Latest news with #AFD
Morocco World
6 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
French Equality Minister Aurore Bergé Begins Three-Day Morocco Visit
Marrakech – French Minister for Equality Aurore Bergé arrives in Morocco today for a three-day official visit focused on bilateral cooperation in women's rights and gender equality. The visit, taking place from June 23-25, builds on the strategic partnership King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron launched in October 2024. In Rabat, Bergé will meet with Economy and Finance Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui and her counterpart Naïma Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family. The ministers are expected to sign a joint declaration to strengthen Franco-Moroccan cooperation in preventing violence against women. Bergé's agenda includes discussions with key Moroccan officials, including Amina Bouayach, president of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Mbarka Bouaida, president of the Association of Moroccan Regions, Ahmed Abbadi, secretary general of the Rabita of Ulema, and royal advisor André Azoulay. Women's economic empowerment stands as a central focus of the visit. Bergé will tour the Safran Nacelles industrial site in Nouaceur near Casablanca and visit the Aeronautics Trades Institute to discuss women's training and their role in Morocco's economy. In Marrakech, the minister will explore social structures, including the Lalla Amina center for children without families, and visit facilities dedicated to women's economic empowerment. She will also evaluate field projects supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), including the 'Ajyal Equality' program, which works to support women victims of violence. A key diplomatic development expected during the visit is Morocco's planned inclusion among the group of states promoting feminist diplomacy. This move precedes an international conference on feminist diplomacy scheduled for October in Paris. Throughout her trip, Bergé will meet with the French community in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, which represents the largest foreign community in Morocco with over 50,000 citizens. The visit marks another layer in the Rabat-Paris bilateral relations, elevating gender equality from symbolic intentions to a foundation for strategic cooperation across economic, social, and diplomatic spheres. It follows France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in July 2024, and subsequent visits by French officials to Morocco's southern provinces, including Culture Minister Rachida Dati, French Senate President Gérard Larcher, AFD Director General Remy Rioux, among many others. Read also: King Mohammed VI May Visit France in Late 2025 or Early 2026 Tags: Morocco France Relations
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Factbox-Finance deals announced during UN Ocean Conference
LONDON (Reuters) -The third U.N. Ocean Conference in France last week yielded a number of financial deals and money pledges to help protect the seas, although the gap between funding and the estimated annual need of $175 billion remains large. Below are a selection of the initiatives announced during the week: EIB, ADB A group of development banks including the European Investment Bank and Asian Development Bank said they planned to invest 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) by the end of the decade to help prevent plastic pollution reaching the sea. CAF The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) said it will invest $2.5 billion between 2025 and 2030 in investments aimed at protecting the oceans and supporting sustainable marine economic activities. GUINEA French development bank AFD and the World Bank helped mobilise 119 million euros in Guinea to improve the living conditions of coastal and rural communities in the face of climate change. NORTH AFRICA The AFD provided an additional 2 million euros to extend work on preserving Mediterranean coastal ecosystems in North Africa until 2029. COSTA RICA A total of 1.8 million euros were allocated to help strengthen Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean and Costa Rica. SWEN CAPITAL PARTNERS Investment firm Swen Capital Partners said it had raised 160 million euros for its SWEN Blue Ocean 2 fund and said it was targeting 300 million euros for the world's largest ocean impact fund focused on start-ups looking to support ocean biodiversity. ($1 = 0.8638 euros) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Sky News AU
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Defence experts warn Australia's armed forces 'languishing', short on firepower due to 'deeply inadequate' military spending
Australia's defence force is weaker than it was before East Timor, is under armoured and short of firepower according to stinging analysis by two of the nation's leading defence experts. With the Prime Minister heading to the G7 in Canada, defence analyst Peter Jennings and Retired Chief of Army, Peter Leahy have both given their thoughts on the AFD and how it stacks up. A break down by Sky News of regional power players also lays out Australia's fragile capabilities despite numerous governments talking up potency, reliability and acquisitions. 'We are in a very dangerous strategic situation now,' said Peter Jennings, from Strategic Analysis Australia. It's a sentiment shared by Retired Lieutenant General, Peter Leahy. 'In the case of the Australian Army I was the Chief from 2002 to 2008. If I look at the army now it is smaller than what it was then. It's not as capable. It has less armoured protection and recruiting is really quite difficult,' said the former Chief. A former senior naval officer who wished to remain anonymous affirmed the Royal Australian Navy was down on the missile firepower it had 30 years ago – leaving it short of ships and under-gunned. With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe rearming and the Chinese Communist Party intent on achieving hegemony in the region, armouries are growing, and defence budgets are being stretched. This year the United States intends to spend (in Australian dollars) $1.56 trillion on defence. China stated spend is $375-billion although its estimated to more accurately be around $620 billion. It's acquired three aircraft carriers and the world's second largest air force in a little over decade. It's also expanding its nuclear arsenal and is amassing a bespoke fleet to potentially take the democratically governed islands of Taiwan. Japan continues to ramp up its own defence spending, reportedly up nearly ten per-cent year on year to $105-billion. The sum is equal to one-point-eight percent of its GDP. Australia will spend $59 billion. It's roughly two per-cent of GDP with an intention to reach two-point-four per cent by 2034. 