@ Halal | September-October . 2024

The event took place at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel , honouring individuals and institutions for their remarkable achievements and contributions within the sector .

“ These awards represent the collective efforts and innovations of the pioneers in the Interest-Free Finance industry across Africa ,” said AlHuda CIBE CEO Zubair Mughal .

The forum drew delegates from different countries and featured notable figures , including the State Minister of Industry for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia , Hassan Muhammad , and the CEO of AlHuda CIBE , who presented the awards to the winners .

The event honoured several organisations and individuals across various categories , including top performers in the interest-free banking and takaful sectors . Award winners included notable institutions such as Tsehay Bank , Zamzam Bank , Hijra Bank , Shabelle Bank , and Awash Bank .

Meanwhile , individual awards were presented to Abdella Adem , Kerima Ali , Faris Ahmed Shafi , Awol Zinab Gamal , Mengistu Meharu , Fikru Tsegaye Wordofa , Abdul Waheed Shah Kotia , and Jemila Kibret .

The event not only celebrated achievements but also highlighted the growth of the Interest-Free Banking and Takaful industry .

Zubair expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the ceremony .

The event was supported by sponsors such as Ethiopian Insurance Corporation , Dahabshil Bank International , Shabelle Bank , MYTM , ZamZam Bank , and Global Insurance Co . S . C .

Key partners , which included the Somaliland Banker ’ s Association , Islamic Finance Research Institute , Ghana ; AL BARAKAH Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited , Azerbaijan Fintech Association , Azfina ; and Africa Fintech Network also played a vital role .

Media coverage was provided by Adsolute Communications Plc , IFING-MEDIA , Mesofinance Monthly , and Financial IT , with Ethiopian Airlines serving as the official airline partner .

Overall , the event underscored the dynamic growth and potential of the Interest-Free Banking and Takaful sector in Africa , setting a robust foundation for future advancements in Islamic finance .

CAMBRIDGE IFA , a leading Islamic finance consultancy based in London , is set to host its annual Global Islamic Finance Summit ( GIFS ). The event is set to take place on Sept 17 , 2024 , at the Villa Nautica Paradise Island in the Maldives .

This prestigious event will gather key figures from the Islamic finance industry , including experts , practitioners , policymakers , and scholars , to discuss the latest developments , emerging trends , and challenges in the sector .

GIFS proudly announced its role as a strategic partner for the Maldives Islamic Bank . Furthermore , the event will feature prominent VIPs , including the Former President of the Maldives , Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan , and the Finance Minister of the Maldives , Dr Mohamed Shafeeq .

Following over a decade of successful events across Africa , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Kazakhstan , Indonesia , Bahrain , the UAE , Oman , Pakistan , and Malaysia , this year ’ s summit will continue as a key platform for intellectual exchange and networking within the

Islamic finance community .

Attendees can expect thoughtprovoking keynote addresses and panel discussions focused on technology and innovation in Islamic finance . Apart from that , the event will also cover global sustainability challenges , the growth potential of green sukuk , and strategies for social impact investment .

In conjunction with the summit , the 14th annual Global Islamic Finance Awards ( GIFA ) will also take place . Also organised by Cambridge IFA , the award ceremony is intended to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of governments , institutions , and individuals in the Islamic finance industry .

Since its inception in 2011 , GIFA has become a leading awards programme , honouring over 900 recipients for their contributions to Islamic banking and finance .

The GIFS and GIFA are expected to attract over 300 delegates from around the world , providing valuable perspectives and fostering networking and collaboration opportunities within the Islamic finance sector .

Ambassador of Thailand to Kenya , Morakot Janemathukorn ( left ), The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand , Busadee Santipitaks ( centre ), Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Kenya , Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle ( right ).

THE Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand , Busadee Santipitaks , recently welcomed the ambassador of Somalia to Kenya , Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle , alongside a delegation from Somalia and the Republic of Kenya .

The delegation included health officials from Somalia and Kenya . Their visit to Thailand was part of an initiative aimed at promoting medical tourism in East Africa . This project is currently being led by Morakot Janemathukorn , who serves as the Ambassador of Thailand to Kenya .

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Thailand , Somalia , and Kenya across various sectors . This comprised of economic development , public health , and the halal food industry .

Santipitaks highlighted Thailand ’ s ambition to become a leading global medical hub , emphasising its potential to meet the diverse medical needs of East Africa . Additionally , the delegation noted a significant demand for comprehensive medical services in East Africa due to shortages in specialised care and medical equipment .

They pointed out that Thailand offers an attractive option for East African patients , providing a wide range of affordable medical treatments and services .

There were also talks on opportunities for trade and investment within the East African Community ( EAC ), which has a population exceeding 400 million . Overall , the potential for collaboration in alternative medicine , medical herbs , and halal food products was particularly highlighted as a key area for future growth and partnership .