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RLC Global Forum 2026 to Convene in Riyadh as Global Growth Crossroads Emerge

By
شمس سيف
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RLC Global Forum 2026 to Convene in Riyadh as Global Growth Crossroads Emerge
RLC Global Forum 2026 to Convene in Riyadh as Global Growth Crossroads Emerge

The RLC Global Forum has confirmed Riyadh as the host city for its flagship 2026 meeting, taking place on 3 and 4 February under the strategic theme “Growth Crossroads.” As the leading cross-sector platform for the global retail and consumer-facing industries, the Forum will bring together CEOs, policymakers, investors, and innovators from around the world to explore where growth is emerging and how to navigate it amid profound shifts in markets and technologies.

The announcement follows a record-breaking 2025 edition, which convened over 2,000 senior leaders from 42 countries and generated tangible outcomes across cross-border commerce, grocery retail, luxury, technology, and innovation.

The 2026 program will bring together regional and global leaders to focus on:

  • Public-private leadership sessions addressing cross-industry and policy priorities.
  • Retail, real estate and infrastructure tracks on future lifestyle destinations.
  • Innovation showcases across luxury, fashion, beauty, grocery, and fintech.
  • Cross-sector working groups on trade, labor, and regional integration.

As the Gulf emerges as a center of gravity for retail innovation and investment, the Forum strengthens its global commitment to multilateral dialogue and cross-market collaboration, connecting growth hubs from the Global South with established economies to build a more resilient and inclusive future.

RLC 2026 will convene top decision-makers and innovators from around the world, including:

  • Sam Kim, Vice Chairman & Group CEO, Lotte Retail, South Korea
  • André Maeder, CEO, Selfridges Group, UK
  • Marco Bizzarri, Co-founder and CEO, Forel, Italy
  • Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers, KSA
  • Sima Ved, Founder & Chairwoman, Apparel Group, UAE
  • Geoffroy Van Raemdonck, Independent Director, Moncler Group, USA
  • Dr. Bander Hamooh, CEO, Panda Retail Company, KSA
  • Michael Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group, UAE
  • Jaume Miquel Naudi, Chairman & CEO, Tendam, Spain
  • Selvane Mohandas du Menil, Managing Director, IADS, France
  • Stefania Lazzaroni, CEO, Altagamma, Italy
  • Mina Fader, Managing Director, Jay H. Baker Retailing Center, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA
  • Dr. Martyn Davies, Executive Advisor, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, KSA
  • Emanuela Prandelli, PhD,  LVMH Professor of Fashion and Luxury Management, Bocconi University, Italy
  • Fahed Ghanim, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim – Lifestyle, UAE
  • Sebastian Suhl, CEO, END., UK

“In a world that’s being rewired, the pursuit of growth has never been more strategic,” said Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum. “By selecting Riyadh once again, we are placing the Forum at the center of a region driving new forms of growth and exploring how these emerging hubs connect with established markets to shape the future of retail and trade.”

The Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum launches the fourth edition of the Egyptian Women’s Summit, under the patronage and in cooperation with the National Council for Women.

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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The Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum launches the fourth edition of the Egyptian Women’s Summit, under the patronage and in cooperation with the National Council for Women.
The Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum launches the fourth edition of the Egyptian Women’s Summit, under the patronage and in cooperation with the National Council for Women.


The Forum of the 50 Most Influential Women, under the patronage and in cooperation with the National Council for Women, announces the launch of the fourth edition of the Egyptian Women’s Summit, held this year under the theme:
“The Future of Women in Science, Technology, and Innovation”
(STEM and Future Innovation Summit).

This fourth edition is considered the most prominent event in the region, evolving from a national activity into a high-level regional and international platform. It attracts more than 6,000 female leaders from Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa, alongside senior officials, policymakers, leaders of public and private institutions, and representatives of international and regional organizations, as well as youth delegations from public and private universities.

The summit focuses on the role of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), linking them with innovation and entrepreneurship. The aim is to empower young female leaders to keep pace with the demands of the digital era and strengthen women’s presence in the knowledge economy and future technological transformations up to 2035.

