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Africa enters epic global Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation race, joining world’s tech capitals as an epicentre for digital advancement

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Artificial Intelligence

AI Everything Expo by GITEX AFRICA 2024 centres world’s attention on continent’s booming US$17 billion AI phenomenon

MARRAKECH, Morocco, April 29, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The AI mania that’s transforming business, government and society globally is also igniting waves of innovation across Africa, with the shape-shifting tech’s existential prospects powering a cross-continental investment surge at the AI Everything Expo by GITEX AFRICA (www.GITEXAfrica.com) in Morocco next month.

Africa’s epic AI opportunity is already disrupting digital advancements in diverse sectors from finance and agriculture, to healthcare and mobility, all fuelling a booming AI market that, according to analysts Statista, will grow 30 percent annually over the next six years to value US$17 billion by 2030. 

This massive AI rush combined with a rapidly growing population of 1.5 billion people – of which 70 percent are under the age of 30 – creates a potent recipe of AI acceleration, but highlights gaps in talent development, venture allocation, policy and infrastructure. 

These crucial challenges and opportunities will be addressed when the world’s AI cognoscenti and pivotal power players of its widespread deployment unite to fast-track the continent’s next big tech shift at the AI Everything Expo by GITEX AFRICA, the year’s largest and most progressive platform for AI exploration and deep tech innovation.

Taking place from 29-31 May 2024 in Marrakech, Africa’s powerhouse tech showcase will feature the world’s tech titans spearheading the AI gold rush, including Microsoft, IBM, Huawei, Nvidia, and Google, along with hundreds of AI ambitious start-ups from across the globe with grand visions to change Africa via AI-infused products and services. 

An AI continent ‘brimming with investment opportunity’

Microsoft, the world’s most valuable company, and GITEX AFRICA’s official AI Partner, is leading the way in the AI investment race, having forged partnerships with the world’s hottest makers of AI models, including the UAE’s G42, a global leader in visionary AI.

Microsoft’s recent US$1.5 billion strategic investment in G42 to accelerate AI development in growing economies such as Africa will be welcomed by big tech executives, government leaders, investors and tech entrepreneurs alike at GITEX AFRICA 2024, which will also feature Presight, G42’s big data analytics company powered by generative AI.

Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, said AI can unlock a continent “brimming with investment opportunity.” “Africa has long been recognised for its formidable growth prospects and AI is the long-awaited key to help unlock that potential,” said Barnard, who will also be a headline speaker at GITEX AFRICA’s power-packed conference programme. 

Africa has long been recognised for its formidable growth prospects and AI is the long-awaited key to help unlock that potential

“The AI-powered innovation we’re seeing today is poised to reinvent every aspect of society from healthcare to financial services, manufacturing and beyond. If Africa is to benefit from the paradigm shift currently sweeping the globe, we must make the promise of AI real for people and organisations across the continent – and do so responsibly. GITEX provides us with a platform to come together and work towards fulfilling that commitment.”

Dr. Adel Alsharji, the COO of Presight, added that Africa is the second-fastest growing region globally in AI adoption. “Africa’s AI journey is gaining momentum, and this progress highlights the continent’s readiness to explore and harness the potential of AI for driving economic growth and addressing local challenges,” said Alsharji, adding that demand for AI-related jobs will increase two-fold over the next three years. “AI could add US$13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, while the number of AI-related jobs in Africa alone is expected to grow by 200 percent by 2025.”

A formidable African force in a world-changing AI revolution  

The AI Everything Expo will gather the brightest minds and most innovative thinkers in the field of AI at the AI Everything Conference, one of 10 powerful conference stages at GITEX AFRICA, the continent’s largest tech and start-up show. 

Headline speakers leading the AI phenomenon include Dragoș Tudorache, Vice-President of the Renew Europe Group; Mactar Seck, Chief of Technology and Innovation at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); and Jepson Taylor, Former Chief AI Strategist, Dataiku.

AI and it’s far-reaching multisectoral impact will be evident on the exhibition floor, with exhibitors showcasing how the AI boom is turbocharging waves of innovation across industries, from education and agriculture, to transport, retail, energy, or logistics.

Clinify, a Nigerian start-up epitomises this movement in the healthcare sector, and is one of hundreds of global change-makers at GITEX AFRICA’s North Star Africa start-up showcase. Clinify (www.MyClinify.com), an electronic medical record (EMR) platform seeks to digitise patients’ medical records in Africa, where 90 percent of such information is still paper based.

