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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Signs 11 Transformative Agreements Aimed at Spearheading Private Sector Expansion in Member Countries

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Islamic Corporation

These agreements underscore ICD’s commitment to driving sustainable growth and prosperity through strategic partnerships and financial support

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org) is pleased to announce the signing of 11 pivotal agreements aimed at fostering economic development and facilitating private sector growth and access to capital in several of its member countries.

These agreements underscore ICD’s commitment to driving sustainable growth and prosperity through strategic partnerships and financial support.

In its efforts towards expanding access to finance in Côte d’Ivoire, the ICD has signed a EUR 15 million Line of Financing Agreement with Banque de l’Union Cote d’Ivoire (BDU-CI). This agreement will provide BDU-CI with the resources needed to finance a range of private sector projects in Côte d’Ivoire, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

In line with its objectives of empowering SMEs in its member countries, the ICD has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Cameroonian bank, Credit Communautaire d’Afrique of Cameroon(CCA). This LOI is intended to  pave the way for a potential EUR 10 million Line of Financing facility to be extended by ICD to CCA, enabling CCA to further support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cameroon. This collaboration strengthens the ICD’s partnership with the Cameroonian banking sector and underscores ICD’s commitment to SME development in general.

Further, in its efforts to boost private sector growth in Uzbekistan, the ICD has signed a series of agreements with several Uzbek banks to bolster private sector development in Uzbekistan. These agreements include: a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Trustbank, in respect of a proposed USD 10 million Line of Financing facility to support the bank’s efforts in financing eligible private sector entities in Uzbekistan,  an MOU with Orient Finans Bank (OFB) to explore providing  additional Line of Financing facility to the OFB  having regard to the successful implementation of previous similar facilities extended to it by ICD. In addition, the ICD also signed two other MOUs with Asia Alliance Bank and Uzbek Leasing International underscoring the ICD’s continued commitment to fostering economic growth in Uzbekistan, and providing  Uzbek banks with the much needed funding and support to expand and  enhance their operation and support to private sector enterprises in Uzbekistan.

In terms of equity investments, the ICD, in its efforts towards promoting access to finance and financial inclusion also signed an MOU with Anor Bank of Uzbekistan with the objective of exploring the possibility of transforming  a conventional finance company, Taiba Finance, into the first Islamic Bank in Uzbekistan. This collaboration represents a significant step towards promoting financial inclusion in Uzbekistan.

As a demonstration of its commitment to support the economic growth of each member country, the ICD has also signed an MOU with Azerbaijan Investment Company OJSC. This collaboration underscores ICD’s commitment to deepening its engagement and support for private sector initiatives, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and prosperity in Azerbaijan. In addition, the ICD also signed a Line of Financing Agreement with Rabitabank of Azerbaijan, by which it will be providing the bank with a USD 15 million Shariah-compliant line of finance facility to be channeled to finance and support SMEs in Azerbaijan. This facility again underscores ICD’s unwavering dedication to empowering local businesses and contributing to private sector growth and economic development in general in its member countries in the CIS region.

The 2024 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) stand as a pivotal moment in the organization’s history, marked by a theme encapsulating its five-decade journey of fostering socio-economic development: “Cherishing our Past, Charting our Future: Originality, Solidarity, and Prosperity.”

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

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Etu Energias to Discuss Increasing Angolan Production as Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 Sponsor

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Etu Energias

Etu Energias represents Angola’s largest private oil company and will participate at AOG 2024 -which is organized by Energy Capital & Power – as a silver sponsor

LUANDA, Angola, May 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Etu Energias – Angola’s largest private oil producer – has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference and exhibition as a silver sponsor. The company’s return to the event signals a strong commitment to Driving Exploration and Development Towards Increased Production in Angola – the theme of this year’s event.

Etu Energias – formerly Somoil – has set a target to produce 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2025 and 100,000 bpd by 2030, with investments in exploration and partnerships with other Angolan operators representing a key strategy to achieve this goal. Active across the entire oil and gas value chain, Etu Energias’ goal to increase production aligns with the company’s vision to contribute to the development of the Angolan economy. During the AOG 2024 conference this October, the company will unpack this strategy while engaging with global project developers and investors.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As an integrated company, Etu Energias’ projects range from upstream exploration and downstream distribution to renewable energy development and consulting services. Upstream, the company secured a strategic investment of $60 million in November 2023 as part of a $190 million debt facility to support asset acquisition in Angola. With the finance, Etu Energias acquired a 20% stake in the deepwater Block 14 and a 10% stake in the deepwater Block 14K – situated offshore. The transaction doubled Etu Energias’ production capacity from 9,000 bpd to 19,000 bpd.

Currently, Etu Energias is operator of Blocks FS-FST, 2/05, CON-1 and CON-4. The company also has interests in Blocks 3/05, 3.05A, 4/05, 17/06, CON-6, 14 and 14K. By 2030, Etu Energias aims to consolidate its position as an operator in onshore, shallow and mature fields; participate in golden blocks through partnerships; develop a medium-sized network of fueling stations; and reestablish onshore storage and export for production at FST, Block 2/05, Block 3/05 and new blocks acquired in the onshore Congo basin.