The event’s agenda includes high-level ministerial sessions bringing together decision-makers and officials concerned with women’s issues and development.
• Specialized training workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship will provide new generations with opportunities to learn from inspiring leaders.
• The summit will also host the second edition of the Employment Forum for Girls and Fresh Graduates, with major private sector companies participating to offer direct job and training opportunities.
• For the first time, the official announcement of the Top 50 Most Influential African Women 2025 list will be made during the African Women Awards ceremony. This strategic step enhances Egypt’s position as a bridge for regional and international communication and affirms its role in leading women’s development movements across Africa.

Dina Abdel Fattah, Founder and Chairwoman of the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum, stated:

“The Egyptian Women’s Summit has become a leading regional platform that reflects Egypt’s successful experience in empowering women and opens new horizons for cooperation among Egyptian, Arab, and African female leaders. This edition places women at the heart of digital transformation and cements Egypt’s role as a key supporter of female leadership and entrepreneurship across the continent.”

She added:

“Launching the Top 50 Most Influential African Women Awards from Cairo is a strategic step that transforms the summit into a permanent international platform. It gives the continent an opportunity to spotlight its most influential female leaders in technology, innovation, and leadership.”

The summit thus consolidates the international standing of the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum as a unifying platform for exchanging expertise and building strategic partnerships—not only at the national level but across Africa and the Arab world. It affirms that Egyptian, Arab, and African women are not just part of the change, but at the forefront of leading it, from university classrooms to top management positions

EFG Hermes Advises Vision Invest on Landmark Capital Raise in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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EFG Hermes Advises Vision Invest on Landmark Capital Raise in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms
EFG Hermes Advises Vision Invest on Landmark Capital Raise in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms

EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, announced today that it acted as a financial advisor to Vision Invest on its landmark investment in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise), one of Africa’s largest private infrastructure transactions to date.

The transaction, which involved a total capital raise of USD 700 million, welcomed Vision Invest, a leading Saudi Arabian investor and developer of infrastructure assets, into Arise’s shareholder base alongside the continued support of existing institutional shareholders. The raise underscores the company’s rapid expansion from a single-country operator in 2020 to its current presence across 14 African markets.

Saud Altassan, CEO of EFG Hermes KSA
Saud Altassan, CEO of EFG Hermes KSA

Saud Altassan, CEO of EFG Hermes KSA, commented, “EFG Hermes is proud to support leading Saudi investors in executing landmark transactions beyond the Kingdom. Our partnership with Vision Invest underscores our commitment to enabling KSA capital to access high-quality opportunities abroad, creating long-term value while reinforcing the Kingdom’s global investment footprint.

Karim Meleka, Co-Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes
Karim Meleka, Co-Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes

Commenting on the transaction, Karim Meleka, Co-Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes said, “We are proud to have advised Vision Invest on this landmark transaction, one of the largest private infrastructure capital raises in Africa. This deal underscores both the appetite of leading institutional investors for high-quality assets and EFG Hermes’ unrivalled ability to execute complex cross-border transactions. We look forward to supporting Vision Invest as it continues to grow its global footprint.”

Since the beginning of the year, EFG Hermes has advised on 4 M&A transactions, 9 DCM, and 8 ECM transactions across the region, including landmark transactions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, underscoring its leadership in regional markets.

24 Years Later: September 11 — United We Stand Against Hate and Terror, Condemns the Killing of Charlie Kirk

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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24 Years Later: September 11 — United We Stand Against Hate and Terror, Condemns the Killing of Charlie Kirk
24 Years Later: September 11 — United We Stand Against Hate and Terror, Condemns the Killing of Charlie Kirk

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins the nation in solemn remembrance of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This 24th anniversary is a powerful reminder that terrorism—whether domestic or international, individual, or state-sponsored—is a common enemy of all believers in human rights.

This year’s commemoration coincides with another tragic event: the brutal killing of Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. His murder is a stark and painful reminder that though hate, and political violence constitute a fundamental problem. No disagreement, ideological divide, or political stance—whether from the far left or far right—can ever justify such an act.

