Event Aims to Advance Financial Inclusion and Economic Development
AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is organizing the 5th International Interest-Free Banking & Takaful forum in Ethiopia. This event aims to improve the country's economic conditions in both rural and urban areas. It will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Addis Ababa on the 20th – 21st of August 2024, followed by workshops on the 22nd of July 2024.
Over 15 international speakers will discuss topics related to interest-free banking and takaful. The conference will have participants from Ethiopia, other African countries, and international organizations such as central banks, banking and financial sectors, microfinance, and the insurance industry. H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and H.E. Atif Sharif Mian, Ambassador, Embassy of Pakistan, Ethiopia, will honor the event.
The event is proudly sponsored by Ethiopian Insurance Corporation and ZamZam Bank, and supported by the Somaliland Banker’s Association (SLBA), Islamic Finance Research Institute Ghana, AL BARAKAH Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Azerbaijan Fintech Association (AzFina), and Africa Fintech Network. We are also delighted to partner with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Holidays for this event. Media partners for the event include IFING-MEDIA, Mesofinance Monthly, and Financial IT.
Mr. M. Zubair Mughal, CEO of AlHuda CIBE, expressed gratitude to the supporters and sponsors for their continuous trust and unprecedented support for the event. The event aims to address the challenge of providing financial services to Ethiopia's predominantly rural population through digital solutions. With approximately two-thirds of the population living below the poverty line and 62% employed in the agriculture sector, targeting these groups is crucial for improving financial inclusion in Ethiopia.
Mr. Mughal emphasized that interest-free banking and finance present the best opportunity to uplift the poor. Investing in interest-free banking and finance has the potential to attract foreign investment, leading to enhanced global connectivity, improved job creation, socio-economic development, and poverty alleviation.
The forum aims to achieve several key objectives, such as recognizing significant advancements in Africa's interest-free financial infrastructure, establishing connections between the African interest-free finance industry and the international financial market, showcasing the resilience of interest-free (Islamic) financial markets during recent financial crises, sharing best practices from the international interest-free banking industry with African interest-free finance industry, and evaluating innovations in interest-free financial markets through the expansion of newly developed research-based products.
This event is open to the public with a very low entrance fee. It is highly recommended that more organizations, companies, and banks participate in the forum to fully benefit from this international event in Ethiopia. AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is a well-recognized name in the Islamic banking and finance industry for research and provides state-of-the-art Advisory Consultancy and Education through various well-recognized modes viz.
Islamic Financial Product Development, Shariah Advisory, training workshops, Islamic Microfinance and Takaful Consultancies, etc., side by side through our distinguished, generally acceptable, and well-known Publications in Islamic Banking and Finance.
We are dedicated to serving the community as a unique institution, advisory, and capacity building for the last twelve years. The prime goal has always been to stick to the commitment to providing Services in UAE/Pakistan and worldwide. We have so far served in more than 35 Countries for the development of the Islamic Banking and Finance industry.
TEHRAN, Aug. 19 (MNA) – The UK is awaiting approval from the US before giving Ukrainians the green light to use their missiles on Russian territory.
However, a source within the UK government said the request was submitted to the system over a month ago, but there has been no response yet.
The source mentioned that, as far as they understand, the issue is effectively "stuck in their system." A second source within the UK government confirmed that "discussions were still ongoing around Storm Shadow with allies" and a third defence source described it as a "routine US process".
It is understood that while the UK wants to give Ukraine the freedom to use long-range weapons as it sees fit, this requires consensus from allies, including the US, France, and a third unnamed NATO country. A government source emphasised that the UK does not blame the US for the delay, adding that such policy changes take time.
The Storm Shadows have a range of 250 kilometres and can be used to strike military bases deep within Russia, which play a crucial role in Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
Sabrina Singh, Deputy Spokesperson for the Pentagon, acknowledged during a briefing that the US is "concerned about escalation" when it comes to Ukraine's use of long-range weapons.
She also suggested that long-range weaponry may not be necessary to help Ukraine liberate its territory.
Matthew Palmer, the Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy London, distanced himself from the notion that the US has any say in the matter during an interview with Times Radio set to air on Sunday. He stated that the conditions under which British weapons may be used are a matter for London and Kyiv to decide.
Among British military personnel, there is a theory that the US may be waiting to assess the impact or consequences of a Ukrainian operation in Russia before making a decision, although they have stated they expect a quick resolution of the issue. MEHR News Agency
Tebboune offers to send doctors and aid to rebuild Gaza during campaigning for presidential race scheduled for Sept. 7
ALGIERS, Algeria
The Algerian president has announced that his country is ready to build three hospitals in the Gaza Strip if the land border crossing between Egypt and the enclave is reopened.