'We are facing some difficult times,' said Peter Jennings. 'Up against that level of risk, our defence spending is deeply inadequate… We are just a tiny shade over two per-cent of GDP and you know, that I think was a peace time level spend.' When it comes to combat airpower – fighters, bombers and long-range armed drones, America's force numbers around 3,276. China's air fleet is estimated to be around 2750. It remains highly secretive around the number of long-range drones capable of inflicting damage. Japan's defence force numbers 258. Indonesia's strike force is 116. Australia's modest but capable strike force numbers 108. The Department of Defence was specifically asked how many long-range armed drones Australia has acquired, but in its answer, didn't identify any. It's concerning considering the state of the Royal Australian Navy, which critics believe lags a decade behind in acquisition. Australia operates on a 'three to one' rotation policy meaning its force needs to be divided by three. Consequently, it aims to have two submarines, one destroyer and two frigates available for deployment. Although Australia's two resupply ships are both currently out of action tethering the navy even closer to shore. When it comes to soldiers and marines, China's fighting force numbers more than a million. Indonesia stands around 300,000. Australia's active duty force has shrunken to 28,500. 'The ADF is a professional organisation, sadly I think it's languishing,' said Peter Leahy. 'There's a really solid debate that says we need to spend more money on defence and I agree entirely. But I agree with the Prime Minister and others that it's not just a sum we need to spend, we need to be careful about what we want. How we acquire and how we introduce it into services. 'Everybody is saying it's the most catastrophic circumstances since before the second world war (and) we need to do something …. Action is required.' The former Army Chief dismissed the notion Australians should be scared. 'I don't think there's any reason to be scared …. (but) the public need to be concerned that people are thinking about this.' Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has publicly sidestepped – if not rebuffed - America's request for Australia to urgently increase the nation's defence spending to three-point-five per cent of GDP, saying 'I think that Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. As simple as that.' 'It's very clear that the Americans think our defence spend is deeply inadequate,' said Peter Jennings. '(US Defense Secretary) Pete Hegseth in Singapore said we should lift it from two per- cent to three-and-a-half per cent. That's a massive increase … So, I think the signal, not particularly coded from the United States is we need to do a lot better.' Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently told this reporter, 'We've got to be looking at three per cent. We should be at two-and-a-half per cent as quickly as possible. You know, I'd be saying three-per cent by 2030 … and it's not like we haven't been there before.' Though, it's always easier to talk about where defence spending should be than decide where taxes should increase or what must be cut. In the Second World War Australia's defence spend climbed towards 35 per cent of GDP. It's nothing if not an indication of the financial cost of conflict when diplomacy fails. When it came to opposition, Peter Jennings rebuffed suggestion the outcry amounted to warmongering. 'With the biggest war in Europe since the Second World War, with the Middle East in flame, with China not hiding the fact that it's becoming increasingly aggressive to all of its neighbours, circumnavigating Australia with some of its best military equipment. How could anyone think we are in a benign period and we don't have to worry about these developments,' he said. 'Il's plain for all to see, it's not like you need to have some special security clearance to understand what's going on. We can't afford to be in denial about it,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
EVs boost German auto sales, Tesla falls again
Tesla, which has suffered across Europe due to anger that Elon Musk played a role as a key advisor to US President Donald Trump, saw its sales slide by 36%. (AP pic) FRANKFURT : A jump in electric car sales helped give a slight boost to Germany's troubled auto market last month, official data showed today, although Elon Musk's Tesla fared poorly again. A total of 239,297 new vehicles were registered in May in Europe's top car market, 1.2% more than the same month last year, the KBA federal transport authority said. The number of electric vehicles (EVs) registered jumped 45%, as the segment continues a tentative recovery following a downturn last year triggered by the removal of government subsidies. This offset declines for petrol and diesel vehicle sales. However, electric car maker Tesla, which has suffered across Europe due to anger that Musk played a role as a key advisor to US President Donald Trump, saw its sales slide again, this time by 36%. The US billionaire has faced particular hostility in Germany for backing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) before February's general election. Musk left his role as an advisor to Trump last week, although it is not yet clear what impact this could have on Tesla's fortunes. Registrations of BYD cars jumped more than 800% from a year earlier, to nearly 1,860 vehicles, although the Chinese EV giant is just beginning to make inroads in Germany. EY analyst Constantin Gall said many EV manufacturers had 'significantly reduced the price difference between combustion engines and comparable EVs, and are also offering very attractive financing or leasing conditions for electric cars'. The German auto market has performed weakly in recent years, and is still about 28% below pre-pandemic levels, according to EY. 'The market is moving sideways and not advancing – neither in Germany nor in Europe,' said Gall.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sawiris Foundation signs an MoU with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to develop agricultural solutions
