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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Solid Minerals Development Fund of Nigeria (SMDF), and Xcalibur Partner to Boost Nigeria’s Geological Data Capabilities

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Geological Data

The collaboration will pursue initiatives that enhance the availability of Nigeria’s geological data to interested investors across the globe and design an exploration program for mapping the country’s subterranean mineral wealth

ABUJA, Nigeria, October 18, 2023/APO Group/ — 

In a groundbreaking move for Nigeria’s mining sector, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (https://www.AfricaFC.org/), the leading infrastructure provider on the continent, the Solid Minerals Development Fund of Nigeria (SMDF), a Nigerian mining-focused development fund, and Xcalibur Multiphysics (Xcalibur), a global leader in airborne geophysics, have joined forces to enhance the landscape of geo-scientific data and geological mapping for early-stage mining projects in Nigeria. The three institutions signed a Cooperation Agreement yesterday on the sidelines of the ongoing Nigerian Mining Week in Abuja.

The collaboration will pursue initiatives that enhance the availability of Nigeria’s geological data to interested investors across the globe and design an exploration program for mapping the country’s subterranean mineral wealth. Additionally, AFC, SMDF and Xcalibur will aim to establish a comprehensive database that effectively showcases Nigeria’s resource potential, thus encouraging long-term investment from banks, mining firms, financial institutions, and individuals.

Our collaboration will bolster the availability of high-quality geophysical data that will attract mining investments and contribute to the development of critical mineral resource

Earlier this year, AFC and Xcalibur signed a joint venture agreement to partner on mapping, developing and co-financing natural resource projects in Africa, and this initiative in Nigeria is an offshoot of the program. With this tripartite agreement, AFC and SMDF will jointly explore suitable financing solutions, engage with regulators, support relevant government agencies, and facilitate government discussions while Xcalibur contributes technical support, oversees data quality, and conducts economic evaluation studies, including potential biodiversity and environmental mapping.

Commenting on this landmark agreement, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said, “Nigeria’s abundant natural resources provide a promising foundation for growth and development. However, there is currently a limited understanding of the vast underground mineral wealth within the country. In order to address this, our collaboration with SMDF and Xcalibur seeks to significantly improve the availability of high-quality geomapping data. This ambitious initiative will not only attract valuable mining investments but also pave the way for the development of critical mineral resources in Nigeria with intentional focus on value capture and retention in line with the minerals value chain policy in the country. Ultimately, our goal is to establish Nigeria as a pivotal player in the global energy transition.”

Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, Executive Secretary and CEO of Solid Minerals Development Fund, said, “Over 90% of Nigeria remains underexplored, with significant potential to discover and increase existing deposits. Increased exploration activity is crucial to realising the benefits of the country’s geological endowment and supporting a pipeline of new projects to market. Given that Nigeria accounts for less than 0.5% of the global exploration budget, our partnership with AFC and Xcalibur will act as a stimulus for resource exploration activity, derisk resource exploration in Nigeria, and increase the global appeal of Nigeria as a resource exploration destination.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with the AFC and the SMDF in this groundbreaking project to enhance geophysical data  in Nigeria,” said Dario Castellanos, VP Financing and Middle East Director of  Xcalibur Multiphysics. ”Our collaboration will bolster the availability of high-quality geophysical data that will attract mining investments and contribute to the development of critical mineral resources in the country. We believe that this initiative will be instrumental in establishing Nigeria as a pivotal player in the global energy transition, and we are fully committed to the success of this exciting project.”

Despite being home to 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, Africa receives only 5% of global mining financing. AFC is a significant investor in Africa’s mining sector, deploying over $900 million in critical projects over the last seven years. The Corporation’s interventions have sought to close the mining sector’s financing gap by deploying its in-house project development expertise and structuring capabilities to support sponsors in derisking projects for bankability. Recent examples of transformational mining projects in which AFC has invested include the Dynamic Mining Bauxite Mine in Guinea, expected to increase the country’s bauxite production and exports, and the FG Gold Baomahun Gold Project in Sierra Leone, which is expected to contribute significantly to local job creation and sustainable economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Events

TECNO and Tonino Lamborghini Announce a New International Collaboration

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TECNO

TECNO (www.TECNO-Mobile.com), the AI-driven innovative technology brand, today at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) announced a new collaboration with Tonino Lamborghini, the Italian lifestyle experience brand renowned for its heritage, boldness and uncompromised spirit. The partnership is born from a shared vision of innovation and modern lifestyle experience.

More than a collaboration, this partnership is an expression of a lifestyle shaped by design, technology and attitude, where Italian aesthetics meet advanced technological innovation to accompany everyday moments with purpose, boldness, and personality.

