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Appletree Digital Commerce Launches ‘Take One Million African Traders Online’ Movement

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Appletree Digital Commerce

Appletree Digital Commerce has partnered with technical partners that are market leaders in their sectors from around the world to create a digital ecosystem

HARARE, Zimbabwe, June 16, 2022/APO Group/ — 

E-Commerce company Appletree Digital Commerce (www.AppleTreepayments.com), today unveiled the Taking One Million African Traders Online Movement (TOMATO)- its innovative solution to the lack of opportunities for the youth across Africa.

Nigel Daura, MD Appletree Digital Commerce

Mr. Nigel Daura, Managing Director of Appletree Digital Commerce, said: “We came across some alarming statistics which inspired us to think differently about how we could provide practical solutions to help young Africans to realise their entrepreneurial potential.

According to The African Development Bank’s – The High 5 Jobs for Youth in Africa paper; Africa is home to 1.2 billion people while 36 out of the world’s 40 youngest countries, are in Africa. Of the 1.2 billion people living in Africa; 420 million are youths aged between 15 and 35. The continent’s youth population is projected to double and to be over 850 million by 2050. In addition it is projected that 10 – 12 million youth enter the workforce each year.

While the existing business models can’t sustain the projected growth in Africa’s young population the internet offers a vast number of opportunities which we can gainfully exploit. There are only 3 million formal jobs created annually – showing the need to teach Young Africans to think entrepreneurially and take firm and deliberate steps to support small businesses.

According to The World Bank in its  Exploring the Relationship between Broadband and Economic Growth paper; growth follows the internet; and studies reveal that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita growth is 2.7 to 3.9 percent higher after the introduction of broadband. In developing nations, a 10-percentage point increase in broadband reach, translates to a 1.35 % increase in GDP. Where it doesn’t create whole new businesses, broadband connectivity can lower costs and increase returns.

The prizes on offer : The Grand Prize-A house in Harare’s Premier Location

It is to try and plug some of these challenges and offer solutions that TOMATO has come into being today

In response to this; Appletree Digital Commerce has partnered with technical partners that are market leaders in their sectors from around the world to create a digital ecosystem with which they aim to Take at least One Million African Traders (SME Retailers) Online. They estimate that for an SME to setup an e-commerce solution that will actually deliver results it will cost about USD 5,000. Most African SME’s cannot afford that; so it is in that light that they have set an ambitious goal to raise USD5 Billion, within the next 10 years to allow them to give 1 million African SME’s USD5,000 grants in the form of e-commerce solutions.

As a first step, with the co-operation of Zimbabwean selfless individuals and businesses that support the vision; they have put together “The Africa’s Best Jobs Crowdfund Prize Draw” (www.Tomato.africa) whose goal is to raise USD 263 Million while at the same time creating opportunities for 38 lucky individuals which will be life changing.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the European Commission have indicated that  the African e-commerce market could benefit by around $14.5 billion if the number of women selling on online platforms achieves parity with men. Through additional training and financial support for female sellers; the sector would expand.

“It is to try and plug some of these challenges and offer solutions that TOMATO has come into being today,” said Nigel Daura.

Inside Apartment

THE GRAND PRIZE IS MADE UP OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • Fully Furnished Home in the Exclusive Section of Harare’s #1 Postcode
  • An 11 Bedroomed Guest Lodge with Restaurants + USD 250k Working Capital
  • Brand New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
  • Brand New Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab
  • Low Mileage Yellow Lamborghini Gallardo

THERE ARE 37 MILESTONE PRIZES:

  • Brand New Fully Furnished Apartment in an Upmarket Cluster Development
  • Brand New Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab
  • USD 25k Salary for a year working for Appletree Digital Commerce learning about E-commerce
  • USD 25k Capital to setup own e-commerce business

For every USD 20 contributed to the Crowdfund the contributor will be rewarded with 4 MP3’s Hit Songs by Local Artists Tafadzwa, Mwenje Mathole and Masa Caroleen + an Entry into the Draw. 

For complete details, please visit https://www.Tomato.africa/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Apple Tree Digital Commerce.

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Not Just a Sporting Event, but Also a Technological Test: Insights into the World’s First Human-Robot Co-Run Marathon

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April 10, 2025

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E-Town

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – A scene even science fiction has yet to depict—humans and humanoid robots running side by side in a half-marathon — will become reality on ​April 13 in Beijing E-Town. Every spring, marathons sprout across China like bamboo shoots after rain. In Beijing, the world’s only “Dual Olympic City” and a global hub for science and innovation, the ​2025 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, scheduled for ​April 13, will pioneer a “sports + technology” format. For the first time, humanoid robots will register alongside human runners, start simultaneously, and share the 21.0975-kilometer course in an unprecedented fusion of innovation.

