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BMW Designworks Helped Bring the Fast-Paced and Sporty Motorsport Lifestyle Alive in TECNO Spark 9 Pro Sport Edition

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TECNO

Designers from this innovation studio of the BMW Group recently shared how design language differentiates this new smartphone – TECNO SPARK 9 Pro Sport Edition, and how key elements highlight the personality of its young users

HONG KONG, Hong Kong, October 19, 2022/APO Group/ — 

TECNO (www.TECNO-Mobile.com), a stylish and fashionable tech brand, recently released another masterpiece that furthers its efforts on its fashion tech brand path – the SPARK 9 Pro Sport Edition designed by Designworks, a BMW group company.

With its dynamic and distinctive design, as well as its vibrant color palette, the SPARK 9 Pro Sport Edition became an instant hit among the young and passionate trend-setters who always seek to show their unique personality and style to elevate themselves from the crowd.

Thanks to BMW Designworks’ future-oriented design, new elements of cross-industry design collide in this phone and are reflected in its colors, materials and finishes. Combining the design language of vitality and strength, as well as first-class automobile design experience, the Sport Edition was built to be an icon of young and trendy culture, while also providing sheer selfie pleasure and extraordinary user experience with its 32MP front camera, MediaTek Helio G85 chipset and the 6.6″ 1080P Full HD large screen.

“Working together with a company like TECNO is inspiring because it gives us the opportunity to focus on another user experience – the smartphone –  that has become essential to our everyday lives, and is now so embedded in, and connected to our mobility infrastructure.” said Andre De Salis, Creative Director, Industrial Design at Designworks.

Meeting Yearn For Speed With Future-Oriented Philosophy

Central to BMW Designworks’ philosophy in this design task is to predict the future by creating it. Based on Andre De Salis’ insight into the current state of society and young people, nowadays the youth generation are active and on the move as the world rapidly changes, “It’s much like the fast-paced and sporty motorsport lifestyle. ” He said.

To meet the needs of the youth even the impulse that they themselves may not even be aware of, the Designworks creatives designed the Sport Edition with a look that reflects today’s changeable and flexible consumers, and their quest for change and speed, or rather efficiency.

“Crisp edges and dynamic angles give the appearance of speed and sportiness – creating an energetic and unapologetic design language,” highlighted Cheryl Pelly, Lead Designer, CMF Design at Designworks.

Another manifestation of the future-oriented design in this model is the choice of color scheme, which features youthful blue and pure white.

Crisp edges and dynamic angles give the appearance of speed and sportiness – creating an energetic and unapologetic design language

“Something we drew inspiration from was the idea of an icy crystal talisman,” said Sandy McGill, Lead Designer, CMF Design at Designworks. “Recalling the power and drama of the superhero, while also using a bold and bright blue color to express elements of the metaverse, both representing peak futuristic abilities and the SPARK core principle of endless possibility.” she added.

Feeling the Power of Performance through Dynamic Elements

Another distinct feature of the SPARK 9 Pro Sport Edition is an intricate and unique triangular texture. As Sandy McGill explained, the triangles are intentionally dynamic and multi-dimensional, to create a graphic that looks alive and in motion.

These external features were designed to reveal the story of the phone’s internal capabilities and diverse functionality. The SPARK 9 Pro Sport Edition sports an extraordinary 32MP ultra-clear front camera and a 50MP back camera, both equipped with cutting-edge AI image optimization and restoration tools for ultra-clear and intelligent photographic experience. It is also empowered by MediaTek Helio G85 Chip Engine, a generous 5000 mAh battery and 18W flash charger to provide powerful and smooth using experiences.

“With the dynamic and energetic elements, the story of the Sport Edition can shine through at a glance, revealing the features of high performance of this superior device.” Cheryl Pelly highlighted. Through these elements, the phone parallels the speed and stability of a sports car.

Manifesting the Bold and Passionate Youth Self Through Distinctive Details

Gen-Z demographic prizes unique, distinct design features that are not only trendy, but also boldly express their personality to the world. As BMW Designworks’ designers have discovered, although there is a difference in scale, both smartphones and cars are extremely personal to their users. Users not only form close, emotional relationships with them, but also express themselves through them.

Creating those opportunities for them to do so naturally became a key emphasis in the SPARK 9 Pro Sport Edition.

“By adding distinctive colors to the edge of the camera lens, this phone ensures that the phone’s unique design is visible at all times.” said Cheryl Pelly.

The unique and outstanding design of the SPARK 9 Pro Edition plays strongly on the current trend of freely expressing who individuals want themselves to be. It is also a notch up from earlier SPARK models, offering users not just an eye-catching color palette or premium textures, but a highly individualistic design exclusive that appeals to young users interested in a vibrant and trendy aesthetic. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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