
The Africa Finance Corporation AFC has obtained a five-year $100 million loan facility from the Export-Import Bank of India India Exim Bank. This agreement, signed during AFC’s Investor Day in London, aims to strengthen AFC's funding base for investments in critical infrastructure and industrial projects across Africa. The facility will support high-impact projects in transport, energy, and industrial assets. According to AFC, this deal extends its funding tenor and reinforces access to cost-efficient capital from export credit institutions. Banji Fehintola, AFC’s Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services, stated that this facility is an important milestone in their long-standing partnership with India Exim Bank. This agreement follows a previous $100 million financing secured in 2021 between the two institutions, indicating a growing financial relationship between Africa and India. Analysts suggest this transaction demonstrates AFC’s ability to diversify its funding, reducing reliance on more expensive conventional sources like Eurobond markets. The deal also reflects a broader trend among African development finance institutions to engage non-Western lenders, particularly in Asia, to address the continent’s infrastructure financing gap. AFC plans to continue pursuing strategic partnerships to unlock new funding pools, playing a catalytic role in mobilizing capital for infrastructure projects that boost regional integration, support industrialization, and drive s
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Concerned stakeholders in Nigeria’s freight forwarding and clearing sector are advocating for an urgent review of the current tariff structure and stricter enforcement of local content laws. During a media engagement in Lagos, they warned that persistent tariff hikes are stifling trade, discouraging indigenous participation, and worsening economic hardship. Kenneth Ofurum, a private practitioner, stated that the current tariff regime makes it difficult for freight forwarders and importers to operate, leading to business closures. He also noted a surge in unclaimed cargo due to importers' inability to meet financial demands. Ofurum raised concerns about the systematic sidelining of indigenous operators, alleging that foreign interests are increasingly taking over roles traditionally held by Nigerians. The stakeholders urged the government to enforce existing local content laws and develop new policies to protect local operators from unfair competition. They also called for inclusive policy formulation, ensuring critical stakeholders are involved in major reforms. Haruna Omolajumo, Managing Director of Harsecom Logistics Limited, highlighted the need for government policies guaranteeing local participation in maritime business, citing Ghana as an example where foreign companies partner with local operators. Omolajumo lamented the absence of such policies in Nigeria, which allows foreign firms to dominate the sector, and pointed out a sharp increase in port-related charges, maki

Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, has announced a two-year strategy to tackle the estimated two-million coaching shortfall in Nigerian sports. During a visit to the Nigeria Football Federation office in Abuja, Shaibu sought collaboration with the NFF to implement this plan, which he believes will significantly transform the coaching sector. He noted that recent admissions at the institute showed 117 out of 232 students were football coaches, highlighting football's prominence. Ibrahim Gusau, President of the NFF, expressed the federation's readiness to support the institute's objectives, citing their own initiatives in coach development, including CAF C Licence programs for women coaches and plans for a CAF A Licence course. Gusau also suggested engaging Ministers and State Commissioners for Education for broader support. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary, recommended incorporating a diploma program in sports administration into the institute's curriculum.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA is collaborating with the youth-based organization EKO 57 Support Group to mobilize young people across Lagos State for environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management. Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, stated that the agency is a significant employer, engaging over 100,000 youths directly and indirectly in its operations. This partnership aims to expand LAWMA's advocacy and sensitization efforts across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development areas of Lagos State. Gbadegesin emphasized the crucial role of young people in enhancing environmental awareness and promoting positive behavioral changes within communities. He noted LAWMA's ongoing efforts to work with community leaders and associations to strengthen grassroots engagement and ensure compliance with waste management guidelines. Leaders of EKO 57 Support Group, Adams Kehinde and Mrs. Remilekun Oshodi, praised LAWMA's initiative, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and active youth participation for a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has commended Nigeria teammate Victor Osimhen's strong winning mentality, attributing it to the striker's success in world football. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, Iwobi highlighted Osimhen's intensity in training and his refusal to hold back, even admitting that Osimhen sometimes "cheats just to win." Iwobi noted that Osimhen's rise is not surprising to those who know him, emphasizing his work rate and determination to create scoring opportunities. He added that Osimhen approaches every game with the same intensity, regardless of the opponent's stature, and is known for putting his body on the line. Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 51 appearances for Nigeria.