Abdelmadjid Tebboune made his statement on Sunday while campaigning for the presidential election scheduled for Sept. 7, according to an Anadolu reporter.
In his presidential bid, Tebboune faces two other candidates: Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, the leader of the Movement for a Society of Peace (the largest Islamist party), and Youcef Aouchiche, the first secretary of the Socialist Forces Front (a leftist and the oldest opposition party).
“In case the border between Egypt and Gaza is opened, we will build three hospitals within 20 days,” Tebboune said, referring to field hospitals that the Algerian military is capable of constructing.
Previously, Tebboune had enquired about the military’s capacity to build such hospitals and the feasibility of sending them to Gaza under suitable conditions during the opening of the Algeria International Fair in June.
Addressing his supporters, Tebboune also expressed readiness to send hundreds of doctors to Gaza and assist in rebuilding what has been destroyed.
He condemned the current situation in Gaza as “not a war, but massacres perpetrated by the Zionist occupation,” asserting that the resolution of the Palestinian issue through the “extermination of Palestinians” is unacceptable.
Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 attack last year by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
The Israeli onslaught has since killed nearly 40,100 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 92,500, according to local health authorities.
More than 10 months into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.
Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6. By Mohammad Sio, Anadolu Agency
Residents of Mabior Yar, in Warrap state, affected by both flooding and conflict in recent years. Philip Kleinfeld/TNH
Uncategorized
South Sudan remains one of the most perilous environments for humanitarian workers in 2024, with 24 attacks on aid workers recorded so far this year, the UN said Monday.
In a statement on the accusation of World Humanitarian Day, the UN humanitarian agency (UNOCHA) said access constraints across South Sudan hamper efforts to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable populations.
Between January and July, 267 humanitarian access incidents were reported, with 135 incidents involving direct violence against humanitarian personnel and assets, including 28 incidents of looting and theft. Escalating insecurity has forced 15 humanitarian staff to relocate from their operational areas. “On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. “Their unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and delivering assistance to those in need cannot be overstated.”
The UN agency also warned about the humanitarian and economic outlook in a country facing the effect of conflict in neighbouring Sudan 780,000 refugees and internally displaced people; uncertainty in the face of critical political events necessary for a successful transition.
In 2024, 9 million people – three-quarters of South Sudan’s population – are projected to require humanitarian and protection assistance, the agency said.
“Without a safe space for aid workers, we risk failing the millions who depend on it,” emphasized Ms. Gbeho. “With South Sudan on the brink of severe flooding and thousands of returnees arriving from Sudan, the need for safe access to deliver vital aid is critical,” concluded the Humanitarian Coordinator. On World Humanitarian Day, the humanitarian community calls on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of humanitarian workers in South Sudan.
In 2008, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day. Each year on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day advocates for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers. Radio Tamazuj
President William Ruto (centre), hands over the Eldoret City flag to Municipal Council Chairman Julius Kitur after the elevation of Eldoret town to city status. Looking on are Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii (centre),Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and CS Lands Alice Wahome.. August 15, 2024. [Peter Ochieng,Standard]
Cheers rented the air as President Ruto made the announcement on Thursday. As part of the conferment, the president also awarded State honours to individuals among them athletes, philanthropists, and farmers for their distinguished services. 22 individuals were awarded.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii said: "As governor, I will ensure we organize another event to uniformly honour those who have made a lasting impact on our city. Even if your name wasn't mentioned, you are an essential part of our city's progress and we thank you for your immense contribution".
Even before the dust has settled, locals are now questioning the criteria used to identify the heroes.
Those who participated in clearing the bush and contributing to the growth of the town, locals claim, were left out, and those named were meant to erase the rich history of the town.
“The criteria used to identify those honoured was skewed and meant to erase history,” stated Director of Kenya Farmers Association Kipkorir Menjo.
Menjo attributed the growth of the city to individuals who took over the town after colonialists left the country. The majority of the people he said are farmers.
Late President Daniel Moi, farmers Kite Tiren who was the first farmer to acquire a combine harvester in 1948, the late Jackson Kibor, Salim Chepkeitany, Atnus Kandie, Kipchoge Keino he said were not recognized.
Menjo said the history of Eldoret City can never be complete without mentioning the old men adding that Mzee Moi crowned the entire group.
Menjo said Moi, whom he termed as the chief architect, established the Moi Barracks in the late 70s, Moi University in 1984, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Eldoret International Airport.
“We have the barracks, universities, MTRH, CBK, airports, and polytechnic all attributed to the late President Moi and there was no mention of him! The late Kite Arap Tiren was the first African farmer to own a combined harvester in 1948. The late John Kibogy, Kahama, Athanus Kandie, Jackson Kibor, Muchai of White Castle, etc were not mentioned anywhere! The late Chesire too was a successful farmer who ran KFA efficiently on behalf of the farmers in Rift Valley region making them achieve tremendous success in farming,” he stated.