This collaboration represents a natural evolution for both brands. TECNO reinforces its leadership of merging cutting-edge technology with bold and elegant design through a partnership that conveys character, reliability and high-end user performance. Tonino Lamborghini gains an opportunity to expand into new categories while staying true to its core values of quality, identity and sophistication.

Products developed as part of this collaboration will feature exclusive design elements inspired by Tonino Lamborghini’s iconic style, paired with TECNO’s cutting-edge technological solutions. The result is a refined yet functional offering, designed for an international audience with a strong appreciation for both aesthetics and user experience.

“This partnership is built on the same pursuit of excellence and commitment to their missions. TECNO has shaped the digital experience of hundreds of millions worldwide, and the partnership is another milestone in our relentless journey to reimagine performance and aesthetics,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO.

“This collaboration brings together two complementary worlds: our design language and TECNO’s technological know-how. Together, we have created a project that interprets contemporary lifestyle with coherence and vision,” commented Dr. Tonino Lamborghini, Founder of Tonino Lamborghini S.p.a.

The first products of the TECNO x Tonino Lamborghini line was officially launched at MWC 2026 Barcelona, marking a new chapter in technology and gaming experiences. The collaboration will extend across gaming devices, mobile phones, laptops, earphones, and tablets, creating a complete smart ecosystem infused with the iconic Tonino Lamborghini design.

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS (MEGA MINI G1 Pro)

This collaboration brings together two complementary worlds: our design language and TECNO’s technological know-how

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS (MEGA MINI G1 Pro) is the second generation of TECNO Mini gaming PCs, following the success of the MEGA Mini G1, the world’s first and smallest water-cooling gaming PC. The latest model continues to redefine what a compact gaming system can be, empowering both creative professionals and gaming enthusiasts to harness the full capabilities of the latest applications.

A sleek, all-metal body accented with dazzling RGB lighting highlights the impactful Tonino Lamborghini design and color. The Intel® Core™ i9-13900HK processor boasts an impressive 14 cores and 20 threads, with a clock speed reaching up to 5.4 GHz.

The newly upgraded NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 8GB GDDR 7 discrete graphics card boasts 145W of total graphics power. Adopting the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, it brings game-changing realism of path tracing, cinematic quality visuals at unprecedented speed, ultimate responsiveness and 614 AI TOPS.

The CPU and GPU performance can be monitored via a real-time screen on body, and even in intense computing environments, the mini PC remains silently cool with approximately 10,000mm² pure copper water-cooled cold plate and a triple-fan setup.

Connectivity is equally robust, with 15 ports, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. Power is supplied through an external 330W GaN (Gallium Nitride) power adapter.

The device represents the first product line of the TECNO x Tonino Lamborghini collaboration and the next step in high-performance, lifestyle-focused technology.

TECNO POVA Metal Tonino Lamborghini Limited Edition

TECNO POVA Metal Tonino Lamborghini Limited Edition is the world’s first-ever full-metal unibody 5G phone. The phone captures the most distinctive elements of both POVA series and Tonino Lamborghini with uninterrupted curves and an ultra-thin 0.99mm bezel. The Rear Dot Matrix features a 241-pixel independent LED matrix that showcases signature Tonino Lamborghini design elements. It can be personalized to display call alerts, notifications, and other dynamic visuals. Complementing this is a pulse light strip that adds an extra layer of motion and energy to the overall design. Adding to the memorable design is a Snapdragon® processor.

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO AIoT Ecosystem

TECNO also displays a full concept AIoT Ecosystem, which will include laptops, tablets and wearables. Inspired by the iconic aesthetics of Tonino Lamborghini, it features a unified design language marked by sharp geometry and a sleek, modern silhouette. Light in weight and high in performance, the devices will fit users’ daily life for work, creativity, study and daily communications, while fully expressing their individuality.

Mobile World Congress 2026 is from March 2 to 5 in Barcelona, Spain at Fira Gran Via. Visitors may experience the collaboration at the TECNO Booth, located at Stand 7A40, Hall 7.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

 

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Energy

Staatsolie to Chart Suriname’s Offshore Future at Caribbean Energy Week 2026

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Energy Capital

The national oil company will showcase its role in shaping offshore investment opportunities, recent exploration milestones and initiatives to prepare Suriname’s private sector for the country’s emerging oil and gas boom

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, March 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Suriname’s national oil company Staatsolie is set to highlight the country’s expanding offshore opportunities at the inaugural Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, taking place March 30 to April 1 in Paramaribo. Offshore Exploration Manager Sharista Kalapnat-Kisoensingh is expected to speak on Staatsolie’s strategic offshore initiatives, alongside sessions on the company’s Enterprise Development Center (EDC), which aims to strengthen the local private sector and prepare Surinamese businesses for participation in the country’s growing oil and gas industry.

