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One Africa, One Voice: Digital Inclusion Holds the Power to Accelerate Africa’s Economic Growth

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The event will gather major players across sectors to explore innovation, technology, and collaboration opportunities to find solutions for the digital inclusion challenges that Africa face

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 27, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Says Tiekie Barnard, Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI) CEO and Founder:

  • “We are co-creating the global future on the African continent and this gathering in Kigali in October is possibly one of the most important conventions of leadership and executives since the launch of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.”
  • “The connection between social progress and business success is increasingly clear, and companies must team up with governments, NGOs and yes, even competitors, to fully capture the economic benefits of creating shared value as a collective.”
  • “When Africa wins, the world wins, and now more than ever, it has become imperative to develop meaningful and effective partnerships for development between the public and private sectors.  This Summit creates a unique opportunity and platform where leadership, as a collective, can discuss and provide input and solutions on how we can accelerate Africa’s growth through affordable, and accessible connectivity for all.”
  • “We have not yet cracked the code on mobilising the full power of business to drive social impact and profit on the African continent. While there is no silver bullet, the power of Shared Value is evident and there is a vast realm where Shared Value can be applied to drive a new wave of productivity and innovation on the continent that we call home. The time for change is now.”

Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI) and Shift Impact Africa have partnered with the GSM Association (GSMA), a global institution that represents the telco and digital service sectors, to bring together the sixth annual Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit and the Mobile World Congress Africa (MWCA).

Both events will take place alongside each other at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, between 25 and 26 October 2022. His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, who will be joined by several other heads of state, will deliver the opening keynote.

Other speakers include, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC); Mark Kramer, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School and Co-Founder of the Shared Value Initiative; Dr. Edem Adzogenu, Co-Chair of the AfroChampions Initiative; Jeremy Awori, CEO of Absa Kenya; Maria Cristina Papetti, Head of Global Sustainability, Infrastructure and Networks at Enel Group; and Lacina Koné, Director-General and CEO of Smart Africa.  

This partnership with GSMA heralds a first for Africa and the global Shared Value community. The event will gather major players across sectors to explore innovation, technology, and collaboration opportunities to find solutions for the digital inclusion challenges that Africa face.

Both in-person events will feature programmes that will examine where the future of connectivity on the African continent is heading. “We are co-creating the global future on the African continent and this gathering in Kigali in October is possibly one of the most important conventions of leadership and executives since the launch of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015,” says Tiekie Barnard, SVAI CEO and Founder. “The connection between social progress and business success is increasingly clear, and companies must team up with governments, NGOs and yes, even competitors, to fully capture the economic benefits of creating shared value as a collective.”

We are co-creating the global future on the African continent and this gathering in Kigali in October is possibly one of the most important conventions of leadership and executives

The Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit’s unifying theme ‘One Africa, One Voice’ underscores this need for organisations to work together across borders and industries to benefit all Africans in a sustainable way. Business and other leaders will delve into questions such as the role of technology to address climate risks in a just way; how business can accelerate digital inclusion in Africa, particularly for disproportionately affected groups such as rural populations and women; how we ensure that digital connectivity and shared value become the drivers of Africa’s growth, as well as the role of shared value thinking and digital innovation to boost intra-Africa Trade.

“The African Union’s 2020-2030 Digital Transformation Strategy aspires to universal digital access and a single pan-African digital market by 2030. Achieving this would create a profound impact on the continent. For instance, the World Bank estimates that a 10% increase in mobile internet penetration could translate to a 2.5% increase in gross domestic product (GDP) on the African continent,” says Barnard.

“When Africa wins, the world wins, and now more than ever, it has become imperative to develop meaningful and effective partnerships for development between the public and private sectors.  This Summit creates a unique opportunity and platform where leadership, as a collective, can discuss and provide input and solutions on how we can accelerate Africa’s growth through affordable, and accessible connectivity for all.”

Technology holds the power to evermore change Africa’s future and address many of the continent’s systemic challenges. Yet the digital divide across Africa remains stark. Fewer than one-third of Africans have access to broadband connectivity. Of the 25 least-connected countries in the world, 21 are located in Africa. Three hundred million Africans live more than 50 kilometres from a fibre or cable broadband connection. At just 36%, Africa’s internet penetration compares poorly with the 62.5% global average, according to Statista’s latest global internet penetration rate.

