In three simple steps, any African artiste can acquire the funds they need for their project between 7-14 days
LAGOS, Nigeria, July 11, 2022/APO Group/ —
In partnership with chordCash, Digital Music and Commerce Exchange Limited (DMCE) (https://DigitalMusicCE.com) announces the launch of a new product— Orin Fund.
Orin Fund is an e-commerce marketplace holding various forms of financial products for artists across Africa. Its first product which has the name of the fund itself is in partnership with chordCash, an American company that provides a patented technology to help artists get advances on their streaming royalties.
In three simple steps, any African artiste can acquire the funds they need for their project between 7-14 days. Within the next few months, Orin Fund is expanding its products to have other financial solutions to develop artists/labels in Africa without excluding labels/artists exit or raise funds from private investors both locally and internationally.
This innovation by DMCE aims to give artists control over their intellectual property while still providing the funds they need to stay afloat and succeed in the emerging market where funding is a huge challenge.
Digital Music and Commerce Exchange Limited (DMCE) Secures Every African Artiste’s Future with New Product
President Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited – Oyinkansola Foza Fawehinmi said,
“With the accelerated popularity of African music globally, it is important that we develop our structures locally to support the global expansion of our artists. In a continent of 1.4billion+ people with 70% of its demography under 30, intellectual property is the next gold mine of the continent with music as one of its forerunners, it is important to create a decentralized marketplace for access to funds at whatever career level for an African artiste. I am excited to be working with several partners in creating unique financial solutions for each market. Chordcash has taken an early bet in the market and I am certain of its success.”
This innovation by DMCE aims to give artists control over their intellectual property while still providing the funds they need to stay afloat and succeed in the emerging market
Founded in 2018, Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited (“DMCE”) is an African-focused company that is set to redefine the intellectual property valuation, collateralization, and general monetization of the African music space. They are currently established in Ghana, Tanzania, and the USA with Nigeria as the headquarters. Through Intellectual Property valuation, protection, management, administration— and now funding, it gives every artist the means to thrive and own their craft. Via Orinfund, DMCE extends this service to artists in all African countries with access to both local and international funding.
Chief Operating Officer Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited Olayinka Ezekiel said,
“At DMCE, our mission is to place African creators at the center of the entertainment value chain. Orin Fund is bolstered by a team with extensive finance, entertainment and media experience. Our new product approach leverages global best practice but is adapted to fit the African context and opportunity.”
Eric Palumbo, Head of Partner Activation & Growth Marketing at chordCash said, “chordCash is honored to become DMCE’s chosen partner to join their mission in empowering artists across Africa through Orin Fund. Independent African musicians will have access to funding that helps expand their global reach without having to sacrifice ownership of their music or control of their careers. Our data-driven funding model combined with DMCE’s expertise in intellectual property will make Orin Fund a powerful new resource available to artists looking to take the next steps in their career growth.”
DMCE offers catalog administration services to some of the biggest and most respected artists in Nigeria’s music industry some of which include; K1 De Ultimate, The Estate of Dagrin, Sola Allyson Obaniyi, Premier Records, The Estate of Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
They also see to the business management of hyperlocal record labels, such as Remdel Optimum Communications which is affiliated with top gospel artists such as; Tope Alabi, Bola Are, Evangelist Bisi Alawiye, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju (aka Opelope Anointing) and Daniel Aregebesola.
DMCE’s new product, Orinfund, is a monumental moment in achieving its goals and mission. That is to ensure that artists are covered on all grounds and made aware of their assets and bargaining power. Basically, creating a leveled playing ground for them.
Orin Fund would go a long way in giving every budding and/or existing African artist a genuine fighting chance. As they have proved time and again, every move and decision DMCE makes is always in the best interest of every African artist. Without a doubt, Orin Fund is a pretty good example.
As Senegal builds on record oil production, LNG development and domestic gas infrastructure, Minister of Energy and Petroleum Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf will engage investors on the country’s next phase of energy growth
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 2, 2026/APO Group/ –Senegal’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town. His participation comes as Senegal enters a new phase of energy sector development following a cabinet reshuffle that separated the former Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines into standalone Energy and Petroleum and Mines portfolios, placing greater institutional focus on the country’s rapidly expanding hydrocarbons sector.
