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Empower and Elevate: Canon Central and North Africa Announce the ‘Women in Sales’ Programme

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2 years ago

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Canon

The women-only initiative was rolled out during International Women’s Month last year in 2022, with the objective to identify 10 fresh-graduate women and provide them with skill-enhancing opportunities

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 9, 2023/APO Group/ — 

In alignment with the company’s core philosophy of ‘Kyosei’, meaning living and working together for the common good, Canon (Canon-CNA.com) will continue its ‘Women in Sales’ programme for the second year in a row, in its endeavor to empower young women; The initiative reinforces Canon’s commitment to gender-equality, emphasizing an enhanced need for female representation in sales through its year-long programme, centering internship and mentorship opportunities for young women in Central and North Africa.

Canon Central and North Africa announced the second-year continuation of its ‘Women in Sales’ programme, aligned to address the growing need for women representation in sales management by empowering them through dedicated internship and mentorship opportunities designed to advance their skills and knowledge.

The women-only initiative was rolled out during International Women’s Month last year in 2022, with the objective to identify 10 fresh-graduate women and provide them with skill-enhancing opportunities such as trainings with mentors and blended/experiential learnings from across various regions in Central and North Africa. The selected participants were offered a year-long holistic training with the opportunity to be employed full-time by Canon. As a successful outcome of the programme, 7 out of 10 women were offered full-time employment at Canon while various others were supported in embarking on their career journey in sales. Out of the seven women who went on to pursue full-time roles with Canon, three were chosen from Turkey, two from Saudi Arabia, one from Kenya, and one from UAE.

Key to Progress – Equal Amplification of Opportunities 

As an extension of Canon’s overarching guiding principle of ‘Kyosei’, meaning living and working together for the common good, the 2023 ‘Women in Sales’ programme will focus primarily on gender-inclusivity and amplification of equal opportunities for men and women alike. Given the lack of female-led roles in Sales across the industry, the initiative will drive progressive opportunities for women allowing them to hone their skills. The 2023 programme will again invite young, fresh-graduate women to engage and learn, however with an augmented goal of targeting 17 full-time positions across Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, and Ivory Coast.

“Women empowerment has always been a priority for Canon, and it is reflected through our various endeavors that are designed with the intent to support this cause. The overwhelming response received during last year convinced us that we need to continue this progressive path of empowerment and inclusivity. We are delighted to see that we exceeded our initial goal of converting 50% of the selected women into full-time employees, which proves that more women need to come forward and be supported in their sales careers. Celebrating the success of last year, we are now setting our eyes on 2023 with heightened goals,” says Veronica Juul-Nyholm, HR Director, Canon Middle East, Central North Africa, and Turkey.

Women empowerment has always been a priority for Canon, and it is reflected through our various endeavors that are designed with the intent to support this cause

Educate, Empower, and Excel

The launch of the ‘Women in Sales’ initiative was lauded by the managing director of the company and has also been awarded for its people-centric approach in alignment with the company’s core beliefs. Beginning in February 2022, 10 women participants namely Rahaf Alharbi, Ruba Moafa, and Fatima Alamer from Riyadh – Saudi Arabia, Sila Uçar, Billur Konukçu, and Senab Bayram from Istanbul – Turkey, Ajuma Gabriel from Lagos – Nigeria, Hind Abdoudaime from Casablanca – Morocco, Scholarstica Ochieng from Nairobi – Kenya, and Shahnaz Bhandari from Dubai – UAE, were invited to become part of the ‘Women in Sales’ programme. The first phase of the programme focused on education, the second on the execution aspect of learning followed by certification and onboarding of successful participants as permanent Canon employees.

“Canon’s commitment to the environment, education, and empowerment is clearly reflected in its internal and external initiatives. From my experience as a trainee, I feel the ‘Women in Sales’ programme is very cleverly and objectively designed to give interns the opportunity to become full-time employees – the growth is supported from every direction during the training phase so they can be confident when it’s time for a transition into full-time roles. I feel privileged to have received this chance to learn and grow under a company like Canon, remarked Ajuma Gabriel, who joined the Women in Sales programme from Nigeria as a Sales Trainee at Canon.

A Stepping-Stone for Success

Announcing the continuation of its ‘Women in Sales’ programme for 2023, Canon envisions celebrating this International Women’s Day by providing women with a platform that acts as a stepping-stone for success in their sales careers. Last year’s 12-month programme was divided into two parts, the training programme, and the on-the-job experience. Each participant was also assigned a mentor to ensure support and guidance for every woman that participated in the programme.

