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AfrexInsure Appoints Lesley Ndlovu as New Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Afreximbank

By appointing a CEO with deep expertise across global specialty insurance markets, Afreximbank enhances its ability to support trade transactions with robust, locally anchored insurance programs

CAIRO, Egypt, March 16, 2026/APO Group/ –AfrexInsure, the wholly-owned Specialty Insurance Subsidiary of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), has announced the appointment of Lesley Ndlovu as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 2026, replacing Jonas Mushosho.

 

The appointment comes at a critical inflection point for AfrexInsure as it advances its mission to provide tailored specialty insurance solutions for trade and trade-related investments. As the organization builds momentum in its development, strong executive leadership is essential to guide governance, regulatory compliance, innovation, risk management, and market positioning.

Lesley Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean national, brings to AfrexInsure a distinguished career spanning some of the world’s leading insurance institutions, including AXA Specialty, African Risk Capacity (ARC), and AXIS Capital. His appointment introduces a unique blend of technical expertise, global market insight, and operational leadership precisely forged to support AfrexInsure’s transformation.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ndlovu has led multidisciplinary teams in high-stakes environments where robust governance and disciplined underwriting are fundamental to sustainable performance. At AXA Specialty, he developed market-responsive products addressing complex specialty risk segments, experience that will prove invaluable as AfrexInsure designs differentiated solutions for Africa’s evolving trade landscape.

This strategic leadership appointment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution from its start-up phase into a dynamic scale-up stage, positioning it to deliver enhanced trade and investment risk mitigation solutions across Africa.

Together, we will ensure that AfrexInsure becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s trade ecosystem, supporting the continent’s economic transformation one risk solution at a time

Trade flows across Africa continue to face constraints from limited risk capacity, high insurance costs, and reliance on offshore markets for underwriting and reinsurance. By appointing a CEO with deep expertise across global specialty insurance markets, Afreximbank enhances its ability to support trade transactions with robust, locally anchored insurance programs.

This appointment reinforces AfrexInsure’s strategic role as a critical pillar within the broader Afreximbank Group ecosystem, complementing the array of Afreximbank’s product offerings.

Commenting on his appointment, Lesley Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer, AfrexInsure said: “I am deeply honoured to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at AfrexInsure at this transformative juncture in the company’s journey. AfrexInsure represents far more than an insurance subsidiary; it embodies a strategic imperative to address one of Africa’s most persistent trade barriers: the scarcity of sophisticated, well-capitalized risk mitigation solutions anchored on the continent.

“I extend my gratitude to Afreximbank’s leadership and the AfrexInsure Board of Directors for their confidence in this appointment. Together, we will ensure that AfrexInsure becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s trade ecosystem, supporting the continent’s economic transformation one risk solution at a time,” he added.

Speaking on Ndlovu’s appointment, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, stated:

“With a solid track record in speciality insurance and commitment to Africa’s economic transformation, we are confident that Lesley will advance the mandate of AfrexInsure – managing risks associated with trade through local capacity with an aim to retain premiums within the continent.”

Amid global uncertainty and as the continent moves towards processing/value addition and industrialisation, speciality insurance will play a critical role in de-risking strategic investments and attracting capital to sectors critical for Africa’s socio-economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Business

RusselSmith and Ghana Maritime Authority in Discussions to Deploy 3D Manufacturing Solutions Across Ghana’s Maritime Sector

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RusselSmith

The potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), validates RusselSmith’s strategic commitment to building advanced manufacturing infrastructure

LAGOS, Nigeria, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –RusselSmith (www.RusselSmithGroup.com), Nigeria’s leading provider of advanced manufacturing and asset integrity solutions, has confirmed discussions with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) regarding the introduction of the company’s 3D manufacturing capabilities to Ghana’s maritime sector. The growing regional interest in RusselSmith’s advanced manufacturing solutions underscores Nigeria’s emergence as a credible hub for industrial innovation on the African continent.

The potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), validates RusselSmith’s strategic commitment to building advanced manufacturing infrastructure that serves not only Nigeria but the broader West African region. With over two decades of experience serving critical industries across the sub-region, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of a technological shift with far-reaching implications for industrial resilience and economic development.

During a courtesy visit to the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kayode Adeleke, Co-founder and CEO of RusselSmith, highlighted the stark reality that while the global 3D manufacturing market was valued at approximately $32 billion in 2024, Africa currently accounts for only about two per cent of that market. This industrial gap, Adeleke emphasised, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the continent.