Li Quan, Member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Beijing E-Town, revealed that the event has already attracted over ​30,000 human applicants. On the robotics front, global humanoid robot companies, research institutes, robotics clubs, universities, and other innovators have shown immense enthusiasm, with registration numbers soaring.

Notably, to ensure safety, ​physical barriers will separate human and robot runners, with distinct race rules and completion time standards. Yet this groundbreaking human-robot collaboration undeniably signals a bold leap for “technology stepping into reality.”

During a visit to training facilities, reporters observed teams racing against time to upgrade robotic components and intelligence levels, tackling technical challenges to enhance mobility. Some competing robots now reach a ​top speed of 12 km/h. To mitigate the physical strain of road running, some models have added shock-absorbing mechanisms, while others wear customized running shoes.

Liang Liang, Deputy Director of the Beijing E-Town Administrative Committee, explained that as the event is a ​global first with no prior experience or data to reference, both logistics and participants face significant hurdles. To support the robots, organizers have deployed dedicated support vehicles and robotic aid stations. Additionally, they are working closely with each team to refine technology, troubleshoot functions, and achieve developmental goals through pre-race collaboration.

At the ​2024 Paris Olympics, artificial intelligence revolutionized real-time data monitoring, 3D motion capture, and referee decision-making—boosting athlete training efficiency and competitive fairness while showcasing how technology elevates life’s value.

The upcoming human-robot “half-marathon” collaboration represents a ​new frontier where the humanoid robotics industry intersects with humanity, sports, and endurance challenges. Industry experts note that half-marathons strike an ideal balance between “challenge and accessibility”: the event’s low entry barrier contrasts with its rigorous test of physical stamina and mental resilience, culminating in profound personal achievement. By completing the same course, humanoid robots aim to validate industrial progress and refine human-centric technologies.

“This isn’t just a sports competition—it’s a ​stress test for technological breakthroughs and industrial growth,” asserted Xiong Youjun, CEO of the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center.

A participating robotics executive stated that “marathon-running robots” could accelerate technical maturity, spur industry standards, and drive innovation. On one front, the effort pushes upgrades in high-torque motors, flexible joints, and wear-resistant materials. On another, running’s demand for full-body coordination forces tighter integration of hardware-software systems and deeper partnerships between manufacturers and AI algorithm firms.

These advances promise to unlock ​transformative applications: deploying humanoid robots in disaster relief, long-range inspections, hazardous operations, smart manufacturing, and even elderly home care. As capabilities grow, such robots could also serve as AI training partners for elite athletes, “giving back” to sports development.

Industry experts emphasize that humanoid robots—comprising thousands of components—still face significant hurdles in maintaining stable, prolonged running.

Xiong Youjun explained, “Real-world road conditions differ vastly from lab environments.” To complete the race, robots require ​high-density integrated joints and bodies capable of enduring long distances with efficient heat dissipation. Second, precise coordination of all joints is critical for running, positioning, and dynamic obstacle avoidance—a test of core algorithm development and adaptability. Third, the marathon’s demands on stability, reliability, and battery life are immense, with slopes, turns, and uneven terrain pushing machine performance to its limits.

Given ​persistent technical challenges requiring breakthroughs in industrial development, alongside the disruptive impact of complex outdoor environments on robotic operations, current capabilities allow robots to run alongside humans but not truly compete with them. Thus, this event functions more as an ​industry dialogue and a ​robotic stress test than a traditional race.

For human participants and spectators, sharing the track with robots offers sensory thrills and intellectual expansion. These benefits are concrete: the “constructive interplay” between technology and society clarifies the boundaries of human-robot collaboration, reinforces the principle of “technology for humanity,” and accelerates the shift from ​coexistence to ​co-prosperity.

“As the essence of this event, humanoid robots ‘running marathons’ symbolize humanity’s imagination and dreams in motion—that’s the ultimate highlight,” said Li Quan. “Regardless of rankings or speed, the footprints left by these robots at the finish line hold greater value than any medal. The 21-kilometer course will end, but our quest for human-robot synergy never will.”

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Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to Speak at Mining in Motion Conference

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April 9, 2025

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Mining in Motion will feature Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in high-level panel discussions on trends and opportunities within the gold mining sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Mining in Motion 2025 Summit is pleased to announce the participation of Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana as a keynote speaker.

Held under the theme Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact, the summit brings together Ghana’s policymakers, gold mining stakeholders and international investors to explore strategies for unlocking Ghana’s full mining potential.

