Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Cape Town is Hot Property

Published

on

Cape Town

Cape Town’s hospitality and real estate industries are experiencing remarkable growth, reinforcing the city’s current status as Africa’s premier destination for tourism and investment. This surge bodes well for the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit Africa, the continent’s most influential hospitality & tourism investment conference, which comes to “The Mother City” on June 17-19.

When destinations experience strong economic growth, they are typically a magnet for money, as investors are keen to come and see what’s going on. Their presence has a knock-on effect of attracting top executives from developers, bankers, operators and brands, who are keen to meet their peers and discuss new opportunities. So, the organisers expect the Summit to be busy.

The city’s hotel sector has shown outstanding performance, with CoStar’s April 2025 figures revealing an occupancy rate of 72.5%, the highest in South Africa. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) climbed by 20.1% year-on-year, reaching ZAR 2,286.63 and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) reached ZAR 3,145.96, up 17.7% on 2024. According to Philip Wooller, Area Director for the Middle East and Africa at CoStar. He said: “Cape Town’s performance reflects a powerful rebound in demand and a growing confidence in the city’s hospitality offerings. The consistent rise in both occupancy and RevPAR shows that Cape Town is not only back on the global travel radar—it’s commanding a premium.”

The consistent rise in both occupancy and RevPAR shows that Cape Town is not only back on the global travel radar—it’s commanding a premium

This strong performance extends across the Western Cape too. In April 2025 the province posted a 64.6% hotel occupancy rate, well above the national average of 56.3%. Cape Town’s Luxury properties also performed particularly well then, achieving an impressive 66.2% occupancy—outpacing counterparts in other major South African cities.

Cape Town’s real estate market is experiencing a similar boom. In 2024/5, the average capital value of property reached R13,400/sqm, significantly higher than Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Wayne Godwin, CEO at JLL Africa, noted: “We’re seeing a convergence of factors driving the real estate upswing in Cape Town: a robust tourism pipeline, investor confidence, and a renewed focus on mixed-use and lifestyle-driven developments. The city’s appeal is both emotional and financial—it makes sense to visit, and increasingly, it makes sense to invest.”

In keeping with its reputation as an investment-grade forum, FHS Africa’s agenda will focus on all aspects of hospitality investment and finance, as well as development, capital markets, dealmaking and the sector’s most pressing issues and opportunities. In the hospitality industry, it is known as a networking hub for global industry leaders, major investors, and policymakers and is an event where substantial deals are often conceived and announced.

“We’re seeing strong and sustained demand in Cape Town, driven by both international, and regional travel. This is creating meaningful opportunities for growth, particularly in the premium and luxury space. The anticipated addition of Morea House, Autograph Collection later this year reflects this momentum and the market’s appetite for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences,” said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President, Lodging Development at Marriott International, Middle East and Africa.

Andrew McLachlan, Founder & MD, Develop Hotels Inc (pictured), concluded: “Cape Town is buzzing — I’m tracking over 40 new hotel projects, from boutique stays, aparthotels to urban resorts. With global brands and bold independents circling, FHS Africa couldn’t be better timed to help investors, developers and owners align brand, business models and strategy for serious long-term value”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench

Home  Facebook

Events

Chinese Mainland’s Largest Conference on Chest Pain Centres Goes Global in Hong Kong

Published

on

Hong Kong

With robust lineup of medical conventions in 2026

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Marking yet another milestone as the World’s Meeting Place, Hong Kong became the first city outside Chinese Mainland to host the nation’s largest conference on chest pain centres – the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress (CCPCC 2026), thanks to the effort of Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Together with two other high-profile and hugely successful medical congresses – the 41st Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress in February and the 17th Asian Congress of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in March, Hong Kong’s medical science events space was off to a strong start in 2026.

Ms Marilyn Tham, General Manager of Mega Events, MICE & Cruise of the HKTB said, “Hong Kong’s leading edge in medical sciences coupled with the city’s world-class venues and destination appeal have enabled notable success for internationally significant medical events. CCPCC 2026 is one of the large-scale medical conventions confirmed for 2026. Such robust lineup reflects event organisers’ confidence in Hong Kong as a premier hub for advancing global exchanges on medical sciences.”

