IsDB Meetings in Riyadh Earmark $400 Million to Fund African States

The IsDB annual meetings are currently held in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The IsDB annual meetings are currently held in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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IsDB Meetings in Riyadh Earmark $400 Million to Fund African States

The IsDB annual meetings are currently held in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The IsDB annual meetings are currently held in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed on Sunday agreements worth $440 million to finance African countries.

The World Bank had expected growth in Africa to recover, rising from a low of 2.6 percent in 2023 to 3.4 percent in 2024.

The Chairman of the IsDB, Dr. Mohammad Al-Jasser, said on Sunday that the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) provides insurance solutions to its clients, with the aim of mitigating commercial and political risks related to trade and investment in member countries.

Speaking during the second day of the Private Sector Forum, which was held on the sidelines of the IsDB annual meetings in Riyadh, Al-Jasser said the corporation, since its establishment 30 years ago, has secured more than $108 billion in project funding, in addition $51 billion in trade and investment among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries.

He added that the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, since its establishment in 1999, has provided financing for a total of 451 projects, with a total value of $6.9 billion, in various sectors, including finance, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy.

The CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan Al-Murshed, told Asharq Al-Awsat that a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Islamic Development Bank Group, with the aim of coordinating efforts and participating in financing development projects around the world.

In addition, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation - a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group - concluded an agreement worth $40 million with the Bank of Commerce and Development, to contribute to enhancing economic growth and trade financing capabilities in East and South Africa.

The corporation also signed a framework agreement with the government of Uganda, worth $150 million, extending over three years, to support key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and health, in addition to promoting private sector development, trade cooperation, and coordination to advance sustainable development across these vital sectors.

Moreover, the corporation signed a financing agreement worth $250 million with the African Export-Import Bank, as part of the trade financing program for Africa’s adaptation to the crisis in Ukraine.

It also announced the signing of a support package with the government of Cameroun, to enhance the country’s infrastructure and agricultural productivity.



WTO to Hold Special Meeting End-Nov to Weigh Chief's Reappointment

A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
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WTO to Hold Special Meeting End-Nov to Weigh Chief's Reappointment

A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
A logo is pictured outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

The World Trade Organization plans a special meeting of its top decision-making body later this month where a decision could be made on the reappointment its Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a document showed on Tuesday.

According to Reuters, a WTO document sent by the General Council chair said the meeting would take on Nov. 28-29 and that the second day "could then provide an opportunity for Members to take a decision on the appointment of the next Director-General".

Okonjo-Iweala is the sole candidate for the job but some have observed that the WTO's months-long reappointment process could allow for US President-elect Donald Trump's team to oppose her candidacy.