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Day Two: The Funding Equation – Africa Tech Festival’s AfricaIgnite unpacks top tips for start-ups

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Africa Tech Festival

Chemistry, then brain power and proof of concept, the key to unlocking investment

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 17, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Delegates at Africa Tech Festival 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/473ZEif) in Cape Town were given a master class on the dos and don’ts of fundraising on Wednesday 15 November, during several sessions at AfricaIgnite, the festival’s dedicated start-up zone. And surprisingly, establishing a good rapport with potential funders came out as the top tip.

Africa is an intellectual property factory – DERRICK ASHONG, CEO, TBTM

Said Eric Osiakwan of Chanzo Capital: “Investors look for chemistry and that comes from your storytelling.  Ask yourself, how do I make a connection with a person which is less transactional? Tell them what you are doing and why you are doing it. After the initial connection, the rest becomes easier. But you have to tell your investor something that sticks out and stays in their mind, something unique.”
 
Joining the list of reasons why investors say “no”, is not having enough information at hand. “Last year I spoke to over 100 start-ups who complained they were just not getting funding. I went on a road show to find out why, and investors say they just aren’t getting enough information during pitches. You have one shot in that room to present. There is no harm in, before your pitch, sending an email to see what they require from you,” said Lara Rosman of UVU Accelerate.
 
Keshni Morar, of Investable outlined the different types of funding. “Angel funders usually take the first level of risk, so they expect a lot, while VCs will first have a talk with LPs [limited partners] to see if there is potential for growth. Private equity investors look for a company that is stable, is growing and has a good income. The important thing is you have to choose the appropriate fundraising for the stage that your company is in.”
 
Sherif Nessim, of Jedar Capital, says timing is imperative. “You need to know when to start raising funds, what type of equity and value. And don’t raise more than you need. Also consider what amount you want to raise and how much equity you want to give away.”
 
Painting a picture for tomorrow requires investment today
Africa’s burgeoning creative economy was also spotlighted on Wednesday, with Felix Orevoghene Alaita, noting that a lack of funding for Africa’s creator economy is due to investors not believing in content made in Africa.  Alaita, who is a retired army colonel, now turned tech start-up founder who also owns a creative hub, movie, and music studio in Nigeria, said: “The value you bring to government coffers is minimal. We must push to make the industry more visible.  We can’t rely on government to assist so we need to align ourselves to the right people.”
 
But another hurdle for Africa’s creative economy to overcome, is convincing those with the deep pockets to see this sector as a viable and sustained industry that can deliver returns.  “The creative industry is created by perception like how successful it will be, potential income… So, it’s difficult for people to believe in this. It’s not like a tangible thing like a toll road that you invest in,” said Derrick Ashong, CEO of TBTM.
 
During the panel discussion, Funding Gaps in the African Creator Economy, Ashong said all aspects of Africa’s creator economy are underfunded. “What you are in fact selling is your intellectual property. There’s a lack of capital overall because there’s a lack of understanding that investors are investing in intellectual property,” Ashong said.
 
Guy Kamgaing, StarNews Mobile CEO, agreed: The essence of entertainment comes out of Africa. Once you understand just how much is coming from Africa, you’ll realise we have to create a lot of instruments (to highlight the industry).”
 
Ashong suggests that African creators are too “hyper-local”. “One of the biggest missing elements, is the inability to create content that appeals globally. We have to make it more relatable, so we can aggregate enough audiences. You can’t tell me African creators don’t have the wherewithal to stand up globally …. Africa is an intellectual property factory.”
 
Kamgaing countered that it was important for creators to first make money in Africa before doing so abroad. “They need to make money in Africa first. Americans make their money there and the Koreans make their money in Korea,” he said.  
 
Africa Tech Festival continues Thursday 16th November with yet more incredible content including the exciting AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition, which will see one lucky winner make their way to the USA to battle it out for USD 1 million investment in the final of the Pegasus Start-Up World Cup.

For more information about Africa Tech Festival, please see website here: Africa Tech Festival 2023 – The Home of AfricaCom & AfricaTech (https://apo-opa.co/473ZEif)

View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here: https://apo-opa.co/49mTtau

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

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.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

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.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

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.

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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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