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Applications Open for 2023 Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition

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Africa’s Business Heroes

Now in its fifth year, the competition offers a unique opportunity for African entrepreneurs to highlight their talent and make a bigger impact on the community through their businesses

KIGALI, Rwanda, March 6, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The “Africa’s Business Heroes” (ABH) (https://www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has launched its fifth annual edition and now calls for participation from Africa’s entrepreneurial talent.

ABH is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to helping support and foster an inclusive and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa. Every year since 2019, ABH conducts a continent-wide search with its partners for 10 outstanding, mission-driven entrepreneurs that are striving to make a difference in their local communities. Over a 10-year period, ABH will recognize a total of 100 African entrepreneurs.  

Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Head of Partnerships & Programs of ABH, said: “At ABH, we have long recognized the potential of entrepreneurs as engines of economic and social growth. Now in the fifth year of the competition, we are encouraged to see that ABH has grown into a truly Pan-African initiative that is positively impacting the continent’s entrepreneurship landscape. We are extremely impressed with the increasing diversity of our Heroes and how they’ve been taking tangible steps to solve some of Africa’s most challenging issues. We encourage entrepreneurs from all countries, especially those from smaller countries, to seize the opportunity of ABH 2023 to tell and inspire millions more with their unique stories.”

The ABH Prize Competition is Pan-African, inclusive, sector-agnostic and grassroots-oriented. Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every sector, gender and age group and all levels of society, are encouraged to submit their applications, in either English or French, for a chance to become one of the top 10 finalists to compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

At the Grand Finale to be held later this year, the 10 finalists will take the stage to present their businesses to a panel of legendary business people. The journey to the finale will also include access to a community of international business leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors and accelerators, as well as multi-disciplinary bootcamps and training sessions to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.

This year, ABH will be hosting in-person information sessions across the continent during the application period to facilitate the application process for interested entrepreneurs

Apart from grant, mentorship and networking opportunities, ABH creates a television show every year which follows the finalists of the previous year on their exciting journey to the Grand Finale, featuring their on-stage pitches as well as behind-the-scenes moments. The ABH Show aims to provide a masterclass in entrepreneurship, as audiences can see first-hand how Africa’s top entrepreneurs refined their final pitches and faced challenging questions from the judges. The upcoming edition of the ABH Show will be in shorter episodes, and released on ABH’s official YouTube channel (https://apo-opa.info/3ZfzhC1) and ABH’s social media platforms from March 2023 onwards. A combined longer version will be launched at CNBC, StarTimes and Vox Africa later this year.

To date, over 72,000 entrepreneurs across the continent have participated in the ABH Prize Competition. The 10 outstanding finalists for 2022 (https://apo-opa.info/3F0XjIZ) were chosen from over 21,000 applicants from 54 African countries, representing a broad spectrum of industries including agriculture, consulting, energy environmental protection, healthcare, information and communication technology (ICT), and retail.

Elia Timotheo, Founder and CEO of East Africa Fruits Co. and the 2022 ABH first prize winner, said: “My business represents my philosophy and my values, and I am thrilled that East Africa Fruits was recognized on the prestigious ABH platform. ABH has given homegrown African businesses like mine a tremendous opportunity to access learning and networking opportunities and benefit from media support. I hope that my story will inspire other entrepreneurs to feel that they too have the potential to make a difference and be part of ABH’s start-up community.”

Today, East Africa Fruits is the leading data and tech-driven food distribution company in Tanzania. The company serves more than 7,000 customers daily and works with more than 10,000 farmers from around the country, with a commitment to bridging the tech gap for smallholder farmers.

This year, ABH will be hosting in-person information sessions across the continent during the application period to facilitate the application process for interested entrepreneurs. Sessions will be held in Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda in partnership with various local entrepreneur organizations and ABH local connect leads. Details will be shared via ABH’s social media accounts and newsletter.

