-west connectivity, improve road safety and reduce congestion. It is being developed under a build-operate-transfer agreement by a consortium led by Rönesans Holding A.Ş. in partnership with Samsung C&T Corporation and other Korean investors. It involves a 31.3-km toll road, including a 1.6-km cable-stayed bridge and multiple overpasses and underpasses.

ICD’s EUR 40 million contribution is part of a broader EUR1.04 billion senior debt package, fully financed by international institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), alongside Atradius and SERV as European export credit agencies, ICIEC, and a consortium of commercial lenders.

Thanks to Solar Energy Production System to be installed within the scope of the Nakkaş-Başakşehir project, which has “sustainability” at the center of its design, the clean energy obtained from solar panels will meet the energy needs of the highway’s operation and management (O&M) center and service stations.

The installation of over 4,500 LED lamps, replacing sodium lamps, will cut energy consumption by 37.5%, saving over 35 MWh. Within the scope of the project, in which all O&M highway vehicles are planned to be hybrid or electric, it is expected to save approximately 112 thousand liters of fuel annually.

While the Nakkaş-Başakşehir Highway Project is expected to prevent 7.9 million tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 30 years, in particular, it will reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by 1,399 tons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 58,699 tons and sulfur dioxide (SO2) by 95 tons. tons reduction is aimed.

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

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Business

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

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16 minutes ago

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July 1, 2026

By

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

Published

1 hour ago

on

July 1, 2026

By

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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Business

Nominations Open for Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards 2026 Honouring and Celebrating Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs

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2 hours ago

on

July 1, 2026

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AWIEF

The AWIEF Awards was established since 2017 to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of female founders and business leaders across Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) calls for nominations for the 2026 edition of the prestigious AWIEF Awards.

The AWIEF Awards was established since 2017 to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of female founders and business leaders across Africa.

The Awards have showcased and honoured exceptional women leaders who are building successful businesses, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to Africa’s economic growth, while inspiring future generations and highlighting the vital role of women in Africa’s development.

To remain relevant and responsive to Africa’s evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem, this year the Awards categories have been refined to better reflect emerging trends, innovation, and impact.

In addition to updating the existing categories, AWIEF has introduced the Male Ally Award to recognise male leaders whose actions and influence have contributed meaningfully to advancing women’s economic empowerment and leadership.

The winners of the AWIEF Awards 2026 will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony and gala dinner on 11 November 2026, as the grand finale of the AWIEF 2026 Conference, taking place on 10 and 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.

Awards Categories

Woman to Watch Award

The Woman to Watch Award recognises a female leader under 35, or founder/leader of a venture under three years old, based in or primarily operating in Africa, who is already demonstrating strong early traction through revenue, pilots, partnerships, users, or beneficiaries.

Tech Pioneer Award

This award spotlights a female founder or senior leader with at least five years’ experience in technology or innovation, who is using tech, digital tools, data, or deep-tech solutions at the core of the business or initiative to tackle a clearly defined African challenge such as access, inclusion, efficiency, or scalability.

 

Agri Award

Honouring outstanding women in agriculture, this Award celebrates female founders and leaders with 5+ years in agriculture, agri-processing, agri-tech, food systems, or value chains, who are transforming Africa’s food systems and value chains while advancing productivity, sustainability, food security, or farmer livelihoods.

Creative Visionary Award

The Creative Visionary Award recognises a female entrepreneur, creator, or leader with at least five years’ experience in the creative industries (such as fashion, design, media, film, music, art, architecture, digital content, or cultural industries) who is significantly shaping African narratives, culture, or creative economies.

 

Impact for Good Award

The Impact for Good Award honours a female founder or leader whose initiative has been active for at least three years in sustainability, climate, energy, social innovation, community development, health, or education, and can demonstrate measurable social and/or environmental impact well beyond intent or pilot stage.

 

Male Ally Award

The Male Ally Award honours a male leader, founder, executive, policymaker, or senior decision-maker with 10+ years of leadership who goes beyond words to actively break barriers for women in Africa, driving sustained, systemic change for women’s economic empowerment.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a visionary, female leader with at least 25 years of leadership, entrepreneurship, or public service whose lifelong contribution has helped shape Africa’s economic, social, or institutional development and paved the way for future generations of women trailblazers.

 

No nominations are required for this category. Each year AWIEF identifies and selects from across African regions the recipient for this special award.

 

How to Nominate

You can nominate yourself or someone else. To submit nominations, please go to: https://apo-opa.co/4p2fAvk

Nominations close on 3 August 2026, at 11:59 PM CAT.

Important Dates

  • Nominations Open: 30 June 2026
  • Nominations Close: 3 August 2026
  • Finalists Announced: September 2026
  • AWIEF 2026 Conference and Awards Gala Dinner: 10 – 11 November 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

 

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