AEW 2026 will provide a platform for Senegal to engage investors as it builds on recent upstream successes, advances domestic gas utilization and expands the infrastructure needed to support long-term energy security and industrial growth.
Minister Diouf assumed office in June 2026 following the formation of Senegal’s new government. As head of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, he is leading efforts to accelerate upstream development, expand domestic gas utilization and strengthen the regulatory framework supporting long-term investment. His appointment comes as Senegal transitions from hydrocarbon explorer to producer, seeking to leverage new oil and gas output to improve energy security, reduce fuel import dependence, lower electricity costs and support industrialization.
Senegal is entering an exciting new phase of energy development, backed by world-class oil and gas resources
The Sangomar offshore oil field exceeded production expectations in 2025, producing 36 million barrels, while exports reached approximately 3.8 million barrels in January 2026 alone. Operator Woodside Energy is evaluating a second phase of development that could further increase production. At the same time, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project continues to ramp up operations while supplying 35 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to Senegal’s domestic market. In April, national oil company Petrosen secured full ownership of the Yakaar-Teranga gas field, home to an estimated 25 trillion cubic feet of gas that will underpin the country’s long-term gas monetization and gas-to-power strategy.
Beyond upstream development, Senegal is investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to monetize its gas resources domestically. Earlier this year, Petrosen launched its first independently operated $100 million onshore exploration campaign, while the government continues advancing plans for a proposed 400-km domestic gas pipeline network to connect offshore gas production with industrial consumers. As part of its objective to generate 75% of installed power capacity from natural gas, Senegal is also expanding gas-fired generation through projects including the conversion of the existing 335 MW Bel Air power plant and the construction of a new 366 MW gas-fired power plant.
Alongside these investments, Senegal is strengthening the policy framework underpinning long-term sector growth. This year, the government advanced reforms to its local content regulations aimed at increasing domestic participation across the petroleum value chain while adopting its first national standards for solar photovoltaic equipment. Together, these initiatives reflect Senegal’s strategy of leveraging natural gas development alongside renewable energy expansion to support sustainable economic growth.
“Senegal is entering an exciting new phase of energy development, backed by world-class oil and gas resources, ambitious infrastructure investments and progressive regulatory reforms. Minister Diouf’s participation at AEW 2026 provides investors with a timely opportunity to engage directly with the leadership shaping one of Africa’s most dynamic energy markets,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
At AEW 2026, Minister Diouf is expected to participate in high-level discussions on upstream investment, gas monetization, energy infrastructure and regional energy cooperation, highlighting Senegal’s growing role as one of West Africa’s leading investment destinations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The Africa Property Investment (API) Awards – the continent’s most prestigious peer-to-peer recognition of real estate excellence – celebrates its 10th edition this year, inviting professionals from across the continent to put their finest work forward
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 2, 2026/APO Group/ –The awards will be a centrepiece of the 17th annual API Summit (www.APISummit.co.za), taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 17 and 18 September under the theme Bold Capital. Real Momentum. The summit draws more than 600 real estate, hospitality and capital leaders from across the continent and beyond.
“Over the past decade, the API Awards have become the definitive mark of peer recognition in African real estate and hospitality, judged not by sponsors or popularity, but by the industry leaders who understand these sectors best,” says API Events Commercial Director Murray Anderson.
“In this, our 10th edition, new categories let us recognise a wider field, from the boldest new capital commitments to the assets proving their performance over the long term. Ours is an industry moving decisively from ambition to delivery, and these awards exist to honour both,” he adds.
A distinguished panel of industry luminaries will adjudicate each category, honouring the projects, professionals and institutions that set the standard for innovation, sustainability and lasting impact.
This year’s event introduces a new Performance & Legacy category – celebrating enduring impact – alongside new awards spanning the Development, Personnel, and Service, Tech & Innovation.
