Latest news with #KuwaitFund
Arab Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Fund and UK's FCDO sign MoUs for humanitarian aid to Sudan, Somalia
KUWAIT CITY, July 6: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to provide joint emergency humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected communities in the Republic of Sudan and the Federal Republic of Somalia. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait. The MoUs were signed by H.E. Mr. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Arab Economic Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, on behalf of the Kuwait Fund, and by H.E. Mr. David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on behalf of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Under this renewed partnership, the Kuwait Fund and the UK FCDO will jointly contribute USD 10 million (USD 5 million from each side) to support UNICEF's humanitarian operations in Sudan. The grant will help sustain critical services in healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, and child protection – ensuring continuity of life-saving interventions for vulnerable populations. In addition, both parties will provide a further USD 5 million (USD 2.5 million from each) to support a joint project with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Somalia, aimed at restoring essential services in marginalized and conflict-affected areas. Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Mr. Waleed Shamlan Al-Bahar, affirmed that the MoUs reflect the Fund's commitment to strengthening international partnerships across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors. He noted that cooperation with the UK will facilitate knowledge exchange and enable coordinated action to assist the most vulnerable, thereby enhancing the impact of humanitarian efforts in Sudan and Somalia and reinforcing Kuwait's leadership in global humanitarian response. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Mamadou Sow, Head of the ICRC's Regional Delegation to the Gulf Cooperation Council, said: 'Today's partnership with the Kuwait Fund and the UK's FCDO reflects a united commitment to humanity. This grant is not just financial support—it's a clear message that the lives of people in Somalia matter. Together, we are helping restore essential services in communities too often left behind. It's a testament to Kuwait's enduring humanitarian leadership and the UK's steadfast role in advancing global solidarity.' The signed MoUs build on a cooperation framework established in February 2020 between the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the United Kingdom's former Department for International Development, reflecting a sustained commitment to coordinated humanitarian efforts that support refugees, displaced populations, and crisis affected communities worldwide.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait proud of ties with Africa: FM Al-Yahya
KUWAIT CITY: 'The relationship of Kuwait with countries in the African continent is deep and historic,' says Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Al- Yahya. Al-Yahya made the statement when he attended the annual Africa Day celebration, which was held at the invitation of ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions in the country. After expressing his sincere greetings on the occasion, Al-Yahya affirmed that Kuwait is keen on strengthening cooperation with the African countries. He said 'Kuwait takes pride in its distinguished cooperation with African countries, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development's infrastructure and vital development projects across the continent since its establishment in 1961. The private and government sectors, as well as the fund, continue to support our friends in the African continent.' Asked if there is a plan to expand diplomatic representation in the African continent, he disclosed 'we are studying all these matters. We may close some locations and open others.' Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros to Kuwait Dr. Al-Arif Sayed Hassan delivered a speech on the occasion; stating 'it is a great honor for me to welcome you to this celebration, which is being organized as part of the Africa Day activities in the beautiful city of Kuwait, a source of hospitality and generosity, and a center of humanity.' Addressing Al-Yahya, Hassan stated 'you have always expressed your interest and care for the accredited diplomatic corps, and your presence among us today is a powerful testimony to your love and appreciation for Africa and its peoples.' He added 'Kuwait is writing its name in letters of gold on the brow of the African continent, which is working hard to consolidate and strengthen the relationship of Kuwait with African countries. This celebration of Africa Day in Kuwait is a good opportunity to strengthen these relations, which are characterized by sincere brotherhood and constructive cooperation between the two sides. This is manifested through the signing of bilateral agreements, exchange of visits and diplomatic missions, implementation of educational and cultural programs, support for development and humanitarian projects, exchange of expertise and competencies, and other aspects of bilateral cooperation. This is in addition to fruitful cooperation in the regional and international arenas in various fields; especially political, economic and cultural. All of this is thanks to the joint efforts of leaders, governments and peoples.' He also explained that 'in light of this dynamism, our countries need to rely on strong partners with successful experiences in the fields of development. From this perspective, we highly appreciate and value the efforts of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in its cooperation with 51 African countries and its remarkable initiatives to support the African economy through partnership with the African Development Bank. In conclusion, he said 'I take this opportunity to celebrate Africa Day; with the theme, 'African-Kuwaiti Cooperation within the Framework of Promoting Kuwaiti Investment in Africa for a Strategic Partnership', and to call on businesspersons and investors in Kuwait to support this development dynamic and explore the opportunities and guarantees available in the continent and its companies to serve mutual interests and reinforce profitable partnerships.' It is worth mentioning that an art exhibition was inaugurated on the sidelines of the Africa Day celebration, showcasing the creativity of African artists, in addition to folkloric musical performances by several African folk bands.
