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Africa Proptech Forum set to connect real estate and tech, and fast-track African property innovation

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Africa Proptech Forum

With the theme of this year’s API Summit, ‘IMPACT’, the forum will delve into how effective strategy and execution can drive success in Africa’s property sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 10, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Proptech, the convergence of property and technology, is now widely recognised as a pivotal force behind innovation and efficiency in real estate. It is reshaping how properties are developed, managed, and experienced. This transformation is particularly relevant in Africa, where the adoption of proptech is still in its early stages, with opportunity aplenty and a competitive advantage for early adopters.

As the API Summit 2024 approaches, industry leaders and innovators are gearing up for the Africa Proptech Forum (APF), the continent’s only pan-African Proptech Summit, set to take place on 20 September at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town.

Peter Clark, Managing Partner at REdimension Capital, says the integration of technology is a game-changer for the industry at large. “Real estate management teams are increasingly seeing how technology and innovation can deliver enhanced results within their portfolios by improving operational performance, driving asset values, and creating more sustainable outcomes. APF is a finger on the pulse of the proptech industry, ensuring that stakeholders stay informed and connected as the future of the built environment continues to be reshaped by technology.”

Waldo Marcus, Industry Principal at MRI Software SA and lead sponsor of APF, says the ever-growing number of property-related businesses introducing technology platforms and solutions to enhance their tenant, client, and employee experience is a clear testament to the advancements made in the Proptech industry. The dynamic regulatory and economic landscape guides property industry leaders to focus more on flexible and scalable technology adoption, which will future proof their businesses, protect them, and generate real value. The Africa Proptech Forum plays a crucial role for us in the growth and innovation of the Proptech industry by ensuring that stakeholders stay informed and connected in this rapidly evolving sector. This is why MRI continues its lead sponsorship and participation in the event. 

APF features the latest innovations and proptech trends critical to the future and sustainability of South Africa’s real estate sector

Kfir Rusin, Co-CEO of admyt, an industry sponsor for the event, says real estate is undergoing a significant transformation with a shift from traditional leasing models to a more holistic focus on client experience and operational efficiency. “Proptech is central in driving change by enabling more seamless customer interactions, advanced data utilisation, and the development of sustainable, resilient, and more cost-effective operations. APF is a vital platform that connects real estate tech businesses, property service providers, and landlords, playing a significant role in pushing the industry forward and building momentum for more innovation.”

Coinciding with the 15th Annual API Summit, this premier event is dedicated to exploring the transformative impact of Proptech on Africa’s real estate sector and bringing together decision-makers from the technology and formal real estate sectors. It provides an essential platform for stakeholders to connect, share insights, and explore the latest advancements in real estate technology. With the theme of this year’s API Summit, ‘IMPACT’, the forum will delve into how effective strategy and execution can drive success in Africa’s property sector.

A highlight of this year’s Africa Proptech Forum is the APF Start-Up Competition, presented in partnership with Burstone. This competition is designed to identify, showcase, connect, reward, and support innovative, early-stage African Proptech companies. It offers a unique opportunity for start-ups to pitch their business ideas to industry leaders, venture capitalists, and potential customers.

Graham Hutchinson, Managing Director, South Africa, Burstone Group, a sponsor of the competition, explains, “APF features the latest innovations and proptech trends critical to the future and sustainability of South Africa’s real estate sector. For us, innovation is about more than the latest technology; it’s a mindset that encompasses the way you engage with clients, structure deals, and manage costs.”

By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders from the technology and real estate sectors, the 2024 APF aims to create a space where ideas can be exchanged, partnerships can be formed, and the future of African real estate can be shaped.

The Africa Proptech Forum is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of real estate in Africa. For more information and to register for the Africa Proptech Forum, visit API Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3XiCbGk).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Leads up to €2 Billion Syndicated Facility in Largest-Ever Global Loan Syndication for Bank of Industry

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Africa Finance Corporation

The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced its role as Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor in the successful syndication of an up to €2 billion facility for Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s largest and most impactful development finance institution. The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa.

Proceeds of the facility will be used for general corporate purposes including to finance trade and trade related projects of eligible corporates in Nigeria. The facility was syndicated at two levels with AFC, Standard Chartered Bank, African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (London Branch), Mashreqbank PSC, SMBC Bank International PLC, Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited, Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division) and Export-Import Bank of India London Branch acting as part of a senior syndicate, together raising an initial €1.43 billion. Following this, AFC led a general syndication, through which an additional €447 million was raised, bringing the total transaction to €1.9 billion, representing an oversubscription of 87%. The facility is expected to further grow to €2 billion.

This landmark global loan syndication is significant for Nigeria and BOI, as the institution was able to successfully tap the international capital market at a time when credit is scarce and prohibitively expensive. It also highlights market confidence in BOI and AFC as leading financial institutions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation between African financial institutions. 

