Africa eyeing major Islamic finance push

Africa is not only ready for Islamic finance but also is aiming to take its stand in the global Islamic finance arena, according to Abdelilah Belatik, secretary-general of Bahrain-based General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI). Human capital development remains one of the main pillars in establishing sound Islamic financial services practices in Africa, especially with the recent regulatory development, he said. CIBAFI has completed a 'Certified Islamic Banker' training for 48 top level executives from 10 banks in Mauritania. The professional development training programme was co-organised by CIBAFI and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).