“While digital innovation creates exciting new opportunities, it can exclude those who lack access to the digital economy. Creating a healthy and inclusive digital economy will require new thinking to generate safeguards against the many risks inherent in the application of technology, while channelling resources to areas of innovation that generate the greatest social impact on the continent,” says Barnard.

The Summit will host experts from across the industry for two days of networking, learning and collaboration. Sponsors include Abbott, Absa Bank Kenya, Old Mutual, Visa and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).   

“The support of our sponsors – purpose-led companies that are committed to driving sustainability on the continent – has allowed us to plan an event that will be entirely different from years past. We would like to invite interested parties to register and join us in Kigali to connect, interact, and explore solutions to bridge the digital divide and fuel Africa’s growth,” says Barnard.

All registered delegates will have full access to both events for the duration of the Summit. There is also an option to attend the Summit virtually, via livestream, which includes access to the combined keynote addresses by some of the continent’s business luminaries.

“We have not yet cracked the code on mobilising the full power of business to drive social impact and profit on the African continent. While there is no silver bullet, the power of Shared Value is evident and there is a vast realm where Shared Value can be applied to drive a new wave of productivity and innovation on the continent that we call home. The time for change is now,” Barnard concludes.

Registrations have already opened, and there is no cost to attend.

Visit the Summit website, www.AfricaSharedValueSummit.com, to learn more and secure your place.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit.

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The Coca-Cola System in Africa Unveils Water Stewardship Initiative

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1 day ago

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September 16, 2024

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Coca-Cola

‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative’, with a nearly USD 25 million investment, will support water solutions in local communities in Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 13, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Coca-Cola Company in Africa (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) and its bottling partners Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and Coca-Cola HBC announced a nearly USD 25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries, starting this year through 2030. The work will be led by Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The effort, called ‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative’, was introduced in Cape Town, South Africa, in presence of executives from the Coca-Cola system in Africa and NGO partners. During the event, Karyn Harrington, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit indicated “Water is a priority for The Coca-Cola Company and its local bottling partners because it is essential to life, the communities we serve and our beverages. As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand outstripping supply in many regions such as Africa, Coca-Cola is taking steps to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience. Our 2030 Water Security Strategy focuses on helping enhance water security where we operate, source ingredients, and touch lives.”

“One in three Africans face water insecurity. The Global Water Challenge and ‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative’ partner coalition will seek to improve water security for millions across the African continent, helping advance community health and resilience through abundant, clean water. We applaud Coca-Cola’s continued leadership on African water security” said Monica Ellis, CEO of GWC.

We are proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Company and fellow bottlers on this critical initiative to help tackle water challenges across Africa

‘The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative’ aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to help improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities. We will have projects in Algeria, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mayotte, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  

“CCBA has a responsibility to help those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges. We are proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Company on this project,” says Layla Jeevanantham, Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer at CCBA.

“We are proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Company and fellow bottlers on this critical initiative to help tackle water challenges across Africa. By working together, we can leverage the expertise of our partners and the knowledge of local communities to help create sustainable solutions that enhance water access and safeguard vital water resources,” said Sonia Ventosa, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Manager at ECCBC.

“Coca-Cola HBC has been part of African communities for more than 70 years, and sustainability is an important part of how we operate. We’re very happy to see this new water initiative come to life and to support the system’s water stewardship efforts,” said Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Coca-Cola HBC.

Recognizing that partnerships are critical to support this work, the company and its bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to design and implement strategic interventions. In addition to supporting the company’s water strategy, this effort also aims to contribute to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. 

