African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has introduced the Afreximbank Policy Research Working Paper Series (APRWPS) and is inviting authors to submit manuscripts for publication.

The APRWPS will provide a platform for Afreximbank staff, academics, scholars, institutions and practitioners to share preliminary research findings on topics concerning African trade, trade finance and development. It will serve as a knowledge repository for stakeholders to exchange ideas and address knowledge gaps, thereby enhancing Afreximbank’s visibility in research and knowledge generation and contribute to policy advisory, formulation, and implementation among member states.

This new series is designed to complement Afreximbank’s existing research publications, including the Journal of African Trade, the Contemporary Issues in African Trade and Trade Finance, the African Trade Report and the Distinguished Lecture Series. The launch of this policy research series aligns with Afreximbank’s goal of becoming a leading authority in African trade and trade finance.

Afreximbank Managing Director and Group Chief Economist, Dr. Yemi Kale, commented;

“The APRWPS aims to promote research and knowledge dissemination in development economics, trade, and trade finance relevant to Africa’s development. It is an important vehicle to enhance the global image of Africa by contributing to global research and knowledge production.”

Authors interested in contributing to the APRWPS can submit manuscripts to editor.aprwps@afreximbank.com. Guidelines for submitting papers and the scope of research topics are available on the Afreximbank website here: www.Afreximbank.com. The inaugural issue, APRWS/2024, released in March 2024, features six papers authored by 14 contributors and can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/49nDyHQ.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Email: press@afreximbank.com
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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$104 billion between 2016 and 2023. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

Ghana has awarded President William Ruto the country’s highest honour, The Companion of the Order of the Star of the Volta.

Conferring the honour at a State banquet on Wednesday evening, President Nana Akufo-Addo said President Ruto was an “example of a new generation of African leaders” who have decided to insist on the application of principles of accountability and due process to all citizens no matter their status in society”.

He pointed out that President Ruto had done this no matter the complexity or sensitivity of political consequences.

“Under your leadership,” President Akufo-Addo said, “Kenya has become a shining example of a nation governed by the rule of law.”

He said under President Ruto’s leadership, Kenya has regained its place of pride at the international stage.

President Akufo-Addo cited declining inflation, growth in start ups and the number of Kenyans set to have access to housing and health insurance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

The Ministry of Agriculture hosted an assessment meeting on 2 April in Massawa, focusing on the endeavors made to manage the desert locust infestation in the Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions during 2023.

The meeting saw the participation of Mr. Arefaine Berhe, the Minister of Agriculture, Regional Governors, heads of regional Assemblies, various officials, agricultural experts, and representatives of farmers.

Mr. Kibrom Andemicael, Managing Director in the Northern Red Sea Region, emphasized in his opening remarks the significance of the control efforts, highlighting their importance not only for Eritrea but also for neighboring nations.

Mr. Tesfit Gerezgiher, Director General of Agriculture and Land in the region, detailed the activities undertaken, the challenges faced, and future plans for mitigating the locust threat in his report. He noted that the locust invasion in 2023/2024 was unprecedented in scale and scope, with over 1,400 personnel, 14 spraying units, and 4 vehicles mobilized for the control operations.

Mr. Tesfit praised the collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the general public, defense forces, and local administrations, which effectively managed the locust threat before it could cause significant harm to agriculture and pasturelands.

Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region, warned of the potential for increased locust activity following the onset of rains in various parts of the region, urging for vigilant monitoring and thorough preparedness.

Minister Arefaine Berhe highlighted the successful coordinated efforts among agricultural specialists, the community, local administrations, and defense forces in addressing the locust crisis. He further urged for a strengthened collective approach, including the provision of training, the development of alternative pesticides, and the execution of regular field inspections to prevent future invasions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

A senior delegation from the Russian Federation, led by Vice Admiral Vladimir Kasatonov, accompanied by Gen. Flipos Woldeyohannes, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces, along with other high-ranking military commanders, embarked on a tour of development and infrastructure sites in the Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions on 3 April.

During their visit, the delegation explored key facilities including the Assab International Airport and its adjacent port, the Haleb Boat Manufacturing and Maintenance Plant, the Fish Corporation and Ice Productions in Assab Sekir, various fish processing plants, and wind energy facilities in Borasole, among other infrastructures as well as Nakura Island.

The two sides also explored opportunities for cooperation, especially in the development of fisheries infrastructure in Idi, Tio, and other sites. Throughout the tour, coordinators at each site provided detailed briefings to the delegation, offering insights into ongoing and planned projects.

The tour was attended by Maj. Gen. Teklai Habteselasie, Commander of the Eritrean Air Force: Maj. Gen. Romodan Osman Aweliay, Commander of the Eritrean Defense Forces Training Center; Brig. Gen. Abraham Andom, Commander of Eastern Command: Col. Melake Teklemariam, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Naval Force; and Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Culture and Sports.

This visit by the senior Russian Naval Delegation is part of a series of regular consultative forums aimed at strengthening ties and fostering collaboration between relevant entities of the two nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.