Over 10 medical conventions have secured a spot in Hong Kong this year, spanning diverse disciplines, from cytology to oncology, antimicrobial resistance and more (see full list below). The breadth and depth of the events reflects Hong Kong’s growing appeal as the premier convention hub where global medical minds meet.

Globalising Chest Pain Leadership from Hong Kong

Held on 3-4 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with a concurrent venue in Shenzhen, CCPCC 2026 converged 3,000 healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses, researchers, policymakers and industry experts from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the Belt and Road countries and beyond. The rich topics explored across two days encompassed cutting-edge healthcare innovations, AI-assisted clinical decision-making, intelligent emergency response systems and international accreditation standards.

Co-organised by Hospital Authority (HA) of Hong Kong, the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, the Guangdong Chest Pain Centers Association, the Chinese Cardiovascular Association (CCA) and Oriental Huaxia Cardiovascular Health Research Institute (OHCHRI), Suzhou Industrial Park, CCPCC 2026 showcased conducive partnership.

Mr. Wenming Zeng, Secretary-General of OHCHRI, remarked, “The global influence of CCPCC has been growing over the years. Thanks to Hong Kong’s strategic location, leading medical standing and its unique role bridging Chinese Mainland and the world, this year’s congress has drawn even wider global participation, giving the event greater international significance. Hong Kong has helped showcase our event to the world, taking cardiovascular emergency intervention to a new height globally.”

A Launchpad for Mainland-spearheaded International Standards

Capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as a super-connector for fostering globalisation, CCPCC 2026 released for the first time the “International Standards on Chest Pain Center Construction and Accreditation”, marking Mainland’s global leadership in cutting-edge cardiovascular emergency intervention. Leveraging Hong Kong’s internationalisation, the efforts to foster global policy support and implementation of the standards will contribute to fair, accessible and timely intervention for cardiovascular emergencies around the world.

Another Significant Win for HKCA Programme on its 5th Anniversary

As a HKTB-appointed HKCA, Prof Lu Shi-Juan, who is a Member of Hainan Medical Association Cardiovascular Professional Committee, played an instrumental role in bringing CCPCC 2026 to Hong Kong. This marked the latest success story of the HKCA programme, as HKTB celebrated the programme’s milestone 5th anniversary with a HKCA Networking Cocktail Event on 31 March, 2026.

Prof Lu noted, “As a Hong Kong International Convention Ambassador, I have worked closely with the HKTB to bring CCPCC to Hong Kong, which is a gateway to the global stage. Hosting the conference here showcases how Hong Kong can elevate Mainland conferences internationally, foster cross‑border knowledge exchange and help shape the future development of the broader medical and professional community.”
The HKCA programme bands together over 170 local and mainland sector leaders of 13 industries and academics to champion Hong Kong as the World’s Meeting Place. Their initiative and connections have helped Hong Kong secure 50 convention wins that have brought in nearly 100,000 high-value overnight MICE visitors.

Strong Medical Events Lineup in 2026

Over 10 medical conventions will be held in 2026 across various disciplines, including ophthalmology, oncology, antimicrobial resistance and cytology.

Event

(*first-ever in Hong Kong)

Date / Venue Highlights
The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2026 5-8 Feb,

HKCEC

The largest and most authoritative ophthalmology congress in APAC, returning to HK for the fifth time, with record-breakingattendance of 11,000+ participants from 111 countries and regions.
The 17th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2026 27-29 Mar,

HKCEC

Held in Hong Kong for the second time, bringing together internationally acclaimed speakers, globally renowned experts and young surgeons to foster academic exchange and professional development.
The 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress 3-4 Apr,

HKCEC

Chinese Mainland’s largest conference on chest pain centres, hosted for the first time outside Chinese Mainland.
*Asian Federation of Cytology Societies Conference 2026 8-10 May,

Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital

First edition in Hong Kong, bringing together regional and international cytology experts for academic exchange and collaboration.
International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance 2026 12-14 Jun,

HKCEC

A key international platform for academic exchange on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
European Society of Medical Oncology Targeted Anticancer Therapies Asia 2026 12-14 Jun,

