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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Engages Global Stakeholders to Advance Islamic Finance during Group Annual Meetings in Algiers

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IsDBI

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org/) has reinforced its leadership in Islamic finance by engaging with key stakeholders in a series of high-level bilateral meetings during the 2025 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Algiers, Algeria. These strategic engagements underscore IsDBI’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development across its Member Countries.

Led by Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General, the IsDBI team included Mr. Mohammad Khalid Jawahir, Senior Islamic Finance Specialist; Dr. Hylmun Izhar, Senior Research Economist; and Dr. Wejdan Kenali, Senior Editor. The IsDBI’s agenda focused on advancing partnerships, capacity development, and knowledge-driven solutions in Islamic finance.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Key engagements included a meeting with the Securities Commission Malaysia, represented by Mrs. Sharifatul Hanizah, Executive Director, Islamic Capital Market and Mr. Hamzil Mohamadan, Head ICM Strategic Affairs, to explore collaboration in Sukuk, Awqaf, and sustainability initiatives.

Discussions with Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) officials, Dr. Ghiath Shabsigh, Secretary General and Dr. Abdullah Haron, Deputy Secretary General, centered on Islamic finance laws and regulations and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance financial infrastructure.

The IsDBI team also met with Atlantic Group, a leading pan-African conglomerate, led by Mr. Léon Konan Koffi, Chairman of the Board, focusing on the development of internal Shariah-compliant financial capabilities to support the Group’s expansion.

A session with the Eurasian Development Bank, represented by Mr. Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, addressed the introduction of Shariah-compliant financial instruments in Central Asia, promoting financial inclusion and economic diversification.

Advancing Social Finance and Capacity Building

The IsDBI also met with IFAAS CEO and founder, Mr. Farrukh Raza where discussions centered on capacity building programs and the applications of Islamic finance principles.

These strategic meetings reflect IsDBI’s unwavering commitment to knowledge-based development

A meeting with Mr. Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, Deputy Secretary General of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum, and CEO of Awqaaf South Africa, stressed on the importance of Islamic social finance and innovative technologies, such as blockchain, to enhance waqf management.

Engagement with Mr. Abdou Karim Diaw, National Coordinator of Senegal’s PROMISE program, focused on capacity-building initiatives in Islamic microfinance to drive financial inclusion in underserved communities.

Promoting Innovation and Knowledge Sharing

The delegation from Bank Negara Malaysia, led by Ms. Nurul Izza Idris, Director of the Islamic Finance Department, exchanged insights on capacity building, digital payment innovation, and enhanced cooperation with Central Asian Member Countries.

A meeting with the Participation Banks Association of Türkiye (TKBB), represented by Ms. Fatma Çınar, Deputy Secretary General of TKBB and Mr. Ömer Karakuş from the Katılım Finans Kefalet (Islamic Credit Guarantee Fund), included discussions on Türkiye’s experiences in credit guarantees, digital transformation, and sustainability reporting, with an emphasis on knowledge sharing.

Supporting Regulatory Development and Strategic Planning

Engagements with H.E. Sheku A. Fantamadi Bangura, Minister of Finance and IsDB Governor for Sierra Leone, and H.E. Hassan Miras, Deputy Minister of Finance and Acting IsDB Governor for the Republic of Maldives, focused on developing national Islamic finance strategies, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building programs.

Meetings with Dr. Mohamed Abouzain, General Manager of Algeria’s National Office of Awqaf and Zakat, and Dr. Ahmed Lamine Athié, Director General of Senegal’s Haute Autorité du Waqf (HAW), addressed long-term strategic planning and public awareness for waqf management.

Fostering Innovation for Economic Growth

A session with Mr. Adam Roble, Managing Director of the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank, explored innovative Islamic finance instruments to support agriculture and SMEs, including risk-sharing solutions and e-commerce integration.

“These strategic meetings reflect IsDBI’s unwavering commitment to knowledge-based development, financial inclusion, and the use of Islamic finance as a driver of sustainable economic progress across the Member Countries and Muslim communities worldwide,” said Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI.

The IsDB Institute remains dedicated to building robust partnerships and advancing the Islamic finance ecosystem for the benefit of all its Member Countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI)

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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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