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2025 CIFTIS: Green technology empowers global trade in services

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CIFTIS

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – Global trade in services is accelerating its shift toward greener and smarter development, with green technologies and environmental solutions emerging as new growth drivers and creating broader opportunities for international cooperation.

At the ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, new-type energy storage technology, interactive waste-sorting bins, unmanned weed-cutting boats, and a range of other green products and services have attracted wide attention.

Beistar CZ, a Czech company making its debut at CIFTIS, showcased an energy storage technology that converts surplus grid electricity into thermal energy, storing it inside a unit filled with hot air and high heat-resistant material, at a cost about one-fiftieth that of battery storage.

George Jermakov, technology director at Beistar CZ, said he hopes the technology would be “used and useful” in China. “There are no greater opportunities anywhere in the world than in China,” he added, noting that he was impressed by the country’s open business environment, with CIFTIS serving as a good example.

Jermakov also highlighted China’s strong push for sustainability. “There is a great wave in China to go green,” he said. “Many steps have been taken by the government and the people, and they are moving faster and faster toward their goals.”

The 2025 CIFTIS, held in Beijing from Sept. 10 to 14 with the theme “Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services,” has drawn nearly 2,000 on-site exhibitors. Participants include representatives from more than 20 of the world’s top 30 countries and regions in services trade.

TestraBin, developed by Australian company Sencity, is an interactive garbage-sorting bin. Equipped with three sensor-fitted slots for different types of waste, the bin is ringed with electronic screens that reward correct sorting with playful animations or digital content such as a basketball dropping through a hoop.

“In the past, a lot of money was spent on public campaigns to encourage people to sort their waste. This product makes the process interactive and fun,” said Wanchen Zhao, vice president of Sencity. “Every time we showcase it in China, people show great interest. Many see it as a glimpse of the next era, where everyday items are infused with more technology and interactivity.”

Chinese companies are also unveiling a wide range of homegrown green innovations at this year’s fair, underscoring the country’s dual role as a major market and an important source of technological solutions for the global green transition.

An unmanned street-sweeping vehicle developed by Beijing Environment Sanitation Group has attracted wide attention at the fair. Equipped with lidar, 360-degree cameras and ultrasonic radar, the vehicle can clean up to 6,000 square meters per hour, equivalent to the workload of six to eight workers.

The group, which provides integrated services ranging from public-space cleaning to waste collection, transportation and treatment, has offered consulting and technical support to countries including Mongolia, Pakistan, Laos, Bangladesh and Chad.

An unmanned weed-cutting vessel, equipped with sharp blades to clear aquatic plants, was also on display at the fair. A smart system embedded in the vessel simulates plant growth to identify the best time for removal, providing a modern solution for aquatic vegetation management.

“For a city of more than 20 million people like Beijing, many of these urban management solutions can be applied to cities elsewhere in the world,” said Chen Nan, a technician with the Beijing Water Science and Technology Institute, which developed the vessel.

Huatong Technology, a one-stop provider of zero-carbon industrial park solutions, also attracted attention at the fair. The Chinese company develops such parks by integrating renewable energy sources like wind, solar and biomass to boost green power use and clean transport, while retrofitting buildings, upgrading equipment and operating a central platform to monitor energy use and cut emissions.

With about 20 years of experience in energy saving and carbon reduction, Huatong Technology has completed over 10,000 projects in China across high-tech zones, industrial and logistics parks, as well as cultural and agricultural parks.

China’s services trade topped 1 trillion U.S. dollars for the first time in 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, it expanded 8.2 percent year on year to nearly 4.58 trillion yuan (about 644.9 billion U.S. dollars), official data showed.

Meanwhile, the trade structure has continued to improve, shifting away from reliance on traditional sectors such as logistics toward more value-added, knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven fields.

“China is at the forefront of major green technologies. It is the low-cost producer of wind, solar, long-distance power transmission and zero carbon power supplies,” said Jeffrey Sachs, chairman of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, in a speech at the fair.

Sachs added that the world is facing the urgent challenge of environmental transformation and China can use its global capacity to accelerate the transformation.