Minister Buah’s participation will be instrumental in highlighting opportunities across Ghana’s gold mining value chain, discussing regulatory reforms designed to attract new investments and promoting local content development. The event will showcase Ghana’s initiatives to formalize and strengthen the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.

Under the leadership of Hon. Bauh, Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has driven the growth of the ASGM sector and its contribution to economic growth and community development. The sector employs over one million people and has generated $5 billion in gold export revenue in 2024, strengthening the mining sector’s contribution to revenue generation.

In partnership with the World Bank, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is implementing the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project to empower District Mining Committees and formalize the ASGM sector. Additionally, Ghana is establishing a Gold Board to improve access to finance and markets for small-scale miners. The Cooperative Mining Policy of 2024 further strengthens the sector by fostering community mining cooperatives and enhancing their technical and financial capacity.

Minister Buah will use the summit as a platform to position Ghana as a model for ASGM formalization and sustainable sector growth. Beyond panel discussions, he will also participate in exclusive networking sessions and high-level meetings with global investors, exploration and production firms, government representatives and key mining stakeholders. These engagements will facilitate deal signings and partnerships aimed at accelerating the expansion of Ghana’s mining sector.

Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting ASGM and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting www.MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power

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South Africa Approves Renewable Energy Masterplan, Targeting Enhanced Energy Security

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April 9, 2025

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African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 will examine the impact the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan will have on the country’s power generation landscape

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2025/APO Group/ –The South African Cabinet has approved the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) for implementation, targeting energy security and broader industrial growth. The plan seeks to address challenges associated with local capacity, infrastructure and investment by providing a roadmap for developing renewable energy and battery storage technologies. For investors, the plan identifies a clear pathway to advancing power projects as South African electricity demand is expected to rise two-fold by 2040.

The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 – taking place September 29 to October 3 – will examine the impact the SAREM will have on the country’s energy mix. Uniting African government and policymakers with energy operators and investors, the event seeks to drive investment in African energy, in alignment with broader goals of making energy poverty history.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

South Africa targets ambitious growth across its renewable energy market, striving to strengthen grid resilience through large-scale investments in generation and transmission infrastructure. Led by policies such as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) – revised in 2023 – the country envisages 29.5 GW of new capacity by 2030. Of this, 14.4 GW will be derived from wind while 6 GW comes from solar. The latest procurement round of the IRP targets 6.8 GW of renewable energy, 3 GW of natural gas and 1.5 GW of coal.

To realize these goals, the SAREM aims to leverage rising demand for renewable energy and storage technologies, with a focus on solar, wind, lithium-ion battery and vanadium-based battery technologies to drive industrial development in South Africa. The masterplan is anchored on four primary areas: supporting local demand for renewable energy and storage by unlocking system readiness; driving industrial development by building renewable energy and battery storage value chains; fostering inclusive development by driving transformation of the industry; and building local capabilities in terms of skills and technological innovation.

The SAREM is expected to fuel the already-growing South African renewable energy market. According to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2025 Outlook, South Africa – alongside Egypt – is expected to continue leading Africa’s power generation in 2025. The continent has over 500 GW of renewable energy capacity in concept phase, 80% of which are in the North African region and South Africa. South Africa is also one of several countries leading in nuclear-based power generation. The SAREM will support growth by facilitating partnerships across the value chain, implementing targeted training programs while addressing challenges associated with regulatory barriers. While the SAREM provides significant benefits to the renewable energy landscape, Cabinet has directed that additional work be done on the masterplan to incentivize investors to fund projects. This includes the development of green hydrogen to meet international obligations of 5% blended fuel in aviation and maritime sectors by 2030.

During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, a multi-track program will explore how policies such as the SAREM will shape Africa’s energy landscape. A dedicated Energy Transition stage will investigate Africa’s strategic approach to driving a just transition, tackling key topics including Energy Security in Africa; Driving Local Value; Scaling-up Renewable Energy; and many more. A Powering Africa stage will address fundamental challenges and opportunities surrounding Africa’s electricity market. For South Africa, panel discussions on Bridging the Electricity Gap; Energy Efficiency; Strengthening Public and Private Sector Collaboration; Energy Diversification, and more, will identify opportunities for investors and project developers. Meanwhile, an Invest in African Energies: Country Spotlight on South Africa will examine the country’s energy landscape, including the advancement of oil and gas projects and the implementation of utility-scale renewable energy projects. From green hydrogen adoption to battery storage solutions to solar, wind and natural gas, the spotlight will explore the role an integrated energy mix will have on the country’s energy future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber

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