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KCB and Afreximbank in Joint Funding Deal to Operationalize Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

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Afreximbank

Afreximbank and KCB Group will provide initial funding amounting to US$ 500 million and US$ 300 million, respectively towards the initiative

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 17, 2025/APO Group/ –KCB Group and pan-African multilateral development bank, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at providing financial and trade facilitation support to investors operating in the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County.

Under the agreement, Afreximbank and KCB Group will provide initial funding amounting to US$ 500 million and US$ 300 million, respectively towards the initiative.

The announcement was made during the Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) – Kenya Investment Forum 2025 where business leaders converged to deliberate on how to position Kenya as a preferred investment destination.

Under the framework, prospective investors will benefit from competitive financing solutions to establish operations within the SEZ, with a focus on manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, and value-addition enterprises.

This agreement marks a significant step in our mission to catalyse sustainable industrial growth in Kenya and across the region

By combining resources, expertise, and networks, KCB and Afreximbank will empower both local and international investors to enjoy tailored financing solutions, including working capital facilities, project finance, trade financing, project preparation facility, guarantees and advisory support among others.

Speaking during the signing ceremony on September 16, 2025, in Vipingo, KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo said, “This agreement marks a significant step in our mission to catalyse sustainable industrial growth in Kenya and across the region. We are delighted to elevate Vipingo SEZ as a gateway to transforming, creating and sustaining an environment in which export-oriented industries can thrive, by leveraging economies of scale, shared infrastructure and access to global markets.”

The Vipingo SEZ is one of Kenya’s flagship projects under the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), envisioned as a catalyst for attracting investment and spurring regional development. By channeling affordable capital into the zone, the partnership between KCB and Afreximbank is expected to unlock critical infrastructure, strengthen export-oriented industries, and position Kilifi as a magnet for both domestic and foreign direct investment.

On her part, Afreximbank’s Managing Director, Export Development, Ms. Oluranti Doherty noted: “Afreximbank’s mandate is to promote and expand African trade, and this partnership with KCB is a concrete demonstration of that commitment. Special Economic Zones are powerful engines for industrialization, export growth, and economic diversification. Through this financing framework, we will not only enable enterprises to scale but also support the creation of sustainable supply chains that uplift local communities and drive regional integration.”

Mr. Russo signed on behalf of KCB Group, Ms. Doherty for Afreximbank and Mr. George Olaka, CEO Arise IIP-Kenya signed for his organistion. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank and Mr. Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP.

The agreement underscores the role of strategic partnerships in bridging Africa’s financing gap while enabling the private sector to play a transformative role in sustainable development. The funding to Vipingo SEZ is under the Afreximbank’s US$ 3 Billion Country Programme to Kenya signed in May 2023 to support the development of various sectors of its economy, with a special focus on industrial development, namely the Naivasha Industrial Park, Dongo Kundu Industrial Park and now the Vipingo SEZ. Afreximbank disbursed US$ 40 million in funding to facilitate the development of  the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a further commitment of US$ 500 million to support individual investors setting up operations within the Zone.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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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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Debate

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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CLG

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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ITFC

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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