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EIB to provide €20 million in financing and a portfolio guarantee to Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement

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European Investment Bank

The €20 million EIB loan to BMI will mobilise up to €40 million in financing for Mauritanian businesses, amounting to twice the value of the EIB loan

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, July 12, 2023/APO Group/ — 

This is the first time the EIB (https://www.EIB.org) and the Mauritanian financial sector have worked together since 2006, and is among the first operations under the new 2023-2027 agreement between the European Commission and the EIB for financing the private sector in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

The impact of this partnership will include the following:

  • Around 400 small businesses and mid-caps will receive support in the form of financing from Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement (BMI), with the support of the EIB and the European Union.
  • The €20 million EIB loan to BMI will mobilise up to €40 million in financing for Mauritanian businesses, amounting to twice the value of the EIB loan. At least 30% of the EIB financing will go primarily to women and at least 30% to young people.
  • The portfolio guarantee agreement linked to the EIB loan will focus specifically on startups and businesses managed by or benefiting women and young people.

At least 30% of the EIB financing will go primarily to women and at least 30% to young people memorandum of understanding with the support of the European Commission

On 10 July 2023, Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement (BMI) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a memorandum of understanding with the support of the European Commission. This will provide for the deployment of €20 million of long-term financing provided by the EIB to BMI for loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in Mauritania, with the support of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), and a portfolio guarantee of €3.2 million, financed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD).

This cooperation will help to achieve the EU policy priority of strengthening human development, as established by the European Commission in Mauritania for the 2021-2024 period: “the socio-professional inclusion of young people, equal treatment and equal opportunities, as well as the fight against all forms of discrimination, including gender-based discrimination and discrimination against the most vulnerable.”

At least 30% of the EIB funds will be mobilised by the BMI to help companies that are run by young people or that support youth employment or training. Similarly, at least 30% of the EIB loan will be allocated to enterprises empowering women as entrepreneurs, managers, employees and consumers of products and services that strengthen their participation in the economy, in line with the 2X Challenge (https://www.2xChallenge.org/) initiative. These criteria are aligned with OECD gender objectives, which state that “gender equality is an important objective.”

Furthermore, the EIB will provide BMI with technical assistance to set up climate reporting according to the guidelines of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) (https://www.FSB-TCFD.org/), an international initiative supported by more than 50 central banks, 110 regulators and more than 2 000 financial institutions.

“It is a great honour and a privilege for us to be taking part in the signing ceremony of the financing agreement today between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banque Mauritanienne d’Investissement (BMI). On behalf of BMI, I would like to express my gratitude for the signing of a €20 million credit line and a guarantee that will provide €40 million in loans to businesses. The agreement, which is the first of its kind in Mauritania for 15 years, lays the foundations for a mutually beneficial partnership between our two institutions and reinforces our vision of positioning the bank as a major player in the Mauritanian economy. We appreciate the confidence that the EIB has shown in BMI,” said BMI CEO Mohamed Yahya Sidi. “This financing for SMEs, women entrepreneurs and young people comes at just the right time and strengthens our bank’s capacity to support businesses weakened by the recent healthcare crisis. SMEs play an important role in the economic and social landscape, making an effective contribution to creating jobs, thereby helping to reduce inequality and unemployment, as well as helping to eradicate poverty. They are the perfect place for fostering ideas, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.”

“I am delighted to be signing this finance contract with Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement in Nouakchott today, with the support of the European Commission. This is an important partnership, intended to strengthen support for Mauritanian businesses, particularly SMEs, specifically by giving young people and women access to financing. Boosting employment is also a key priority of this partnership,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “This is the European Investment Bank’s first partnership with the financial sector in Mauritania since 2006, with which we hope to create a new dynamic with the financial sector to strengthen support for the economy and the prospects for socioeconomic development. In doing so, we are supporting new opportunities for the future, particularly for young people and women.”

His Excellency Gwilym Jones, Ambassador of the European Union to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, reaffirmed the importance of this cooperation, which consolidates the European Union’s significant support for the country’s development and the improvement of living conditions for its people. The agreement signed today complements the more than €200 million in grants, equivalent to almost MRU 7.6 billion, that the European Union has made available to Mauritania since 2021 alone.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Investment Bank (EIB).

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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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February 6, 2026

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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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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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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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February 6, 2026

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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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