Selected participants from the programme also received an opportunity to be part of meet and greets, as well as conferences in Dubai to align with the company’s greater women in sales objective. The women participants were also recognized by fellow company leaders and colleagues for their contribution towards different company events, such as during their diversity, equity, and inclusion presentation during the Human Resources Learning and Development Conference. The 2022 ‘Women in Sales’ programme culminated in a graduation ceremony that honored the efforts of all participants in the presence of Canon’s senior leadership team.

“It was always a dream for me to work for a global organization like Canon with a fast-paced environment that is full of opportunities and challenges to grow, learn, and excel. And receiving this opportunity to first learn as an intern and then work as a full-time employee was really a dream come true for me. My role at Canon today allows me to work with an international team as big as 46 people, and that’s how great it gets! I am amazed at how far I have come from being an intern to an employee working on such big projects now; I am very thankful to Canon for it,” said Scholarstica Ochieng from Nairobi, Kenya, previous participant and now, Sales Support Supervisor at Canon.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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Mantashe to attend major AOW energy event

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6 hours ago

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October 3, 2024

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Mantashe

Mantashe has been a regular keynote speaker at previous AOW events, and the announcement of his attendance comes as lucrative energy opportunities open across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe has committed to attend the four-day AOW energy event (https://AOWEnergy.com/) in Cape Town from 7 – 10 October.

AOW: Investing in African Energy brings together industry leaders to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa’s energy future. This year’s event will feature more than 1 600 senior delegates, 80 ministers and officials from 70+ countries and representatives of more than 760 companies.

Announcing Mantashe’s confirmed attendance, Chief Executive Officer of Sankofa Events, Paul Sinclair said that the presence of the host nation’s two most senior energy leaders confirmed that Africa was committed to taking ownership of its own energy destiny.

“We are excited to welcome Mr Mantashe to AOW, where he will share stages and attend sessions with ministers from many other countries, as well as senior players from energy businesses and multilateral forms,” said Sinclair. “We are proud to provide an environment where Africa’s energy leaders can discuss the latest industry trends, and how the continent can help to shape them.”

We are proud to provide an environment where Africa’s energy leaders can discuss the latest industry trends, and how the continent can help to shape them

Mantashe has been a regular keynote speaker at previous AOW events, and the announcement of his attendance comes as lucrative energy opportunities open across the continent – in responsible oil exploration and production, in renewable energy, and in the trade of natural gas as a high-demand future fuel.

Ongoing major oil-and-gas discoveries in the Orange basin, offshore South Africa and Namibia, have highlighted the scale and importance of these opportunities – for African governments, their people, and energy businesses.

“The world’s energy markets are in the midst of a dynamic transition,” said Sinclair. “Navigating that transition requires industry partnerships. Africa is showing that not only does it have massive resources, it also has the networks, the financial innovation and the commitment to develop those resources for Africa’s people, and all stakeholders.”

This year marks 30 years of the industry-leading AOW event. The four-day conference, exhibition and investment forum brings together governments, regulators, global operators, power producers, investors and service providers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.

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The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 Amid Exploration Drive

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6 hours ago

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October 3, 2024

By

Kinetiko Energy

The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara will participate as a speaker at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy in Cape Town this November

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

On the back of major investments from multilateral finance institution the African Development Bank, The Gambia is poised to increase its electrification rate to 70% – 50% in rural areas – by the end of the year. In the wake of the country’s burgeoning energy sector, The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, which takes place in Cape Town from November 4-8.

The Gambia represents one of Africa’s final oil and gas frontiers and the participation of Minister Juwara at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will be crucial for highlighting the immense opportunities present across the country’s upstream and downstream sectors. His participation is also poised to showcase the role hydrocarbon resources will play in addressing both the country and Africa’s energy and socioeconomic development needs.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Situated in proximity to Senegal’s 231-million-barrel Sangomar field, where a 100,000-barrel-per-day project came online in June this year, The Gambia’s offshore prospects offer significant potential for play-opening discoveries. The Gambia’s Bambo prospect reservoirs have revealed oil shows in recent years and could hold up to 1.2 billion barrels of oil. The data – acquired by independent oil and gas company FAR – has opened additional material exploration opportunities in the offshore A2 and A5 blocks.