A pivotal part of ABH’s success is its wide-ranging partnerships with key ecosystem partners. As with previous years, ABH will be partnering with several organizations to drive the call for applications, support African entrepreneurs and to spotlight their inspiring work. The 2023 Anchor partners are  Afrilabs, RiseUp (https://RiseUp.co/), SA Innovation Summit (https://InnovationSummit.co.za/), The Room (https://www.TheRoom.com/) – an initiative of African Leadership Group and VC4A (https://VC4A.com/). Channel partners include African Management Institute (AMI) (https://www.AfricanManagers.org/), AfterSchool Africa (https://www.AfterSchoolAfrica.com/), Anzisha Prize (https://apo-opa.info/3IS4p3E), Briter Bridges (https://BriterBridges.com/), Disrupt Africa (https://Disrupt-Africa.com/), Haske Ventures (https://www.HaskeVentures.com/), Moroccan Center for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (MCISE) (http://www.MCISE.org/), MEST Africa (https://apo-opa.info/3IQVAXD), Pariti (https://www.Pariti.io/) and Seedstars (https://apo-opa.info/3ZKfoCV). For organizations interested in joining the ABH Partner network, sign up here (https://apo-opa.info/3SOKI1d).

Applications are now open online until May 12, 2023, with the top 50 candidates announced in July, semi-finalists announced in August and the top 10 finalists unveiled in September.

To apply and for more information about ABH 2023, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/41MUCo0 and follow ABH on Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3KY3OQs), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3L1Cgda), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3ylgNE9) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Hero

Business

PAC Capital Secures Four Major African Honours at the International Business Magazine Awards 2026

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With this latest milestone, PAC Capital continues to reinforce its standing as a premier African Investment Banking and Financial Advisory firm

These awards reflect the strength of our advisory model and our deliberate focus on value-driven deal structuring

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 7, 2026/APO Group/ –PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com) has been recognised with four prestigious continental awards by the International Business Magazine, further cementing its position as a leading force in investment banking and transaction advisory across Africa.

 

At the 2026 awards, the firm emerged as:

  • Excellence in Cross-Border Transactions Africa 2026
  • Best Investment Banking Firm Africa 2026
  • Best Deal Structuring & Advisory Firm Africa 2026
  • Financial Advisory Firm of the Year Africa 2026

These recognitions come on the heels of the firm’s 2025 honour as Best Transaction Advisory Firm Nigeria, underscoring a consistent trajectory of excellence, innovation, and strong execution across both domestic and cross-border mandates.

Over the years, PAC Capital has built a reputation for structuring and delivering complex, high-value transactions across multiple sectors and jurisdictions. From mergers and acquisitions to capital raising and bespoke financial advisory mandates, the investment banking arm of PAC Holdings continues to demonstrate deep technical expertise, strategic foresight, and an intimate understanding of the African business landscape. Its growing portfolio of cross-border transactions highlights its ability to navigate regulatory environments, manage multi-market stakeholders, and unlock sustainable value for clients operating within and beyond the continent.

Commenting on the achievement, Humphrey Oriakhi, Managing Director/CEO, PAC Capital, stated:

“We are honoured by this recognition from International Business Magazine. Receiving four continental awards in one year is a strong validation of our borderless capital solutions initiative, strategic direction, execution capability, and the trust our clients place in us. Cross-border transactions in Africa require resilience, precision, and deep market intelligence. Our team remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that enable businesses to scale, expand, and create long-term impact.”

Also speaking, Bolarinwa Sanni, Executive Director, PAC Capital, added:

“These awards reflect the strength of our advisory model and our deliberate focus on value-driven deal structuring. Every mandate we undertake is approached with rigor, creativity, and a clear understanding of our clients’ long-term objectives. As markets become increasingly interconnected, our role as a trusted transaction partner across Africa becomes even more critical.”

With this latest milestone, PAC Capital continues to reinforce its standing as a premier African Investment Banking and Financial Advisory firm—driven by excellence, defined by innovation, and committed to shaping transformative transactions across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PAC Capital Limited.

 

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Geolinks Joins African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 Amidst Rising Demand for Geophysical Solutions in Africa

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Energy Capital

African Mining Week will bring African mining projects together with geophysical technology providers like GeoLinks, fostering partnerships and deal-making to unlock the continent’s full geological potential

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 7, 2026/APO Group/ –Geophysical monitoring technology company Geolinks has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town – as a bronze sponsor. The company’s participation reinforces its strategy to expand its footprint in Africa’s burgeoning mining sector as the continent unlocks its $8.5 trillion worth of untapped resources for GDP growth.