 

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U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum Expands to Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Security

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This year’s U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum in Houston signals a strategic shift toward integrated energy and critical minerals investment, strengthening U.S. partnerships across Africa’s resource and industrial value chains

HOUSTON, United States of America, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –The U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum (USAEMF) has relaunched with a dedicated focus on critical minerals, marking an important evolution in its role as a platform for U.S.-Africa commercial engagement. Building on its foundation in energy, power and industrial projects, the forum’s expanded scope positions it at the center of investment conversations shaping the future energy economy.

 

Scheduled for July 21–22, 2026, in Houston, Texas, USAEMF comes at a time of surging global demand for copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese and rare earth elements, driven by electrification, battery storage, AI infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Africa is increasingly critical to securing these materials, highlighting how energy and minerals are now interconnected pillars of industrial growth, geopolitical stability and decarbonization.

The forum’s minerals mandate deepens engagement with African producers – particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to some of the world’s largest copper and cobalt reserves. Momentum is building through the U.S.–DRC strategic minerals framework and the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, a major investment platform supported by the DFC and private partners. The consortium is pursuing a 40% stake in the Mutanda and Kamoto copper-cobalt operations in a $9 billion transaction, securing long-term supply for allied markets while reinforcing cooperation on infrastructure, security and supply-chain governance.

Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties

U.S. financing is also expanding across the region, with the DFC managing a continental portfolio exceeding $13 billion to support mining, processing and transport infrastructure for critical mineral supply chains. Recent commitments include rare earth, graphite and potash projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Gabon; broader investments in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa; and $553 million linked to the development of the Lobito Corridor. The DFC is also a major backer of TechMet, a U.S.-supported investment firm valued at over $1 billion, which is raising up to $200 million to expand copper, cobalt, lithium and rare earth assets and pursue new opportunities across the DRC and Zambia. Together, these initiatives underscore Washington’s push to diversify battery-mineral supply while positioning Africa as a long-term partner in clean energy and industrial value chains.

Houston’s role as host city reflects the alignment between American industrial capacity and African resource development. Long established as a global energy hub, the city is expanding into energy transition technologies, advanced materials, carbon management and industrial innovation. By convening African governments with U.S. private equity, development finance institutions, exporters, insurers and technical service providers, the forum creates a commercial platform capable of converting mineral potential into bankable projects.

“The evolution from USAEF to USAEMF reflects a broader shift toward integrated energy and mineral development,” states Nadine Levin, Portfolio Director at Energy Capital & Power, forum organizers. “Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties and advances projects that deliver long-term shared value.”

While critical minerals define the forum’s strategic expansion, the U.S.’ longstanding role in Africa’s energy sector remains central to the platform’s value proposition. American energy companies continue to advance exploration and development across key upstream markets, support gas monetization in the Gulf of Guinea and revitalize mature production in North Africa. U.S. export credit and development finance are also helping unlock large-scale LNG capacity in Mozambique while supporting optimization and expansion across existing gas infrastructure in West Africa – demonstrating how American capital, engineering expertise and risk-mitigation tools convert resource potential into delivered energy systems.

USAEMF is the leading platform connecting U.S. capital and technical expertise with Africa’s energy and minerals sectors. For more information or to participate at the upcoming forum, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Pesalink and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) Unlock Cross-Border Payments in Local Currencies in Kenya

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The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • Instant 24/7 bank-to-bank transfers across African borders in local currencies.
  • Simpler cross-border payments for individuals, businesses, and SMEs.
  • 80 plus Pesalink network participants now linked to 160 plus PAPSS participating banks.

 

Pesalink, Kenya’s de facto instant payment network, has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to ease cross-border payment and speed up regional financial integration.

 

The partnership enables instant 24/7 cross-border payments from PAPSS participants into banks and mobile money operators within the Pesalink network in Kenya, all settled in local currencies. This reduces complex correspondent banking requirements and reliance on foreign reserve currencies.

 

Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments

PAPSS, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, enables cross-border payments between African countries. Pesalink is now a Technical Connectivity Provider. It means that 80 plus Kenyan bank, fintech, SACCO and telco participants on the Pesalink network will be connected to 160 plus commercial banks and fintechs on the PAPSS platform.