Moi University is the second-largest institution of higher learning after the University of Nairobi, while the MTRH is the second-largest referral health facility after Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.
Moi was the chancellor of the university for 18 years, between 1984 when the institution was established, and 2002 when he retired. Moi pioneered Moi University as the second university in Kenya and the first university to be established in a rural setting.
“Moi seems to have seen far and planned before even revealing his intentions to grow the town without telling anybody. Moi pioneered monumental institutions that ignited the growth of Eldoret. There is no way now Eldoret could have qualified to be a city when you leave out Moi as one of the key pillars,” he added.
He said Moi pushed for the development of Eldoret and had assessed its potential beyond Kenya. Being an intersection point, the town he said provides a stopping point for people traveling to Uganda, Sudan, and other parts of the country.
“Moi from his assessment realized that it was easier to develop Eldoret as compared to his hometown Kabarnet,” he said.
Menjo said Moi in his many visits to the area would meet farmers, brief them of the plans he had, and encouraged them not to subdivide their agricultural land and invest more in the town.
He said Moi’s generation, the likes of Mzee Kibor took his (Moi) word seriously and moved to the city acquired property and invested.
Menjo said the city's status cannot be sustained by just a name but requires people to move in and invest. He said the city shouldn’t be left to fraudsters who seem to be taking over.
Menjo said in Eldoret he expects a monument of Moi, Kipchoge on behalf of the athletes, and Kite who was recognized as a farmer who was seen to have contributed to agriculture.
“The leaders should always consult to get the right people to be honoured, it is not late, the list can be reviewed, go back, get the right history, amend and add more names to the list of those to be honoured,” he added.
Joseph Too another resident said Moi would have been the first person to be recognized.
Too said it was shocking that notable people like Chesire Reuben who was the Asian President in the 1980s and who introduced the Asian cow breed to the region were left out. He said that those named in the list are not known and it should be reviewed.
“We need a proper list indicating the real heroes, some of those mentioned are strangers,” Too said.
Loyce Kibor said they were pissed off with the shoddy work done in naming the alleged heroes. While growing up
She noted that the majority of the heroes were locked out.
The founders of Elgon View, she said were nowhere on the list. The six founders among them Daudi Chumo, Jakson Kibor, and Garry Busienei she said accepted to turn their land to a municipality upon request by Mzee Moi.
“They subdivided the land to one acre each leading to the birth of now posh estate. All prominent people live in Elgon View,” she stated.
Professor Masibo Lumala, the Director of Open and Distance E-Learning at Moi University said Moi went to Kapsabet Boys and trained there in one of the colleges.
Lumala said Moi used to find time and hold meetings with local leaders in Eldoret State Lodge from Western Kenya and Nyanza and the larger Rift Valley.
He added that Moi believed in education and for a long time he served as the chairperson of the Board of Governors at Moi Girls Eldoret. He added that he also introduced Raymond, Raiply, Rivatex, and the first Central Bank outside Nairobi.
Moi founded the Moi Teachers Training College, currently the University of Eldoret. He said Moi did a lot not only for the town but the entire county.
“Moi decided that the Recruits Training Centre in Eldoret, he decided that we will have the second university in the Republic in Eldoret, he decided all these things and they happened, there is no better honour than making the generations remember him to come,” he added.
He said in his conversation with the local leaders he has always wanted to know beyond Moi’s contribution what other industries will help propel the city to be a 24-hour economy.
He said there is a need to honour the legends who contributed to its growth. “I must say that a country that does not honour its heroes, does not remember its legends, does not appreciate the role played by these people is not worth dying for. We have a problem of politicizing everything in this country to the extent that we don’t want people like Mzee Jomo Kenyatta who played a key role. We do not celebrate our own,” he said.
He said Moi cannot be ignored as he is the person behind what Eldoret is today adding that he had the option of going elsewhere.
“The name Moi rings a bell in every sphere, we may hate him, hate his party but trust me what he left in terms of his legacy cannot be overlooked. Looking at the institutions in this county Moi had a hand in everything. He was hands-on. The best thing we can do in this city is honour him, have a nice monument at the centre of the city, construct a library, and name it after him,” he said.
When called for a comment, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bill could not be reached on phone. He did not respond to text messages sent to him on WhatsApp. By Julius Chepkwony, The Standard
Informer East Africa is a UK based diaspora Newspaper. It is a unique platform connecting East Africans at home and abroad through news dissemination. It is a forum to learn together, grow together and get entertained at the same time.
To advertise events or products, get in touch by info [at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447957636854. If you have an issue or a story, get in touch with the editor through editor[at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447886544135.
We also accept donations from our supporters. Please click on "donate". Your donations will go along way in supporting the newspaper.