This water initiative will build upon The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF)’s Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), a groundbreaking collaboration with key partners and co-funders which helped improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for 6 million people across African countries between 2009 and 2019. Through 120 projects, the initiative positively impacted homes, schools and healthcare clinics in more than 4,000 communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

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Strengthening Energy Ties: Libya, Italy Collaborate on Major Oil & Gas Ventures

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4 days ago

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September 13, 2024

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Energy Ties

Taking place in Rome on September 23, the Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening will discuss Libya’s current upstream project pipeline and Italy’s role in unlocking new assets

ROME, Italy, September 13, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s economy relies heavily on its upstream oil and gas sector, which holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves – over 48 billion barrels – and substantial natural gas reserves. To stabilize and increase current and future production levels, the country is rolling out a dynamic project pipeline that presents new opportunities for investment and partnership with industry stakeholders. The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening – taking place in Rome on September 23 – will bring together top executives from Libyan and European energy firms for an Oil & Gas Roundtable to discuss the country’s current exploration and development prospects, as well as celebrate the Libyan-Italian connection in the upstream space.

Latest Sector Developments

In partnership with the country’s leading operators, Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) is seeking to enhance production capacity (https://apo-opa.co/3MIAHAh) through the rehabilitation and exploration (https://apo-opa.co/3zhGMR6) of at least 36 wells, carrying out maintenance works at key fields. To drive new exploration activity, Libya is preparing to launch an oil and gas licensing round in early-2025 targeting concessions in the Murzuq, Ghadames and Sirte basins. The NOC has already received interest from more than 30 companies in its marginal assets alone, as well as identified 45 greenfield and brownfield projects that will help meet its production goals.

In parallel, Libya is launching a robust gas monetization drive to diversify crude oil revenues, meet rising gas demand and reduce routine flaring. While often overshadowed by its dominant oil sector, Libya’s natural gas sector is substantial, holding 53 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves and playing a critical role in supplying gas to Europe. In May this year, $1.23 billion (https://apo-opa.co/3zig9eP) was allocated to develop the NC-7 block – operated by a consortium led by Italian multinational energy company Eni – with a view to monetizing 2.7 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Ghadames Basin. Meanwhile, Libya’s Greenstream Pipeline transports gas to Sicily and onto European markets, with plans underway to increase the utilization of pipeline capacity up from 25%. Libya is aiming to further boost energy supplies to Europe via an $8-billion gas production deal signed between Eni (https://apo-opa.co/4e6MaWE) and Libya’s NOC to develop two offshore gas fields – Structures A and E – set to produce 750 million cubic feet of gas per day by 2026.

Italy’s Role in Upstream Sector 

Italy plays a major role in Libya’s oil and gas sector as both a major investor and export market. As one of the largest foreign operators in the country, Eni has a long-standing presence in Libya and is involved in major projects across the oil and gas value chain. Libya’s gas output is largely concentrated in offshore fields including the Bahr Essalam and Bouri fields (https://apo-opa.co/3ZiXhaj), which are operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas – a joint venture between Eni and the NOC – as well as onshore fields in the Sirte Basin. To advance Libya’s gas production and exports, Mellitah Oil & Gas is leading development of the one-billion-dollar, offshore subsea Bouri Gas Utilization Project, which serves to capture associated gas from two offshore platforms at the Bouri field development. The gas will then be transported to the Mellitah Complex – a major hub for gas production, processing and export – and delivered to European markets via the Greenstream pipeline, with production expected to start in 2026. Eni’s continued investment in onshore and offshore fields signals its long-term commitment to Libya’s oil and gas industry, as well as Italy’s strong energy ties with Libya and potential for expanded cooperation going forward.

The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening takes place in Rome on September 23, featuring a half-day program that unites Libyan and Italian business leaders and government officials. If your company is interested in participating, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

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

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Dangote calls on African business leaders to drive continent’s transformation

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4 days ago

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September 13, 2024

By

Aliko Dangote

Africa is at a crucial inflection point, with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, rapidly expanding cities, and a growing embrace of innovation and new technologies

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 12, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The President and Chief Executive of the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote (www.Dangote.com), has called on African business leaders to take the lead in transforming the continent.

Speaking at the just concluded African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote pointed out that despite significant challenges besetting Africa, its youthful population and abundant resources, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the largest reserves of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, offer opportunities for substantial and inclusive growth.