 

Cross-border payments remain expensive and slow for many African businesses. The 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4baDSh7) World Bank Remittance Prices report indicates that sending money across African borders incurs on average 7-8% of the total value sent (above the global average of 6–7%). Settlement can also take three to seven business days.

 

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders.

 

Speaking during the partnership signing held at Pesalink offices in Nairobi, PAPSS CEO Mike Ogbalu III said, “For PAPSS to deliver true impact, collaboration with national and private switches like Pesalink is essential. Pesalink is the first switch we’ve piloted for transaction termination in Kenya, and we are already seeing greater adoption by opening more channels for seamless, local-currency cross-border payments across Africa.”

 

Pesalink CEO, Gituku Kirika, said “Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments. They will be helping their customers grow more regional trading relationships and thrive in a more integrated digital economy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Africa Trade Conference Returns to Cape Town with Esteemed Speakers Driving Africa’s Trade Agenda

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Second edition convenes global policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to accelerate Africa’s integration into global trade

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –Access Bank Plc (www.AccessBankPLC.com) is proud to announce the distinguished line-up of speakers for the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), scheduled to take place on March 11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. Building on the strong foundation of its inaugural edition, ATC 2026 will convene an exceptional assembly of global and African leaders, policymakers, investors, and business executives committed to shaping the future of trade on the continent.

The Africa Trade Conference has rapidly emerged as a premier platform for advancing dialogue and action around Africa’s evolving role in global commerce. The 2026 edition will feature influential voices from across finance, government, development institutions, and the private sector, who will share insights on unlocking trade opportunities, strengthening intra-African commerce, enabling business expansion, and positioning African enterprises for global competitiveness.

The confirmed speakers represent a powerful cross-section of leaders driving Africa’s economic transformation.

Building on the momentum of its maiden edition, which convened senior decision-makers from 28 countries, the 2026 conference with the theme “Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact”, will have the keynote address delivered by Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General, Southern Africa Region, African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director, Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank. Their joint keynote will address the evolving financing landscape for African trade and the strategic pathways for unlocking continental prosperity.

The welcome address will be delivered by Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO/GMD, Access Bank Plc, who will set the tone for discussions centered on trade transformation, financial inclusion, and regional competitiveness, while Tolu Oyekan, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group, will deliver insights on “Africa Trade Outlook 2026”, examining emerging macroeconomic trends, supply chain shifts, and growth opportunities across key sectors.  The CEO of Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, Mike Ogbalu, will be engaging the conference participants on the topic, “Building a Connected Africa Through Trade, Payments & Technology”, focusing on how payment interoperability and digital infrastructure can accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us

The conference will also host a High-Level Ministerial Panel that features Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Ghana; Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Botswana; Mr. Florian Witt, Divisional Head, International & Corporate Banking Oddo-BHF, Ms. Nathalie Louat – Global Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dr Isaiah Rathumba – Head of Department, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and Mr. Alfred Idialu – Chief Rep Officer, Deutsche Bank among other policymakers shaping trade policy across the continent.

Commenting on the announcement, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said:
“The Africa Trade Conference reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation by creating a platform that brings together the leaders, institutions, and ideas shaping the future of trade. The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us. Africa is not only participating in global trade, it is helping to redefine it. Through this convening, we aim to catalyse partnerships, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and accelerate Africa’s integration into global value chains.”

“At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as connectors of markets, ideas, and opportunities. Our role is to help African businesses move from ambition to impact, from local relevance to global competitiveness.”

With operations in 24 countries globally, including 16 across Africa, Access Bank’s expansive footprint places it in a unique position to facilitate cross-border trade, unlock regional value chains, and simplify the complexities of doing business across markets.

“Our presence across Africa and key global corridors gives us a front-row seat to the realities of trade. It also gives us the responsibility to design solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and future facing. ATC 2026 is part of that commitment, Ogbonna added.

ATC 2026 is expected to catalyze partnerships, enable policy dialogue, and provide actionable strategies for businesses operating within and beyond the continent.

The Access Bank Chief puts it thus, “Africa will not be a spectator in the remaking of global trade. We will be one of its architects. ATC 2026 is where those blueprints will be drawn.”

For more information and registration, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4sdXWF7

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Access Bank PLC.

 

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