21 March 2025 – Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an intervention by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) invites African publishers of trade books to apply for the second edition of the CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa.

The initiative, developed in partnership with Narrative Landscape Press Limited, underscores the commitment of Afreximbank through the CANEX Book Factory to showcasing of the literary and publishing value chain in Africa, and developing literary talent across the continent and its diaspora. The inaugural edition saw Cassava Republic Press, win the Prize in 2024 for the “Female Fear Factory: Unveiling Patriarchy’s Culture of Violence,” by Pumla Dineo Gqola.

The CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa is designed to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions of African publishers and authors to the literary world. The total prize fund is $28,000, with $20,000 awarded to the winner and $2,000 distributed to each of the four finalists. The prize is open to trade books published by Africa-domiciled publishers in the year preceding the prize, in one or more of the official languages of the African Union: Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, and any other African language.

Submissions will be judged on the quality of writing, editing and production. Priority will be given to books printed and produced on the African continent, as well as to books published in indigenous African languages. Interested publishers should visit https://canex.africa/canex-book-factory to register, with entries open from 17 March – 30 April 2025.                                                                                                                                                                  The CANEX Book Factory is an annual programme of events under Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus initiative. This year’s programme will culminate in an awards ceremony at the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), Africa’s premier trade and investment event, taking place in Algiers, Algeria from 4 – 10 September 2025.

During the week-long fair, more than 2,000 exhibitors, including businesses from the African continent and globally, will be showcasing their goods and services to the visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging information. This is projected to translate into over US$44 billion in trade and investment deals.

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, said, “We are delighted to announce the 2025 CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa. Building on last year’s successful edition, this landmark initiative celebrates African publishing excellence. Through the CANEX Book Factory, we aim to put a spotlight on the enormous contribution of African authors and publishers to Africa’s cultural identity and economy.”

Dr Eghosa Imasuen, co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press Limited and Programme Manager for the CANEX Book Factory, said, “The first edition of the Prize greatly underscored the necessity of this intervention in the publishing value chain in Africa. We are grateful to Afreximbank and CANEX for their ongoing support of African publishing. We are excited to launch this second edition, and we hope to see submissions from more publishers across the continent than in the inaugural edition.”

Turks and Caicos, March 22, 2025 – Today marks a historic milestone in Caribbean and world football as Sonia Fulford has been re-elected unopposed to the FIFA Council for an unprecedented third consecutive term. This remarkable achievement reaffirms her status as a trailblazer, being the first woman to hold these positions on both the FIFA and Concacaf Council for three successive terms.  Fulford was initially elected to the FIFA Council in 2013, ahead of the FIFA’s reform which introduced term limits of no more than three four-year terms, which makes Fulford the second longest-serving sitting member of the FIFA Council.

Fulford’s journey in football began on the field as a player for the Turks & Caicos Islands National Team. Her passion for the sport led her to serve as General Secretary of the Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) in 2006 before being elected as its President in 2014. Over the years, she has become a formidable force in shaping the development of football in the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Caribbean and beyond.

Under her leadership, Fulford has been a relentless advocate for the growth and inclusivity of the sport, championing development programs and funding, increasing opportunities for women in football, and ensuring that smaller nations have a voice on the global stage. Her re-election is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in her by the footballing fraternity, recognizing her unwavering commitment to the sport’s progress.

Expressing gratitude for this significant moment, Fulford stated:                                                                                                                                                              “I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence shown in me by my colleagues and the global football community. This journey has never been about personal accolades but about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and ensuring that football continues to unite and inspire. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the members and stakeholders who have supported me throughout the years. My gratitude also goes to my dedicated staff and the entire TCIFA family, present and past, who have made my job easier with their unwavering commitment. To my family, especially my husband Guadrvin Missick, your support has been my pillar of strength, and I share this achievement with you.”

Looking ahead, Fulford reaffirmed her pledge to continue her mission of empowering the people of the region, particularly women, and ensuring that Caribbean football continues to thrive on the world stage.

“This re-election is not just a victory for me but for the entire region. It is proof that our voices matter and that we have a seat at the highest levels of decision-making. I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocating for our region, fostering talent, and ensuring that football serves as a vehicle for positive change.”

Her re-election serves as a proud moment for the Caribbean and the Turks & Caicos Islands, highlighting the region’s growing influence in global football governance. The announcement was made during the 40th Concacaf Ordinary Congress, held on March 15, 2025, in Castries, St. Lucia. As she embarks on another term, the future of football in the region looks brighter than ever under her steadfast leadership.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – A bold new chapter in financial empowerment has begun with the official launch of Turks and Caicos United Investment Ltd. (TCUI) on Tuesday, March 17th, during a special edition of Financially Speaking. This initiative is set to transform how Turks and Caicos Islanders—both at home and abroad—engage in wealth creation and economic growth.

Uniting Investors, Strengthening the Economy

TCUI is more than just an investment platform; it is a movement designed to unite and empower Turks and Caicos residents to take control of their financial future. By pooling resources, TCUI members will have access to strategic investment opportunities that foster economic sustainability, financial independence, and generational wealth.

“Our goal is to ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders are at the forefront of economic development,” said Drexwell Seymour, Chairperson of TCUI. “Through collaboration and smart investing, we are creating a pathway for residents to build long-term financial security and preserve a legacy for future generations.”

A Vision for Prosperity

The idea for TCUI emerged after the Government’s announcement of a $1,000 cost-of-living relief stimulus. Instead of viewing the stimulus as a short-term fix, a group of more than 20 forward-thinking individuals came together to establish an organization that would provide lasting financial benefits. Their collective vision is to create an investment vehicle that allows Turks and Caicos Islanders to actively shape the nation’s financial landscape.

With an emphasis on community-driven investing, TCUI is positioning itself as a catalyst for economic transformation. The company aims to support ventures that not only yield strong financial returns but also contribute to the overall development and sustainability of the Turks and Caicos economy.

Meet the Leaders Behind TCUI

TCUI is backed by a strong leadership team committed to guiding the organization toward success:

• Drexwell Seymour – Chairperson
• Jena Janse – Deputy Chairperson
• Kendi Jones – Secretary
• Tekarrah Gardiner – Treasurer
• Ranekia Lightbourne Daley – Member & Liaison Relationship Director

How to Get Involved

TCUI is inviting residents of Turks and Caicos Islands and TCI citizens abroad to become part of this groundbreaking initiative. Whether you’re an experienced investor or new to the world of finance, TCUI offers a structured, community-driven approach to wealth-building that ensures every investor has a stake in the nation’s future.

To learn more about TCUI and how you can participate, visit www.tcunitedinvestment.com.