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Beijing E-Town Creates a Hub for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing Industries

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Beijing E-Town

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2024 – On August 21, the highly anticipated World Robot Conference 2024 (WRC 2024) grandly opened at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition & Convention Center, once again drawing global attention to the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town). As the main hub for high-end industries in the capital, Beijing E-Town has fully utilized the platform of WRC to promote the integration of production and conferences, meticulously planning industry connections and project promotions, and conducting in-depth industry forums, visits, exchanges, and project roadshows to facilitate more technological innovation achievements in the development area.

By the second day of the conference, Beijing E-Town had signed a total of 22 key projects, primarily covering two major sectors: the embodied intelligence ecosystem and components + intelligent manufacturing, further enhancing its role as a gravitational field for the robotics and intelligent manufacturing industries.

As the permanent venue of the World Robot Conference, Beijing E-Town has taken this opportunity to deeply engage in the conference, fully showcasing its strength and appeal as the primary hub for high-end industries in the capital. Zhang Qiang, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), and Kong Lei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Administrative Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), led teams to meet face-to-face with over ten well-known robot manufacturing companies, international organizations, investment institutions, and scientists from various countries and regions. They listened attentively, investigated the development status of the artificial intelligence industry, and introduced in detail the development and policy situation of Beijing and Beijing E-Town’s AI industry, aligning resource needs, demonstrating sincerity, and seeking cooperation.

Zhang Qiang introduced to the enterprises that Beijing, as the region with the highest density of AI talent, the best innovation foundation, the most complete key links, the largest industry scale, and the strongest competitiveness in the country, has achieved a series of nationally and globally pioneering technological achievements. As a trailblazer for high-quality development in the new era and a “ballast stone” for the capital’s real economy, Beijing E-Town is deeply implementing the national “AI+” strategy and the decisions and deployments of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government. It positions artificial intelligence as a key engine to vigorously advance the development of new-quality productive forces, fully leveraging its innovative resource advantages to plan and cultivate an AI industry aligned with the industrial system, strongly supporting the construction of Beijing as an international center for technological innovation and the innovative development of future industries.

Kong Lei explained that Beijing E-Town is vigorously building an innovative system that spans from algorithm breakthroughs and model development to scenario creation and industrial transformation, constructing a city of artificial intelligence for the future. The first batch of ten benchmark application scenarios, including “AI + humanoid robots,” is under construction. Here, centered around “large models + big data + massive computing power,” support is provided for building the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Data Training Base to solidify the foundation of the AI industry. Currently, 5000P high-performance intelligent computing power has been put into use, with a planned computing power scale exceeding 10,000P. Relying on the data aggregation platform, a high-quality data zone is being constructed, implementing a “regulatory sandbox” mechanism for data compliance and scenario application for large model training, providing a secure and trustworthy application training environment. Additionally, the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Data Training Base has been established to help large models develop the “strongest brain.”

At the “Embodied Intelligence Industry Trends and Future Development Forum” held on August 22 during the WRC 2024, Beijing E-Town signed agreements with eight companies, including the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center, Beijing Chietcom Transmission Technology Co., Ltd., and Beijing Ant Non-standard Technology Co., Ltd., for projects involving a “national-level” embodied intelligence innovation platform that addresses common industry issues, a domestically leading flexible and agile manufacturing service for industrial components to supplement the synergy of high-end manufacturing industries, and the independently developed high-precision reducers that achieve domestic substitution. With this, Beijing E-Town has signed a total of 22 key projects during this year’s robot conference.

With its official renaming from “Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center” to “Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center” (referred to as the Innovation Center), the national-level embodied intelligence innovation platform will accelerate its development in Beijing E-Town. “In November 2023, with support from the Beijing Municipal Government and attraction from Beijing E-Town, as the first innovation center in China focusing on the core technologies, product development, and application ecosystem of humanoid robots, we registered and settled in E-Town. In April this year, we also launched China’s first general-purpose robot platform, ‘Tiangong,’ achieving the world’s first humanoid running with a full-sized pure electric humanoid robot,” said Xiong Youjun, General Manager of the Innovation Center. “Next, we will focus on tackling major projects in response to the urgent needs of national strategic priorities, creating the world’s first general humanoid robot ‘hardware mother platform’ and the first large model + open-source motion control system ‘software mother platform.’ This will support the development of bodies for multiple application fields, solve ‘bottleneck’ problems that restrict industrial development, lead the high-quality development of China’s robotics industry, and enhance its global competitiveness.”

Seizing the opportunities in the development of embodied intelligent robots, Beijing E-Town has also attracted a number of embodied intelligence ecosystem enterprises, including projects like IAT’s AI.X Lab. Additionally, in the components + intelligent manufacturing sector, Beijing E-Town shows a high-end layout in cutting-edge fields, whether by promoting investment expansion or introducing new partners. Chietcom, which has been established in Beijing E-Town for six years, plans to invest 300 million yuan to build its headquarters, an industrial and humanoid robot high-precision reducer technology research and development center, and an intelligent manufacturing production line. The aim is to establish a globally leading engineering test platform and comprehensive testing platform, aspiring to become a leading R&D and manufacturing center and innovation hub for high-precision reducers for industrial and humanoid robots in China. The Ant Factory, a leading domestic provider of flexible and agile manufacturing services for industrial components, will invest in building a 40,000-square-meter advanced manufacturing base in Beijing E-Town. By 2025, it is expected to establish local service capabilities, significantly reducing the time for local enterprises to process component designs.

Meanwhile, leveraging its spatial carrying advantages, Beijing E-Town Robot Technology Industry Development Co., Ltd., as a platform company, has signed five projects on-site, including the Ti5 humanoid robot project and the Neurocean’s “Dexterous Hand” project, which will be located in the Beijing Robot Industry Park at Courtyard 3, Jinghai 5th Road, Beijing E-Town.

As the permanent venue for the World Robot Conference, Beijing E-Town has formed the “44637” development system, which is guided by four national strategies, consolidates and strengthens four leading industries, comprehensively deploys six future industries, enhances three integrated empowerments, and builds seven supporting systems. Among these, the output value of the robotics and intelligent manufacturing industries is nearly 100 billion yuan. An official from the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area stated, “With the landing of a new batch of key projects, innovation resources and industry chain support have been further improved, accelerating the gathering of international talents, technology, capital, and other industrial cluster elements. Using the conference as a medium, Beijing E-Town will accelerate the breakthrough development of the robotics and intelligent manufacturing industries, positioning more new-quality productive forces for future industrial layouts.”

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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