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Booming African mobile markets to get boost from Nordic Expertise

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4 years ago

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Nordic

Africa is poised to leap forward, unencumbered by legacy technologies and processes, and empowered by youthful demographics

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, October 25, 2022/APO Group/ — 

SUBTONOMY (https://www.Subtonomy.com/), the leading Network Experience Platform provider in the Nordics, has announced that it will be attending AfricaCom in South Africa (8-10 November 2022) to bring its world-class digital customer support offering to Africa.

The African digital revolution

It’s time to reappraise Africa’s place in the global digital market. Long held back by affordability and availability issues, the advent of cheaper smartphones and ubiquitous, higher capacity mobile networks have provided a huge springboard for growth. Young, internet-savvy Africans are optimistic and opportunistic about tech, utilizing it as a platform for their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and thirst for education. Already the world leader in mobile money[1], Africa is poised to leap forward, unencumbered by legacy technologies and processes, and empowered by youthful demographics[2]. The continent’s rapid transition to a mobile-first, digital economy means that it already has more smartphone users than North America and by 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa will have 474 million internet users (39% of the population[3]).

New demands on the network, new customer expectations

Whether it’s using their phones for banking, finding work, shopping, creating, listening to music or watching their favorite shows, young Africans have moved far beyond their parents’ expectations of mobile services. While the future of the African mobile market may look rosy, it’s not without challenges, however. In the next few years, African operators will have to cope with onboarding large numbers of new customers[4] and find cost-effective ways to support them while they transition from 3G to 4G, from feature phones to smartphones, and from simple to complex service offerings.

As if all of this were not enough, the expectations of African Gen Z customers are also rising rapidly. Like their social media friends around the world, they expect high-quality uninterrupted services backed by world-class, 24/7 customer support when things go wrong. If they don’t get it, they’re more willing than ever to simply walk away[5].

And this is precisely where African operators can benefit from the experience of other mobile-first markets such as the Nordics. Operators in the Nordics have pioneered efficient and cost-effective digital customer care for years. Subtonomy’s customers, for example, are already able to automate 75% of customer support in digital channels, and increase contact center efficiency to deliver 60% fewer escalations and 47% faster call handling.

As the African mobile market matures, customers will expect better support from operators

Future proofing support

With things moving so rapidly in Africa, it’s hard for operators to manage change cost-effectively or predict what their support operations will look like in a few years. Will future African customers have virtual reality-based support, or get help via their digital assistants? Whatever happens, operators must squeeze the maximum value out of their existing equipment to keep costs down and reduce disruption, while at the same time innovating their customer support offerings and preparing for what’s coming. Fortunately, there’s a win-win here as well. Subtonomy’s Network Equipment Platform takes data from any existing source – including legacy probes (eg Amdocs, Anritsu, Commprove, Empirix, Exfo, Polystar, Radcom, Tektronix, Teoco or Viavi), BSS and OSS, cell data and device data – to deliver a 360o real-time view of actual customer experience, empowering 24/7 holistic support.

“As the African mobile market matures, customers will expect better support from operators. As researcher Herring Shava[6] recently pointed out, two of the biggest causes of dissatisfaction with support are operators’ reliability (not doing things when they said they would) and responsiveness (not informing customers when they intend to fix problems). We’re proud to have helped our clients fix both these issues in the Nordics and look forward to helping African operators revolutionize the way they support their customers in future – giving them both happier customers and a competitive edge.” Andreas Jörbeck, CEO, Subtonomy 

To find out more about Subtonomy’s offering, operators are invited to meet with Subtonomy at AfricaCom 2022, Telcos of Tomorrow booth A52. Book a meeting here: APO Group rep (malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com).

[1] According to the GSMA, Africa accounts for 70% of the world’s $1 trillion mobile money transactions.

[2] Africa has the largest number of Gen Zers (also called ‘Zoomers’) in the world, and more than a billion people under the age of 35.

[3] Forecasts from GSMA.

[4] By 2025 the GSMA forecasts Africa will have 120 million new subscribers and 170 million new mobile internet users, taking the proportion of the population using mobile internet to 40%.