Both the September 11 anniversary and the killing of Mr. Kirk reaffirm our collective responsibility to uphold and protect the core values of freedom of speech, civil discourse, and democratic principles. Mr. Kirk’s death occurred amid a deeply polarized and toxic political climate, underscoring the urgent need for unity and vigilance.

AHRC unequivocally condemns the killing of Mr. Kirk and calls on all Americans to reject hate and resist efforts to divide us. In doing so, we honor the memory of all those who perished on September 11 and reaffirm our commitment to a more just, peaceful, and united nation.

“There is absolutely no excuse for political violence,” said Dr. Ahmed Ghanim, community leader and activist. “This is not the time to take cheap political shots at political opponents. It is time for everyone- left or right- to come together and condemn such violence,” continued Dr. Ghanim. “The moment we resort to violence to resolve political differences is the moment we lose democracy,” concluded Dr. Ghanim.

“We honor the memory of September 11 by standing firm against hate, violence, and division. The killing of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder that our democracy depends on protecting every voice—even those we disagree with,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director.

 ADGM’s FSRA and SFC Co-Host High-Level Roundtable on Asset Management Opportunities

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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 ADGM’s FSRA and SFC Co-Host High-Level Roundtable on Asset Management Opportunities
 ADGM’s FSRA and SFC Co-Host High-Level Roundtable on Asset Management Opportunities

 

 The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) co-hosted a high-level roundtable today in Hong Kong to discuss opportunities for Hong Kong asset managers within ADGM.

More than 20 senior executives of Hong Kong asset managers participated in the roundtable, which was led by the SFC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Julia Leung, and ADGM FSRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Emmanuel Givanakis. The event was also attended by SFC’s Executive Director of Investment Products, Ms Christina Choi, and ADGM FSRA’s Executive Director, International Affairs, Mr Philippe Richard.

Discussions addressed a range of topics, including opportunities for Hong Kong asset managers to access investors in ADGM and in the wider United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the UAE fund passporting regime.  

Emmanuel Givanakis said, “We are delighted to engage with the SFC in this constructive high-level roundtable, which provided a valuable platform to explore emerging opportunities in the asset management sector. As the leading asset management hub in the region, ADGM is committed to fostering innovation, strengthening investor confidence, and unlocking sustainable growth. We look forward to building on today’s discussions to further enhance the competitiveness and resilience of our financial ecosystem.”

“Today’s dialogue builds on the foundation laid by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with ADGM’s FSRA earlier this year in May and underscores our ongoing effort to explore further connectivity. By bringing together industry leaders and regulators, we are advancing collaboration to facilitate Hong Kong’s asset managers in accessing the UAE market,” said Ms Leung.

At a subsequent industry seminar, the FSRA of ADGM provided insights into regulatory requirements for cross-border fund distributions for asset managers. More than 30 representatives from the city’s asset management industry attended the seminar. 

Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation
Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation

Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Meets Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development to Strengthen Bilateral Ties as Part of the Egyptian-Tunisian Joint Higher Committee Meetings in Cairo
Al-Mashat:
● “The Egyptian-Tunisian Joint Committee is a framework for consolidating economic, commercial, and investment cooperation between the two countries.”
● “We look forward to effective outcomes from the 18th session of the Joint Committee at all levels and to expanding cooperation between the private sectors of both countries.”
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Mr. Samir Obeid, Minister of Trade and Export Development of the Republic of Tunisia, to explore avenues for joint cooperation during the 18th session of the Egyptian-Tunisian Joint Higher Committee, held in Cairo from September 8–11, 2025.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the historic depth of Egyptian-Tunisian relations, shaped by the shared aspirations of their peoples and the commitment of their political leaderships. She expressed optimism that the committee’s work would deliver tangible progress in advancing bilateral cooperation across multiple fields.
Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the Egyptian-Tunisian Joint Higher Committee serves as a cornerstone of collaboration between the two countries. Having convened 17 previous sessions, it stands as one of the oldest Arab joint committees and has led to the creation of several technical committees covering infrastructure, logistics, land and rail transport, youth, trade, and industry.
She noted that Egyptian exports to Tunisia reached approximately $434.5 million in 2024, marking a 15.4% increase compared to 2023. Egypt aims to further boost trade exchange, building on several economic agreements signed between the two countries, including the Greater Arab Free Trade Area Agreement, the Agadir Agreement, and the Free Trade Agreement. Dr. Al-Mashat also stressed the importance of maximizing the benefits of both countries’ membership in COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister underscored the critical role of the Egyptian and Tunisian private sectors in capitalizing on the opportunities available in both countries, with a view to expanding into African, Arab, and European markets. Strengthening the presence of Egyptian and Tunisian products and businesses in these markets, she added, will further deepen bilateral ties and unlock new growth opportunities.
Dr. Al-Mashat also presented the main features of “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience”, launched by the government earlier this week. The initiative focuses on transitioning toward more productive sectors with better access to export markets (tradables), leveraging the country’s advanced infrastructure, and redefining the state’s role in the economy. These steps are designed to enhance Egypt’s competitiveness and encourage greater private sector participation, continuing the momentum of economic reform.
The Minister further referred to the outcomes of the preparatory meetings of the Joint Higher Committee at the expert level. These meetings addressed frameworks for collaboration across fields of mutual interest, including efforts to boost trade exchange and enhance cooperation in sustainable development planning, policy-making, and capacity building.
Dr. Al-Mashat also reviewed the key achievements since the previous session of the committee, highlighting progress in trade promotion, finance and banking, social security and insurance, and the environment. She also referenced new understandings reached during the committee’s work in the fields of investment, trade, industry, electricity, oil and mining, health, agriculture, and higher education.
The expert-level meetings for the 18th session were held on September 9–10, led by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation on the Egyptian side, and the Ministry of Trade and Export Development on the Tunisian side, with participation from 28 Egyptian national entities and their Tunisian counterparts.
It is worth noting that the joint committee mechanism is one of Egypt’s key tools for deepening economic, commercial, and investment relations, as well as cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation with partner countries. The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation currently oversees approximately 55 joint committees between Egypt and countries across various continents.
In 2024, the Ministry organized several important bilateral committees, including the Egyptian-Romanian Joint Committee, the Egyptian-Jordanian Committee, the Egyptian-Tajikistani Joint Ministerial Committee, and the first session of the Egyptian-Polish Joint Committee and the Egyptian-Uzbek Joint Committee. More recently, in 2025, the Ministry convened the first session of the Egyptian-Swiss Joint Committee.

Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South Launches The VIP Terminal Boulevard

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South Launches ‘The VIP Terminal Boulevard’
Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South Launches ‘The VIP Terminal Boulevard’

 To cater to the increased demand of aviation-related services, the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South, has announced the launch of ‘The VIP Terminal Boulevard’, a new development designed to attract leading aviation companies and luxury retailers.

Strategically located adjacent to the VIP Terminal, which continues to witness record growth in business aviation movements, the boulevard stretches 769 metres and features 16 premium buildings, offering state-of-the-art facilities and retail outlets across a total development area of 204,000 square metres. Designed as part of MBRAH’s integrated aviation ecosystem, the development provides an unmatched opportunity for global companies seeking to establish and grow their presence in the region. The boulevard will be delivered in phases starting in 2026.

Construction has already commenced on Aviation One, a six-storey building within The VIP Terminal Boulevard, which combines modern architectural design with advanced functional layouts, reflecting MBRAH’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Aviation has always been one of the fundamental pillars of Dubai’s economy. The growing demand for aviation services in the emirate is a direct reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the advanced ecosystem in MBR Aerospace Hub which is beyond the aviation industry’s expectations. As we progress towards the completion of Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai will further cement its role as a global leader in aviation, attracting top-tier companies and setting new benchmarks for the industry.”

“The VIP Terminal Boulevard is a significant addition to the world-class facilities at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. It will open new opportunities for leading aviation companies and luxury brands to flourish, while further strengthening Dubai’s position as a premier destination for companies and a key player on the global aviation map,” added His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, MROs, and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centres and training and education campuses. It seeks to strengthen engineering industries to foster the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading aviation hub.  