Founded in 2020, the AI-powered model will increase access to healthcare across Africa, where, according to CEO and Founder Michael Omidele, there’s an urgent need for centralised and digitised medical records. “Africa’s healthcare sector faces several challenges; there’s only one doctor available for every 10,000 patients whereas the average in developed countries is one doctor for every 250 people,” said Omidele.

“Clinify is a one of a kind African solution offering a digitally centralised and standardised interoperable aggregator of healthcare systems, a telemedicine platform, and an EMR solution giving patients access to their medical records. Our goal is to network with healthcare providers, to expand this innovation from Nigeria and export it across Africa.”

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, GITEX AFRICA is held under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Morocco’s Digital Development Agency. The 2nd blockbuster edition, organised by KAOUN International, follows its pioneering debut in 2023.

More information is available at www.GITEXAfrica.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

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Ghana Gas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Energy Week 2024 (AEW) Amid Drive for Accelerated Project Development

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Ghana Gas

Benjamin Asante, CEO of Ghana’s national gas company, will share insight into the country’s emerging investment opportunities and project pipeline at this year’s African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy conference

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 24, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Benjamin Asante, CEO of Ghana Gas – the country’s national gas company – has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference as a speaker. Taking place November 4-8 in Cape Town, the event unites global investors and project developers with African projects. Asante’s return to the event underscores a commitment to driving projects forward in the country, as Ghana Gas seeks foreign funding to fuel development and production.

Under the Gas Master Plan – a market growth plan covering the period up to 2040 – Ghana is targeting increased investments in gas-related infrastructure. In addition to increasing oil production, the country seeks to diversify the energy sector by bolstering the natural gas value chain. Aiming to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030 while boosting petrochemical production, the country offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and project developers. Asante will delve into these opportunities at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Ghana Gas continues to be instrumental in the market as it collaborates with foreign companies, promotes newfound investment and drives long-term economic growth

In line with efforts to boost national gas production, Ghana expects the Tema FLNG plant – situated near the capital city Accra – to start production by the end of the year. The project comprises the requisite infrastructure to import, store, regasify and deliver LNG to off-takers in the Greater Accra Area. Operated by private equity company Helois Investment Partners, the $350 million project will have a capacity of 1.7 million tons of gas per year and is set to play a major part in meeting domestic demand.

In addition to Tema FLNG, Ghana expects production to start at the Atuabo II Gas Processing Plant in 2025. The project – developed by Ghana Gas and joint venture partners – features a second processing plant at the Atuabo project in the Ellembele District of the western region of the country. With an initial capacity of 150 million standard cubic feet per day, the project can be expanded to 300 million standard cubic feet per day and will process LNG, propane, butane and pentane condensates.

Downstream, the country is focusing on expanding gas infrastructure to not only support the development of new concessions but strengthen the domestic uptake of gas. Energy company Genser Energy commissioned a 100km natural gas pipeline in April 2024, transporting gas from western Ghana to power the 250 MW Kumasi I Thermal Power Plant. Known for its small- and medium-scale commercial and industrial enterprises, northern Ghana stands to benefit from a direct supply of gas from the country’s resource-rich provinces. Upon completion, the project will form part of a network that spans 420 km, supplying gas to power generation facilities such as the 500 MW AKSA and 330 MW CENIT facilities.

“Natural gas stands to play a major part in spurring electrification and industrialization in Africa. Ghana, rich in gas resources and with attractive energy policies, is laying the foundation for a new era of gas development in the country. Ghana Gas continues to be instrumental in the market as it collaborates with foreign companies, promotes newfound investment and drives long-term economic growth through inclusive projects,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Asante will provide an update on the country’s natural gas project pipeline, delving into emerging opportunities and industry challenges. His participation opens new pathways for collaboration, representing a strategic opportunity for companies across the entire gas value chain.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Nigeria set to become the first West African manufacturing hub for insecticide-treated nets in the battle against malaria

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malaria

The African continent accounts for almost 95% of the world’s malaria cases – one quarter of these are in Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria, September 24, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Vestergaard Sàrl (https://Vestergaard.com/) announced today that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, acting through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company, as an initial step to establish the country as the first West African manufacturing hub for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to combat malaria – and the first on the continent to produce dual active-ingredient nets to help combat insecticide resistance.

Nearly every minute (https://apo-opa.co/4eqUoIY), a child under 5 years old dies from malaria. The African continent accounts for almost 95% (https://apo-opa.co/4ecJ8jD) of the world’s malaria cases – one quarter of these are in Nigeria. New approaches are needed to boost access to tried-and-tested, cost-effective tools to combat the disease, and local manufacturing of nets, medicines and vaccines is a priority for the continent (https://apo-opa.co/47HfNLM).