[5] According to a BrandsEye study (2019), 47.2% of the complaints raised by customers in South Africa were about the quality of customer service. Approximately 37% complained about the mobile network provider’s turnaround time, and 44.4% of the respondents complained about the network provider’s failure to attend to queries posted on social media. But in cases where the network provider did respond, 61% of consumers ended up being dissatisfied with the quality of service provided.

[6] See: H. Shava. Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction Experience Among South African Mobile Telecommunications Consumers. Walter Sisulu University. Published in Eurasian Journal of Business and Management, 9(3), 2021, 217-232.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Subtonomy.

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Çelebi Aviation Enters Kenyan Market, Accelerating Strategic Growth Across Africa

Published

2 days ago

on

April 24, 2026

By

Çelebi Aviation

The expansion into Kenya signals confidence in the region’s aviation potential and supports the company’s ambition to deepen its presence across the continent

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Çelebi Aviation (www.CelebiAviation.com) has announced its entry into the Kenyan market, marking a key milestone in its expansion across Africa and reinforcing its focus on high-potential regions.

With more than 65 years of experience in ground handling and cargo services, the company continues to operate with a strong emphasis on transparency, ethical standards, and full regulatory compliance. Its global footprint spans Europe, Asia, and Africa, where it consistently delivers high standards of safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

The move aligns with a broader strategic recalibration. Following the conclusion of its concession agreement in Tanzania, Çelebi Aviation opted not to continue operations in the country under the existing structure after a comprehensive review. This decision reflects a disciplined, value-driven approach to growth and a clear focus on markets that offer sustainable, long-term opportunities.

The expansion into Kenya signals confidence in the region’s aviation potential and supports the company’s ambition to deepen its presence across the continent. Çelebi Aviation continues to prioritize markets where it can leverage its global expertise to drive efficiency, service quality, and long-term value creation.

Operations across all existing markets remain uninterrupted, backed by a strong operational infrastructure and an experienced workforce. The company also maintains its commitment to contributing to local economies and employment in every geography it serves.

As Çelebi Aviation advances its global growth strategy, this latest step further strengthens its position as a trusted aviation services partner across emerging and established markets alike.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Çelebi Aviation.

 

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GREE Unveils 130 Products at the 139th Canton Fair, with Over 80% Featuring AI and Green Energy-Saving Technologies

Published

3 days ago

on

April 24, 2026

By

GREE

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 April 2026 – On April 15, the 139th China Import and Export Fair (hereinafter referred to as the “Canton Fair”) officially opened. As a leading enterprise in the manufacturing sector, Gree Electric made a grand appearance at Pavilion 4.2A under the theme “GREE, Making Better Electric Appliances,” presenting over a hundred innovative products in its largest exhibition area in Canton Fair history. Amid the global wave of green and intelligent manufacturing transformation, GREE is leveraging its hard-core independent innovation and full-industry-chain capabilities to show the world the confidence and resolve of China’s intelligent manufacturing to navigate industry cycles and lead the transformation.

Zhu Lei, CMO of Gree Electric, stated that Gree has participated in the Canton Fair for 31 consecutive years. This year, GREE brought 130 products to the event. Facing the global market, GREE strives to fully meet the practical needs of consumers from different regions worldwide. Notably, the majority of these products are originally manufactured in and exported from China, reflecting the dedication and ingenuity of GREE’s Chinese craftsmen.

It is reported that at this year’s Canton Fair, GREE has created a full-industry-chain exhibition space ranging from core components to scenario-based solutions. To date, buyers from over 50 countries and regions have scheduled visits and business negotiations, marking a 21% year-on-year increase.

Currently, the global home appliance industry is undergoing a dual transformation. On one hand, an energy efficiency revolution driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals makes the transition to eco-friendly refrigerants an urgent priority; on the other hand, an experience revolution spurred by consumption upgrades has made quietness, health, and smart features the core demands of users. GREE’s SilenzX series ultra-quiet air conditioners, showcased at the event, serve as a precise response to this trend. Equipped with a self-developed rotary four-cylinder compressor, the SilenzX series reduces the minimum sound pressure level of the outdoor unit to a mere 29 decibels—far below the industry average of 42 decibels. Backed by 137 invention patents, the product recently won a Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, signaling that Chinese enterprises have shifted from being “followers” to “leaders” in the realm of comfort technology.

