Latest news with #financialfuture
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's financial sovereignty: Mobilizing institutional capital for development and resilience
As global capital flows evolve and development assistance dwindles, Africa finds itself at a critical point. On 28 May, during the African Development Bank Group's 2025 Annual Meetings ( senior leaders, policymakers and financial experts gathered to chart a new course for the continent's financial future – one based on mobilizing and deploying African resources and ingenuity. Organized by the Bank Group's Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department, in collaboration with the Bank's Making Finance Work for Africa initiative, this side event brought together leading African experts in a conversation moderated by Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank Group for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement. With a 10 percent decline in development assistance and a 12 percent drop in foreign direct investment to USD 40 billion {in what period, and what's the source of the data?}, the urgency of mobilizing domestic resources is pressing. The continent faces an annual infrastructure funding gap of between USD 68 billion and USD 108 billion, while attracting only 2 percent of global investment in this sector {Source?}. "The real question is not whether the capital exists – it does. The question is how to mobilize it on a large scale for productive, high-impact investments," said Solomon Quaynor, the African Development Bank Group's Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure&Industrialization. He added, "Africa is not poor. Our institutional investors – pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and even central banks – together manage more than USD 2.1 trillion in assets. If just 5 percent of these funds were directed towards infrastructure and the private sector, it would unlock more than USD 100 billion in long-term capital for the continent." Partnerships and innovation The event highlighted some innovative African-led models for mobilizing institutional capital. For example, InfraCredit Nigeria, a pioneering credit enhancement institution, has secured more than USD 300 million in long-term financing in local currency for infrastructure projects. "The real risk associated with infrastructure assets is often overestimated. We have not recorded any losses on a portfolio of more than 20 projects in 12 sectors in eight years," said Chinua Azubike, CEO of InfraCredit. Tafara Ethiopis, Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC, the World Bank's private-sector arm) for Africa, emphasized the need to strengthen the bankability of projects through more effective risk-sharing mechanisms. "It is essential to calibrate the distribution of risks and benefits between the public and private sectors properly to make projects bankable," he said. Speakers also identified obstacles to mobilizing institutional capital and proposed solutions. Boitumelo Mosako, CEO of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), highlighted the central role of good governance and rigorous project preparation in lowering risk and improving investor confidence. The Director General of Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Timi Agama, stressed the importance of building trust through regulatory reforms, investor protection and financial education. Denis Charles Kouassi, CEO of Côte d'Ivoire's National Social Security Fund, underscored the importance of aligning pension funds with national development priorities, saying, " All the income we generate is reinvested directly into the national economy to finance our services and boost growth." A call for collective action The Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department of the African Development Bank Group is leading several initiatives aimed at mobilizing African institutional capital, including through instruments such as the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund, and strategic partnerships with regional and global stakeholders. 'Yes, we need governance and accountability. But as Africans, we also need to learn to trust each other,' said Mosako. "The moment calls for vision. It also calls for innovation. And above all, it calls for action,' Quaynor affirmed, in his concluding remarks. 'Let us pool our capital, our ideas, and our will, to build an Africa where infrastructure becomes a lever for prosperity, not a drag on it." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). To view photos from this session, click here ( About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information:
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
BankDhofar unveils campaign for a branding uplift under the slogan 'Innovation inspired by you"
MUSCAT: BankDhofar, the second largest bank by branch network size in Oman , has unveiled a campaign for a branding uplift under the slogan 'Innovation inspired by you", this is not just a slogan, but a way of working, We innovate today from your world, to create a financial future closer to you. More than just a change in look and feel, the brand uplift reflects BankDhofar's evolution into a forward-thinking financial partner, deeply attuned to the aspirations of its customers—individuals, entrepreneurs, and institutions alike. At the heart of this transformation lies a simple but powerful insight: true innovation begins with understanding people. The campaign emphasizes BankDhofar's commitment to listening, learning, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of its customers. By putting people at the center, the bank aims to design products and services that are not only innovative but also meaningful, intuitive, and transformative—helping customers achieve their financial goals at every stage of life. Said Juma Al Busaidi, Head of Marketing & Corporate Communication at BankDhofar said, At BankDhofar, what we offer is not just traditional banking services and products, but a true reflection of our customers' aspirations. He added : 'We always start from the market Where we analyze and study people's needs, monitor their changes, and learn from their experiences. From there, We design our services and products with them, not just for them. Because we believe that the best innovations begin with a deep understanding of our customers' worlds. Our 