The Gambia remains wholly committed to advancing the energy sector while leveraging its burgeoning hydrocarbon potential

Last year, The Gambia extended FAR’s permit for the blocks until September 30, 2025, with reduced annual fixed costs. FAR is now seeking farm-in partners to fund geoscience reviews and exploration wells. Meanwhile, global energy company the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and state-owned Gambian National Petroleum Corporation signed a MoU in the same year to explore and develop crude oil in the country. The agreement entails geological studies, seismic data analysis and potential drilling activities.

At last year’s AEW conference, The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and hydrogen developer H2 Gambia Limited signed an agreement on hydrogen exploration in the country. The deal will allow for extensive research to be undertaken over a period of one year and forms part of The Gambia’s decarbonization efforts. The Gambia recently entered a new era of energy development with the inauguration of its first large-scale solar energy facility in Jambur in April 2023. Built by Chinese manufacturer Tebian Electric Apparatus, the 23 MW solar plant serves to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

“The Gambia remains wholly committed to advancing the energy sector while leveraging its burgeoning hydrocarbon potential. As a largely undeveloped energy market and situated in close proximity to major developments across the offshore MSGBC region, the country offers strategic opportunities for foreign investors active across the entire energy value chain,” states Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk.

At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Minister Juwara is expected to share his insights into the investment opportunities across The Gambia’s oil and gas value chain, engaging with global financiers and technology providers to attract capital to its untapped energy prospects. As an experienced leader in the country’s energy space, Minister Juwara’s participation aligns with the conference’s strategy to encourage private sector investment and participation while ensuring The Gambia benefits from its hydrocarbon resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Fund for Export Development in Africa and Africa Finance Corporation power ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms’ US$443 Million capital raise

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9 hours ago

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October 3, 2024

By

Export Development

The funds are intended to accelerate ARISE IIP’s fast expansion and operational efficiency across its 12-country portfolio

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

ARISE IIP, a leading pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks, has announced a significant capital raise of US$443 million.

The funding includes a strategic US$300 million investment from Afreximbank’s development impact investment arm, The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), securing Afreximbank’s FEDA a significant stake in ARISE IIP. Additionally, the capital raise is supported by an additional US$143 million contribution from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). This investment builds on debt funding relationship of over 12 years between ARISE IIP and Afreximbank, during which about US$2 billion has been provided to support ARISE IIP’s investments across Africa.

ARISE IIP’s total equity capital now exceeds US$1 billion, with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) holding a majority stake, followed by Afreximbank’s FEDA and Equitane as key shareholders.

This equity partnership with Afreximbank significantly enhances our financial capacity to execute our pan-African industrial development strategy

This significant capital injection is strategically aligned with both entities’ objectives to catalyse industrial transformation across Africa. The funds are intended to accelerate ARISE IIP’s fast expansion and operational efficiency across its 12-country portfolio, that comprises key markets such as Malawi, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Gabon, DRC, Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

This investment is anticipated to strengthen Africa’s position in global value chains, aligning with Afreximbank’s mandate to promote intra-African and extra-African trade.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP said about this partnership: “This equity partnership with Afreximbank significantly enhances our financial capacity to execute our pan-African industrial development strategy. It’s a strong vote of confidence in our business model and growth prospects.”

President & Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, stated: “We are very pleased with our latest investment in ARISE IIP which is aligned with Afreximbank’s strategic pillars of promoting intra African Trade and facilitating industrialisation and export development across Africa. The capital boost will arm ARISE IIP with the financial muscle needed to drive Africa’s industrialisation, promote intra and extra-African trade, job creation and the general economic growth of our continent.”

Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), stated: “Our investment in ARISE IIP is a critical step towards fostering sustainable industrial growth across Africa. By supporting the development of high-impact industrial infrastructure, we are helping to create an environment that will drive economic diversification, boost value-added production, and position Africa as a key player in global trade.”

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC said: “I would like to thank the board and management for their unwavering support in our shared mission to transform African economies. Our journey towards capturing greater value within the continent, by converting raw materials into intermediate and finished goods, has already shown significant progress in three countries, with an expanding pipeline of projects in ten more. This success reinforces our commitment to further support and invest in this important initiative, including our latest equity investment of $143 million. We are also delighted to formally welcome Afreximbank-FEDA as a new shareholder, having previously supported us through debt financing. Their participation, alongside other prospective investors, is a testament to the strength and de-risked nature of our ecosystem value chain industrial platform. We look forward to continuing our partnership to drive industrialization and sustainable economic growth across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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