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Reserve your seat at the 9th edition of the highly anticipated Africa Early Stage Investor Summit 2022 (#AESIS2022)

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AESIS2022

#AESIS2022 brings together investors and senior business leaders from angel networks, VC funds, impact investors, accelerators, corporate venture divisions, industry associations, and the public sector

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, August 16, 2022/APO Group/ — 

The largest gathering of Africa-focused early stage investors is back for its 9th edition taking place from 2 – 4 November, 2022. This year the three-day Summit will be a mix of virtual components and in-person Investor meetups in over 25 cities all over the world. The Africa Early Stage Investor Summit 2022 (#AESIS2022) is once again joined by renowned investors, industry associations, policy makers and ecosystem support partners in the true sense of for investors, by investors.

#AESIS2022 is the annual, exclusive, must attend assembly proudly brought to you by VC4A and ABAN. Each year, the hosts bring a unique theme and approach to challenges, trends and insights on shaping the future of the investment scene on the continent. The two main themes this year are “Investing with a Gender Lens” and “Climate/Green Tech”.

Anticipate a dynamic mix of online and in-person activities

#AESIS2022 brings together investors and senior business leaders from angel networks, VC funds, impact investors, accelerators, corporate venture divisions, industry associations, and the public sector. Here are the highlights coming up at #AESIS2022:

  • 25+ Investor Meetups hosted by investor organizations happening simultaneously on the evening of November 2nd. Want to become a host in your own city? Indicate your interest before August 29th here (https://bit.ly/3C7iOaa);
  • For the virtual Summit, the focus on Thursday November 3 will be on (pre-)Seed investments and Friday November 4 around Series A and later stage startups;
  • Meet the 14 companies selected for the 2022 VC4A Venture Showcase: Women Founder edition. Venture Showcase alumni have been able to raise 500M+ USD so far;
  • New this year: #AESIS2022 welcomes accelerator and ecosystem support organizations (ESOs) to participate in an ecosystem side event. Investors take the hot-seat in a reverse pitch to bridge the gap between views on being Investment ready. ESOs will hear directly from investors, their views on priority value-add brought to prospective investees through interventions. In addition, they will engage in workshops around their own financial sustainability as pipeline providers. This, and more in the afternoon (CAT) of Wednesday, November 2nd. 

In-Person Investor Meetups

Connect with the investor community right where you are. Investor Meetups at #AESIS2022 are locally-led events supported and organized by investor community members in 25+ cities. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to network with peers in an informal setting. Due to limited space, please keep an eye out on the event website to reserve a seat as of mid-September. If you would like to become a host you can register your interest here (https://bit.ly/3C7iOaa).

The 2022 VC4A Venture Showcase Africa: Women founder edition

With over 2000 attendees expected and 80+ speakers from diverse verticals, the stage for #AESIS2022 is the premier meeting place for facilitating rich dialogue with stakeholders

Out of $4.5B+ invested in African startups and scaleups last year, only 7% went to female founders [1]. That’s $1 for every $15 raised going to women-led ventures. In addition to creating awareness, VC4A launched the Venture Showcase Africa: Women founder edition (https://bit.ly/3w9Pk7T) as a concrete way to engage investors and drive capital support to outstanding women led companies. These high-impact, high-growth companies represent the best investment opportunities on the continent today, looking to raise Seed and Series A rounds of between $250K and $10M.

Building on the discussions at #AESIS2021

From the thought-provoking #AESIS2021 keynote delivered by David S. Rose, renowned Entrepreneur and Angel Investor, he remarked ‘The industry is being driven by a young and growing population that is tech-savvy and eager to start a business. Africa’s population is increasingly well connected and eager to consume digital solutions.’ These trends feed a growing interest in the continent and ensure continued investment and support for Africa’s entrepreneurs.

Mathew Marsden, coFounder at GetLion concluded, ‘The event brought together leading minds in African investing, and in summary, the future is bright. Investment appetite is growing, more funds and angel syndicates are emerging, a diverse array of ecosystems are booming and even more “exits” are anticipated. The message for investors… get in or get left behind!’

In 2021 alone, Africa saw some of the biggest deal-flow successes till date, smashing the ceiling and closing $4.5B+ in investments across 740+ deals [1}. Despite the gaps and challenges plaguing the ecosystem, the trend is picking up momentum once again with startups accumulating $2.25B in the first four months of 2022 [2].

With over 2000 attendees expected and 80+ speakers from diverse verticals, the stage for #AESIS2022 is the premier meeting place for facilitating rich dialogue with stakeholders and a burst of power-packed networking opportunities throughout.

