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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.

Energy

Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Business

Canada–Africa Financing Forum to Convene Investors and Decision-Makers in Cape Town – May 14, 2026

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Ateau Zola

This timely Forum comes on the heels of commitments announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, deepening Canada–Africa commercial ties and expanding investment partnerships

TORONTO, Canada, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.ca) will convene investors, financiers, policymakers, and industry leaders in Cape Town on May 14, 2026 for the Canada–Africa Financing Forum—a high-level platform focused on unlocking capital and accelerating deal flow across African markets.

Registration is open (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

This timely Forum comes on the heels of commitments announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, deepening Canada–Africa commercial ties and expanding investment partnerships. The program connects leaders from venture capital, private equity, and institutional investors to examine where capital is moving—and where the next opportunities lie—supported by Canadian project partners with proven capacity to deliver on-the-ground.

Delegates will engage directly with finance and investment decision-makers, following the program opening, featuring messages from President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Mark Carney, in addition to high-level Ministerial representation.

This Forum is about capital deployment, not just conversation

“This Forum is about capital deployment, not just conversation,” said Garreth Bloor, President of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business. “We are convening investors, institutions, and project leaders who are actively shaping transactions across Africa—and connecting them directly with Canadian partners who are ready to work together.”

The Canada–Africa Financing Forum reflects the Chamber’s role as a privately financed, market-led platform advancing Canada-Africa trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events.

Why Attend

  • Direct access to active dealmakers and capital allocators
  • Insights into where capital is being deployed and key players delivering major projects
  • Opportunities to build partnerships across Canada and African markets
  • Participation in a curated, high-level environment focused on execution

Secure Your Place

Space is limited and demand is strong.

Apply to secure your place (http://apo-opa.co/4vXb9oz)

Read More and View the Program (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

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Business

ORUN and 1xBET Partner to Support a Dynamic Creative Africa

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MIR Holding

During the MASA 2026 edition, held from April 11 to 18, 2026, ORUN and 1xBET implemented the We Champion Talent program, an initiative aimed at promoting African talent and advancing the development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 28, 2026/APO Group/ –As part of the Innovation Village co-organized with MASA at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan from April 14 to 18, ORUN (https://ORUN.Africa) announces the rollout of its partnership with 1xBET to support a creative Africa that is structuring itself, professionalizing, and scaling across the continent.

We aim to demonstrate that it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency

Designed as a space of convergence between heritage, innovation, and knowledge transmission, the Innovation Village features scenography crafted by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses on creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios, and a major institutional highlight on April 17. Its narrative platform is built around three pillars: memory, structure, and transmission. The initiative aims to position cultural and creative industries as an economic driver for the continent.

“The Innovation Village was conceived as an act of construction. By partnering with organizations such as 1xBET, we aim to demonstrate that it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency,” said Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

This vision aligns with ORUN’s broader ambition to produce, structure, and internationalize African creative industries through events, content, and strategic partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ORUN, part of African Currency Network (ACN).

 

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