Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the African Export-Import Bank (AfreximBank) announced a new facility agreement for a EUR 150 Million financing program to support Afreximbank in the implementation of its new climate finance strategy which will target green, low carbon, socially inclusive and more resilient investments across Africa. As part of its financing program, AFD has made available a EUR 500,000 grant to carry out a technical assistance program which will support Afreximbank in developing its sustainable finance strategy. By doing so, this strong partnership between the two institutions will promote through Afreximbank and its partnering institutions, the dissemination of innovative financing mechanisms for the sustainable development of the African continent.
As the continent commence the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) early next year, it is timely to unlock new funding arrangements to finance sustainable projects and sectors that build Africa’s long-term competitiveness and resilience. It is estimated that the climate change is impacting negatively on Africa’s GDP by 2.8% every year (around USD 100 billion).

Qatar Airways has paid out over USD 1.2 billion in refunds to almost 600,000 passengers since March, demonstrating its commitment to honouring its obligations to passengers who need to change their plans due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel.
In the context of unprecedented numbers of refund requests as airlines and passengers navigate entry restrictions imposed by countries around the world to limit the spread of COVID-19, Qatar Airways has worked hard to process almost all refunds requested since March 2020 (96%). The airline is now processing all new refunds back to the original form of payment in less than 30 days.
Additionally, the airline introduced an unrivalled flexible booking policy that has proved extremely popular with passengers. Qatar Airways tickets are now valid for two years from the date of issuance. Passengers can also choose to change their travel date or destination free of charge as often as they need, change their origin to another city within the same country or any other destination on the airline’s network within a 5,000 mile radius of the original, exchange their ticket for a future travel voucher worth 110% of the original ticket value, or swap their tickets for Qmiles. Over one third (36%) of Qatar Airways passengers selected one of these options over a refund.

Facebook launched Avatars in Africa to give people new ways to express themselves online. Avatars are digital personas that enable people to engage across Facebook and Messenger in a more personal and dynamic way. You can use your personalised avatar to share a range of emotions and expressions via a digital persona that is unique to you.
There are many ways you can use your avatar including in comments, Stories, Messenger and soon, text posts with backgrounds too. With so many emotions and expressions to choose from, avatars let you share your authentic reactions and feelings with family and friends across the app. You can customise your avatar with hairstyles, complexions, outfits, COVID-19 support stickers and more. To create your avatar, go to the Facebook or Messenger comment composer, click on the “smiley” button, and then the sticker tab.

Trade and Development Bank (TDB) is awarded Global Trade Review’s (GTR) Leaders in Trade Awards as ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Kenya’ and ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Ethiopia’ for the year 2020.
Nairobi being TDB’s operational hub, the ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Kenya’ award recognizes not only the Bank’s work in Kenya, but also the efforts it has been deploying across its various member states. Similarly, the ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Ethiopia’ award is a tribute to TDB’s far-reaching bespoke trade finance solutions which have enabled the country to access forex liquidity, enhance its productivity levels in agriculture, support employment, ensure food security and more.
Michael Awori, TDB’s Chief Operating Officer, commented that “over the past few years, we have enriched our trade finance strategy, diversified our suite of products and services, and sharpened our response to the needs of the region we serve. We have no doubt made a pronounced mark in addressing the trade finance gap in the region, mitigating critical fuel shortages, securing the sourcing of strategic commodities, facilitating greater intra and inter-Africa trade and regional integration, and ultimately, moving the sustainable economic development needle in the region”.