Latest news with #sustainable development
LBCI
a day ago
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon, Jordan discuss new paths for shared economic growth
President of the Lebanese Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, Charles Arbid, met with Jordanian Ambassador Walid Al-Hadid to discuss strengthening economic cooperation and regional integration between the two countries. According to a statement from the council, the meeting aimed to build on the strong relationship between Lebanon's and Jordan's economic councils. Discussions focused on joint projects and initiatives of mutual interest, with a primary emphasis on developing integrated efforts to support sustainable development and productive sectors in both countries. Ambassador Al-Hadid reiterated Jordan's support for Lebanon's economic stability and stressed the importance of regional integration as a catalyst for growth. Arbid, in turn, praised the strong ties between the two countries and reaffirmed the council's readiness to collaborate across various levels.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
In Burkina Faso, cashew cultivation is a lever for sustainable and inclusive rural development
Launched in 2017 and completed in 2024, the Cashew Development Support Project in the Comoé Basin for REDD+ (PADA/REDD+) exemplified sustainable development. The project combined poverty reduction, ecological transition and the empowerment of women and young people, achieving a remarkable implementation rate of 95 percent. It has revitalised the cashew nut industry, Burkina Faso's third largest agricultural export after cotton and sesame. The PADA/REDD+ project received support from the African Development Bank, which granted a loan of $4 million, and the African Development Fund, the Bank Group's concessional funding window, with a grant of $1.39 million, representing 61 percent of the total project cost of $8.82 million. The government of Burkina Faso and the beneficiaries provided the remaining funding. The project mobilised the necessary resources to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the Cascades, Hauts Bassins and South-West regions, with significant participation from women. It enabled producers to reduce maintenance costs, improve soil fertility and structure, and increase cashew productivity and incomes in a sustainable manner. Climate action combined with agricultural production The first component of the PADA/REDD+ focused on carbon sequestration. This resulted in the creation of seven tree parks, the production of more than 1.6 million improved seedlings and the development of approximately 27,000 hectares of agroforestry plantations. One-third of these plantations are maintained by women, underlining the project's commitment to promoting social inclusion. A total of 35,340 producers, including 6,047 women, were trained in good agricultural and organic practices. This capacity-building approach for producers and processors equipped each stakeholder with the skills required to meet their needs and expectations, particularly in mastering technical production and processing methods. Adama Patrick Sombié, a cashew nut processor in Bérégadougou, confirms his satisfaction: "Before the project, there were no cashew tree parks in the village, only forest and a few orchards. When the project offered plots to promoters, I signed up and received two hectares." Access to finance and modernization of processing The second component of the project focused on strengthening value chains. Long hampered by limited access to finance, the sector's development has benefited from an innovative partnership with the umbrella organisation of Burkina Faso's Caisses populaires banks, alongside savings and loan cooperatives. This mechanism enabled investment loans to be granted based on a sliding scale of interest rates, financing 103 microprojects for a total of 888 million CFA francs, or approximately $500,000. The project also created 9,580 additional "green" jobs, 92.66 percent of which were for women, by financing micro-investment projects. Thanks to the funding provided, seven processing units were modernised. A new unit called "Tensya" was established in the commune of Toussiana, and three warehouses were built, one of which is reserved for women. The project also enabled the purchase of 12 trucks and 45 tricycles, training in good practices for 631 people, strengthening the environmental skills of 477 stakeholders, and the construction and equipping of infrastructure such as a cooking and shelling centre for women in Diéri, entirely subsidised by the African Development Bank. An inclusive and sustainable impact These microprojects reached nearly 18,000 people, 61 percent of whom were women, further strengthening the inclusive approach of PADA/REDD+. "This project is a blessing for us. Thanks to the income generated, we can send our children to school and keep them healthy. Before, we used to sell our products at rock-bottom prices, but now, with our own processing units, we control the entire value chain," says Aramatou Barro, a processor in Diéri. Christiane Koné, a processor in Toussiana, confirms this postive impact: "Thanks to the project, we have been able to purchase six automatic shelling machines, which are twice as fast as our 25 manual shelling tables." At the same time, the project structured supply networks, ensured that 96 cooperatives complied with OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) standards and implemented an environmental management plan. Working conditions have improved significantly. Isso Kindo, a trader in Bobo-Dioulasso, says: "Transport was our main obstacle. Today, thanks to the truck financed by the project, I can transport up to 60 tonnes of nuts from the towns of Banfora and Mangodara." The impact of PADA/REDD+ can also be measured in terms of job creation for young people and rural entrepreneurs. In Orodara, Arzouma Zougouri, a producer and business owner, explains that "the project's support has enabled me to better equip my processing unit. I've gone from 200 to 300 employees," he says proudly. By structuring the cashew nut sector sustainably, increasing productivity and strengthening local processing, PADA/REDD+ achieved its objectives whilst laying the foundations for more resilient rural development. Its contribution to carbon sequestration through agroforestry plantations strengthens its environmental impact. Perennial plantations, modernised agricultural practices, a strengthened local processing network and better access to finance were the pillars of this success. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt, Saudi Arabia mull boosting cooperation in mining sector
Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Saudi Vice Minister of Mining Affairs Khalid Saleh Al-Mudaifer discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the mining sector, according to a statement. During their meeting on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Egypt Mining Forum, the two officials agreed to promote sustainable development to serve the economic interests of both countries. Badawi reviewed the government's steps taken to reinforce the mining sector, emphasizing the ministry's efforts to create an attractive investment climate based on clear legislation and a competitive environment. He highlighted a number of strategic projects, most notably the phosphoric acid project, which reflects the trend toward maximizing the added value of mineral ores. The minister also praised the International Mining Conference organized by Saudi Arabia, highlighting the potential to benefit from the Kingdom's successful experiences in this field. Moreover, he addressed the promising potential in southern Egypt, where work is underway to identify the seismic exploration needed to improve exploration and investment opportunities. On his part, Al-Mudaifer expressed his gratitude for participating in this year's edition of Egypt Mining Forum, lauding the great turnout and interest it witnessed from various stakeholders in the sector. He asserted that there is significant shared potential between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the mining sector, adding that the geographical proximity between the two countries provides greater opportunities for integration and cooperation with international partners. Finally, he commended Egypt's effective measures toward developing the mining sector, noting that the Red Sea region represents a promising investment opportunity that could contribute to attracting global investment and strengthening bilateral cooperation. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar invests $93mln in road development to support urban growth
Salalah – Dhofar Municipality is pressing ahead with a package of infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading internal and dual carriageways across the governorate. More than 300km of roads are being constructed and paved, at a total cost exceeding RO36mn, in line with Oman Vision 2040 priorities of sustainable development. Covering several wilayats, the projects fall under the Sustainable Governorates and Cities Development Programme and are designed to ease mobility, improve safety, and support urban and economic expansion by enhancing the quality of road services for citizens, residents and visitors. According to officials, construction and paving works have been completed or are ongoing in Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, Shaleem and Hallaniyat Islands, Thumrait, Muqshin, Al Mazyouna, Rakhyut and Dalkhut. The projects follow technical and safety standards, with emphasis on long-term infrastructure sustainability. Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, said Salalah alone is seeing the development of 161km of internal roads, including in plains and mountainous areas, at a cost exceeding RO9mn. He confirmed the municipality is also working on dualisation of 9km of Sultan Qaboos Street, currently 22% complete, at a cost of RO16.3mn. In Thumrait, the municipality will pave 40km of internal roads and begin dualisation of a 4.5km stretch of Thumrait Street, which will include decorative lighting. The combined value of the two projects is estimated at over RO3mn. In Taqah, work has started on 32km of internal roads at a cost of approximately RO1.7mn, while Mirbat will see 20km of roads paved at a cost of RO995,000. Dualisation of 3.5km of Mirbat Street is also expected to be completed this year at a cost of RO1.96mn. The municipality is undertaking road construction across several other wilayats. These include 50km of roads in Sadah and 15km of roads in Muqshin. Ghassani said the infrastructure expansion reflects the government's commitment to development projects that directly improve citizens' lives and ensure balanced growth across the governorate. He added that Dhofar Municipality continues to follow a proactive approach, working closely with local communities to tailor services and ensure effectiveness of municipal development plans. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Why Malaysia must bridge its research-to-market gap — Ahmad Ibrahim
