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Africa Day: Building businesses that improve African lives (By Fhulu Badugela)

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Africa Day

As the continent celebrates Africa Day on 25 May, two business priorities come into sharp relief; Businesses must remain profitable to survive, but they must also deliver a net benefit for society

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 23, 2024/APO Group/ — 

By Fhulu Badugela, MultiChoice Africa CEO (www.MultiChoice.com).

As we mark Africa Day, people and organisations commit themselves to making a positive difference for the continent. Building a business model that improves lives is the most effective way to achieve this, writes MultiChoice Africa CEO Fhulu Badugela.

As the continent celebrates Africa Day on 25 May, two business priorities come into sharp relief; Businesses must remain profitable to survive, but they must also deliver a net benefit for society.

A unifying purpose

At MultiChoice Africa, we strive to achieve this balance by aligning around a single unifying goal – enriching lives. It’s at the heart of our value proposition of delivering entertainment and services to our customers through technology.

While we aim to be the entertainment platform of choice for African households, we also want to enrich their lives by making a significant contribution to economic development, in the spirit of Africa Day.

MultiChoice also enriches lives through our role in developing Africa’s contemporary cultural heritage, having been entertaining, informing and empowering African communities for more than 30 years.

We also continue to offer value to our customers by using the latest technology to enhance accessibility, and boosting the number of platforms we offer as we develop our hyperlocal strategy of authentic African content for African audiences.

Authentic storytelling

Developing that content allows us to reshape the African narrative through the stories we tell. Through our hyperlocal approach, we not only develop film and television industries in multiple African markets, we also allow African people to see their stories told by their own people in their own languages.

After 38 years’ operating across the continent, MultiChoice Africa now produces more than 6 000 hours of local content a year, in 40 languages, across 50 countries, reaching more than 100 million people every day.

Our 17 local channels share homegrown shows, in regional languages, on platforms like Africa Magic, Mzansi Magic, Akwaaba Magic, Maisha Magic, Pearl Magic Prime, Abol TV, Kwenda Magic, Maningue Magic and Zambezi Magic.

This has significant cultural and psychological impact. It’s hard to quantify how much it improves someone’s quality of life, when they see their own culture, values and aspirations reflected in the content they consume.

While we aim to be the entertainment platform of choice for African households, we also want to enrich their lives by making a significant contribution to economic development

Smash-hit local shows across the continent not only create opportunities for local filmmakers and actors but has also help to showcase African stories on a global platform.

Recent successes have included family drama Sinia, crime drama Danga and Tuko Talk on Tanzania’s Maisha Magic Plus. In Kenya, the Showmax Original crime procedural Crime and Justice is highly popular, while Uganda’s Pearl Magic Prime features drama series Chapterz.

On Zambezi Magic, Wanilata is a reality dating show; while Our Perfect Wedding Zambia is a staple on ONEZED, alongside telenovela Ubuntu, with Adey and Zuret providing riveting drama on Ethiopia’s Abol TV.

In West Africa, the Akwaaba Magic channel in Ghana is the home of the popular Dede, the story of a naive rural teenager, while Africa Magic channels feature appointment-viewing successes like Date My Family Nigeria and Idols Nigeria.

In Southern Africa, locally produced hits include Zuba and Ten Tamanga Street on Zambezi Magic, O Rio Mahinga on Kwenda Magic, and MaidaDate My Family and Our Perfect Wedding Mozambique on Maningue Magic.

We also strive to ensure we have a pipeline of talented, qualified African creators entering our industry, by investing in training and development through our pan-African MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academies. 

Multiplier effects

Our group’s content investments have had major economic multiplier effects on the continent, employing 3 042 full-time staff, and making R5.1bn in total tax contributions.

In Nigeria, the Africa Magic channel now produces 700-1 000 hours of original content every year, and buys even more independently produced local content through its online content-licensing portal. 

Across the continent in Ethiopia, MultiChoice has commissioned and licensed more than 138 Ethiopian films and TV shows within two years, for its hyperlocal Abol channels. In Botswana, MultiChoice has delivered local shows alongside MTF skills-transfer partnerships with the Botswana Department of Broadcasting Services.

Longevity through alignment

In every market, MultiChoice Africa also makes a material contribution to the economy through tax revenues, investments in broadcasting technology and sponsorships of local sports leagues, such as SuperSport’s coverage of Zambia’s MTN Super League.

MultiChoice maintains a strong market position due to its established brand presence, extensive content library, and investment in local programming. Our focus on innovation and customer satisfaction has seen us build resilience in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

If there is a learning in this, it is that when the interests of all stakeholders are aligned, then better business makes for better lives. As we once more mark Africa Day, we look forward to continuing to provide Africa with quality entertainment content, and opportunities, in ways that improve lives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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