Kerry Hotel

A key Asia-Pacific platform for showcasing the latest advances in early-phase oncology drug development, targeted therapies and precision oncology.
Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Conference 2026 10-13 Aug,

Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, The University of Hong Kong

A major regional scientific meeting in biochemistry and molecular biology, bringing together researchers, educators and professionals from across Asia and Oceania for academic exchange and collaboration.
* 2026 World Cancer Congress 24-26 Sep,

HKCEC

A leading global forum advancing cancer control and research.
2026 Asia-Pacific Longevity Medicine International Summit 1-4 Oct,

TBC

A leading international platform and regional collaborative hub dedicated to longevity medicine and innovation, attracting top longevity scientists, medical experts, cross-industry entrepreneurs and investors from over 50 countries.
10th Asia Cornea Society Scientific Meeting 2026 11-13 Dec,

TBC

A key regional forum for cornea specialists to exchange the latest clinical insights, diagnostics and treatments, and to strengthen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific ophthalmology community.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Conference 2026 7-9 Dec,

Henry Cheng International Conference Centre, CUHK

Third time in Hong Kong, convening leading academics, policymakers and practitioners to address critical global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Afreximbank supports Dangote Group as it targets US$100 billion annual revenue by 2030

Published

on

Dangote Group

To drive the growth over the five years, the Dangote Group predicts that it will require at least $40 billion in new investments to realise its continental ambitions

CAIRO, Egypt, April 8, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is proud to announce that it is supporting Dangote Group, as it seeks to expand its operations and grow its turnover to US$100 billion by 2030.

 

The Group’s leadership presented its long-term growth strategy “Vision 2030: Supercharging Dangote Group for Long Term Success” to the Afreximbank Board of Directors and its executive team on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The strategy outlines a two‑phase expansion programme spanning 2025–2028 and 2028–2030.

During the presentation, Dangote Group outlined plans to scale and optimise its existing platforms and expand capacity across all active sectors. Key initiatives include increasing the capacity of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd. Additionally, the Group intends to quadruple its Fertiliser production from 3 million tonnes per annum to 12 million tonnes per annum, a move that would position the Group as the world’s largest producer of urea fertiliser.

The expansion strategy encompasses rapid growth across other business lines, including cement, rice, and broader food production. Beyond its current portfolio, the Group identified new investment opportunities in infrastructure — including ports and pipelines — as well as gas, mining (as a gateway for semi‑processed and value‑added mineral exports), data centres to support Africa’s digital transformation and enterprise resilience, and power, described as the engine of Africa’s industrial transformation.

Our partnership with Afreximbank is more than financial support; it is about a shared dream for the continent

To drive the growth over the five years, the Dangote Group predicts that it will require at least $40 billion in new investments to realise its continental ambitions.

Recognising the strategic value of the partnership with Afreximbank, Mr. Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited said: “Our partnership with Afreximbank is more than financial support; it is about a shared dream for the continent. When we set out to build a 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery—the largest of its kind in Africa—the Bank believed in our vision when others were sceptical. Without their leadership and trust, the development of the African continent would not be where it is today. We are joined at the hip with the bank because we share the same mission: to drive local capacity, eliminate our dependence on imports, and ensure Africa’s industrial growth is led by Africans.”

On his part, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, noted that the engagements demonstrated a strong convergence of purpose to free Africa from dependency and to ensure the continent’s resources are used to the benefit of its people. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to “a formidable bond of partnership to make large-scale investments that will accelerate the changes we desire,” changes that have gained urgency amid increasing global fragmentation and protectionism.

Dr. Elombi recalled that at the onset of COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, Africa struggled to secure even the basic protective materials due to limited production capacity, adding that “even when financing was available, we could not access these essential items.”

