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2024 Broadband Development Congress whitepaper launch highlights Artificial intelligence’s (AI) role in sustainable fixed networks

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Broadband Development Congress

This informative document explores how AI-enabled solutions improve operational efficiencies, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 29, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The 2024 Broadband Development Congress: Cape Town, hosted by the World Broadband Association (WBBA) (www.WorldBroadbandAssociation.com) during Africa Tech Festival 2024, brought together global industry leaders and stakeholders from the operator, technology, ministerial, and banking sectors to address the critical challenges and opportunities in expanding broadband access across Africa.

In addition to showcasing broadband adoption success stories, a highlight was the launch of a whitepaper, The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability. This informative document explores how AI-enabled solutions improve operational efficiencies, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions while supporting sustainable and resilient fixed broadband infrastructure.

With broadband subscriptions up by 22% in the past year, and broadband service revenues forecast to grow 45% to $6.7 billion in 2029, the conference emphasised the importance of partnerships and innovation.

Collaborative solutions to Africa’s broadband challenges

With over 130 global members and a growing African membership, the WBBA is a multilateral, industry-led association providing leadership for digital broadband innovation. The organisation’s objective is to overcome industry challenges and support the drive toward the provision of broadband networks and services for all. The 2024 Broadband Development Congress: Cape Town provided the perfect platform to achieve these goals.

Key discussions and expert insights

Delivering the event’s opening address, Dr. Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the World Broadband Association, discussed broadband’s transformative role in Africa’s digital landscape, highlighting the continent’s rich resources and bright digital future. Nfaly Sylla, Chief of Staff at Guinea’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, reinforced this message, showcasing initiatives like the National Data Centre and its role in digital growth.

Ke Ruiwen, Executive Director, Chairman, and CEO of China Telecom, outlined the evolution of telecom companies into ‘techcos’ and Africa-focused investment strategies. Reflecting on the whitepaper theme, Norbert Prihoda, Deputy CEO of Tunisie Telecom, emphasised AI’s impact on broadband deployment.

Dr. Sunil Piyarlall, Network Architecture and Modelling Executive at Openserve, called for equitable digital infrastructure access, and Pieter Viljoen, CEO of Yangtze Optics Africa Cable, explored scalable fibre production models for Africa.

A dynamic panel addressed critical themes like investments, regulatory frameworks, and financing models, with experts from Omdia, Gambia Telecom, Africa Cyber Defense Forum, MTN, Standard Bank, and ZTE Corporation discussing practical steps to accelerate broadband deployment.

Tebogo Moloi, Head of Cloud Engineering at Standard Bank Group, highlighted the role of digital infrastructure in supporting banking services and enhancing customer experiences across Africa. Kim Jin, Vice President and CMO of Huawei’s Optical Business Product Line, presented on the company’s initiatives to support broadband expansion in Africa, suggesting African carriers consider monetisation models to drive digital economy and revenue growth.

In the closing address, WBBA Director General Martin Creaner discussed the concept of smart sustainability and how AI is transforming broadband through smarter network planning, optimisation, and management. He elaborated on the key themes of The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability whitepaper, reiterating that the biggest challenge identified – ensuring data availability and quality – is a call to action for operators aiming to maximise AI’s benefits.

Get the whitepaper

The whitepaper, The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability, is now available for download (https://apo-opa.co/4icS8r4) on the WBBA website. It provides essential guidance for industry leaders navigating the path toward a sustainable, digitally connected Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Broadband Association (WBBA).

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Strategic Leadership and Innovation at the Heart of Mining Indaba 2025

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Mining Indaba

The 2024 edition saw record participation, attracting around 9 900 attendees, including more than 1 200 investors and 2 000+ executives from mining companies worldwide

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 29, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Mining Indaba – the premier platform for deal-making, investment, and corporate networking for African mining for over 30 years – is cementing its position as the catalyst that ignites positive disruption within the African mining industry. Having launched its 2025 agenda, which demonstrates what is needed to future-proof the African mining industry, the platform is set to deliver another event that will help build a stronger, more resilient sector.

“We stand at a critical juncture for African mining,” says Laura Nicholson, Head of Content & Strategic Partnerships for Mining Indaba. “The 2025 theme underscores the urgent need for the sector to proactively address challenges while capitalising on emerging opportunities. This requires bringing together not only decision-makers, investors, and miners, but all key stakeholders from across the value chain, including mining communities and indigenous people, next-generation professionals and downstream buyers

“Never before have we fully engaged the entire ecosystem of mining, but we are moving forward into a different future, unlike any we’ve seen in the mining industry before. Adaption requires thinking holistically about the entire value chain and connecting with all those directly and indirectly affected by it.”