'Innovation inspired by you" campaign is not just a slogan, it's a way of working. We innovate today from your world, to create a financial future closer to you'. Under its new brand vision—to be Oman's most trusted, innovative, and inclusive financial partner—BankDhofar is adopting a global mindset while staying rooted in Omani values. The bank seeks to make banking simple, personal, and built for the future, offering a human-centric approach grounded in trust, empathy, and digital excellence. Far more than a cosmetic change, the brand uplift characterizes as a fundamental transformation in the bank's identity and approach. The shift reflects a move away from traditional service provision toward becoming a trusted partner in customers' financial journeys. From intuitive digital platforms to personalized financial guidance, the brand uplift is designed to offer seamless, secure, and empowering experiences—whether customers are managing everyday finances, scaling their businesses, or planning for the long term. A key part of this transformation is integrating cutting-edge technology with personalized service to create truly tailored banking experiences. Internally, the rebranding effort is aligning teams, processes, and customer touchpoints with the bank's values and long-term goals. The objective is to create a cohesive and emotionally resonant brand experience that strengthens relationships and builds long-term loyalty. As part of a broader strategic vision, BankDhofar is positioning itself as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, and inclusive prosperity in Oman. The bank's purpose is clear: to empower people and businesses through trusted, innovative financial solutions that contribute to national progress. With the unveiling of its new brand uplift , BankDhofar signals the start of a new chapter—one that redefines what banking can and should be in the modern era. As it looks ahead, the bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth, digital innovation, and putting people first in everything it does.
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Building a Smart Investment Plan in the UAE: Steps to Secure Your Future
DUBAI, UAE / ACCESS Newswire / June 30, 2025 / Think of a financial plan like a map- without it, it is easy to take a wrong turn. In a financial market as fast moving as the UAE, having a clear direction makes all the difference. With the right blend of strategy, timing, and access to global opportunities, people can take control of their financial future and move towards creating defined goals. Whether planning for retirement, saving for a major purchase, or aiming to grow wealth steadily, a smart investment plan tailored to specific needs and market dynamics can make all the difference. Understand the Investment Options Available The market has many types of investment products. Each one comes with their own advantages and features. Some of the good investment options available in the UAE market include: Know Your Risk Appetite and Investment Period Before investing, it helps in understanding two things: how much risk you are okay with, and how long you plan to invest your money. These two factors can guide you to the right kind of investment. Risk appetite means how comfortable you are with ups and downs in your investment. Some people like to be safe in the market and want steady returns. Others are fine with taking minor risks if it means they might earn more cash. Investment period is the time period for which you can leave your money invested. They can be classified as follows- Knowing your comfort with risk and your investment period helps you pick the right products for your goals. Get Support from Experts or Use Digital Tools There are two main ways people in the UAE invest today. Some choose to work with a dedicated financial advisor. Financial Advisors can help in creating a detailed plan, choosing the ideal product for you need, and providing regular check-ins based on market changes and personal goals. This can be helpful for those with complex needs or who prefer guidance from the experts. Others prefer to invest on their own using mobile apps or online platforms. These tools are easy to use, provide real-time access to markets, and let users stay in control of their portfolio. Start Smart And Think Long Term. Investing in the UAE is easier than ever. Today, people have access to helpful tools, expert advice, and global markets to build a plan that matches their goals. Whether someone is just starting out or wants to grow their current investments, making smart choices now can lead to a safer and stronger financial future. CONTACT: Sonakshi Murze Manager [email protected] SOURCE: iQuanti press release
Wall Street Journal
30-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
A Message to our Listeners - Your Money Briefing
For more coverage of the markets, be sure to check out and our other podcasts, including What's News and WSJ's Take On the Week . Thanks for listening and we'll see you soon! Your Money Briefing is taking a break. Here's a message from our producer, Ariana Aspuru, and our supervising producer, Melony Roy. We're hitting pause to redevelop the show and will come back with a new program designed to help you manage your money and build a stronger financial future. Full Transcript This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated. Ariana Aspuru: Hey there, listeners. A quick note from your friends at Your Money Briefing. Melony Roy: We're taking a break from our regular programming to recharge, refresh, and redevelop the show to bring you more of what you love. Ariana Aspuru: Get ready for something even better. While we're away, you can always catch up on YMB's past episodes right here in this feed or by heading over to We've got tons of great insights and stories waiting for you in our archives. Melony Roy: Plus, you can still hear our weekly markets wrap-up, What's News in Markets, with Francesca Fontana on Saturdays, covering the biggest stock moves and the news behind them. Ariana Aspuru: Thank you for being such an incredible part of our community. We appreciate your support, and we're excited to start creating a new show that we believe will genuinely help you manage your money and create a better financial life. Melony Roy: We can't wait to bring it to you. Stay tuned. Ariana Aspuru: And we'll see you back here soon.