Recognition that lifts profiles – and attracts investment
The awards have significantly lifted winners’ profiles with the heavyweight investors, developers and financers who convene at the summit, and the broader real estate and hospitality industries.
Over the past decade, the API Awards have become the definitive mark of peer recognition in African real estate and hospitality
Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) was named 2025’s Best African Real Estate Bank of the Year, recognised for its deep property finance expertise and ability to structure and execute complex transactions across South Africa and the wider continent.
“Winning the 2025 API Awards, alongside EDGE recognition from the IFC, reflects the collective expertise, commitment and execution capability of our Property Finance team,” says Gerhard Zeelie, Divisional Executive: Property Finance Africa. “The awards reinforce the importance of pairing strong commercial delivery with long-term sustainability and client-focused outcomes.”
Octodec’s Yethu City was deservedly named 2025’s Best New Affordable Housing Development due to its pairing of genuine affordability with considered design, PropTech integration and a community-focused co-living model.
“The most compelling developments blend meaningful social impact with commercial viability. Yethu City succeeded by deeply understanding its target market and executing with discipline – authentic purpose, proven by delivery, is what makes a project stand out,” says Jeffrey Wapnick, CEO of Octodec Investments Limited.
Entries and nominations are welcomed from across Africa, with a closing date of 31 July. Click here to enter (https://apo-opa.co/4eVnuSi).
The 2026 categories
Development
Best New Affordable Housing
Best New Residential (Mid-Market) *New
Best New Upmarket Residence *New
Best New Mixed-Use / Precinct Development
Best New Office Development (Building)
Best New Office Fit-Out (Occupier)
Best New Hotel / Hospitality Development
Industrial, Logistics & Alternative Assets
Best New Redevelopment / Refurbishment
Best New Safari / Lodge Development *New
Personnel
Advisory Consultant of the Year*New
Asset Manager of the Year *New
Sales Team of the Year
Architectural Team of the Year *New
Newsmaker of the Year *New
Public Sector Real Estate Leader of the Year
African Real Estate Leader of the Year (formerly CEO)
Outstanding Woman in Real Estate
Service, Tech & Innovation
Best African Real Estate Bank of the Year
Best Transaction/Deal of the Year
Hospitality Consulting & Advisory Partner of the Year *New
As Angola accelerates upstream, LNG and refining projects, demand is rising for critical flow control solutions that improve reliability, safety and operational efficiency across the energy value chain
LUANDA, Angola, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –As Angola advances a new phase of oil and gas growth, demand is increasing for the infrastructure and equipment that keep large-scale hydrocarbon projects operating safely and efficiently. From upstream production and gas processing to refining and storage, flow control systems play a central role in maintaining operational integrity, minimizing downtime and supporting long-term asset performance. In this environment, specialized engineering companies such as Cornerstone Valve are becoming increasingly important partners in Angola’s expanding oil and gas market.
Cornerstone Valve has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition 2026 as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Angola’s fast-growing oil and gas sector. The event takes place on September 9–10 in Luanda, with a pre-conference day scheduled for September 8, bringing together regulators, operators, service providers and investors to drive partnerships and investment across the industry.
Cornerstone Valve specializes in valve automation, actuation and flow control solutions, providing products and services that support complex industrial operations across the oil and gas value chain. The company’s portfolio includes automated valve packages, control systems and engineered solutions designed to enhance safety, improve system efficiency and optimize asset reliability in demanding operating environments.
The company’s participation at AOG 2026 comes at a pivotal time for Angola’s oil and gas sector. The country is pursuing an ambitious strategy to sustain crude production above one million barrels per day while expanding natural gas monetization and downstream capacity. Major upstream developments, including deepwater projects, brownfield optimization campaigns and frontier exploration, are creating new opportunities for technology providers capable of supporting high-performance operations.
As Angola’s premier oil and gas event, AOG 2026 serves as a strategic platform for companies to engage with decision-makers, showcase solutions and strengthen commercial partnerships. Cornerstone Valve’s sponsorship underscores the growing role of engineering and technology providers in supporting Angola’s next phase of oil and gas development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
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