Cairo, Egypt: To advance innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions that support smallholder farmers in Egypt—particularly in the governorates of Sohag and Minya—Sawiris Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to launch a joint pilot project aimed at achieving this important goal. With this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, Louis Dreyfus Foundation and The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development formalized their collaboration to tackle the significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers in rural Egypt, particularly focusing on climate vulnerability and limited credit and market access. The proposed solution is a comprehensive package of bundled agricultural services, centered around tailored credit products designed to incentivize the adoption of climate-smart inputs and practices. This approach aims to enhance farmers' resilience to climate change, leading to improved crop quality and yields. Marie-Hélène Loison, Deputy Director General of AFD, emphasized: 'AFD will provide a technical support from its Impact Evaluation Department and is proud to join forces with two major Egyptian foundations and Louis Dreyfus for its longstanding experience of projects promoting sustainable micro-farming and agricultural practices. Naguib Sawiris, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sawiris Foundation, said: "this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and empowering Egyptian communities. By joining forces with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and deliver innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions directly to small farmers in Sohag and Minya'. Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: 'this initiative is a testament to our belief in collective action to drive lasting change, providing tangible pathways to increased income and economic stability for those who need it most". Robert Serpollet, General Manager of Louis Dreyfus Foundation, said: 'Together, we will work towards the shared goal of uplifting agricultural communities. This joint effort and collaboration are essential for shaping more resilient communities and a more sustainable food system'. Hassan E. Allam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This partnership reaffirms our commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions, a vision championed by my late father and sister which we are keen to uphold. We are proud to work alongside our distinguished partners in delivering climate-smart agricultural solutions tailored to the needs of Egypt's smallholder farmers'. Amr E. Allam, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This project aims to improve productivity, raise incomes, and build climate resilience in Sohag and Minya—underscoring our mission to help uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty'. It is worth noting that the Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant step toward empowering smallholder farmers in Egypt through climate-smart, sustainable agriculture. By combining the strengths of all four partners, the initiative offers a scalable model to boost productivity, build climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in rural communities. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group has established itself as a key player in Franco-Egyptian cooperation, working since 2006 to support the country's economic, social and environmental transitions. In response to these challenges, AFD is stepping up its efforts and in 2022 revised its strategic intervention framework to support the country in the transitions underway and respond to Egypt's specific climate change adaptation needs, gender equality or training and employment. With a portfolio of €2.3 billion (November 2023), AFD is deploying a diversified range of instruments to support the Egyptian government in its development objectives, mainly in the sustainable infrastructure sectors (energy, transport, water and sanitation), climate finance, support for the private sector and entrepreneurship, and social sectors, including social protection. Today, 55 projects are underway, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflecting the priorities shared by Egypt and France. They are intended to support the integration of Egyptian financial, commercial and productive systems at the regional level; to support the development of green, inclusive and efficient infrastructure; and promote equitable and sustainable local territorial development. About Sawiris Foundation: The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) is one of the first donor foundations in Egypt. Established in 2001 by the Sawiris family, SFSD philanthropically promotes and supports innovative solutions that target comprehensive and sustainable development in Egypt. Over the last 24 years, SFSD has addressed the most pressing issues facing marginalized Egyptians, such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to quality education, by funding the delivery of programs aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, in partnership with the governmental and private sectors as well as civil society. By creating thousands of job opportunities and providing quality education and access to basic services, we have impacted the lives of approximately 1 million Egyptians. Our funded programs cover 24 Egyptian governorates, focusing on the most remote villages. With increasing global and national challenges, Sawiris Foundation developed its strategic directions while finding the most cost-effective and impactful ways to support Egypt's marginalized families and those trying to further positive social change in Egypt. By following the philosophy of effective altruism and evidence-based practices, we have launched our 2023-2028 strategy to maximize our impact in reducing multidimensional poverty and empowering agents of change in Egypt. About LDF: The Louis Dreyfus Foundation aims to promote projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food security and self-sufficiency, particularly through education and direct support to small-scale farmers, with a specific focus on developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. About Essam and May Allam Foundation: Founded in 2025 by the Essam Hassan Allam family to honor the legacy of a remarkable father and daughter, the Essam and May Allam Foundation (EMAF) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Egypt through evidence-based, high-impact initiatives in education and agriculture. By focusing on programs grounded in rigorous research and proven effectiveness, the Foundation ensures its efforts are scalable, sustainable, and positioned to deliver meaningful results. EMAF operates through two strategic pillars. The Essam Allam Agriculture Accelerator addresses key challenges in agricultural climate resilience, productivity, market access for smallholder farmers, and food security. The May Allam Knowledge Incubator works to improve early childhood and primary education, promote and preserve the Arabic language, conserve Middle Eastern arts and culture, and expand access to vocational training and scholarships. Through these pillars, EMAF serves as a catalyst for transformative change—bridging the gap between research and practice to drive inclusive development that empowers individuals, uplifts communities, and fosters long-term resilience across Egypt.
