AfDB, Islamic bank sign agreement to fund energy, SMEs

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have signed an agreement to support projects in energy, agriculture and SME sectors on the continent. Both parties agreed to jointly pool together $2 billion over the next three years to finance projects in agriculture and food security, renewable energy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They also agreed to contribute $1 billion each over three years for joint activities focusing on these priority areas. CEO of AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment and interest to build a stronger partnership with the Islamic Development Bank.