JULY 16 — Malaysia boasts ambitious national goals: a high-income economy, technological leadership, and sustainable development. Our universities, repositories of significant talent and public funding, are crucial engines for driving this progress. Yet, a persistent and critical chasm separates the brilliant research emerging from our labs from tangible products, services, and economic impact in the marketplace. This research-to-market gap isn't just an academic concern; it's a national economic imperative we can no longer afford to ignore. Walk through the labs of any leading Malaysian university, and you'll find world-class researchers tackling challenges in advanced materials, medical diagnostics, sustainable agriculture, and digital technology. Millions in government grants fund this work, aiming for innovation that propels the nation forward. However, far too often, groundbreaking discoveries end up confined to journal publications gathering dust or patents languishing unused on a shelf. The infamous 'valley of death' — the perilous transition from promising prototype to viable commercial product — claims countless Malaysian innovations. Why does this gap persist? The roots are systemic and intertwined. The publication paradox is one. The primary currency of academic success remains peer-reviewed publications and citation counts. Promotion, tenure, and prestige hinge on this. While vital for scientific progress, this system provides minimal incentive for researchers to navigate the complex, time-consuming, and often unfamiliar path of commercialization. Patenting, market analysis, business planning, and investor pitching are skills rarely cultivated or rewarded within the traditional academic framework. Next is the funding mismatch. Government R&D grants often focus on early-stage scientific exploration, stopping short of the crucial 'proof-of-concept' and 'prototype refinement' stages needed to attract private investment. There's a critical shortage of patient, risk-tolerant capital specifically designed to de-risk technologies emerging from universities and bridge them towards commercial viability. The culture clash has been cited as another roadblock. Academia and industry often speak different languages and operate on different timelines. Researchers seek fundamental understanding and publishable results; businesses need practical solutions, market fit, and rapid returns. Walk through the labs of any leading Malaysian university, and you'll find world-class researchers tackling challenges in advanced materials, medical diagnostics, sustainable agriculture, and digital technology. — Unsplash pic This disconnect hinders effective collaboration. Universities may lack dedicated, well-resourced Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) with the expertise to identify commercial potential, manage intellectual property (IP) strategically, and broker industry partnerships effectively. Industry, conversely, may be hesitant to engage due to perceived bureaucracy, IP ownership concerns, or a lack of awareness of university capabilities. The skills shortfall also contributes to the dilemma. Many brilliant scientists lack entrepreneurial training or business acumen. Conversely, the ecosystem lacks sufficient experienced professionals — technology scouts, licensing managers, venture builders — who can translate complex research into compelling commercial propositions. Bridging this gap isn't optional; it's essential for Malaysia's future. Transforming research into marketable innovations drives economic diversification, creates high-value jobs, attracts foreign investment, solves local and global challenges, and ultimately delivers a return on the substantial public investment in R&D. The solutions require a concerted, multi-pronged effort. Reward commercialization. Universities must radically overhaul their reward structures. Recognize patents, licenses, spin-off creation, and industry collaboration alongside publications in promotion and tenure decisions. Create prestigious awards and internal funding specifically tied to commercialization milestones. Turbocharge TTOs. Invest significantly in building professional, well-staffed, and empowered Technology Transfer Offices. Equip them with legal, business, and marketing expertise. Implement clear, streamlined, and attractive university IP policies that encourage disclosure and facilitate licensing or spin-off creation. Government and government-linked investment arms must establish dedicated, sizable funds focused exclusively on the pre-seed and seed stages of university spin-offs. Programs like the Ministry of Higher Education's Prototype Development Research Grant (PRGS) are a start, but scale and scope need massive expansion. Encourage more Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) focused on university tech. Integrate entrepreneurship and innovation management modules into Stem curricula. Establish robust mentorship programs connecting researchers with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry veterans. Create vibrant on-campus incubators and accelerators providing not just space, but crucial business support and networking. Building bridges with industry is crucial. This must be structured, long-term industry-university partnerships. Encourage industry secondees into university labs and vice-versa. Establish collaborative research centers co-funded and co-designed by industry partners to tackle real-world problems from the outset. Simplify contracting processes. Create and share success stories to inspire more. The time for incremental change is over. Malaysia possesses the raw intellectual capital. What we need now is the political will, institutional courage, and systemic reform to unlock its commercial potential. Let's stop celebrating research merely for its publication impact and start demanding its real-world impact. Let's align our universities' incentives with our nation's economic ambitions. Only by decisively bridging the research-to-market gap can we transform Malaysia's knowledge into tangible national wealth and progress. The future of our economy depends on it. Both universities and industries must answer this call. Lest we risk losing to the competition. * Professor Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development. He can be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
