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African Guarantee Fund partners Nordic Development Fund to launch green finance in Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

April 17, 2024

The African Guarantee Fund (AGF) has teamed up with the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) to launch a green finance fund to tackle climate challenges in Nigeria.

The fund which was launched on Tuesday at the 9th Edition of the Green Finance Conference with the theme “The Role of Africa’s Private Sector in The Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” brought together representatives of the Nigerian government, senior executives of financial institutions, key regulatory-policy stakeholders, and Green SMEs to discuss green synergies.

According to the organisers of the event, the Green Finance Conference provided a platform for all stakeholders to “dialogue and showcase the many advantages that Green SMEs can contribute to the economy of Nigeria, while strengthening their understanding of AGF’s Green Guarantee Facility and how it enables banks on-lend to green and climate-smart projects.”

AGF Group Chief Executive Officer, Jules Ngankam, who delivered a keynote address, emphasized that the Green Finance Conference is a crucial response to the challenges posed by climate change within a framework of National Determined Contributions (NDC) with a focus on providing enhanced expertise to Africa while proposing practical solutions to addressing financing for smaller and medium-sized enterprises committed to green growth and climate-resilient development.

“Our aim is to support the banks to improve, increase or develop their green portfolios. Through the combination of our Green Guarantee and Capacity Development support, we are able to bridge the knowledge gap between both financial institutions and their customers,” he said.

“This is not only for the SMEs to understand how the lending process works, but also for the financial experts to learn how they can provide solutions tailored to suit the needs of the SMEs,” Jules said.

Managing Director of NDF, Satu Santala, who also spoke at the conference, said:

“We are committed to financing green and inclusive low-carbon and climate resilient growth of African economies to improve the livelihood of communities.

“Partnerships are at the core of NDF’s approach to climate finance and the African private sector plays a pivotal role in climate action and creating employment.”

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Tech

Egypt’s Venture Capital firm Glint announces completing close of $3m fund

Published

2 hours ago

May 21, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Egyptian Venture Capital firm, Glint, has announved completing the first close of its second venture fund, which will invest in early-stage startups at $3 million.

The announcement which was contained in a statement, notes that Glint, a boutique management consulting and investment firm, which since its establishment six years ago has helped build businesses such as Darwinz.ai, has also helped in building companies like Iqraaly, Wasla, Kashier and Filkhedma.

The close of the fund was anchored by Wadi Degla Group. Glint Fund II was led by Tarek Aboualam and Youssef Helmy Habib, and will empower Egyptian entrepreneurs with investment opportunities in the early stages, the statement said.

It added that with tickets ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, it will focus on supporting startups through its proprietary venture studio model.

“Glint’s second fund represents an important step to further develop our ecosystem designed to support Egyptian tech-based startups looking to penetrate the regional and international markets,” said Aboualam.

“Glint’s Venture Studio model is designed to provide much more than just capital; it provides an integrated platform offering business, operational and technical support as well as access to the regional market.

“We are thrilled to start working with our new LPs as well as continue working with our returning investors,” he added.

Tech

MTN Foundation announces 2024 scholarship for Nigerian students

Published

1 day ago

May 20, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

MTN Nigeria Foundation has announced its 2024 scholarship for Nigerian students to support their education and empower the next generation of leaders.

A statement by the Foundation states that the amount for the annual award has also been increased from N200,000 to N300,000 for eligible students.

“The scholarships are in three categories which include the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS), the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS), and the Top 10 UTME Scholarship,” the statement said.

“MTN Foundation in 2010, established the MTN Scholarships Program, an annual award that recognizes and rewards eligible high-performing students in Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions in 3 categories:

“MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS) since 2012 has been targeted at eligible 200 and 300-level blind students studying any course in Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education).

“Starting in 2024, the number of blind students to receive scholarships has increased from 60 to 100. The annual award amount also increased from N200,000 to N300,000 and will be awarded until graduation if grade requirements are met.

“Top 10 UTME Scholarship since 2020, the top 10 scoring candidates of UTME as announced by JAMB, automatically qualify for the top 10 UTME scholarship.

“The candidates are awarded scholarships from their 100 level through to graduation upon meeting grade requirements.

“The Top 10 UTME Scholarship is awarded irrespective of the successful candidates’ preferred course of study or Tertiary Institution – Public or Private in Nigeria.”

According to the statement, the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is open to 300-level students studying Science and Technology-related courses in Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education).

“The MTN Scholarship for Blind Students is open to 200 and 300-level blind students studying any course in Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education).

“STEM Students in Public Universities and Colleges of Education must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) score of 3.0/4 or 3.5/5 (second class upper credit).

“STEM Students in Public Polytechnics must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 (upper credit) from the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) Program and must have secured admission into the Higher National Diploma (HND) Program.

“Direct Entry level STEM students must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (upper credit) from the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program and must have secured admission into 300 level/3rd year in a Public University.

“MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS): Blind Students in the Universities or Colleges of Education must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5.

“Blind students in public Polytechnics must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 from the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) Program and must have secured admission into the Higher National Diploma (HND) program,” the statement added.