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Elise Mertens clinches singles title at inaugural Singapore Tennis Open

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  • Close to 22,000 tennis fans flocked to Kallang Tennis Hub across nine days
  • Second-seed Elise Mertens bested Ann Li to claim her 9th career WTA singles title
  • Desirae Krawczyk and Giuliana Olmos claimed victory in a thrilling Doubles Final

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – Elise Mertens and the pair of Desirae Krawczyk/Giuliana Olmos have claimed the inaugural Singapore Tennis Open (STO) Singles and Doubles titles respectively.

Second-seed Mertens secured her 9th career WTA singles title – her first since Monastir 2023 – following a clinical final against Ann Li. Mertens bagged the win with straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, in 82 minutes.
 
Having dropped only one set in the four prior matches throughout the tournament, Mertens was raring to go in the final. Her opponent, Li, entered the match flawlessly without dropping a set, using her all-court skills to dispatch her opponents all week. The title decider began with a masterclass from Mertens, outplaying her American opponent to seal the opening set in a mere 26 minutes. The Belgian quickly went up 2-0 in the second set. With the title seeming out of her grasp, Li looked to stage a comeback, breaking Mertens’ serve back and bringing the set to two games all. Ultimately, Mertens’ solid baseline game prevailed, falling to the Kallang Tennis Hub court as she took home the STO Singles crown.

Krawczyk and Olmos faced strong opposition all week, with four of seven sets played going to 7-5 or 7-6. However, their tactful net play and clutch serving in critical moments secured them a spot in the final where they raced to an early 3-0 lead. In spite of their opponents, Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai, displaying a strong fighting spirit, a late charge saw the American-Mexican pair clinch the first set 7-5. They carried this momentum into the second set, storming their way to a 6-0 victory for the pair to claim their first title together in almost five years.

Please see the full run-down of the tournament scores here.

Mertens celebrates, “This was the first time the (Singapore Tennis Open) was organised and it was incredibly well-run. I hope to come back next year to defend my title and my points – but for now, I’m going to enjoy this victory. Singapore is an amazing city – the people are so friendly and our stay at the Hilton was a fantastic experience. The weather held up well, and everyone was so helpful. Tennis-wise, I feel like I’ve grown. My movement felt strong, and I played with confidence. This is my ninth title, and winning here has created such great memories and energy.”

Krawczyk and Olmos said, “Thank you to everyone who came out. Not just today, but the whole week. It’s nice to have a full stadium with all the fans. It’s a great atmosphere for us and we really appreciate it. We just wanted to go out on the court and play our game…and just enjoy being on the court together, having fun and…competing hard. (Singapore) has been enjoyable, very welcoming. Thank you to all the fans!”

A Tournament to Remember

Overall, close to 22,000 fans, enthusiasts and spectators flowed through the Kallang Tennis Hub, across nine days to indulge in the inaugural STO and its activities. Tennis fans in Singapore were treated to hard-hitting action and bustling community activities at the Kallang Tennis Hub this past week. They not only witnessed world-class gameplay but also soaked in the lively atmosphere at the Fan Village with meet-and-greet with WTA players and tennis-related activities. Adding to the excitement, the inaugural Singapore Tennis Invitational Cup (STIC) saw the finest tennis talents from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia take to the courts ahead of the 2025 SEA Games.

The inaugural STO saw tennis lovers catch world-class tennis action that once again returned to Singapore shores. This tournament is part of the 2025 Hologic WTA Tour calendar, which features over 50 tournaments that will be played across 26 countries and regions. Set to return for two more years in 2026 and 2027, the STO marks a momentous beginning to thrilling tennis action and exciting fan engagement.

Hyping the Community Up

Over nine days, fans were able to get up close and personal with the likes of Anna Kalinskaya, Oksana Kalashnikova, Nao Hibino and Wang Xinyu at meet-and-greets, and pick up tips from STO Community Ambassadors Tamarine Tanasugarn and Yayuk Basuki at tennis clinics. Both are top-ranked players from Thailand and Indonesia respectively, and competed on the WTA tour in the past. With varied activities for all ages, the tournament programme was intentionally designed to celebrate tennis, engage fans, and grow interest in the sport.

More than 700 students also embarked on guided learning journeys at the STO, exploring venue logistics, event operations, and sports management behind the scenes. The tours included stops at the Singapore Sports Museum, WTA Finals commemorative art sculpture, and a centre court seat for these students to enjoy live tennis action.

Shaping the Future of Tennis in Southeast Asia

The past week also saw our region’s best face off in a round-robin format at the Kallang Tennis Hub outdoor courts in the first-ever STIC, organised by Singapore Tennis Association (STA) in partnership with Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM). Singapore emerged victorious in the STIC final, edging past Indonesia with a 3-2 scoreline.

With back-to-back victories in the Men’s and Women’s singles matches, Singapore took a crucial 2-1 lead heading into the Men’s Doubles final. Singaporean duo, Daniel Abadia and Michael Dylan Jimenez, rose to the occasion in a hard-fought battle against Indonesia, delivering the Cup-clinching victory. Malaysia secured third place, defeating Cambodia 5-0. Team Singapore’s Lynelle Lim, Audrey Tong, and Eva Marie Desvignes were also awarded wildcards for the STO singles qualifying matches. Details here.

ABOUT SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
Singapore Sports Hub is an iconic, premier destination offering sporting, entertainment and lifestyle experiences for all to enjoy. This world-class development is managed by Kallang Alive Sport Management Co Pte Ltd (KASM). It offers programming that comprises international recreational and competitive events, live entertainment as well as activities that cater to the broader community. The Singapore Sports Hub aims to serve the sporting and entertainment needs of people from all walks of life.

Home to unique world-class sports facilities within the city, the Singapore Sports Hub plays a critical role in accelerating the development of Singapore’s sports industry, excellence and participation. Located in Kallang, the Singapore Sports Hub includes the following facilities:

  • A 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof and movable tiered seating
  • A 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium with pillarless interior
  • A 6,000-capacity OCBC Aquatic Centre that meets FINA standards
  • A 3,000-capacity OCBC Arena which is scalable and flexible in layout
  • Kallang Tennis Hub, Singapore’s first international tournament-ready indoor tennis facility
  • Kallang Football Hub housing Singapore’s National Training Centre for football
  • Water Sports Centre featuring kayaking and canoeing
  • 41,000 sqm Kallang Wave Mall, including indoor climbing wall and Splash-N-Surf facility (Kids Waterpark, Stingray and Lazy River)
  • 100PLUS Promenade that encircles the National Stadium
  • Singapore Youth Olympic Museum & Singapore Sports Museum
  • Shimano Cycling World
  • Daily community facilities and activities, including beach volleyball, hard courts (futsal, basketball and netball) lawn bowls, giant chess, skate park and running & cycling paths.

For more information, please visit the Singapore Sports Hub:
Website: www.sportshub.com.sg
Facebook: @sgsportshub
Instagram: @sgsportshub
LinkedIn: @Singapore Sports Hub
X: @sgsportshub
TikTok: @sgsportshub
 



 

Business

Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

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The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

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Coca-Cola

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

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Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

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Afreximbank

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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