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IsDB Group Private Sector Institutions organized the 11th Edition of the “Private Sector Forum” in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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Islamic Development Bank

The forum will showcase IsDB Group activities, projects, services, and initiatives in member countries

JEDDAH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 15, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The private sector institutions of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group) (https://www.IsDB.org) organized the 11th edition of the “Private Sector Forum – 2023”, held from 11 to 13 May 2023 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), in the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the IsDB Board of Governors under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdelaziz Al Saud.

The Private Sector Forum’s primary objective is to offer a unique opportunity for the business community across various sectors to connect, network, and explore investment and trade opportunities provided by member countries. Additionally, the forum will showcase IsDB Group activities, projects, services, and initiatives in member countries, highlighting the organization’s role in promoting PPP projects and its services to the private sector. This event will serve as an avenue for potential investors interested in investing in Saudi Arabia and a platform to promote the KSA vision 2030.

The event attracted more than 2,000 participants, including government officials, Chairmen, Presidents, and CEOs of local and international companies, multilateral and financial institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, business associations, investment promotion agencies, individual investors, and entrepreneurs. The Forum facilitated parallel B2B and B2G meetings, enabling business communities across member countries to establish valuable connections. The event enclosed exhibitions for partners and a competition for start-ups, and for the first time, notable organizations and personalities has been recognized and awarded by the IsDB Group entities.

It is the responsibility of the public sector to develop infrastructure and legislation to create an attractive business climate for the private sector

On this occasion, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, said: “The 11th edition of the Islamic Development Bank Group Private Sector Forum, taking place this year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has achieved its objectives by promoting integration of the public and private sectors, which is an essential pillar of the economic and social development of our member countries. It is the responsibility of the public sector to develop infrastructure and legislation to create an attractive business climate for the private sector to stimulate production and create jobs” H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser thanked the attendees for their participation in the Forum, which included 15 sessions, more than 70 speakers, 25 exhibitors, and 2,000 participants representing 83 more countries and witnessed the signature of 61 agreements.

In his opening speech, Mr. Osama Al-Qaisi, CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, the insurance arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group, stated that the private sector forum witnessed a distinguished presence from our partners in the public and private sectors, during which nine memoranda of understanding and insurance contracts were signed. A total of 300 million US dollar contract for exports and investments with parties and member states was inked. The Saudi Export-Import Bank, the Arab Contractors Company, and the International Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), all of which are members of the World Bank Group, were the most notable. Mr. Osama added that the outcomes of the dialogue sessions brought together representatives of investment promotion agencies of Member Countries, regional and international investment companies and financial and insurance institutions in providing important and innovative financial solutions using modern applications in the fields of insurance and financing with the aim of promoting common goals towards addressing climate change and food security. It is worth noting that the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investments and Export Credit has, since its inception in 1994, insured exports, imports and investments exceeding the amount of 99 billion US dollars for the benefit of beneficiaries in the member states, and the Kingdom tops the list of countries benefiting from the services of the corporation.

H.E. Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, the Acting CEO of The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), said “At ICD, sustainability and development are the core focus of our activities. We are trying our best to bring together our partners in the private sector and other financiers to fill the sustainable funding gap. I hope that we were able to present existing co-financing opportunities available for the private sector. Our aim is to present solutions developed to address identified challenges and discuss other possible solutions in sustainable development.

Commenting on the success of the Private Sector Forum, H.E. Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) said: “The 11th edition of the Private Sector Forum showcased the potential of the private sector as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation in our member countries. The active participation of esteemed delegates has led to meaningful discussions and collaboration on achieving economic resilience and facilitating growth for businesses. Over the last 15 years, we have approved a cumulative total of US$17.8 billion in support of private sector and SME clients, accounting for 25% of our trade finance portfolio. We remain committed to supporting private sector growth and together, we are empowering businesses and driving economic progress in our member countries.”

For more information, please visit the Private Sector Forum website (www.IsDBG-PSF.org).

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

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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