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Africa’s Insurance Leaders Shape a Resilient Future at the 10th Continental Reinsurance CEO Summit in Cape Town

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Reinsurance CEO Summit

Held under the theme “Africa in Action,” the two-day Summit convened over 100 insurance executives, regulators, and thought leaders from across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2025/APO Group/ –The 10th edition of the Continental Reinsurance CEO Summit (www.Continental-Re.com) concluded in Cape Town with a powerful call to action for African insurance leaders: embrace innovation, cultivate adaptive leadership, and drive regional collaboration to future-proof the industry.

Held under the theme “Africa in Action,” the two-day Summit convened over 100 insurance executives, regulators, and thought leaders from across the continent for strategic dialogue and forward-looking reflection. This year’s gathering also marked a significant milestone — Continental Reinsurance’s 40th anniversary — celebrating four decades of commitment to risk management, capacity development, and pan-African resilience.

In his opening remarks, Lawrence Nazare, Group CEO of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, highlighted the urgent need for inclusive partnerships and agile leadership in navigating today’s socio-political and environmental volatility.

“Leadership in African insurance requires partnership. We must define guidelines that enable us to cope with the various changes taking place in our societies,” he said, urging the industry to turn challenges into collective opportunity.

A key focus of the Summit was the transformational potential of artificial intelligence (AI). William Mzimba, former CEO of Accenture and Vodacom, demonstrated how AI can accelerate product design by creating a tailored construction insurance solution for Nigeria in under five minutes. He cautioned, however, that the goal should be collaboration between humans and machines, not replacement. “We need to build a workforce that combines human empathy with AI-driven efficiency,” Mzimba emphasized.

A real-time poll at the Summit revealed that 61% of CEOs were open to using AI in underwriting, though 41% had not yet implemented it, reflecting both optimism and a measured pace of adoption.

Regulators from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe echoed the call for innovation. Godfrey Kiptum, Commissioner of Insurance (Kenya), stressed the importance of inclusive innovation to avoid deepening the digital divide. Nigeria’s Olusegun Omosehin called for agility in the face of geopolitical disruptions, while Uganda’s Alhaj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega and Zimbabwe’s Dr. Grace Muradzikwa emphasized climate-responsive regulation and harmonized standards across African markets.

Nyimpini Mabunda, former CEO of General Electric Africa, urged CEOs to evolve beyond conventional leadership models. “The traditional CEO playbook is outdated. Innovation isn’t a department—it’s a culture,” he said, advocating for purpose-driven leadership grounded in African realities.

Another key session addressed the transition to risk-based capital (RBC) frameworks. Led by David Kirk, MD of Milliman Africa, with inputs from Jooste Steynberg of the South African Reserve Bank and Cedric Maxwell, Group Chief Risk Officer at Continental Re, the panel underscored the need for a phased, pragmatic approach to RBC compliance that safeguards both growth and policyholder protection.

As the Summit wrapped up, the message was clear: Adapt. Collaborate. Lead. The African insurance industry must position itself not only as a stabilizer but as a catalyst for the continent’s digital and economic evolution.

We must define guidelines that enable us to cope with the various changes taking place in our societies

Journalists Honoured for Excellence in Re/Insurance Reporting

The Summit also served as the backdrop for the 10th edition of the Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, which celebrated journalistic excellence in insurance reporting across the continent.

This year’s competition saw a record 150+ entries from 19 African countries, a 29% increase from the previous year, reflecting growing interest and depth in re/insurance storytelling across Anglophone, Francophone, and Arabic media.

Patrick Alushula of Nation Media Group (Kenya) was named overall winner and clinched the English Print category for his comprehensive article on cybercrime risks in Kenya and the rising adoption of cyber insurance. His work was lauded for its clarity, depth, and contribution to public understanding of cybersecurity and risk management.

Commenting on the Awards, Lawrence Nazare stated:
“The 2025 awards mark a decade of celebrating journalistic talent and excellence within the re/insurance industry. This milestone reinforces our commitment to quality reporting and to elevating the understanding of insurance across the continent.”

Winners by Category:

English Broadcast
• Winner: Blessing Ifechukwude – Voice of Nigeria (Nigeria)
• 1st Runner-Up: Destiny Onyemihia – Voice of Nigeria (Nigeria)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman – EIB Network (Ghana)

English Print
• Winner: Patrick Alushula – Nation Media Group (Kenya)
• 1st Runner-Up: Isaac Khisa – The Independent (Uganda)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Nanjinia Wamuswa – The Standard Group (Kenya)

English Online
• Winner: Okello Jesus Ojala – TND News (Uganda)
• 1st Runner-Up: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi – New Vision (Uganda)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Etornam Agbemor – Pent Media Centre (Ghana)

French (Broadcast/Print/Online)
• Winner: RABO Oumarou – Les Editions Sidwaya (Burkina Faso)
• 1st Runner-Up: Ghassan Waïl El Karmouni – Medias24 (Morocco)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Bahwa Ferdinand – Le Journal.Africa (Burundi)

Arabic (Broadcast/Print/Online)
• Winner: Eslam Sherif – Almal (Egypt)
• 1st Runner-Up: Ibraheem Issa – Almal (Egypt)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Mohamed Azab Tawfik – Alborsa Newspaper (Egypt)

Dr. Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award
• Winner: Ayele Addis Ambelu – Africa News Channel (Ethiopia)
His piece traced the evolution of Ethiopia’s insurance industry from 1905 to the present, offering a thoughtful analysis of its modern-day challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Continental Reinsurance

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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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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