Join the discussion at #AESIS2022

Visit AfricaInvestorSummit.com (https://bit.ly/3w6bJTw) and make sure to block November 2-4 in your agenda. Successful registration will give you exclusive access to our community of investors representing over 90% of capital being invested into startups on the African continent. Approved investors get access to highly curated deal flow with the most investable ventures from emerging markets.

For media requests and partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the organizers by email: team@AfricaInvestorSummit.com.

References:

  1. ‘Africa’s Investment Report 2021’, Briter Bridges, https://bit.ly/3C5hm8f 
  2. ‘African startups raise $2.25bn in first four months of 2022’, BusinessDay Nigeria, https://bit.ly/3pp2Cd4

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VC4A.

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Business

6th Canada-Africa Business Conference Opens in Lagos, Headline Sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc

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4 minutes ago

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June 25, 2026

By

Ateau Zola

Zenith Bank CEO Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji welcomes delegates as Canada and Africa’s private-sector leaders gather to advance trade, investment and partnership

LAGOS, Nigeria, June 24, 2026/APO Group/ –The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.CanadaAfrica.ca) today opens the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, headline sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc, bringing together senior decision-makers from Canada, Nigeria and across African markets for two days of trade and investment engagement.

In his message (https://apo-opa.co/43TPktb) to delegates, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney proudly offered his warmest greetings to delegates: “As we gather today, I would like to recognize the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business for convening leaders from across Canada and Africa to advance investment, trade, and partnership—connecting businesses and institutions to drive practical collaboration and shared growth.”

Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Hon. Maninder Sidhu underscored the vital importance of the program to accelerate trade and investment:

““Nigeria is Canada’s second largest merchandise trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding close to $3 billion in 2025—and there is enormous potential to grow that relationship even further, including in financial services, infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, agriculture and clean tech.”

“Canada is committed to working with our Nigerian partners to attract investments, strengthen supply chains, and create good jobs and new opportunities in both our countries. The relationships built at this conference will help move that work forward, they will lead to new partnerships, new investments, and new opportunities for our people.”

— Hon. Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, Canada

The conference is designed as a practical platform for business leaders, investors, policymakers and institutional partners to identify opportunities, build relationships and advance commercial partnerships across sectors including financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, clean technologies and the wider innovation economy.

“On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of Zenith Bank Plc, I extend a very warm welcome to all delegates attending the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos, Nigeria. As headline sponsor, we are honoured to enable the hosting of this this distinguished gathering in our home city, the commercial heartbeat of Africa.”

The relationships built at this conference will help move that work forward, they will lead to new partnerships, new investments, and new opportunities for our people

— Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc

In her conference message, Dame Dr. Umeoji commended The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business for convening senior decision-makers from across Canada and Africa to advance trade, investment and partnership, while also recognizing the Government of Canada’s commitment to deepening commercial ties with Nigeria and the wider continent.

“The opportunity before us is substantial. Nigeria is Canada’s second-largest merchandise trading partner in Africa, with growing demand across financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture and clean technologies.”

— Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc

Zenith Bank’s participation underscores the importance of financial platforms, trade finance, treasury solutions and corporate and investment banking expertise in turning Canada-Africa relationships into bankable opportunities.

“Our commitment extends well beyond this conference: to every partnership that creates jobs, builds infrastructure and drives shared growth, innovation and sustainable prosperity between our two nations.”

— Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc

“Lagos is an ideal setting for this next chapter of Canada-Africa engagement. With Zenith Bank as headline sponsor, the Chamber is proud to convene a program that showcases Nigerian excellence, Canadian ambition and the commercial partnerships that can serve global markets.”

— Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business

In addition to Zenith Bank Plc as Conference Headline Sponsor, the conference is supported by Elephant Trade-Services DRC as Headline Chamber Sponsor, GardaWorld Security as Gold Conference Sponsor, and Silver Conference Sponsors Banwo & Ighodalo, Baywood Group, CBI News, Dentons, Eko Hotels & Suites, and Voranex Africa. The Government of Canada is recognized as Chamber Partner, with Abide Consulting serving as Conference Partner.

The two-day program includes keynote addresses, interactive panels, executive networking and business-to-business engagement, with a focus on practical outcomes for Canadian and African companies seeking growth, market access and long-term partnership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

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Energy

Uganda’s $500B Growth Ambition Puts Mining Reform and Critical Minerals in Focus at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

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6 minutes ago

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June 25, 2026

By

Etu Energias

African Mining Week will connect Ugandan stakeholders with global investors, fostering discussions on the future of mining in the East African country

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 24, 2026/APO Group/ –As Uganda accelerates its Ten-Fold Growth Strategy aimed at expanding its economy from $59.3 billion to $500 billion by 2040, the African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 conference will serve as a key platform to connect the country’s mining sector with global capital and technical partners.

