LAGOS, Nigeria, March 31, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org) successfully concluded the IsDB Group Day in Nigeria on 30 March 2026, bringing together senior government officials, private sector leaders, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, development partners, and international stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote investment, and enhance private sector–led growth in Nigeria.

 

The high-level event underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and highlighted the critical role of private sector engagement in addressing key development challenges, including infrastructure gaps, youth and women unemployment, limited access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the transition toward a more diversified and sustainable economy.

The IsDB Group Day served as a strategic platform to present the Group’s comprehensive range of services and solutions in investment, trade finance, insurance, Islamic finance, and capacity building.

The event facilitated dialogue amongst policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners, fostering meaningful engagement and the exploration of practical business and investment opportunities.

In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stated:

“As Nigeria transitions from economic stabilization to a period of robust expansion in 2026, our focus is firmly set on Growth Acceleration and Investment Mobilization. This journey toward a $1 Trillion economy by 2030 requires ‘capital with purpose’—investments that bridge the gap between financial stability and tangible social outcomes. Through our strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the implementation of the Country Engagement Framework 2026-2028, we are modernizing our infrastructure, industrializing our agribusiness, and bringing 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity. By leveraging innovative instruments like Sukuk, we are not just financing projects; we are building a Nigeria that is resilient by design, inclusive by nature, and a premier destination for global investment.”

The IsDB Group Head of Delegation underscored: “The CEF marks a new era of strategic synergy, moving beyond isolated interventions to deliver integrated, federal-scale solutions. We are aligning our institutional resources to support Nigeria’s transition toward a diversified, high-growth economy—one where the private sector serves as the fundamental engine of development.”

He further emphasized that through this partnership, the Group remains dedicated to accelerating the delivery of integrated transformative solutions that foster national resilience and competitive industrialization.

One of the main features of the program was a panel discussion on Nigeria’s development priorities and the role of IsDB Group in formulating practical avenues of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships to support Nigeria’s path towards sustainable and inclusive development.

The discussions during the IsDB Group Day were closely aligned with Nigeria’s future development vision, which focuses on building a diversified, inclusive, and resilient economy driven by private sector–led growth. Emphasis was placed on expanding access to finance for

SMEs, strengthening public–private partnerships, advancing renewable energy and green infrastructure, and investing in human capital to unlock opportunities for youth and women.

These priorities reflect Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development, economic diversification, and deeper regional integration through trade and investment.

A series of bilateral (B2B and B2G) meetings were held amongst representatives of the IsDB Group, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank Group. Inspiring success stories implemented in Nigeria in partnership with local entrepreneurs as well as local and international institutions were also presented.

The event also highlighted the activities, services, and initiatives of IsDB Group institutions, including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

The day concluded with a reaffirmation of the Islamic Development Bank Group’s commitment to continued cooperation  with the Nigerian government and the country’s private sector to further build strategic partnerships, expand investment opportunities, and enhance the business environment, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria.

LUSAKA, Zambia, March 31, 2026/APO Group/ –Liquid Intelligent Technologies (http://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, is pleased to announce the appointment of Leah Nakazwe Kooma as Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, effective 1 April 2026.

With over two decades of experience across the telecommunications, financial services, and media sectors, Leah’s appointment underscores Liquid’s strategic growth and dedication to expanding its leadership in digital infrastructure in Zambia and beyond. This move reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and regional development.

“Leah’s leadership is pivotal at this stage for our Zambia business and the broader region. Her proven ability to deliver results will drive Liquid Zambia’s next phase of growth,” said Wellington Makamure, CEO of Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassava Technologies.

Leah began her career at Barclays Bank before joining Celtel, where she worked across multiple African markets. She joined the founding team of Vodafone Zambia in 2016, playing a key role in launching the country’s first 4G LTE network as Chief Sales and Distribution Officer. In 2017, she joined MultiChoice Zambia as the GOtv Commercial General Manager and was later appointed Chief Customer Officer, then Managing Director.

“I am very excited about joining the Liquid team. I have watched from the terraces as the business has evolved over the years, and I believe that, together with my team, we can take it to the next level. Having started my career in sales, marketing, and customer service has helped me understand what customers want and how to treat them. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which has enabled me to collaborate seamlessly across diverse business environments. This experience also helped me grow into an effective communicator, whether with customers, clients, or co-workers,” explains Leah.

Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Development Studies from the University of Zambia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Wales. She currently serves on several boards, including as Board Chair for the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, and is a member of the Institute of Directors and Business Professional Women International.

CAIRO, Egypt, March 27, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (http://www.Afreximbank.com) has announced that it will hold its 33rd Annual Meetings (AAM2026) at El Alamein in Egypt, from 21 to 24 June 2026.

Against the backdrop of deepening geopolitical re-alignment and conflicts, Afreximbank will hold its 33^rd Annual Meetings under the theme “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty”, underscoring the growing imperative for African countries to harness internal capacities, strengthen regional value chains, and accelerate industrial transformation as a foundation for sustainable and resilient growth.

The meetings will bring together Heads of State, government officials, policymakers, private sector leaders, financial institutions, academia and international partners from across Africa and beyond.

Through a series of strategic dialogues and engagements, Afreximbank aims to identify priority projects and actionable programmes that will advance the transformation of Africa’s trade structure, particularly in an era shaped by protectionism, shifting alliances, and economic self-interest.

Commenting on the AAM2026, Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Egypt for hosting the 2026 Annual Meetings. He said, “For the past decade, Afreximbank has laid a solid foundation for intra-African trade to take off. As we enter this new phase, we must prioritise the processing of goods to be traded under the Free Trade Agreement.”

“With the current global turmoil, marked by policy uncertainty and intensifying geopolitical tensions, Africans must look inwards for solutions relevant to their challenges. We must wean ourselves off trade in commodities, expand investment in processing, build regional value chains, and consume our products to realise the growth and shared prosperity we want.

H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), affirmed: “As the host country of Afreximbank, Egypt is honoured to welcome distinguished delegates to attend the Bank’s 33^rd Annual Meetings. At a time of increasing global uncertainty and shifting economic dynamics, Egypt’s strategic location and economic scale position it as a key driver of regional integration and advancing continental priorities. Hosting the AAM2026 in El Alamein, reflects Egypt’s continued commitment to supporting African institutions strengthening intra-African trade and advancing the continent’s industrialization and long-term economic transformation.”

The AAM2026 will provide a unique platform for delegates to engage with high-level decision-makers, connect with partners across the value chain, gain insights into trade finance and logistics, and access capital and close investment deals. The meetings will also serve as a platform to structure partnerships and advance bankable projects across the continent.

By convening a diverse range of stakeholders, AAM2026 will contribute to advancing a shared vision of an integrated, industrialised, and economically sovereign continent.

Further information about the AAM2026 can be found https://apo-opa.co/4dxAQFB