Nasdaq Dubai Welcomes Republic of Indonesia’s two Sukuk listings equals to USD 2.2 Billion

By
اسراء وائل
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Nasdaq Dubai Welcomes Republic of Indonesia’s two Sukuk listings equals to USD 2.2 Billion
Nasdaq Dubai Welcomes Republic of Indonesia’s two Sukuk listings equals to USD 2.2 Billion

Nasdaq Dubai has welcomed two new Sukuk listings by the Republic of Indonesia, admitted under its USD 45 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme. The dual tranche issuance, totalling USD 2.2 billion, reinforces Indonesia’s position as the largest sovereign Sukuk issuer on the exchange. 

The drawdowns comprise a USD 1.1 billion 4.55% trust certificate due 2030, and a USD 1.1 billion 5.20% green trust certificate due 2035, underscoring Indonesia’s growing commitment to sustainable financing. These listings build upon the country’s established track record in the global Sukuk market and highlight its continued leadership among sovereign issuers on Nasdaq Dubai. 

Following this admission, Indonesia’s outstanding Sukuk listings on the exchange now stand at USD 24.05 billion across 21 issuances, the largest sovereign Sukuk portfolio on Nasdaq Dubai. Nasdaq Dubai’s overall Sukuk market now stands at USD 98.6 billion, comprising more than 100 listings from sovereign, supranational, and corporate issuers around the world.

  1. Husin Bagis, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for the UAE rang the market-opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai on behalf of the Republic of Indonesia to celebrate the listing, in the presence of Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM).
  2. Husin Bagis, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the UAE said: “Today’s sukuk issuance demonstrates Indonesia’s strong economic fundamentals and our nation’s growing role in the global financial market. This issuance also underscores Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that financing for growth goes hand in hand with our responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.”

Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), said: “We are pleased to welcome this latest Sukuk issuance by the Republic of Indonesia to Nasdaq Dubai. These listings reflect the strength of Nasdaq Dubai’s platform as a hub for sovereign and ESG-linked issuances, and our ongoing commitment to facilitating global investor access through a transparent and efficient marketplace. “

Total outstanding debt listings on Nasdaq Dubai now exceed USD 139 billion, reflecting the exchange’s strong and expanding appeal to sovereign, corporate, and financial institution issuers across multiple geographies.

Aavishkaar Capital’s Global Supply Chain Support Fund (GSCSF) Supports the Horizon Group Africa with USD 5 Million Loan to Scale Operations

By
اسراء وائل
-
Aavishkaar Capital’s Global Supply Chain Support Fund (GSCSF) Supports the Horizon Group Africa with USD 5 Million Loan to Scale Operations
Aavishkaar Capital’s Global Supply Chain Support Fund (GSCSF) Supports the Horizon Group Africa with USD 5 Million Loan to Scale Operations

Aavishkaar Capital, a company of the Aavishkaar Group known for its entrepreneurship-led approach to impact-driven business growth, has announced its fourth investment in Africa in collaboration with KfW, the German state-owned investment and development bank. The investment has been facilitated by the Global Supply Chain Support Fund, providing a loan of USD 5 million to the Horizon Group Africa. This is the 8th overall investment by GSC Support Fund across the Global South and the fourth investment in Africa.

Aavishkaar Capital’s Global Supply Chain Support Fund (GSCSF) Supports the Horizon Group Africa with USD 5 Million Loan to Scale Operations
Aavishkaar Capital’s Global Supply Chain Support Fund (GSCSF) Supports the Horizon Group Africa with USD 5 Million Loan to Scale Operations

The Horizon Group aggregates and processes high value whole spices such as ginger, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper through its facilities in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Madagascar supplying markets in the EU, Asia, and the United States. The loan will be used to support Horizon’s working capital needs, particularly in the purchase of raw materials to better fulfil increased client orders.

The Global Supply Chain Support Fund is a USD 250 million fund focused on investments in Africa and Asia, with a mandate to deliver strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) outcomes while achieving both commercial returns and positive social impact. Its previous three investments in Africa include:

  • Hela Apparel Holdings PLC: specializes in ethically produced apparel, offering end-to-end supply chain solutions with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
  • Balaji EPZ: an apparel manufacturer with over two decades of experience producing for top global denim brands; and
  • Privamnuts: a leading Kenyan processor and exporter of macadamia nuts serving customers across Europe, the USA, and the Far East.

