With COP 28 set to conclude in the coming days, a COP where African countries fiercely defended the role oil and gas plays across the continent, it has become clear that developed nations seem committed to phasing out fossil fuels, advocating for an anti-fossil fuel energy transition that does not take into account the needs of the developing world. If endorsed, this approach would cause detrimental impacts on Africa’s economies, […]

Green and sustainability Sukuk represents a key theme at COP28; Global ESG Sukuk issuance totaled US$8.4 billion in 2022; Growth of total Islamic finance assets by 11% to US$4.5 trillion in 2022; Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia lead Islamic finance development; US$788 billion total global Sukuk outstanding last year; Multiple growth channels to drive Islamic finance industry forward. The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector development arm of […]

The African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) Board of Directors has approved a $66 million loan to the government of Tanzania for additional equity in Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB). The financing will enable TADB to strengthen its capital and enhance the structure and effectiveness of financial and non-financial services it offers to entrepreneurs in the agriculture and related value chains. The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank Phase II project will also […]

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $1 billion guarantee program in collaboration with the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which will allow the Bank to increase its lending capacity in support of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET). Developed in close collaboration with the government of the Republic of South Africa, the program will support projects aligned with South Africa’s […]

A majority of Africans say that corruption in their country is rising, that their government is failing in its efforts to fight it, and that ordinary citizens risk retaliation if they report corruption to the authorities, Afrobarometer’s (www.Afrobarometer.org) latest Pan-Africa Profile (https://apo-opa.co/41k8N4i) reveals. Download document (1): https://apo-opa.co/3NmOey6 Download document (2): https://apo-opa.co/3RDm193 Released ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day (9 December), the Afrobarometer report is based on nationally representative surveys in 39 African countries. […]

The opening day of HSBC SVNS in Cape Town witnessed the very best of rugby sevens with the top 12 men’s and women’s teams in the world showcasing their talents and feeding off the vibrant energy emanating from the stands at the DHL Stadium. There were fireworks on and off the pitch as the new era of rugby sevens continued to bring the feel good factor at the second round […]

Today, the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”) (www.ICC-CPI.int) joins the world in marking Human Rights Day. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this day by the United Nations in 1948, turns 75 this year. It is an important milestone in the protection of human rights worldwide. This year’s theme, “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All”, resonates particularly with the Court’s mandate. The ICC seeks accountability for […]

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receivable a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, said the call focused on regional developments, notably in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Territories, in light of the aggravating political and humanitarian situation. President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts and contacts to push toward a ceasefire to protect the civilians and prevent a further deterioration of the miserable […]

The announcement was made during his participation in the “Investing in health for today and tomorrow” event, on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which is currently taking place at Expo City Dubai. The UAE's investments contribute to building more robust health systems that have greater flexibility to confront climate change and to provide effective health services to youth […]