To bridge this divide, RusselSmith is preparing to commission the Omnifactory, Nigeria’s first multi-technology industrial 3D manufacturing facility, in Lagos, with plans to develop a flagship Mega Omnifactory facility in Nigeria later this year. Together, these investments are designed to establish Nigeria as a continental anchor for advanced industrial solutions, enabling the local production of complex and critical components across multiple sectors, from maritime and defence to oil and gas, and reducing the cost and lead times associated with importing specialised parts.

When African countries can access advanced manufacturing capabilities locally, we reduce dependence on international supply chains

Speaking on RusselSmith’s regional ambitions, Adeleke said, “What we are building in Nigeria is advanced manufacturing infrastructure and exportable expertise. The interest from Ghana and other countries in the region validates our approach. When African countries can access advanced manufacturing capabilities locally, we reduce dependence on international supply chains, create high-value jobs, and retain economic value within the continent.”

A practical demonstration of this capability is RusselSmith’s 3D manufacturing technology for vessels, which can produce boats of up to 12 metres in length through large-format additive manufacturing. These vessels offer a sustainable and faster alternative to traditionally constructed boats, which impose significant production timelines and high maintenance burdens on operators across West Africa.

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, has noted that RusselSmith’s proposal aligns with Ghana’s strategic goal of becoming a leading Blue Nation by prioritising maritime safety and environmental sustainability. The technology’s potential to modernise transport infrastructure while reducing pressure on forest resources presents a compelling case for regional cooperation.

RusselSmith’s capabilities extend across oil and gas, defence, aerospace, and maritime sectors, delivering integrated solutions in asset integrity management and advanced manufacturing. Its ISO-certified operations and partnerships with leading global technology providers reflect its commitment to world-class standards and continuous innovation.

As supply chain vulnerabilities continue to challenge industries across Africa, the ability to manufacture critical components locally represents a strategic advantage with national and regional implications. RusselSmith’s model of combining local expertise with advanced technology offers a practical pathway for building operational resilience while creating sustainable value across the continent.

The discussions between RusselSmith and the Ghana Maritime Authority are ongoing, and both parties look forward to advancing a partnership that could serve as a model for regional industrial cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RusselSmith.

 

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TECNO CAMON 50 Series: Redefining Professional Imaging through the Power of Practical Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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TECNO

The new imaging flagship series fuses advanced hardware with visionary TECNO AI to empower artistic creation, streamline daily life, and safeguard the digital experience

BARCELONA, Spain, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO (www.Tecno-Mobile.com) today took the stage at MWC 2026 to unveil the CAMON 50 Series. Featuring the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G, CAMON 50 Pro, and CAMON 50, the lineup represents a bold evolution in mobile technology—seamlessly merging professional-grade hardware with intuitive, integrated AI.

A Professional Imaging System, Re-imagined with AI

The CAMON 50 Ultra 5G is a powerhouse built for visionaries. At its core lies a segment-leading 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C Ultra Night Camera, engineered to achieve exceptional clarity even in the most challenging low-light environments. Complementing this is a dedicated 50MP 3X Telephoto Camera (available on Ultra 5G and Pro models) that brings the iconic 70mm portrait focal length to your fingertips. Whether capturing intimate, flattering close-ups or seizing crisp action from across a stadium with its AI 60X SuperZoom, this flagship system ensures every perspective is rendered with professional-grade precision.

Beyond the lens, the AI RAW 2.0 imaging engine acts as the brain of the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G system, mastering complex light and detail to deliver surgical accuracy and crystalline clarity. The experience is further elevated by Super-Zoom FlashSnap, a breakthrough that seamlessly merges high-speed action capture with powerful telephoto capabilities, allowing users to freeze split-second emotions with perfect precision even from a distance. To perfect the creative process, the industry-first AI Auto Zoom serves as an on-the-go editor, intelligently detecting subjects and cropping for optimal composition into a gallery-ready masterpiece.

Underscoring its exceptional imaging capabilities, the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G achieved an impressive DXOMARK overall camera score of 146—the highest for smartphones under $600—along with a stellar portrait score of 142, ranking among the top in its price segment. “With the upcoming CAMON 50 Ultra 5G, TECNO’s proprietary Universal Tone technology confirms a bright and engaging image style that closely matches how users naturally see the scene. Combined, these strengths will make the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G stand out as a compelling choice for accurate and inclusive skin tone rendering under $600,” commented Frédérique Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK.

We’ve focused on making cutting-edge AI feel warm and intuitive, a natural extension of your creativity and your daily life

Everyday AI: A Creative and Efficient Partner

TECNO believes AI should empower your vision, not complicate it. The CAMON 50 Series debuts the industry-first AI Art Gallery, a creative sanctuary where ordinary photos transcend into extraordinary art. Driven by the Dream Scape Model, it offers a global palette of artistic styles, allowing you to reimagine your world through the lens of world-renowned masterpieces or vibrant local heritage. This creative freedom extends beyond the static: the AI Image-to-Video Generator breathes life into still images, while Live Photo captures the heart of every moment and AI 3D PhotoSpace adds immersive spatial depth to ordinary photos.

