funding

Sanctions on Al-Shabaab Operatives: US and Gulf States' Joint Offensive WASHINGTON - In a collaborative stride against terror financing, seven countries under the banner of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) have sanctioned 15 operatives of the infamous group, Al-Shabaab, in Somalia. These individuals, now exposed as key players in sustaining Al-Shabaab financially, have been under scrutiny for several years. Why is this significant? Well, these operatives are integral in not just financially…

Harvard Takes a Stand: Rejecting Federal Demands and Facing Financial Fallout When hundreds of protesters filled the streets last week, their message was unequivocal: Harvard University must reject the Trump Administration's recent demands. The atmosphere was electric—a sea of impassioned students and faculty condemning what they viewed as unprecedented government intrusion into academic life. Little did they know, their university's courageous stand would provoke immediate, dramatic consequences. On Monday, just hours…

Africa Re partners with NEMA to Champion Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance in Abuja Workshop On a bright Wednesday morning in Abuja, something significant unfolded. Over seventy key stakeholders, including seasoned government officials, forward-thinking insurance experts, and dedicated development partners, gathered in one room. Their common goal: to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s approach to disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response through strategic disaster financing and the active integration of insurance.…

U.S. and Partners Crack Down on Al-Shabaab’s Financial Operations with New Sanctions In a fresh effort to curtail the ongoing threat from Al-Shabaab, the United States, in coordination with the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), recently imposed sanctions against key operatives integral to the group's financial and operational structures. While such moves are hardly new, this latest action emphasizes the growing urgency felt by international partners to disrupt Al-Shabaab's extensive financial networks. Have…

In today's fast-paced world, where business is continuously evolving, cash remains a significant force in South Africa. However, it's not just about the coins and notes you hold in your hand. The landscape of financing is lush with an array of options ripe for the picking. Have you ever considered the plethora of government grants that are just waiting for innovative businesses to apply? Not to mention, the digital loan ecosystem is expanding, making the process of securing a business loan in South Africa a more accessible…

Imagine this: you are an aspiring entrepreneur in South Africa, armed with a groundbreaking idea but lacking the necessary funds to lift your dream off the ground. The quest to secure financing brings you face-to-face with a longstanding barrier—conventional banks. According to McKinsey, some banks hold onto antiquated requirements. They insist that SMEs must have an existing relationship, either through lending or transactional banking, to even think about funding. Inevitably, this leaves newly minted businesses out in…

Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s Minister of Health, recently urged nations to rethink their health resource allocations, strengthen collaborative global initiatives, and investigate innovative financial frameworks. As daunting as the post-pandemic landscape is, his call for action resonates deeply amidst unraveling healthcare systems worldwide. During the G20 Health Working Group convened in the scenic coastal town of Ballito, Motsoaledi articulated a vision not just for South Africa but for the global community. He…

Financing energy projects is never a straightforward art. Each endeavor is a mosaic of stakeholders with varying interests. Among the financiers of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), we find notable names such as Standard Bank, Stanbic Bank Uganda, KCB Bank Uganda, and Saudi Arabia's Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector. One can’t help but wonder, how do so many distinct entities find common ground? "The successful closing of this first tranche represents a significant…

In the bustling heart of Nairobi, amidst the blend of modern skyscrapers and vibrant street markets, Kenya's Finance Minister, John Mbadi, shared insights on the economic pathway the country is carving. During a recent interview with Reuters on February 5, 2025, Mbadi candidly discussed the emerging dialogue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about a new financial program, sparking conversations about Kenya's fiscal future.Edited by Ali Musa, Axadle Times international–Monitoring. The Complex Tango with the…

Unfreezing Aid: A New Dawn In an unforeseen development, the United States has decided to thaw frozen aid funds, spotlighting a monumental moment in U.S. foreign policy. This decision arrives on the heels of a thought-provoking U.S. Supreme Court ruling that has, for lack of a better term, sent ripples across the boardrooms and communities alike. Can one decision truly alter the fabric of international relations? By revoking the freeze on aid, significant initiatives are back on track in healthcare, infrastructure, and…