Latest news with #SustainableGrowth
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation's 2024 Annual Report highlights record trade support
The report also highlights that the Corporation was ranked at the top as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner in global Islamic syndications by both Refinitiv and Bloomberg, a reflection of its global leadership and strong investor confidence JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia / -- The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) ( a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, titled 'Reaching New Frontiers.' The report captures a landmark year showcasing a period of transformative growth, expanded geographic reach, record trade finance approvals, and strengthened commitments to sustainable and inclusive development across its Member Countries. In 2024, ITFC demonstrated agility and resilience amidst persistent geopolitical and economic challenges, prioritizing trade finance, facilitation, and trade development to support member countries' national development agendas. Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report Record Trade Finance Approvals In 2024, ITFC approved a total of US$ 7.3 billion in trade finance across 110 operations in 26 countries. Of this amount, US$ 6.7 billion was successfully disbursed Notably, 38% of the approved financing was directed toward Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs), underscoring ITFC's commitment to inclusive development Furthermore, 41% of the total portfolio, equivalent to US$ 3 billion, was allocated to non-energy sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and financial services ITFC successfully mobilized US$ 4.2 billion through Islamic syndications in 2024, representing 57% of its total trade finance approvals. Accelerating Intra-OIC Trade A total of US$ 4.85 billion was dedicated to promoting trade among OIC member countries, marking a 6.5% increase compared to 2023 These intra-OIC trade approvals accounted for 67% of ITFC's total trade finance operations, reinforcing the Corporation's role in fostering regional economic integration and cooperation Strengthening the Private Sector In a continued effort to support private sector growth, ITFC provided US$ 1.2 billion in financing, reflecting a 14% increase over the previous year This support reached 47 financial institutions and included engagements with 19 new clients across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia Delivering on Food Security Commitments To address food insecurity, ITFC approved US$ 1.75 billion in financing for agriculture and food-related operations across 10 OIC countries Since the launch of the IsDB Group's Food Security Response Program (FSRP) in 2022, ITFC has mobilized US$ 4.73 billion in food security financing, exceeding its initial commitment of US$ 4.5 billion. ITFC financing has helped Member Countries secure stable supplies of essential food commodities, reduce price volatility, and support agricultural resilience. In Tajikistan alone, ITFC's food security financing contributed to reaching over 200,000 households—benefiting nearly 900,000 individuals—by ensuring access to staple goods such as wheat, sugar, and edible oil. Sustainability Milestone ITFC launched its first Environmental and Social (E&S) Policy in October 2024 The policy rollout included a 10-year E&S action plan, a 5-year carbon reduction strategy, and strengthened governance to embed ESG principles across all operations The report also highlights that the Corporation was ranked at the top as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner in global Islamic syndications by both Refinitiv and Bloomberg, a reflection of its global leadership and strong investor confidence. Additionally, the 2024 Annual Report spotlights the achievements of ITFC's flagship programs: The Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program actively supported the development of regional value chains by hosting targeted B2B meetings and launching Africa's first textile and leather standards program, paving the way for improved quality and competitiveness across the continent The Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AfTIAS 2.0) Program saw the implementation progress on 21 ongoing projects across Arab States, with a strategic focus on job creation, trade facilitation, and export development. These initiatives continue to empower local economies and enhance regional trade capacity Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+): ITFC advanced regional integration among six Central Asian countries through projects that promote agri-business development, investment attraction, and food security, strengthening economic ties and resilience in the region The Global SMEs Program expanded its footprint in West Africa and officially launched in Cameroon, enhancing access to trade finance and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises and fostering inclusive economic growth In addition to its flagship programs, ITFC delivered a diverse range of integrated trade solutions and targeted interventions in 2024 that reflect its holistic development approach. Through tailored capacity-building programs, reverse linkage initiatives, and trade facilitation tools, ITFC addressed specific needs across sectors such as energy, agriculture, finance, and trade policy. Highlights include the Indonesian Coffee Export Development Program enhancing sustainable farming practices; capacity-building workshops on Islamic finance in Nigeria, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan; technical support to Togo and Mali's electricity sectors; and the rollout of electronic Certificates of Origin to boost cross-border trade in West Africa. With an eye on the future, ITFC remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the evolving priorities of its Member Countries. By driving innovation, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering high-impact trade finance solutions, the Corporation is poised to chart new frontiers and accelerate progress toward sustainable and inclusive development across the OIC region. About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) : The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries' needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
Zawya
17-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda Participates in Africa Trade Consortium's 2025
The High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Abuja proudly participated in the Africa Trade Consortium's 2025 Tea Break Édition event held under the theme: 'Unlocking Africa's Tea Industry Potential.' The event, organized by PR Times Africa, a Nigerian media consortium, was convened as a unique trade experience aimed at showcasing the immense potential of Africa's tea industry and promoting intra-African cooperation under the AfCFTA framework. Uganda was represented at the high-level engagement by Ambassador Philip Odida, Chargé d'Affaires, and Dr. Sam Omara, Minister-Counsellor at the High Commission. The event brought together a broad spectrum of participants, including stakeholders from trade, export, taxation, and investment policy sectors, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from Nigeria's federal agencies and the private sector. Ambassador Odida delivered a keynote presentation titled 'Uganda's Tea Industry: A Model for Sustainable Growth and Regional Trade.' In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted Uganda's tea sector as one of the country's top foreign exchange earners and a prime example of sustainable agricultural practice and regional trade potential. He emphasized the importance of inter-African collaboration, calling for increased partnerships, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange to unlock the full potential of the continent's tea industry. 'We invite you, through the African Trade Consortium 2025, to reach out to experience the unique flavors and qualities of our tea. We believe that partnerships and collaborations remain key to growing our industry and are therefore, eager to explore opportunities with relevant stakeholders through this Consortium for boosting intra-African tea trade and promoting tea globally with the view to enhance market access and sustainability.' Ambassador Odida stated. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
National Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
DEWA PJSC added to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index
Article content DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, announced that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (ISIN: AED001801011) (Symbol: DEWA), the Emirate of Dubai's exclusive electricity and water services provider, which is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), is in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, effective as of the market close on 30 May 2025. Article content Article content 'DEWA is proud to be the largest listed company on the Dubai Financial Market, with a market capitalization exceeding AED 130 billion. Our inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index marks a pivotal milestone in DEWA's journey as a publicly listed company and reinforces our growing relevance on the global investment stage. DEWA was among largest additions to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index measured by full company market capitalization. This addition positions DEWA among a select group of emerging market companies sought after by international investors for their stability, scale, and sustainable growth outlook. With a strong track record of delivering predictable dividends, advancing clean energy targets, and supporting Dubai's net zero ambitions, DEWA offers a compelling proposition for long-term global capital. Our fundamentals, governance, and operating standards reflect global best practices. We remain fully committed to delivering consistent growth, operational excellence, and long-term value to all our stakeholders,' said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman and MD & CEO of DEWA. Article content The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a leading global benchmark that captures large- and mid-cap representation across 24 emerging markets, including China, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. With over 1,400 constituents and approximately US$7 trillion in assets benchmarked to it, the index is widely tracked by passive funds that replicate the performance of market index, and institutional investors worldwide. Being added to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index can trigger automatic capital inflows from passive investment vehicles and index-linked funds that replicate the index composition. These flows are typically non-discretionary, creating steady buy-side demand for the stock from the date of inclusion. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