A deeper layer of competitiveness stems from GREE’s long-term bet on a green future. Among the products showcased at this Canton Fair, over 80% are equipped with AI, green energy-saving, and other advanced technologies. GREE has comprehensively implemented R290 eco-friendly refrigerant technology across its entire product matrix, including split units, window units, and water heaters. Furthermore, its world-first photovoltaic air conditioning system has achieved a systemic breakthrough of “zero carbon emissions, zero electricity bills, and zero waste.” The AI dynamic energy-saving technology also utilizes intelligent algorithm optimization to boost annual energy efficiency by 15.8% and reduce power consumption by 13.6%. Rather than isolated technological features, these represent comprehensive green solutions that cover the entire chain of energy production, transmission, and consumption, providing the industry with a leapfrog path from “low-carbon compliance” to “zero-carbon leadership.”

Behind this systemic innovation capability lies a full-industry-chain competitive moat forged through 35 years of independent R&D. At this Canton Fair, Gree introduced three major compressors—G-Boost, G-Storm, and G-Hyper—which have successfully overcome industry challenges such as ultra-high-temperature cooling and ultra-low-temperature heating. Its star product, the GMV 9 series, is capable of operating in an ultra-wide temperature range from -35°C to 60°C, marking GREE’s achievement of full-stack technological autonomy from core components to system integration.

This strategic resolve is yielding substantial returns in GREE’s global layout. As one of the first Chinese home appliance companies to venture overseas, GREE has built a network covering more than 190 countries and regions. Independent brands now account for 70% of its total export volume, and this figure exceeds 85% in Belt and Road countries. This marks a highly successful, high-quality transformation from a traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model to an independent brand-led enterprise.

From core technological breakthroughs to a green and low-carbon transition, GREE remains rooted in technology and centered on quality. Its presence at the Canton Fair serves as a vivid microcosm of the transformation and upgrading of China’s manufacturing sector, demonstrating the powerful potential and dynamic momentum of “Made in China.”

 

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Business

Sierra Leone Signs Offshore Petroleum License with Marginal Energy

Published

3 days ago

on

April 24, 2026

By

Sierra Leone

The deal marks a new step in positioning Sierra Leone as an emerging upstream destination with over $225 million in committed exploration investment

PARIS, France, April 23, 2026/APO Group/ –The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a new offshore petroleum license agreement with Nigerian-based independent energy company Marginal Energy, advancing efforts to attract upstream investment and unlock the country’s hydrocarbon potential.

 

The agreement was formalized on April 23 at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s growing profile among frontier exploration markets.

Signed through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), the license grants Marginal Energy exclusive rights to explore, develop and produce hydrocarbons across five offshore blocks – G-Blocks 145, 146, 147, 160 and 161 – covering approximately 6,800 KM2.

The deal establishes a full-cycle upstream program, spanning exploration through to potential production, under a fiscal and regulatory framework designed to balance investor returns with national value creation.

According to details released by PDSL, the agreement includes a structured exploration period of up to seven years, alongside a minimum work program incorporating 3D seismic acquisition, advanced geoscience studies and drilling commitments. The company has committed to invest more than $225 million during the exploration phases.

In a statement released by PDSL, President Julius Maada Bio said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to “responsibly harnessing Sierra Leone’s natural resources for sustainable economic transformation,” adding that partnerships with capable investors will help accelerate development of the country’s petroleum sector.

PDSL Director General Foday Mansaray described the deal as “an important step in unlocking Sierra Leone’s offshore potential,” emphasizing the country’s focus on transparency and competitiveness. The agreement also includes provisions for local content development, technology transfer and environmental management, aligning with Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to ensure long-term economic benefits from resource development.

For Marginal Energy, which brings over two decades of experience in the Niger Delta, the agreement represents an entry into a largely underexplored basin with significant upside potential. The company said it is committed to deploying its technical and financial capabilities to advance exploration while maintaining high standards of environmental and operational performance.

The signing comes as African governments continue to position their upstream sectors to attract capital amid shifting global energy dynamics. It also follows a reconnaissance permit agreement signed by PDSL with Shell at the forum a day earlier, enabling Shell to conduct advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple offshore blocks.

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

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