Zawya
11-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
KFAED allocates $11.4bln for 540 development projects in Africa
KUWAIT CITY - Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) Waleed Al-Bahar said Tuesday, the fund financed 540 development projects in more than 50 African countries at a value exceeding USD 11.4 billion. This came as Al-Bahar participated in the Africa Day celebration held at the invitation of the ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait to commemorate the founding of the African Union. The fund's operations in Africa and its projects represent approximately 57 percent of its total global activity and have contributed to a qualitative shift in the economies of African countries and improved people's living, said Al-Bahar in a statement. He expressed pride in KFAED's relations with African countries, stressing his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and achieving greater progress, prosperity, and development for the peoples of the continent through ongoing cooperation. Regarding the Africa Day celebration, Al-Bahar said that the fund is participating for the ninth consecutive year with a special pavilion highlighting its development and humanitarian efforts on the African continent. This year's celebration saw the participation of more than 30 African Union embassies, displaying their cultural and historical heritage through exhibits, collectibles, and craft tools that reflect the diverse professions and activities of each country, he added. KFAED was established in 1961 as the first development institution in the Arab region, before expanding its scope of activities to include developing countries starting in 1974, with its contributions reaching 105 countries to date. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
African health experts commit to accelerate efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases
African health experts have renewed commitment to accelerate efforts to end Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that continue to affect over a billion people globally, 40% of whom live in the African region. Meeting in Togo from 15 to 17 April 2025 for the NTD Programme Managers meeting, the experts also set in motion discussions and collaborations aimed at driving bold and more strategic approaches to end NTDs in Africa. The African region is home to twenty of the 21 recognized NTDs, including river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, and several skin diseases that disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized communities. These diseases can cause severe disabilities, social stigma, and even death. Despite progress in recent years, all 47 countries in the WHO African Region remain endemic for at least one NTD, and 37 are battling five or more concurrently. 'We must step up our efforts while ensuring that no one is left behind,' said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. 'As we reach the mid-point of the 2021–2030 NTD Roadmap, it's not just a moment of reflection—it's a call to action.' The three-day hybrid meeting brought together over 45 national programme managers and various stakeholders, including global health partners and civil society organizations. The health leaders committed to enhance country leadership and increase domestic financing for NTD programmes to ensure long-term sustainability, accelerate the adoption of innovative diagnostic tools, digital technologies, and treatment methods to improve disease prevention, detection and patient care, strengthen national and community-based surveillance systems to track disease outbreaks and monitor progress more effectively and develop concrete national action plans to address persistent gaps in access to prevention and treatment services, particularly in underserved populations. The meeting, organized with support from the Kuwait Fund and other partners, was an opportunity for participants to reflect on key milestones, identify challenges, and shape effective strategies for NTD elimination. Representing the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene of Togo, Dr Wotobe Kokou commended the country's leadership in eliminating four NTDs—Guinea Worm, Lymphatic Filariasis, Human African Trypanosomiasis, and Trachoma—making Togo the first in the region to achieve this milestone. 'These successes are the result of strong political commitment, close collaboration with our partners, and exemplary community engagement. They demonstrate that with concerted efforts and innovative strategies, eliminating neglected tropical diseases is possible,' he said. Dr Amadou Bailo Diallo, WHO Representative in Togo, also lauded Togo's achievements and reaffirmed the importance of multisectoral and community-centered approaches in fighting NTDs. 'With funding cuts and climate change posing emerging threats to global health programmes, including NTD elimination efforts, addressing NTDs requires not just innovative strategies, but targeted support that focuses on the most vulnerable communities.' Dr Dorothy Achu, Team Lead for Tropical Vector-Borne Diseases at WHO Regional Office for Africa. 'We must ensure diseases disproportionately affecting the poorest and most marginalized populations receive needed attention and resources, particularly those that can be eliminated. With sustained efforts, we can end the burden of NTDs on Africa's communities'. WHO is working closely with Member States and partners to adapt public health strategies, enhance surveillance, and ensure timely responses to evolving NTDs challenges. By convening NTD stakeholders, disseminating guidelines, strengthening governance, and providing technical support in strategic and operational planning, policy development, capacity building, and strengthening surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation systems, the Programme Managers' meeting is a WHO initiative aimed at supporting country leadership and governance, with ongoing support from the Regional Programme Advisory Group The 2025 NTD Programme Managers' Meeting reinforces the commitment of the WHO AFRO and its partners to eliminate NTDs and improve the health and well-being of communities across the African Region. The meeting significantly contributes to aligning national and regional efforts with the global roadmap for NTD elimination and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With renewed momentum, African countries are signalling a united front to bring an end to these preventable and treatable diseases. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