The Horizon Group was originally founded in 2006 in Nigeria, operating trading businesses across agro-commodities, processed foods and furniture. In 2017, the group decided to focus on sourcing, processing and exporting high value spices grown across three leading spice-producing African countries; Nigeria, Tanzania, and Madagascar. These countries offer competitive advantages in the cultivation of spices such as ginger, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper due to their favourable climate and soil conditions and have historically been one of the largest producers of these spices.

Horizon processes both organic and conventional spices. The growing global awareness and demand for organic food has increased the market for organic spices, enabling the company to command better prices and margins. Horizon has direct relationships with over 3,000 farmers, maintaining strong oversight of their farming operations. The company also provides farmer training in good agricultural practices to expand organic cultivation. Additionally, it has organized the farmers into cooperatives to ensure organic certification and full traceability.

“We are pleased to partner with Aavishkaar Capital as we embark on the next phase of our growth journey. Their experience in scaling businesses, strengthening governance systems, enabling access to global customer markets, and unlocking capital will be invaluable as we build Horizon into the leading African spice processing company” said Jomy Antony, CEO of Horizon Group.

Commenting on the investment, Darren Lobo, Director at Aavishkaar Capital, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Horizon Group’s exceptional management team, which brings over 80 years of combined expertise in spice growing and trading, to build one of Africa’s largest spice processing companies. We deeply value Horizon’s impactful farm extension works with more than 3,000 farmers across remote regions of Tanzania, Madagascar, and Nigeria, as well as the strong, long-term relationships they have cultivated with top global customers over the past 5–8 years.”

Dr. Markus Aschendorf, Head of Division at KfW, added, “Our investment in the Horizon Group through the Global Supply Chain Support Fund reflects KfW’s commitment to strengthening sustainable supply chains across Africa and in Asia. We believe that purpose-driven capital can catalyze meaningful ESG transformation while unlocking inclusive growth. Horizon’s work in ethical sourcing and regenerative agriculture aligns with our vision for resilient, ecologically conscious businesses that are ready to meet global standards and thrive in international markets.”

EBRD, EU and GCF promote green lending in Egypt

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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EBRD, EU and GCF promote green lending in Egypt
EBRD, EU and GCF promote green lending in Egypt

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Green Climate Fund (GCF) and European Union (EU) have jointly signed their first financing package with Suez Canal Bank. Worth US$ 50 million (€42.6 million) in total, it will facilitate trade and boost access to finance through green loans to private businesses in Egypt.

The package consists of a US$ 25 million loan under the EBRD’s Green Economy Financing Facility, of which US$ 3.75 million is co-financed by the GCF to help extend on-lending to Egyptian households and private micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that are investing in climate adaptation and mitigation technologies within their business.

The financing will also include an uncommitted US$ 25 million increase to SCB’s Trade Facilitation Programme limit, to be used for guarantees and cash advances. This will improve SCB’s trade finance business volume, support import and export transactions and help expand its correspondent banking services and trade finance product range.

An EU-funded technical cooperation package will support project preparation, implementation and monitoring of the programme. The EU will also provide up to US$ 2.9 million in incentive grants to benefit eligible sub-borrowers who complete projects successfully and to compensate borrowers for the cost of adopting higher-performing technologies.

SCB staff will benefit from capacity-building activities that will promote equal access to climate finance and green technologies for women and men. Employees will also receive training to enhance their skills in trade finance, compliance, structuring trade finance deals and monitoring operational risks in trade finance, including fraud prevention.

SCB is an Egyptian commercial bank based in Cairo and organised as a joint stock company. Its total assets amounted to €3.4 billion in 2024. It operates through a network of 54 branches and employs around 1,700 people across Egypt.

Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD. Since the start of the EBRD’s operations in the country in 2012, the Bank has invested over €13.5 billion in 206 projects in the country.

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