Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and a very happy THURSDAY. The weekend is finally just around the corner, although we’ll all be keeping our eyes on the outcome of the Central Bank of Egypt’s monetary policy meeting later this evening.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

European consortium, international lenders sign contracts for Damietta cargo terminal II: A consortium of Hapag-Lloyd, Eurogate Terminals, Contship Italia, alongside HSBC Egypt, signed contracts today to finance development of Damietta Port’s second container terminal, according to a Transport Ministry statement.

Our friends at HSBC Egypt acted as the agent bank for the international lenders that will provide a USD 455 mn financing package for the project. The multilateral banking syndicate includes the EBRD, IFC, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), development finance player Deutsche Investitions und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), and the French Development Agency’s private-sector investment arm Proparco.

What we know: The terminal will have a final capacity of 3.5 mn TEUs and it’s expected to begin operating by 2024, the ministry said previously.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

The Houthis are still leading the conversation in the international business press this afternoon. In a televised speech, Houthi leader Abdul Malk al-Houthi warned that his forces will retaliate if the US decides to target Yemen. Their recent attacks on ships passing the Red Sea are unlikely to let up any time soon despite the US forming a maritime protection coalition entitled “Operation Prosperity Guardian” which includes Britain, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, along with the US, after cargo worth more than USD 80 bn had been rerouted around Africa to avoid the waterway. (Reuters | CNBC).

COME WORK FOR OUR ADVISORY ARM- Enterprise Advisory (formerly known as Inktank Communications) is looking for smart, talented people to help us tell the stories of exciting companies. Enterprise Advisory is the region’s leading investor relations advisory company and works on investor and strategic communications issues that take you deep inside the c-suite. Our clients are in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond. Egyptian and foreign nationals alike are welcome to apply, but native-level verbal and written English fluency is a must.

WHO YOU ARE- We're looking for gifted storytellers with a minimum of four years of work experience in investor relations, finance, banking, economics, or a related field to develop cutting-edge products and maintain relationships with a portfolio of clients. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree or higher in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related discipline. We're looking for someone whose passion for storytelling is matched with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to interpret and present financial data — with a keen eye for details and accuracy.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING? To apply for the position, drop us a line at jobs@enterprisemea.com and mention “Enterprise Advisory” in your subject line. Please send a solid cover letter telling us a bit about who you are and why you’re a good fit for our team. We want to see your CV, but the most important thing is a cover letter that makes us want to pick up the phone and give you a call.

** CATCH UP QUICK on the top stories from today’s EnterpriseAM:

HELP GAZA-

Want to support relief efforts in Gaza, but don’t know how? We’ve got you. More than 1 mn people in Gaza have been thrown from their homes and every human being there lacks access to food, water, and fuel amid the most intense bombardment any population has endured this century.

The folks at Talabat are processing donations for a range of Gaza relief appeals by charities including the Egyptian Food Bank and Misr El Kheir. Pay in EGP using your credit card.

Or check out our list of charities to which you can make direct donations via bank deposit and / or Fawry.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- We can finally expect a sunny day tomorrow with a high of 19°C coming in at midday and a low of 11°C earlier in the morning.

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