 

AMW 2026 – scheduled for October 14-16 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Uganda Country Spotlight, showcasing emerging investment opportunities across the mining value chain as well as ongoing regulatory reforms designed to improve the country’s investment climate.

AMW comes as a critical time for Uganda as the country advances its Mining and Minerals (Amendment) Bill 2026 to improve investor protections, licensing efficiency, local content participation and the mining sector’s contribution to GDP. The country spotlight offers a platform for Ugandan authorities to pitch global investors on streamlined licensing, new incentives and emerging investment prospects.

Uganda is also finalizing preparations for its 2026/2027 oil and mineral exploration licensing round, designed to unlock new greenfield opportunities across the critical mineral sector. AMW will highlight emerging investment opportunities in cobalt, copper, iron ore, graphite, and rare earths as Uganda prioritizes critical minerals to achieve 8% annual economic growth through 2030.

In the gold sector, Uganda is advancing formalization and industrialization initiatives, integrating artisanal and small-scale miners (ASGM) – who account for 90% of gold production – into the formal economy. The launch of three-year Domestic Gold Purchase Program and the commissioning of the Wagagai Gold Project and refinery reinforces Uganda’s strategy to boost local value addition and strengthen its gold industry ecosystem.

The Uganda Country Spotlight at AMW 2026 will convene regulators, project developers, mining companies, financiers and global service providers to shape the future trajectory of Uganda’s mining sector.

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

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HKSTP Leads Largest-Ever Hong Kong Delegation to BIO 2026 Showcasing Life and Health Tech Strength

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June 25, 2026

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Hong Kong

41 local tech firms, institutes and university spin-offs head to San Diego to forge global partnerships, reinforcing the city’s status as international healthcare innovation hub
HONG KONG SAR/SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as supporting organisation, and five renowned local universities – The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong – to form the city’s largest-ever delegation of life and health technology innovators to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, from June 22 to 25.

Building on last year’s momentum, the 2026 Hong Kong delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion, expanding to a record of 41 organisations from HKSTP, including partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time with top five universities spin-offs. This landmark presence showcased Hong Kong’s deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential outstanding “First-in-Class” and “Best-in-Class” assets. The delegation underscores the city’s leading role as Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector.

Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong’s groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities—five ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20—Hong Kong’s biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the city’s innovation ecosystem orchestrator, HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating innovation breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world.”

HKSTP and Park Companies Advanced in Cross-border Innovation and Market Expansion

A key highlight of BIO 2026 is witnessing the signing of three major strategic partnerships:

LabCentral — HKSTP signed an MOU with one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, supporting life sciences startups with high-impact lab infrastructure and scientific community programmes. The collaboration will deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes, events and strategic initiatives. It will also help connect startups, investors, corporate partners and research institutions, creating stronger pathways for cross-border innovation and commercialisation.

Immuno Cure – the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX – announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026. Leveraging OPIS’s full-service, multi-country clinical trial expertise and regulatory knowledge, the partnership will support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework to prepare for international expansion.

Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs (Over the Counter – Prescription Exempt Medicines) in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology. This is Zhaoke’s first strategic MOU in Brazil market. Leveraging its innovative pipeline and Teuto’s commercial network in Brazil, the partnership aims to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients while demonstrating the globalisation of Hong Kong-born biotech innovation.

Beyond the BIO 2026 Hong Kong Pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong attended the “Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups” panel sharing session. Mr. Wong shared his insights on cutting-edge biotech trends, Hong Kong’s strengths on life and health tech development, and HKSTP’s role in building a global bridge for nurturing global startup expansion, sustainable innovation and collaboration.

Furthermore, HKSTP and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms. HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, HKTDC as the supporting organisation, and powered by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, hosted a Global Mixer during the exhibition. Industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms – including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital – were invited to join the judging panel for startup pitching sessions. The Pavilion also featured executive sharing and curated networking events for commercialisation, licensing, partnerships, investment and international market expansion.

Global recognition at Biomedical Pitch Competition

In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP actively drove engagement across the biotech sector and co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. The recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong’s biotech pipeline and HKSTP’s commitment to translational medicine, commercialisation and globally scalable healthcare solutions.

HK’s biotech ecosystem rises to another level

Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world’s second-largest biotech fundraising hub. As Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and technology ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies and helps innovators turn pioneering ideas into real-world impact. Its ecosystem connects capital, talent, infrastructure and market access across the biotech innovation journey.

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

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