Staatsoilie has been at the center of Suriname’s offshore oil boom. The company’s declaration of the Sloanea field as commercial in November 2025 marked a major milestone, highlighting the basin’s growing hydrocarbon potential. Staatsolie’s seismic survey program with TGS and BGP Offshore, launched late last year, is generating critical geological insights across multiple offshore blocks, while new production sharing agreements for Blocks 9 and 10 are attracting further international investment. Together, these initiatives position Staatsolie not just as a producer, but as a strategic enabler – coordinating development, structuring investment opportunities, and shaping Suriname’s broader offshore growth agenda.

Further supporting the sector’s growth, Staatsolie launched an Open-Door Offering in late 2025, making roughly 60% of Suriname’s offshore acreage available under flexible exploration agreements. Alongside its 20% stake in the $10.5 billion GranMorgu development on Block 58 – which is set to generate over $1 billion in local content expenditure – Staatsolie is driving Suriname’s evolution from a modest onshore producer into a globally relevant offshore player with significant investment, production and local economic potential.

At CEW 2026, Staatsolie’s sessions will also highlight the EDC, a flagship initiative to prepare Suriname’s private sector for offshore participation. As GranMorgu and other developments advance toward production, the EDC will ensure that local companies are equipped to capture opportunities arising from exploration, construction, and supply chain activities.

Staatsolie’s upstream operations already account for roughly 9.5% of Suriname’s GDP and 32% of government revenues, figures expected to rise as offshore production ramps up. Kisoensingh’s participation is expected to outline how the company is managing Suriname’s offshore growth, supporting private sector engagement and positioning the country as an emerging hub in regional energy markets.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

 

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Education

Powering Africa’s Future: THE Africa Universities Summit 2026 to Ignite Innovation, Talent and Inclusion

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Africa Universities Summit

The summit will bring together leaders from universities, business, and civil society for dynamic discussions, hands-on workshops, and visionary keynotes

Highly recommended for anyone eager to engage with cutting-edge ideas and a passionate community

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa’s youth, representing over 400 million voices, are driving the continent’s ambition for growth, innovation, and sustainable development. The THE Africa Universities Summit 2026 (www.TimesHigherEd-events.com) will convene in Nairobi on 30-31 March to explore how higher education can unlock human capital, fuel entrepreneurial success, and promote inclusive growth across the continent.

 

The summit will bring together leaders from universities, business, and civil society for dynamic discussions, hands-on workshops, and visionary keynotes, focusing on four critical themes:

  • Addressing world challenges: Uniting global and local collaborations to tackle pressing challenges, harnessing research and innovation for sustainable solutions.
  • Innovation, entrepreneurship and start-ups: Empowering entrepreneurial mindsets, strengthening start-up ecosystems and driving digital innovation.
  • Work readiness and skills development: Preparing future-ready graduates through employer partnerships, innovative curricula and tailored support.
  • EDI and gender equality in higher education: Championing inclusion and gender equality to create institutions that reflect Africa’s diverse societies.

The summit will feature over 60+ speakers from across Africa and beyond, including:

  • Chérifa Abdelbaki, UNESCO Chairholder, University of Tlemcen
  • Letlhokwa Mpedi, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Johannesburg
  • Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor, Makerere University
  • Caroline Nyaga, Founder & CEO, Women in STEAM Initiative
  • Tonny Omwansa, CEO, Kenya National Innovation Agency
  • Anicia Peters, CEO, National Commission on Research, Science and Technology

Attendees can expect 30+ hours of content, 9+ hours of networking and opportunities to engage with over 350 participants from more than 150 organisations and universities.

Last year’s summit in Rwanda highlighted the power of collaboration, inspiring actionable strategies for innovation, workforce development and equity in higher education.

Leonard Musyoka, Registrar and Chief-of-Staff at the University of Nairobi, reflected on the 2025 summit: “Attending THE Africa Universities Summit was an intellectually enriching experience! The topics were timely, thought-provoking and expertly curated, sparking meaningful conversations in the African higher education sector. Highly recommended for anyone eager to engage with cutting-edge ideas and a passionate community!”

With less than a month to go, tickets are selling fast. Join us in Nairobi to shape Africa’s higher education future, connect with thought leaders and explore new opportunities to advance talent, innovation and inclusion.

For more information and to register, visit https://apo-opa.co/4biKl8F.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Times Higher Education.

 

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