Downstream, Etu Energias launched a lubricant line in March 2024 in collaboration with petroleum producer Gilde Technology. A joint venture (JV) was established to spearhead the development of a lubricant facility in Angola’s capital city Luanda, which will have a capacity of 1,000 tons per month. Set to begin construction in 2025, the JV aims to capture 25% of the market share by 2029.

Etu Energias sponsorship at AOG 2024 reflects a commitment to meeting these goals while bolstering production growth in Angola even further. During the 2023 edition of the conference, the company signed a Technical Services Agreement with oilfield services company SLB for the development of Block 2/5. This year’s conference will see similar deals signed as major operators such as Etu Energias commit to the development of the Angolan oil and gas industry.

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

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Canon Central and North Africa Partners with GITEX Africa 2024 to Showcase the First “World Unseen” Exhibition in Africa

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Canon

Canon will demonstrate the latest imaging solutions and state-of-the-art printing solutions in distinct experiential zones

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Canon Central and North Africa  (https://www.Canon-CNA.com), a global leader in imaging solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with GITEX Africa 2024, the largest technology and startup event in Africa, happening from 29 – 31 May in Marrakech, Morocco. Marking the inaugural presence at GITEX Africa, Canon will unveil its “World Unseen” campaign through an exclusive photography exhibition. This exhibition invites visitors – blind, partially sighted, and sighted – to experience photography in a unique, innovative, and immersive way, like never before.

The “World Unseen” exhibition is not merely a showcase; it’s a transformative pathway, offering multi-sensory experiences that connect individuals, including those with visual impairments, with powerful images and stories through elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille, fostering inclusivity and deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Designed with the experience of blind and partially sighted people in mind, the exhibition will feature a series of photographs taken by world-renowned photographers including multi-award-winning South African photojournalist Brent Stirton, renowned Brazilian Photojournalist Sebastião Salgado, Nigerian photojournalist Yagazie Emezi, sports photographer Samo Vidic, fashion photographer Heidi Rondak and Pulitzer winning photojournalist Muhammed Muheisen.  

Canon is also thrilled to showcase its entire ecosystem of B2C & B2B products and solutions, reaffirming its commitment to being closer to customers and providing hands-on experiences.

Elevating the experience to new heights, Canon will demonstrate the latest imaging solutions and state-of-the-art printing solutions in distinct experiential zones, each aimed at immersing customers in a dynamic and interactive environment that goes beyond traditional product showcases.  Through these zones and interactive workstation walk-throughs, customers will have the unique opportunity to touch, feel and experience our products firsthand helping them gain valuable insights into the capabilities of products and solutions from Canon professionals.

Visit us from May 29th to 31st at the Canon booth located at Stand No. 1B-30 and World Unseen booth, located in Hall 17D-10, at GITEX Africa which is happening in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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Spiro Agrees to US$50 Million Debt Facility with Afreximbank to Accelerate Expansion

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Spiro

This landmark agreement was signed in Kigali, Rwanda during the Africa CEO Forum, highlighting Spiro’s commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation on the continent

KIGALI, Rwanda, May 17, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Spiro, the largest electric vehicle company in Africa, is pleased to announce it has signed heads of terms for US$50 million debt facility with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com). 

This landmark agreement was signed in Kigali, Rwanda during the Africa CEO Forum, highlighting Spiro’s commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation on the continent. The official signing ceremony featured Spiro’s CEO, Kaushik Burman, and Madame Kanayo Awani, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank. 

Spiro is the largest electric vehicle company in Africa, with over 14,000 bikes, over 9 million swaps in five countries. Operating across multiple African nations, Spiro’s mission is to reduce environmental impact and enhance urban mobility, build an integrated EV ecosystem in Africa with multitude of partners and establish a wide range of charging infrastructure which include battery swapping and direct charging. 

It’s a testament to the confidence in our business model and our contribution to sustainable development in Africa

Afreximbank, known for its role in stimulating a consistent expansion and diversification of African trade, has been instrumental in fostering economic development across the continent. The bank’s support for Spiro not only highlights the potential of green technologies in Africa but also aligns with its broader strategy to facilitate environmental sustainability and economic resilience. 

“This partnership with Afreximbank is a pivotal development for Spiro,” stated Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro. “The $50 million USD debt facility will significantly enhance our operational capabilities and help us expand our footprint to more African countries. It’s a testament to the confidence in our business model and our contribution to sustainable development in Africa.” 

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This partnership affirms our commitment to fostering sustainable innovation and green technologies in Africa. We are happy to support Spiro through this facility which will in turn accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and enhance transportation across Africa. This collaboration reaffirms our belief in the power of innovation to create a better world for future generations.”

The funds will be utilized to further expand Spiro’s network of automated swap stations and introduce new electric bike models, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of green mobility solutions. As Spiro continues to lead the charge in transforming Africa’s transport ecosystem, this collaboration with Afreximbank marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener future.

Anish Jain, Group CEO of Equitane, expressed his support for this new venture, stating, “This partnership with Afreximbank marks a significant milestone in Spiro’s journey. As part of the Equitane Group, Spiro embodies our commitment to pioneering solutions that promote sustainability and economic growth. We are proud to see Spiro take this remarkable step forward, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in African transportation.” 

Last August, Spiro announced a $63 million debt funding round with Societe Generale, in a deal designed to expand the company’s footprint in Benin and Togo. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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