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CANEX WKND 2024 concludes in Algiers with over US $540 million in deals committed

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CANEX WKND

The vibrant, four-day event convened 108 exhibitors, 11 masterclasses and close to 4,000 attendees from across 81 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora – featuring creatives, industry leaders, and policymakers

ALGIERS, Algeria, October 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The second edition of the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND 2024) has drawn to a close in Algiers, Algeria. The vibrant, four-day event convened 108 exhibitors, 11 masterclasses and close to 4,000 attendees from across 81 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora – featuring creatives, industry leaders, and policymakers.

Participants enjoyed a rich and varied programme of activities, which included live performances, masterclasses, panel discussions, and showcases across sectors such as fashion, music, sports, film, visual arts, and gastronomy. As this year’s edition closes, focus now shifts to the 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) to be held from 4-10 September 2025, in Algiers and expected to attract some 35,000 participants from around the world, offering a new backdrop for the continued expansion and celebration of Africa’s creative industries.

In her closing statement, Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, Mrs Kanayo Awani, said:

“We commend the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria for their commitment to making CANEX WKND 2024 a success. Local participation has been exceptional, setting an exciting stage for IATF 2025 in Algiers. CANEX WKND’s mission has always been to highlight the vast market opportunities within Africa’s creative industry and to nurture their economic potential. We are grateful for the partnerships and deals formed here, and we look forward to continuing this work of exposing our different creative prowess across Africa and the world.”

Among CANEX WKND 2024’s most significant outcomes were deals totaling USD $540 million that were facilitated and agreed. Key among these was a EUR 245 million global facility agreement with New World Television (NWTV) to part-finance the network’s acquisition of media licensing rights for sports broadcasting across 24 African countries. In addition, Afreximbank announced $3 million facility with Mediwood Studios, designed to support the company’s efforts to expand the Tunisian film industry, further positioning the country as a hub for creative production.

These deals reflect Afreximbank’s steadfast commitment to investing in Africa’s creative industries, key drivers of economic growth and employment on the continent, particularly for women and young people.

We are grateful for the partnerships and deals formed here, and we look forward to continuing this work of exposing our different creative prowess across Africa and the world

Reflecting on the outcomes of the event during the event wrap up press conference, MrNassim Mohan Amer, Director of International Cooperation, Algeria, noted that CANEX presented a wonderful opportunity for African creators and innovators as it exposes them to the continent beyond their national borders and further accelerates the vision for AfCFTA’ s intra African trade agenda. He continued that Algeria, having hosted the CANEX WKND 2024 will have learnt a lot as it prepares to host the 4th edition of the IATF 2025, expecting to eclipse expectations and enhance Algeria – Africa trade.

Mr. Ismail Inezarene, Director of Cultural and Artistic Promotion, Algeria, also commended Afreximbank’s partnership with Algeria terming it as a collaboration ‘suited to the needs of the future of Africa – the youth’. Whilst highlighting a remarkable 81 countries that were represented at the event, Mr. Inezarene reassured IATF 2025 attendees and the Algerian public of a more concise collaboration and a seamless participation.

Throughout this year’s CANEX WKND, participants engaged in wide-ranging discussions and collaborations on pivotal topics — from intellectual property rights and market access to the need for policy and regulatory reforms that accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative sectors. The event also provided a platform for capacity building through technical programmes and networking opportunities, enabling African creatives to access new global markets and leverage new partnerships.

For the first time, CANEX Weekend also featured a Ministerial Roundtable, where Ministers from Africa and the Caribbean supported by African Union Commission, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat addressed the opportunities and challenges facing Global Africa’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Keynotes by the Africa Union Commission’s Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, and H.E. Wamkele Mene, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, as well as Afreximbank’s Mrs. Kanayo Awani and other leaders underscored the economic and cultural value of CCIs, particularly for African and Caribbean youth. The roundtable advanced CANEX strategies to mobilize financing, enhance CCI growth, and foster policy-stakeholder collaboration for implementing the AU Plan of Action on CCIs.

CANEX WKND 2024 also showcased key initiatives, including the CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa, awarded to Cassava Republic Press for Female Fear Factory by Pumla Dineo Gqola. Praised for its impactful cover, elegant layout, and feminist insights, the book powerfully examines patriarchal violence and offers a hopeful feminist perspective.

CANEX Shorts, a film competition for young African and Diaspora filmmakers, honoured three winners: Francis Y. Brown from Ghana for Room – 5, Brian Obra from Kenya for We Shall Not Forget, and Thomas Mpoeleng from Botswana for Silent Screams. Selected from 147 entries, each winner received a cash prize.

In a “CANEX Presents the Angels” pitch session, angel investors committed $350,000 to support three creative businesses. Leading investor Moji Hunponu-Wusu pledged $250,000 to Cameroonian designer Kibonen Nfi, with an additional $100,000 from a consortium investing in pitches from Zimbabwean Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri and Thulani Ngazimbi, as well as Kibonen Nfi.

For more information on the concluded CANEX event:

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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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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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