Tech in Africa
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) partnered with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) to create an online platform that will promote learning and share of knowledge among its member countries. The initiative is a product of the Reverse Linkage Mechanism as well as the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program. The program will closely cooperate with the Moroccan Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Resuscitation, (SMAAR).
The banking sector has been in the frontline leading the charge in the fight against Covid-19. For instance, the ISDB president announced a $15-$250 million to help member countries in their fight against COVID-19. This was after Dr. Bandar Hajjar, President of the group, held a virtual meeting with 9 governors from member countries.
The AATB held it’s fourth Executive Committee Meeting which prioritized accelerated cooperation among healthcare and pharmaceutical centers so as to achieve a network of West African laboratories working as a unit.
The decision to develop the online platform was a culmination of two webinars focussing on the level of preparedness and the appropriate response to be taken. Technical expertise within the region will be leveraged to achieve a favorable outcome in the COVID-19 response.
The African ISDB Group will be fulfilling the 3Rs of their COVID-19 strategy which is “Response-Restore-Restart.” It also adheres to the resolution arrived at on 9/4/2020 during an executive committee meeting held by AATB. The Kingdom of Morrocco happens to be a founder member of the AATB, hence the close support and cooperation with Moroccan authorities.
The Acting D.G Global Practices IsDB, Mr. Amadou Thierno Diallo, shared his opinion on the “sharing of experience” and “transfer of expertise” being equally as important as the supply of medical equipment.
The COO of ITFC, Mr. Nazeem Noordali, called for the “need to stay united and strong” while sharing his appreciation for the “unsung heroes.”
Other organizations involved are The Society of Anesthesia-Intensive Care of Francophone Africa, (SARANF), Algerian Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation, Intensive Care and Emergencies (SAARSIU) and Tunisian Society of Anesthesia of Analgesia and Resuscitation (STAAR).
