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Africa’s Business Heroes Calls for Attendance at Its Grand Finale and 5th Anniversary Summit, Introduces ABH 100

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Africa’s Business Heroes

Every year since 2019, ABH has conducted a continent-wide search with its partners for the most talented and mission-driven entrepreneurs that are driving growth and positive impact in their communities

KIGALI, Rwanda, November 14, 2023/APO Group/ —

The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) Prize Competition is excited to announce the upcoming ABH Summit and Grand Finale, set to take place on November 23-24, 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda. ABH is calling for participation from entrepreneurial ecosystem players and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Africa to gain inspiration and practical insights, as well as witness ABH’s top 10 heroes of this year’s edition battle it out to be crowned the 2023 Africa’s Business Heroes winner.

ABH is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. Every year since 2019, ABH has conducted a continent-wide search with its partners for the most talented and mission-driven entrepreneurs that are driving growth and positive impact in their communities. It features 50 African entrepreneur finalists each year as they pitch their business to compete for the final prize and gain unparalleled mentoring, networking, training, and exposure. Over a 10-years, ABH will recognize 100 outstanding African entrepreneurs. 

The 2023 ABH Summit and Grand Finale, which marks the 5th anniversary of the ABH prize competition program, will bring together a diverse array of African entrepreneurial ecosystem players and aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a platform for networking, learning and awarding of the 2023 ABH winners. It will be a dynamic and engaging event featuring industry thought leaders, global business legends, renowned stage performers and influencers from across the African continent. Already, the event is attracting a lot of interest, with its audience currently numbering thousands of registered individuals hailing from around 100 countries, including media and influencers from over 30 African countries.

The theme for this year’s summit will be: “AI: African Insight, Innovation, Impact.” As a highlight of the two-day event, the top 10 finalists of this year’s ABH Prize Competition will take the stage at the ABH Grand Finale on November 24 to pitch their innovative business ideas face-to-face to global business legends, vying for their share of US$1.5 million in grant money. This year’s ABH top 10 entrepreneurs were selected from an impressive pool of 27,267 applications from all 54 African nations. All the action of the ABH Grand Finale will take place on the biggest augmented reality-enhanced stage that Africa has ever seen. 

The distinguished ABH Grand Finale judges this year include:

For the last five years, ABH has been a steward of Africa’s entrepreneurial excellence, and this year’s finale will be the stage for the pan-African entrepreneur ecosystem to shine

  • Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali
  • Ibukun Awosika, Founder of The Chair Centre Group
  • Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group

The summit, to be held on November 23-24, will boast a speaker lineup of over 50 successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople from various cultures and backgrounds. Among other prominent personalities, the speakers include Georgie Ndirangu, Head of Pan-African Program Communications at Mastercard Foundation; Natalie Jabangwe, Group Digital Executive Officer of Sanlam; Ade Bajomo, President of FinTechNGR; as well as many of ABH’s past heroes. Attendees will have the chance to learn and be inspired by these industry leaders and visionaries through a series of keynotes, workshops and thought-provoking discussions. 

Throughout the event, attendees can participate in a selection of interactive sessions designed to foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration among like-minded individuals. 

“The Africa’s Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali promises to be an amazing showcase of AI: African insight, innovation and impact. For the last five years, ABH has been a steward of Africa’s entrepreneurial excellence, and this year’s finale will be the stage for the pan-African entrepreneur ecosystem to shine. We extend a warm invitation to join us in supporting this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes as they lead the way toward a brighter future for the continent,” says Jason Pau, Executive Director of International Programs at the Jack Ma Foundation

In addition to the Grand Finale and Summit, this year, ABH is introducing “ABH 100” to honor individuals who have supported ABH’s cause in their respective capacities over the five editions so far. ABH knows that the tireless efforts the ABH 100 – including but not limited to those who have volunteered over 15,000 hours in the judging processes – put in to support entrepreneurship in Africa have had an amazing impact on both the competition and the exciting and steadily growing start-up ecosystem that it has cultivated.

ABH invites current and aspiring entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to participate in this year’s ABH Summit and Grand Finale. Interested individuals can register now (https://apo-opa.co/3QT9MEN) to secure a seat to attend the event live in Kigali, Rwanda. Attendance is by registration, and admission to the physical event is free on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity. People outside of Rwanda can also register here (https://apo-opa.co/3QT9MEN) to watch the Grand Finale live online in English. 

Africa’s Business Heroes invites the continent to celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation and the future of African business together. Register now and be a part of this momentous event.

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

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Business

Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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