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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).

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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