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Africa’s Business Heroes Announces 2024 Top 10 Finalists Following First Event in North Africa

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Africa’s Business Heroes

The 2024 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Top 10 entrepreneurs were identified through a rigorous process involving multiple rounds of interviews and assessments

CAIRO, Egypt, September 30, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) Prize Competition, Africa’s leading philanthropic initiative supported by the Jack Ma Foundation (http://apo-opa.co/3Y3GTt8) and Alibaba Philanthropy, is proud to announce the Top 10 finalists for the 2024 ABH Prize.

These exceptional entrepreneurs were chosen after an intense round of Semi-Final business pitches and judging held on September 27-28 at Kamelizer Spaces (http://apo-opa.co/3TNPjCz), with community events until September 29, all in the historic city of Cairo, Egypt. This marks ABH’s first event in North Africa, highlighting Egypt’s growing role as a key hub of entrepreneurial innovation in Africa.

The Top 10 finalists are (in alphabetical order, by country): 

  1. Tisya Mukuna, Founder & CEO, La Kinoise (La boite) – Democratic Republic of the Congo | www.La-Kinoise.com
  2. Hadeel Fayek, Founder & CEO, Joviality – Egypt | www.Intl.Joviality-eg.com
  3. Mina Shahid, Co-founder & CEO, Numida – Egypt | www.Numida.com 
  4. Dr. Rasha Rady, Co-founder & COO, Chefaa – Egypt | www.Chefaa.health
  5. Clement Owusu-Donkor, Founder & CEO, Aquantuo – Ghana | www.Aquantuo.com
  6. Alexander Odhiambo, Founder & CEO, Solutech Limited – Kenya | www.Solutech.co.ke
  7. Dr. Salma Bougarrani, Co-Founder & CEO, GREEN WATECH – Morocco | www.GreenWatech.com
  8. Mobolaji Ajayi, Founder & CEO, Purelife Pharmacy – Nigeria | www.PurelifePharmacy.ng
  9. Henri Ousmane Gueye, Co-founder & CEO, EYONE – Senegal | www.Eyone.net
  10. Maxima Nsimenta, Co-founder & CEO, LIVARA – Uganda | www.myLivara.com

The 2024 ABH Top 10 entrepreneurs were identified through a rigorous process involving multiple rounds of interviews and assessments. Starting from around 20,000 applications from all 54 African countries, the pool was narrowed to the Top 50 finalists. Following another selection round involving video call interviews with expert judges, ABH identified the Top 20 finalists who attended the Semi-Final in Cairo. At these Semi-Finals, the Top 10 finalists to receive their share of the $1.5 million USD grant were selected. These finalists represent eight nations: three from Egypt, the host country of the 2024 ABH Semi-Final, as well as entrepreneurs from Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is represented for the first time this year.

Their ventures span a diverse range of industries, including Agriculture, Education and Training, Financial Services, Health care, ICT, Logistics, Manufacturing and Retail. All the Top 10 finalists have been vetted through a due diligence process led by PlusVC (http://apo-opa.co/3XP16BA) and were selected after pitching their ventures to a panel of judges in front of a live audience.

We continue to see inspiring examples of innovation and resilience among the ABH finalists, and this year’s cohort is no different

Hosting the Semi-Final event in Cairo highlighted the city’s longstanding legacy in commerce, trade, and entrepreneurship. Known for its rich history, Egypt plays a critical role in promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the next generation of African business leaders.

“We chose Cairo as the location for this important stage of the competition because of its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and its strategic position in the African market,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Managing Director, Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes.

“The remarkable growth of Egypt’s entrepreneurial community is evident from our experience over the past six years at ABH. We have seen 34 Egyptian entrepreneurs progress through various stages of the competition, from the Top 50 to the Top 10, including two third prize winners, one second prize winner and one grand prize winner. These achievements, among others, underscore Egypt’s influence within the continent’s broader entrepreneurial landscape, and we are proud to showcase its significance,” she added.

The Semi-Final event featured an esteemed panel of judges, including Hasan Haider (http://apo-opa.co/3Y56zW8) Founder and Managing Partner at PlusVC (http://apo-opa.co/3XP16BA), Fatoumata Doro (http://apo-opa.co/3Y0Bjb0), Former Managing Director at Vlisco and Board Member at Ecobank, Dina el-Shenoufy (http://apo-opa.co/3zBJzow), Chief Investment Officer at Flat6Labs, and Simbarashe Mhungu (http://apo-opa.co/3XSP1eW), an Executive Director in Agriculture and Infrastructure Finance. The event, which attracted participants from across the continent also featured community-focused events. These included a networking cruise on the Nile, sponsored and co-hosted with The FutureList (http://apo-opa.co/4enP8pM), and a training session on building a future-proof business, led by industry experts with additional training from Alibaba Cloud. Other sponsors included Kamelizer Spaces (http://apo-opa.co/3TNPjCz), while partners such as Career180 (http://apo-opa.co/4eqs3Ti), Helm (http://apo-opa.co/3XKvNrF), Satguru (http://apo-opa.co/4eqs5KU), ALX Ventures (http://apo-opa.co/3Y1BeUt) and RiseUp Summit (http://apo-opa.co/3Y2mYL9) were also involved – highlighting the collaboration of key players from Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and beyond, all working together to support African entrepreneurs.

In a statement shared following the unveiling of the Top 10 at the Gala Dinner concluding the Semi-Final, Baitie-Boateng further noted, “We continue to see inspiring examples of innovation and resilience among the ABH finalists, and this year’s cohort is no different. These entrepreneurs have overcome significant challenges and are building businesses that contribute to their local economies and beyond.”

The Grand Finale and Summit in Kigali, Rwanda

The finalists will now compete for a share of the US$1.5 million prize at the Grand Finale, which is set to take place from December 3-5, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda.

The event, which will also be partially live-streamed, will bring together leading investors, business leaders, and innovators from across Africa. It will feature a variety of activities, including keynote speeches, workshops, an entrepreneurial showcase, and a live pitch competition, among other exciting sessions.

ABH has indicated that the 2024 Grand Finale will stay true to the initiative’s core values since its launch in 2019. Emphasizing its pan-African commitment, the event will spotlight inclusivity, sector-diversity, and grassroots innovation. This high-profile gathering will highlight entrepreneurs who are   addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges while driving sustainable economic growth across Africa.

Join the ABH Journey

The ABH community invites stakeholders, investors, and partners to stay engaged as the competition progresses. Registration for the Grand Finale and Summit in Kigali is now open. Visit www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org to learn more and be part of the journey towards identifying Africa’s Business Heroes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

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Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August, convening U.S. energy leaders ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

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

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

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IsDBI

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

 

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

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

 

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