The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony in Uganda
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 7, 2022/APO Group/ —
Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) bolsters its commitment to youth education and empowerment in Africa by joining hands with Uganda Press Photo Awards (UPPA) for the eleventh edition of the awards.
In line with intensifying efforts to strengthen education and empowerment of youth in Africa, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) in collaboration with the Uganda Press Photo Awards (UPPA) are proud to announce the 2022 winners of this prestigious award. Under the umbrella of its flagship ‘Miraisha Programme’, this is part of Canon’s commitment to boost visual arts in East Africa, while also aligning with its philosophy of ‘Kyosei’ – to live and work together for the common good. Canon has been actively mentoring and educating young photographers in Africa to ensure they develop a strong skillset and has been collaborating with UPPA to promote this spirit of creativity and visual arts in Uganda and East Africa.
“We are pleased to see all these talented youngsters making the most of this opportunity. It warms our hearts to see that this competition has advanced to such an amazing and inspirational level where we are witnessing the benefits of giving back to the communities, we operate in. At Canon, we are committed to helping ensure photography skills is accessible to everyone in East Africa. Watching these young ambitious photographers excel, is promising and awe-inspiring,” said Amine Djouahra, Director Canon Central and North Africa.
“Many of our previous winners have gone on to achieve great success and we couldn’t be more excited for them. As we continue investing in education and nurturing young talent in Africa, we hope to expand this program beyond Uganda and East Africa. We also look forward to watching them deep-dive into the Miraisha program which gives them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact face-to-face with industry experts, while also getting to test our top of the range equipment.”
The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony in Uganda. In the East African Photography Award, under the Category of Story, first place went to Amanuel Sileshi (Ethiopia); followed by Gordwin Odhiambo (Kenya); and Ericky Boniphace (Tanzania) in third place. Under the Human Category, first prize went to Ammar Abdallah Osman (Sudan); second place was Andrew Kartende (Uganda); and third place went to Helen Mulugetta (Ethiopia). Under the Planet category, Badru Katumba (Uganda) won; followed by Stuart Tibaweswa (Uganda) in second place; and Anthony Ochieng Onyango (Kenya) in third. Under the Imagine category, Margaret Njeri Ngigi (Kenya) scooped first place, and Hashim Nasor Hamza (Sudan) took second.
As we continue investing in education and nurturing young talent in Africa, we hope to expand this program beyond Uganda and East Africa
In the Uganda Press Photo Award, Andrew Kartende secured the top spot followed by Miriam Watsemba. Meanwhile, in the Young Photographer Award, Isaac Henry Muwanguzi was declared the winner, followed by Lyndah Katusiime in second place; and Boaz Kazoora in third.
All the winning images were showcased at a unique and distinctive exhibition at MoTIV in Kampala from 20 October to 20 November 2022. The show included work from last year’s winner, Timothy Akolamazima and runner-up Martina Nalunkuma. The work of dearly departed photojournalist, Sumy Sadurni, was also displayed.
The competition – which previously targeted Ugandan up-and-coming photographers – has this year opened its doors to candidates from Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. From this, a small group of winners get a chance to participate in the prestigious Emerging Young Photographer Mentorship Programme, with the full support of Canon.
“Our partnership with Canon has been helpful in providing these youth with the resources and expertise they need to boost visual arts in Africa. For that we are extremely appreciative and thankful. Had it not been for Canon’s unwavering support over all these years, we would not have made impact that we did,” said Anna Kućma, Director and Curator of UPPA.”
“The program guides young photographers to develop a strong skillset, from conceptualizing a project idea, to researching, photographing, editing, and working on presentations intended for national and international media. This program is quite unique in the region and delivers exceptional outcomes.”
Canon provides equipment and a budget fund of $1,500 to support this mentorship period for one year.
These students also get the opportunity to join a series of photojournalism Masterclasses with professionals; printing workshops for digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) and mirrorless cameras; as well as essential check-and-clean sessions for camera equipment, as well as in-depth classes with experienced lecturers and industry trainers between November 2022 and January 2023.
In line with the competition, Canon together with the UPPA, and the Anisuma Showroom, are giving aspiring photographers a chance to take advantage of a 10% discount on the following Canon products – the EOS 4000D with 18-55mm lens; the EOS 2000D with 18-55mm lens; the EOS 800D with 18-55mm lens; the EOS M50 MK II; the Inkjet MFP TS3140; or the Inkjet MFP TS3440. The promotion runs from 21 October until 31 December 2022 in Uganda only, and purchases can be made at the Anisuma Showroom on Jinja Road.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers
MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO), a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.
This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.
Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility
Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.
Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”
Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”
He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.
Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.
His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.
The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.
At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.
Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.
Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.
At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
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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