This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole

“This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole. We are proud to have played a central role in this historic global loan syndication, solidifying AFC’s position as a trusted bridge between global investors and infrastructure projects in Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board member & Head of Financial Services at AFC. “Our sincere appreciation also goes to our Joint Coordinator and partner Standard Chartered Bank and all other banks that participated in making this transaction a huge success,” he added.

“This financing, the sixth international capital raising for BOI, is the largest fundraising in our history and the largest syndication in the history of African development finance institutions. A key constant in achieving this success is the continued support of our international funding partners, including AFC. We are grateful for the unique role that AFC played to make this transaction a success,“ said Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of BOI.

As part of the syndication, AFC leveraged its A3 (stable outlook) investment-grade rating, recently affirmed by Moody’s, to bring together an international consortium of financial institutions. The transaction aligns with the Corporation’s mission to provide pragmatic solutions that close the continent’s infrastructure gap, accelerate industrialisation, and enhance Africa’s economic resilience against global economic challenges.

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

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Board Accepts Carlos Tavares’ Resignation as Chief Executive Officer

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Stellantis

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Creation of Interim Executive Committee to be chaired by John Elkann
  • New CEO will be appointed in the first half of 2025
  • Full year 2024 financial guidance confirmed

Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO

Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis” or “the Company”) (www.Stellantis.com) announces that the Company’s Board of Directors, under the Chairmanship of John Elkann, accepted Carlos Tavares’ resignation from his role as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025. Until then, a new Interim Executive Committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established.

Stellantis confirms the guidance it presented to the financial community on October 31, 2024, in respect of its full year 2024 results.

Stellantis’ Senior Independent Director, Henri de Castries, commented: “Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO. However, in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the Board and the CEO coming to today’s decision.”

Chairman John Elkann said: “Our thanks go to Carlos for his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis, in addition to the previous turnarounds of PSA and Opel, setting us on the path to becoming a global leader in our industry. I look forward to working with our new Interim Executive Committee, supported by all our Stellantis colleagues, as we complete the process of appointing our new CEO. Together we will ensure the continued deployment of the Company’s strategy in the long-term interests of Stellantis and all of its stakeholders.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

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Shakwa Nyambe Ranked as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by IFLR1000 2024 Rankings

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Shakwa Nyambe

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas

WINDHOEK, Namibia, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Shakwa Nyambe, the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated (www.SNCLawGroup.com), has been recognised as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by the IFRL1000 rankings of 2024. He is specifically recognised for his exceptional work in the practice area of Projects: Energy, with a focus on the Oil and Gas industry, further cementing his reputation as a world-renowned Energy, Oil and Gas, Natural Resource and Commercial Lawyer.

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas. Being ranked as a Leading Lawyer for Oil and Gas by this global institution places Shakwa among the most influential individuals in Namibia’s Oil and Gas sector and highlights his invaluable contributions to the field.

Shakwa Nyambe’s recognition is a reflection of his understanding of the complexities of the Oil and Gas industry and his ability to provide innovative solutions to clients navigating the challenges of this sector. As the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated, a full-service energy, natural resources, corporate & commercial law and dispute resolution law firm, Shakwa has built a legacy of excellence in the legal and commercial sectors. His experience encompasses, advising international corporations, state-owned enterprises, governments, and individuals in oil & gas, renewable energy, and mining projects, and provision of legal services in matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and corporate governance to project financing as well as rendering advisory services on general commercial matters.

To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour

Shakwa is the President-Elect of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) for the period 2024 – 2025 and will take over the Presidency for the period 2025 – 2026. His qualifications include, amongst others, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, a Postgraduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts from the University of Johannesburg and an Executive Diploma in Global Business (Master’s Level) from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

His expertise and strategic guidance have made him the go-to advisor for international oil companies, energy companies, mining companies. multinational corporations and local entities engaged in Namibia’s energy development.

This acknowledgment comes at a critical moment for Namibia, as the country is emerging as a significant player in the global energy market, driven by transformative discoveries in the Orange Basin by major international companies. Shakwa’s legal and strategic leadership has been instrumental in helping stakeholders capitalize on these opportunities while ensuring compliance with Namibia’s regulatory landscape.

Commenting on the rankings, Shakwa Nyambe stated, “To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour. It reflects not just my efforts but the dedication of the team at SNC Incorporated and the trust of our clients. This motivates me to continue raising the bar for legal and business excellence in Namibia’s oil and gas sector.”

As a globally recognized thought leader, he frequently engages in high-level dialogues on energy, corporate and resource law, sharing insights that shape policy and practice in Namibia and internationally.

As Namibia continues its rise as a frontier oil and gas producer, Shakwa Nyambe exemplifies excellence, driving the sector forward with vision, expertise and an unwavering commitment to his clients.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SNC Incorporated.

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