“Additionally, we have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust, inclusive growth that harness our abundant human potential and natural resources to increase prosperity, not just in Africa but across the globe,” he said. Dangote added that Africa is at a crucial inflection point, with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, rapidly expanding cities, and a growing embrace of innovation and new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.

Dangote noted that despite dealing with multiple barriers such as visas, inconsistent change in government policies, inadequate technical talent, lack of critical infrastructure, foreign exchange crises, inflation, cost of capital and other conflicts of differing dimensions, the Dangote Group has expanded from Nigeria to 14 countries across the continent, spanning multiple sectors from cement to fertilizers, sugar to oil refineries, petrochemicals, agriculture and more. “The good news is that despite these challenges, we have succeeded in building a pan-African Group that employs over 50,000 people and generates revenues that should exceed $30bn by the end of 2025,” he said.

Dangote who initiated the retreat noted that he had long contemplated bringing together a group of dedicated African business leaders to address the continent’s challenges, identify concrete solutions, and showcase Africa as a viable investment destination despite its obstacles. He emphasized that the objective of the retreat was to offer an opportunity for collective action in tackling various issues, including persistent conflicts, energy and food security, supply chain disruptions, the debt crisis, and access to long-term concessional funding for development.

It is our collective responsibility to play our role in transforming our continent

“This small private and high-level gathering to discuss these issues and align on how we will own and shape our narrative for development is long overdue. With the foremost entrepreneurs on the continent, the leaders of the largest pan-African companies, those at the helm of the most important development institutions in Africa, our brothers and sisters leading global institutions, our leading investors, our pre-eminent civil society activists and a few of our most respected political leaders, this first step will be an opportunity to have a frank and honest dialogue amongst ourselves to consolidate what we see as our common ground” said Dangote. He added “we are coming together not just as leaders in our respective institutions but as visionaries and catalysts for transforming our societies. It is our collective responsibility to play our role in transforming our continent. Nobody will do it for us but us – especially us in this room”.

While expressing his hope that the retreat would produce initiatives capable of significantly shaping Africa’s future and benefiting its people, Dangote acknowledged the contributions of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and former Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn. However, he cautioned that it is crucial for the leaders present to move beyond dialogue to decisive implementation and tangible impact.

The Retreat participants resolved to urge African private sector and political leaders to engage in regular high-level dialogue. Additional proposals included supporting the ratification of the free movement of people protocol, launching the African Renaissance Companies Gender Compact, and convening top global business leaders of African descent. The leaders also aimed to champion an initiative aimed at significantly reducing logistics costs across the continent and one focused on ensuring internet access for a broader segment of Africa’s population.

Participants at the retreat, which took place from September 6 to 8, included Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank; former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairperson of Global Infrastructure Partners; former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, Samaila Zubairu of the African Finance Corporation, Makhtar Diop of IFC, and Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Others were Bernie Mensah of Bank of America; Dr. James Mwangi of Equity Group Holdings; Alain Ebobisse of Africa50; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of Access Holdings; Genevieve Sangudi of Alterra Capital Partners; Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank; Tony Elumelu of Heirs Holdings; Naguib Sawiris of Orascom Telecom Holding; Dr. Vera Songwe; Jonathan Oppenheimer of Oppenheimer partners; Dr. James Manyika of Google;  Clare Akamanzi of NBA Africa; Fred Swaniker of Africa Leadership Group; Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie of Harvard Business School; Myma Belo-Osagie of Harvard Africa Studies Centre; Patrice Motsepe of African Rainbow Minerals; Mohammed Dewji of METL; Moussa Faki Mahamat of Africa Union; Graca Machel of the Graca Machel Trust; Wamkele Mene of African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat;  Tope Lawani of Helios Partners; Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors; Mimi Alemayehou of Three Cairns Group; Dr. Donald Kaberuka of Southbridge Group; Precious Moloi-Motsepe of Africa Fashion International; Richelieu Dennis of Sundial Group of Companies; Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie; Hassanein Hiridjee of Axian Group; Kate Fotso of Telcar Cocoa; Nkosana Moyo of Mandela Institute for Development Studies; Nku Nyembezi of Standard Bank Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dangote Group.

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