He further pledged the readiness of Afreximbank and its Board of Directors to support the realisation of Dangote Group’s aspirations. “This is the very purpose for which our institution was created. As is deeply rooted in our DNA, we do not only listen—we execute and convert aspiration into action,”

The event also featured the signing of the agreement for US$2.5-billion facility underwritten by Afreximbank as part of a US$4-billion senior syndicated term loan in favour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Continue Reading

Business

Liquid C2 launches Africa’s first Google Cloud-powered Experience Centre to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption

Published

on

Liquid C2

The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the “Gemini Playspace” for rapid AI experimentation

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 8, 2026/APO Group/ –Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, has launched Africa’s first Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud in Johannesburg, South Africa. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower partners and resellers to move beyond traditional distribution, providing the immersive, hands-on environment needed to architect and deploy cloud and AI solutions tailored specifically to African market needs.

 

Through the Centre, partners will be onboarded to a structured journey that guides them in securing official Google Cloud accreditation and certification. Beyond technical training provided by both Liquid C2 and Google, the centre will also serve as a collaborative hub, allowing them to work alongside specialist engineers to architect bespoke solutions. Once finalised, these solutions will be brought to market through Liquid’s robust distribution network. This expansion not only opens new commercial avenues for partners but also acts as a catalyst for high-value job creation and the rapid maturation of Africa’s technology ecosystem.

The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the “Gemini Playspace” for rapid AI experimentation. It also provides specialist expertise to prototype, test, and scale digital solutions in real-world environments. The centre is a testament to Liquid C2’s commitment to strengthening its role within the partner ecosystem in Africa, as it supports partners in overcoming infrastructure constraints, skills gaps, and complexity barriers that often slow digital transformation efforts across the continent.

As demand for advanced digital capabilities grows, the Partner Experience Centre serves as an innovation hub where enterprises, startups, academic institutions, developers, and public-sector stakeholders can co-create locally-relevant solutions, fostering a sense of shared progress and community across Africa.

The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value

The facility also provides industry-specific platforms tailored to sectors including financial services, healthcare, and retail. These platforms demonstrate how AI-enabled solutions can reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new growth opportunities across African markets.

“At Cassava Technologies, we believe the future of Africa’s digital transformation will be shaped through strong ecosystems that combine global innovation with local infrastructure and expertise,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President, Cassava Technologies and CEO, South Africa & Botswana. “The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value. By combining our infrastructure, expertise, and continental reach with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies, we are helping to democratise access to AI and cloud capabilities for enterprises across Africa.”

“This is a pivotal moment in our commitment to Africa’s digital future,” said Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud EMEA. “The Partner Experience Centre is a testament to our belief in the power of a strong partner ecosystem. By combining our advanced AI capabilities, including our Gemini models, with Liquid C2’s localised expertise, we are not just building a facility; we are building a hub for innovation that will empower businesses, create jobs, and deliver the benefits of digital transformation to every corner of the continent.”

The collaboration will focus on three core pillars of transformation:

  • Accelerated Partner Enablement: The centre acts as a dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) hub designed to dismantle historical market barriers. It provides localised training, hands-on technology interaction, and business support, leveraging Liquid’s capabilities to offer local currency billing and credit to manage financial complexity for resellers.
  • AI and Technology Innovation: A primary focus is empowering partners to build and deploy advanced AI solutions. The facility features a dedicated “Gemini Playspace & AI Solutions” to certify technical staff, alongside integrated “Solutions Pods” where partners can demonstrate complete technology stacks to win complex enterprise bids.
  • Economic Growth and Job Creation: The partnership is a direct investment in Africa’s tech workforce. By strategically broadening the partner network, the initiative will foster deep, localised expertise and act as a catalyst for new economic opportunities, creating a significant ripple effect of job creation for certified engineers and other tech professionals across the continent.

As a business of Cassava Technologies, Liquid C2 has always been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge digital technologies to African businesses, both directly and through its partner ecosystem. This first-of-its-kind Partner Experience Centre is yet another milestone that reflects the company’s commitment to partnerships that leverage its continental footprint to serve a broader base of organisations.

Aligned with this, Cassava continues to expand digital inclusion across Africa through its integrated portfolio of connectivity, cloud, cyber security, and digital solutions, ensuring that a broad spectrum of organisations, regardless of size or sector, can access and benefit from advanced technologies, thereby enabling more inclusive participation in Africa’s digital economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

 

Continue Reading

Trending