Even in challenging environments, AI LightMaster 2.0 acts as your invisible lighting crew, vanishing glare, reflections, and distracting shadows with a single tap. Beyond the lens, this intelligence is woven into the fabric of daily life. A dedicated AI Key puts a professional researcher and editor in your pocket; whether you are distilling complex articles with One-Tap FlashMemo, refining social media captions via AI Writing 2.0, or managing wellness via the AI Health Assistant. The upgraded AI assistant, Ella, has evolved into a versatile mentor, serving as your personal Oral Practice Partner and a 24/7 problem-solving tutor.

The CAMON 50 Series also leverages the OneLeap platform to deliver a “silky smooth” experience with TECNO Laptops and MEGAPADs. This interconnected hub facilitates Phone Mirroring, Keyboard and Mouse Sharing, as well as Cross-device Copy and Paste for Text and Image, transforming the series into a high-efficiency workspace.

Engineered for Confidence: Security and Durability Built to Last

The CAMON 50 Series is engineered as a steadfast guardian of your digital life. It marks the debut of TGuard, TECNO’s comprehensive security ecosystem. A defining pillar of TGuard is its industry-first off-grid search technology, enabling you to pinpoint your device’s location even without a SIM card or when the battery is completely depleted.

The flagship CAMON 50 Ultra 5G delivers reliable performance powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultimate processor. All models in the series feature a 1.5K 144Hz Ultra-bright AMOLED display for ultra-smooth visuals. Durability is paramount, with the series featuring the highest IP68/IP69/IP69K dust and water resistance. This is coupled with a 5-year durability battery of up to 6500mAh (varies by market) and 45W Super Charge. For explorers, the innovative FreeLink technology allows for network-free calling and messaging over Bluetooth Long Range.

“The CAMON 50 Series is designed to be a thoughtful partner in your day,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “The AI isn’t just for show; it’s there to help, whether that’s by remembering important information for you, giving your photos a creative twist, or simply making your phone smarter and easier to use. We’ve focused on making cutting-edge AI feel warm and intuitive, a natural extension of your creativity and your daily life.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

 

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Network International and ADCB Egypt launch Egypt’s first Transactional Fraud Solution Powered by Artificial Intelligence with FICO’s Advanced Analytics

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Network International

Network International (Network) (www.Network.ae), a leading fintech company in the Middle East and Africa, and ADCB Egypt – part of the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Group, one of the UAE’s foremost financial institutions – have launched FICO® Falcon® Fraud Manager.

 

The advanced analytics solution, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities, delivers superior fraud detection.  This is part of Network’s Enterprise Fraud Prevention initiative in Egypt, marking a first of its kind in safeguarding the country’s digital financial transactions.

The go-live of the FICO fraud solution underscores ADCB Egypt’s impact on the market by providing best-in-class digital customer experiences enhanced by operational efficiency

The FICO Falcon fraud solution will enable ADCB Egypt and its customers to benefit from real-time fraud protection. By creating a unique behavioral profile for every customer and analyzing millions of transactions, the system can instantly identify and prevent fraudulent activity to safeguard accounts and ensure a seamless, secure experience at every touchpoint.

This partnership between Network International and ADCB Egypt further reinforces Network’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s financial inclusion agenda, specifically by combating fraud. It also establishes Network as a preferred partner for best-in-class fraud management solutions amongst Egyptian banks.

Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa at Network International, said: “We are thrilled to have successfully deployed this solution, which marks a significant chapter in Network’s payments processing business in North Africa. The go-live of the FICO fraud solution underscores ADCB Egypt’s impact on the market by providing best-in-class digital customer experiences enhanced by operational efficiency. This partnership demonstrates Network’s commitment to delivering innovative, secure, and scalable payment solutions across the region.”

Alexandre Graff, Vice President of Global Partners & Alliances at FICO: “Fighting fraud is a critical priority in Egypt. FICO Falcon Fraud Manager is the leading AI-powered solution in this space, protecting 4 billion payment accounts worldwide. We are proud to partner with Network International and ADCB Egypt as they give Egyptian credit grantors the power to stop fraud faster, reduce friction in the customer experience, and safeguard consumers’ financial health.”

FICO and Network International have been working together since 2017, combining FICO’s innovative technology-led solutions with Network’s digital payments expertise to enhance fraud detection and prevention.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Network International.

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