Africa’s time is now

Four newly launched key programmes – Disruptive Discussions, Sustainability Series, Technology & Innovation Hub and the Intergovernmental Summit – all showcase discussion themes that support a sustainable future.

More importantly, they reflect the need for Africa to rise as a dominant force within the global landscape. They also reflect how the African mining industry can support the continent’s ambition for economic wealth and development.

We’re not just future-proofing the industry; we’re shaping the future of African development itself

“The industrialisation of Africa is contingent on the strong performance of the mining sector – which must ultimately support local mid- and downstream value-addition opportunities for additional mineral beneficiation and ultimately full-scale manufacturing,” Nicholson continues.

Mining Indaba 2025 has dedicated the third day of the Disruptive Discussions programme to redefining critical minerals – where it will unpack what “critical minerals” means in an African context, and look at the key raw materials needed to develop economic-powerhouse countries.

Energy-transition minerals are a critical component of this, as they will drive a clean energy future. But alongside this, aluminium (bauxite), fertiliser (potash/phosphate), coal and uranium (stable electricity) and steel (iron ore) are all needed to build a continent that that can be positioned equally alongside its global counterparts. A natural consequence of this is job creation and skills development – both very much needed across Africa.

The key element that will ultimately drive Africa’s success is infrastructure, in the form of rail, road, ports and electricity. “While this concept is not new to Africa, it is one of the pivotal necessities we are yet to fully get right, and this must be resolved with speed,” Nicholson adds. “A number of new rail and power projects are in study or on the brink of development, such as the Lobito Corridor, which is already demonstrating how collaboration – between African countries and also global financial powerhouses – can drive success.”

For the first time, the event will showcase actionable strategies for building resilient mineral supply chains, enhancing Africa’s role in global critical minerals production, and deepening partnerships between governments and the private sector to ensure responsible resource development.

“We’re not just future-proofing the industry; we’re shaping the future of African development itself,” Nicholson affirms “Mining is no longer just about extraction – it’s about value creation across the entire ecosystem. From rare minerals to critical metals, African mining is driving the innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth needed for tomorrow.”

Mining Indaba is widely regarded as the most influential gathering driving investment, policy development, and technological advancement for African mining. The 2024 edition saw record participation, attracting around 9 900 attendees, including more than 1 200 investors and 2 000+ executives from mining companies worldwide. Targets for 2025 are even greater.

As the 2025 edition of Mining Indaba approaches, the focus is clear: empowering Africa’s mining sector is not only about adapting to a rapidly changing world, but leading it as well.

• Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 runs from 3 – 6 February 2025, at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC 1 & 2). The event remains the most comprehensive platform for mining investment, finance, and innovation in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba.

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Earn Rewards while Exercising | Five activities to Earn Sweat Points

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Live4Well

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 November 2024 – The cashback model has gained popularity over the last decade, and Live4Well has recently enhanced this idea by introducing the VIV PASS ecosystem for exercise rewards. This innovative approach enables users to earn Sweat Points just by working out, without needing to make any purchases. Since its launch in 2023, Live4Well has built a community of over 250,000 users and formed partnerships with more than 200 brands, including gyms such as 24/7 Fitness, Anytime Fitness, World GYM, and Fit24. This initiative is fostering a new fitness culture that prioritizes flexibility and eliminates contracts. 

Ultimate Points-Earning Guide | Steps to Sweat & Earn

Step 1: Register Live4Well Account (3 Minutes)

(1) Download the Live4Well App (Apple Store) | (Play Store)

(2) Create Account – Enter email to register, or sign up using Google or Apple account. A verification code will be sent to the registered email (check the spam folder if needed). Copy the code and paste it in the app to complete the registration.

(3) Set Up Profile – Fill in basic information, including name and password. Be sure to enter the invitation code to receive a fantastic welcome points package! (Code: L4WPR2024)

(4) Create Health Database – Input the height, weight, and other health details.

(5) Set Up an Encrypted Wallet – Unlocking wallet will provide access to additional redemption options. This step can be skipped for later set up.