The MoU announced today lays the foundation for Vestergaard to establish a joint venture with a local manufacturing partner in Nigeria, potentially supported by MedAccess, a social investor founded by British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. Selection of an appropriate partner is currently underway and will be subject to the satisfactory conclusion of a due diligence process. Vestergaard is also discussing opportunities for financing with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

If successful, the joint venture will result in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that is expected to function as a flagship on ITN quality and bioefficacy performance, as well as industrial health, safety and sustainability practices. At scale, the planned facility would produce 10 million PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal nets every year, for both domestic use in Nigeria and international export. It would create around 600 jobs in Nigeria.

We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention in our fight against malaria

Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, Hon. Minister of Health for Nigeria, said: “Increasing access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is crucial. We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention in our fight against malaria. Collaborative efforts, such as this, are essential to mobilizing the resources and expertise needed to combat malaria effectively.”

Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, said: “High standards in local production are non-negotiable. By investing in local bed net production, we are not only improving health outcomes but also paving the way for a self-sufficient healthcare system that can withstand global challenges. This partnership with Vestergaard is a significant step towards attaining this for Nigerians and the broader West African population. ”

Michael Anderson, CEO of MedAccess, said: “Next generation mosquito nets are powerful tools to save lives and prevent debilitating disease. Regional manufacturing is in turn a critical tool to ensure that the nets are available quickly, reliably, and sustainably. This agreement between the Government of Nigeria and Vestergaard underlines an important commitment to protecting people from malaria while strengthening supply chain resilience in the region. MedAccess is looking forward to working in partnership to explore how innovative finance can support this initiative.”

Jim Polan, Vice President, Office of Health & Agribusiness at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), said: “DFC’s investments in regional manufacturing, particularly in Africa, aim to strengthen health system resilience and diversify supply chains. We are exploring a variety of opportunities to expand access to critical health products, including bed nets, to ensure the region is better prepared to respond to malaria and other vector-borne transmission due to changing climate patterns.”

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “This partnership exemplifies the leadership and commitment of the Nigerian government in the fight against malaria. We are very grateful for their engagement and support as we work together with partners to create a cutting-edge facility that will set a global benchmark in the manufacturing of dual-insecticide nets.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vestergaard Sàrl.

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Azentio unveils the REACH partner program to accelerate growth and expand Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) ecosystem

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Azentio

By joining this program, partners will gain access to Azentio’s comprehensive suite of ERP solutions, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to deliver exceptional value to their clients

SINGAPORE, Singapore, September 24, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Azentio Software (“Azentio”) (www.Azentio.com), a leading provider of enterprise software solutions, today announced the launch of the REACH partner program, an initiative designed to transform the organisations ERP ecosystem by offering firms unprecedented opportunities to become go-to-market partners within Azentio’s robust network.

The REACH partner program embodies Azentio’s commitment to fostering strong, collaborative relationships with industry leaders and driving innovation in the ERP landscape. By joining this program, partners will gain access to Azentio’s comprehensive suite of ERP solutions, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to deliver exceptional value to their clients.

We believe that by empowering our partners with our technology and support, we can collectively drive greater success and innovation in the ERP space

Key features of the REACH program include:

  • Demand generation collaboration: REACH partners will benefit from co-branded marketing materials, lead generation campaigns, and joint sales initiatives, enabling them to create and capture demand effectively.
  • Access to advanced technology: The program provides partners with the opportunity to offer their clients the full suite of Azentio’s SaaS powered ONEERP solutions, including financials, supply chain management, manufacturing, and distribution cloud verticals. This robust platform is engineered for scalability and flexibility, making it ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Dedicated support and training: The REACH program includes ongoing partner enablement from a dedicated team of partner success managers (PSMs), ensuring partners are equipped to sell, onboard, and support Azentio ONEERP solutions effectively.
  • Collaborative Innovation: Partners will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with Azentio’s team, contributing to the ongoing evolution of ERP software and shaping the future of the industry.

Amit Pant, ONEERP Channel Leader at Azentio, commented, “We are excited to launch the REACH partner program, a transformative initiative that represents a significant milestone for Azentio and our partners. Our vision with REACH is to create a dynamic ecosystem where consulting and implementation firms can seamlessly integrate our world-class ERP solutions into their offerings, enhancing their capabilities and expanding their market reach. This program will see Azentio building and empowering a vibrant network of partners who are as passionate about delivering exceptional ERP solutions as we are. We believe that by empowering our partners with our technology and support, we can collectively drive greater success and innovation in the ERP space.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.

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