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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Signs 13 Landmark Agreements to Promote Private Sector Growth in its Member Countries

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The Islamic Corporation

The signing of these agreements reinforce ICD’s commitment to propelling solidarity and prosperity through strategic partnerships and promoting access to finance and financial inclusion in its member countries

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is pleased to announce the signing of 13 significant agreements aimed at catalyzing economic development and bolstering private sector growth and initiatives across several member countries in diverse regions across the world.

The signings took place on the third day of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Group’s journey in fostering and promoting economic growth and development of its member countries. The signing of these agreements reinforce ICD’s commitment to propelling solidarity and prosperity through strategic partnerships and promoting access to finance and financial inclusion in its member countries.

In a strategic move to promote access to finance in the Republic of Togo, ICD has inked a Letter of Intent for a EUR 20 million Line of Financing Facility with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (“EBID”). This Facility when disbursed is expected to augment the capacity of EBID to finance a spectrum of private sector projects in common member countries of ICD and EBID in the ECOWAS region, thereby contributing to economic expansion and job creation.

Further, the ICD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Coris Bank of Togo with the objective of increasing the cooperation between the two institutions and in particular, enhancing the capacity of Coris Bank to develop tailored support and increase its financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Togo.

Given the number of its member countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and its objectives of developing strategic initiatives and partnerships to evaluate investment prospects within the region, the ICD also signed an MOU with the Banque Sahélo-Saharienne pour l’Investissement et le Commerce (BSIC) Group for a proposed USD 30 million Line of Finance Facility.  The Facility will be deployed through affiliates of the BSIC Group to finance eligible private sectors enterprises in ICD’s member countries operating within the WAEMU region.

Also, in its effort to support the financial sector in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and The Gambia, the ICD signed two separate MOUs with Jaiz Bank PLC of Nigeria and AGIB Bank Limited of Gambia. In the MOU with AGIB, the Parties agreed to explore further investment in AGIB (the first and only Islamic Bank in Gambia) in joint collaboration with the largest telecom company in Gambia (Q-Cell) to support the Bank’s strategy for local and regional expansion under digital infrastructure and food security programs. Additionally, the Parties will also collaborate in attracting growth capital from other financial institutions to the Bank.

In the MOU signed with Jaiz Bank PLC of Nigeria, the Parties agreed to explore potential investment opportunities through the introduction of Additional Tier 1 Capital (Mudarabah Capital) for the business growth of Jaiz Bank PLC and its regional expansion through ICD’s partnership and networks. Additionally, ICD agreed to consider providing Jaiz Bank with relevant technical and advisory assistance to support its operations through leveraging on ICD’s other partner’s expertise and network across its member countries.

To unlock opportunities in enhancing credit enhancement coverage for Line of Finance facilities in mutual member countries, the ICD also signed an MoU with the Fonds De Solidarite Africain (“FSA”), a multilateral financial institution based in Niger. The objective of this MoU is to explore credit enhancement coverage for ICD’s Line of Finance facilities to eligible financial institutions across its member countries in Africa.

In furtherance of its efforts to advance climate-resilient infrastructure projects across Africa, the ICD and the Africa Finance Corporation (based in Nigeria) also signed an Addendum to an MoU they signed earlier to explore co-investment and financing opportunities in their common member countries especially in infrastructure development and climate resilience projects.

In a bid to provide additional support to private sector enterprises in Bangladesh, ICD also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BD Finance Bangladesh Limited. This MoU aims to provide technical and advisory assistance to BD Finance to support its transition into a fully-fledged Islamic Financial Institution, and to explore potential investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

Further, in ICD’s drive to enhance its partnership and support to financial institutions in the Maldives, the ICD signed an MoU with Maldives Islamic Bank to explore potential investment opportunities (mainly equity investments in the form of Tier 1 capital) within Maldives and in other member countries of ICD.  

Still in Maldives, the CD also signed two Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Finance of Maldives to cooperate and to work closely in exploring and identifying investment, financing, advisory services or technical assistance opportunities in Maldives and other member countries of ICD that are of mutual benefit to both parties and will promote sustainable socio-economic development. In particular, through the first MOU, the MoF of Maldives, and/or via government investment agencies or financial institutions, will explore potential co-investment with ICD for establishing an Islamic Bank in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Additionally, both Parties agree to provide required technical assistance to this new Islamic Bank once established in the form of short-term liquidity management, capacity building and support in developing and diversifying its product offerings. In the second MOU, the ICD and the Ministry of Fnance committed to explore potential investment and financing opportunities in infrastructure, aviation, fisheries sectors and other sectors that are priority for the Government of Maldives. In addition, to enhance the efficiency and robustness of the local financial sector, ICD is also looking forward to supporting the sector with Tier 1 Capital investments.

In its efforts to strengthen its partnerships with banks in the GCC region, the ICD signed a Letter of Intent with Al Salam Bank of Bahrain) outlining the intention of the parties for a proposed USD 50 million Line of Finance facility to be provided by ICD to the Al Salam Bank to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bahrain.

Still in the GCC, the ICD and the National Development Fund of Saudi Arabia, a day earlier, signed an MOU to cooperate and work closely in exploring and identifying Shari’ah compliant investments, financing, advisory services opportunities within infrastructure projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that are of mutual benefit to both Parties and will promote sustainable socio-economic development. Through this MOU the Parties committed to leverage technological advancements and innovations to enhance the efficiency and impact of their joint investments, ensuring that they remain aligned with the latest industry standards and practices. The Parties also agreed to share, and exchange knowledge related to development impact assessment tools and systems and work towards attracting, mobilizing, and channeling private sector and foreign capital for infrastructure projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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