Step 2: Earn Points

The current plan allows global users to participate with no barriers. Five main activities earn Sweat Points:

(1) Daily Exercise: Complete daily walking for calorie-burning challenges. Sync the health data by clicking the update icon in the top left corner. The points will be added when targets are met.

(2) Participate in Competitions: Upload proof of participation in specified sports activities along with the required information. Points will be granted after the details are being verified.

(3) Purchase Health & Fitness Products & Services: Submit receipts of specified sports or health-related purchases and the necessary information. Points will be awarded after submission is approved.

(4) Personal Trainer Certificates: Upload any valid personal trainer certificates and earn points after approval.

(5) In-App Gamified Exercise Training: Users earn points by completing the in-app exercise challenges.

Creating a Sustainable Exercise Reward Ecosystem and Establishing a Pioneer Position in the Sports Market

Exercise rewards are a key component of Live4Well‘s vision to build a sustainable reward ecosystem that consistently adds value for both merchants and users. Every user who registers for free will receive an entry level Earth VIV PASS, providing access to enjoy the aforementioned earning rights. The real excitement lies in the option to upgrade to a Galaxy VIV PASS, which unlocks all features of the Live4Well app.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Galaxy level is its AI-driven gamified workout training system. This feature allows users to engage in fitness games across eight virtual planets anytime and anywhere, all while earning significant rewards.

When it comes to redeeming points, Earth level users can exchange their points for rewards through brand collaborations organized by Live4Well. After upgrading, Galaxy level users gain access to the entire rewards marketplace, which includes offerings from over a thousand sports brands, health products, gym memberships, professional training courses, wellness programs, and personal training resources. This enables users to fully immerse themselves in the culture of “earning rewards while exercising.”

Points-Earning Tips

The Live4Well team highlights that the effectiveness of this ecosystem depends on strong user participation and brand engagement. Early-stage initiatives focus on attracting more fitness enthusiasts to increase the ecosystem’s appeal to sports brands. Users with previous records of sports competitions, purchases, or certificates should definitely join the ecosystem and actively redeem points; they are sure to be pleasantly surprised!

Incentivising Wellness Al & Sports Membership Platform
Live4Well aims to create a reward-driven wellness platforms that merges health and technology. Utilizing AI, we focus on both individual wellness and sports, fostering a community-based economy that incentivizes healthy behavior.
 

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Exness celebrates personal trading stories with its #BornToTrade User-Generated Campaign (UGC) Campaign

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Exness

A judging panel will review the top entries per region and select the top three finalists based on their creativity

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Exness (www.Exness.com), one of the world’s largest retail brokers, has announced the launch of its new social media initiative, forming part of its ongoing #BornToTrade campaign. This user-generated campaign (UGC) invites traders across Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa to share their personal trading journeys and connect with a massive community of like-minded individuals.

Building on the success of the powerful #BornToTrade campaign, this UGC further emphasizes the inherent passion and drive that fuels successful traders. By encouraging participants to share their stories, Exness fosters a community, empowering traders worldwide with inspiring stories.

Campaign Mechanics

This initiative calls traders to complete the phrase “I was Born To Trade because…” through videos or pictures of themselves and their trading setups. Each submission will represent an authentic and creative story about why trading is an essential part of their lives. Participants must use the hashtags #IWasBornToTrade and #BornToTrade, tag @Exness, and nominate two friends to join the challenge. All entries must also use the official Exness campaign audio provided on Instagram.

This initiative provides a platform for traders to connect, inspire others, and celebrate their shared passion for the markets

To see how you can take part in the competition, click here (http://apo-opa.co/3B5CXiT).

A judging panel will review the top entries per region and select the top three finalists based on their creativity. These entries will be showcased across Exness’ social media channels.

Exciting Prizes by Region

Depending on the region, winners will receive exclusive prizes, including tech devices, signed sports memorabilia, and other rewards. In addition, all regional winners will receive a custom Exness merch kit featuring exclusive “Born to Trade” branding and personalized winning phrases.

Dildora Djalolova, Exness Head of Social Media, commented, “We believe that every trader has a unique story to tell. This initiative provides a platform for traders to connect, inspire others, and celebrate their shared passion for the markets. We are excited to see all the creative ways our clients will express how they were #BornToTrade.

This UGC initiative will run from 25 November to 27 December 2024.

Exness uses a combination of technology and ethics to raise the industry benchmark and create favorable conditions for traders. It offers clients a frictionless trading experience and unique market protections and allows them to experience how the markets should be.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Exness.

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