 

In addition, Geolinks’ sponsorship aligns with a broader strategy announced by the French government in early 2026 aimed at scaling the participation of French companies in Africa’s strategic industries, including mining and energy.

https://apo-opa.co/4mfvosX

Supported by several French innovation and investment institutions – including the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Bpifrance, Réseau Entreprendre Essonne, the Île-de-France Paris Region, the Avenia French Geosciences Cluster and EVOLEN’s open innovation platform – Geolinks is establishing its presence in Africa, deploying two pilots of its technology in Southern Africa and South Africa

https://apo-opa.co/4txwMtB

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is seeking partners to unlock its untapped mineral potential estimated at $24 trillion, while Ghana is implementing a national geomapping program to expand its critical minerals portfolio and strengthen its position as Africa’s largest gold producer. Other countries including Liberia, Burundi, Tanzania and Botswana are also intensifying geophysical surveys to support mining sector growth and diversification. These programs highlight the critical role companies such as Geolinks will play in supporting the sustainable growth of Africa’s mining industry.

The company’s technology focuses on monitoring underground fluid dynamics and geological structures, supporting risk prevention and operational safety in mining operations, particularly in tailings dams.

During AMW 2026, Geolinks executives will participate in high-level panel discussions, networking sessions and technology showcases, engaging with African project developers and regulators while exploring partnership opportunities that could help advance exploration, improve safety and accelerate sustainable mining project development across the continent.

 

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

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Afreximbank to avail US$10 billion under its Gulf Crisis Response Programme (GCRP) to shield African and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) economies from the ongoing conflict

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Afreximbank

Through GCRP, Afreximbank has already begun taking proactive steps through partnerships with banks and corporates to secure fuel, other energy supplies, fertilizers and essential food imports

CAIRO, Egypt, April 7, 2026/APO Group/ –To counter the severe economic shocks triggered by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has approved a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme (GCRP) to insulate African and Caribbean economies, financial institutions and corporates from the impact of the ongoing Gulf crisis.

The conflict, which escalated on 28 February 2026, has sent shockwaves through the global economy, with African and Caribbean economies bearing the largest share of the brunt. Given the significance of the Gulf region as a primary global source of oil, Liquid Nitrogen Gas (LNG), fertilisers, as well as the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz, the outbreak has triggered wider repercussions at a global scale, including adversely affecting African and CARICOM economies. These impacts specifically affect nations that heavily rely on fuel, fertiliser, and food imports, alongside those exposed to Gulf shipping corridors, investment flows, tourism and remittance inflows.

GCRP is designed to, among others   sustain essential imports – including fuel, LNG, food, fertiliser, pharmaceuticals – by providing vital short-term Foreign Exchange (FX) and liquidity to support vulnerable member states. It further aims to empower African energy and minerals exporters to capitalise on elevated prices and rerouted trade flows, by scaling productive capacity in strategic commodities, through pre-export finance, working capital, and inventory financing. Additionally, it provides short term relief to African and Caribbean member states whose tourism and aviation industries have been adversely impacted by the crisis. The programme is also designed to build the medium to long-term resilience of African and Caribbean economies against future shocks by scaling productive capacities for producers and exporters of energy, minerals while accelerating the completion of critical energy, port, and logistics infrastructure projects in African and Caribbean member states, delayed by the conflict.

Commenting on the facility, launched on March 31, 2026, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank said: “This crisis response programme is in tune with our DNA. We understand how our economies work and the pain points associated with these transitory crises. The programme will support African countries in adjusting smoothly to the crisis while strengthening their resilience to future shocks through interventions that transform the structure of their economies. I commend the Board of Directors of Afreximbank for their proactivity and fortitude in approving this intervention programme.”

I commend the Board of Directors of Afreximbank for their proactivity and fortitude in approving this intervention programme

 

The GCRP builds on a series of timely emergency interventions introduced by Afreximbank in recent years, which have helped to cushion most economies from the impact of recent shocks such as the commodity shock of 2015/16, the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020/2021 and the Ukraine crisis of 2023/24. For instance, the Bank launched a US$4 billion Ukraine Crisis Adjustment Trade Financing Programme for Africa (UKAFPA) to help African countries confront the trade and economic impact of the Ukraine crisis. Under this programme, the Bank disbursed a total of US$39 billion which helped most countries in Africa to bridge gaps associated with liquidity or access to essential goods.

 

These historical interventions underscore Afreximbank’s ability to deploy robust and innovative risk-mitigation frameworks to help its member states navigate global volatility, with a successful track record.

 

Through GCRP, Afreximbank has already begun taking proactive steps through partnerships with banks and corporates to secure fuel, other energy supplies, fertilizers and essential food imports, which supplies have been interrupted by the elongation of the crisis. Beyond the financing, Afreximbank will spearhead a coordinated regional response in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat to strengthen regional coordination on energy security, trade resilience, and supply chain diversification.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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