News.com.au
02-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Death of the middle class': Tradie's drastic action to get ahead financially
Sam Harper was earning $90,000 a year when he decided he needed to do something drastic to secure his financial future, believing the 'death of the middle class' was looming. Mr Harper, 27, was working as an electrician in Perth when he became sick of earning just enough to be able to pay his mortgage and weekly expenses. 'My partner and I both had a mortgage of like $480,000 and, once you paid for that, and your groceries and living expenses, yeah, you can live comfortably, but there are no overseas trips,' he told Mr Harper had always worked hard. He'd learned a trade and slogged it out as an electrician, but he didn't feel like he was getting ahead. 'We are going down that path (where there is going to be) the death of the middle class because the gap is getting bigger between the rich and poor,' he said. 'The way I look at it is, that is out of my control, so you have to start looking at different ways to get ahead. 'At some point last year I had this realisation that no one is coming to save me.' The only time he'd really made a big amount of money was from the sale of a duplex he bought when he was 22 years old and during the pandemic. 'I got lucky buying a duplex in Victoria, and it felt like a lot of money back then, but I paid like $270,000, which is absolutely nothing,' he said. 'I sold it 18 months later and I definitely got market growth for that one. It sold for $400,000.' The young Aussie was stoked with the sale and the profit he made from it, but he wasn't real estate savvy and viewed it as a one-off than a way to continually make money. 'I was pretty stupid back then,' he said. 'I thought it was great but it wasn't until later down the line that I started looking at real estate a bit more.' Alongside his partner, and with the profits from the sale of his Victoria property, Mr Harper purchased a home in Perth in late 2024 for $520,000. The plan back then was to get some equity into the property, use that equity to buy an investment property, and eventually amass a real estate portfolio. It wasn't a bad plan, but the electrician realised that he would have to cover multiple mortgages, even if he rented them out. 'I realised I'd be stuck in my job and in more and more debt and I didn't really like the job' he explained. Around this time, he had his primary property revalued after spending around $30,000 in renovations. To his delight, the property was reappraised at $700,000. 'I was surprised by the $700,000. I thought mid $600,000. It was definitely life-changing,' he said. The tradie had been able to save money because he was able to do a lot of the renovations himself, using his skills as sparky and watching YouTube tutorials for the parts he wasn't as sure about. That staggering evaluation made Mr Harper realise house flipping was a really simple and clear way to make money. Ultimately, he decided not to sell that property, with the couple instead refinancing and then flipping another home shortly afterwards. He struck a deal with a homeowner where he renovated the property and then they agreed to share some of the profits. 'If it sold above $530,000, we'd split the profits, and it sold for $610,000,' he said. The young tradie pocketed $98,000 from that sale, which gave him the confidence to start buying properties to flip. In the past 12 months, the 27-year-old has purchased two separate properties in Perth. From the first, he made $85,000 in pure profit, and from the second, he made $125,000. 'It is a lot more than I was getting paid as a sparky,' he pointed out. Mr Harper is pragmatic about his success. Yes, a lot of money is coming in, but he also needs to use that money to keep house flipping. 'It is the type of business where, once you get the money, you reinvest it back in,' he said. That doesn't mean he has quite gotten used to seeing over six-figures pour into his savings account. 'Once the money hits the account, it is still pretty crazy,' he said. 'We definitely have a long way to go, but looking back to where we were 12 months ago is pretty surreal.' Financial planner Alex Jamieson told that Australia's wealth gap is widening. 'The middle class used to buy from a purchasing power perspective in today's standards is no longer anywhere close to the purchasing power,' he said. Mr Jamieson argued that 'if you don't own a house', you're unfortunately missing out on amassing wealth. The problem being that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Aussies to break into the market. The financial planner argued that the middle class is having a tougher time these days due to the cost of living. 'Historically, one income was able to achieve a lot more in purchasing power than what the combined income of today can achieve for a couple,' he said.
