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Expand North Star 2024: The world’s largest startup and investment event officially underway in Dubai

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Expand North Star

Expand North Star 2024 hosts its biggest-ever European participation with over 1,000 SMEs and more than 450 startups from 35 countries across the continent

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 14, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Expand North Star’s highly anticipated ninth edition takes place at Dubai Harbour from 13-16 October; Acclaimed event brings entire global startup ecosystem to the UAE to accelerate the world’s most sought-after startups towards rapid growth and development.

Expand North Star 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4eZYlV6), the world’s largest startup and investment event, is officially underway in the UAE as Sunday saw the entire global startup ecosystem enjoy an action-packed opening day at Dubai Harbour.

Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Expand North Star takes place from 13-16 October at the Middle East’s biggest superyacht club.

Already the annual go-to showcase for startups, investors, accelerators, and tech enthusiasts to source funding, investment deals, and essential industry updates, Expand North Star 2024 is primed to be the most prominent, dynamic, and influential in its nine-year history.

Seamlessly integrated with GITEX GLOBAL, the event presents an extensive programme and immersive exhibition with over 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors with assets under management (AUM) exceeding $1 trillion.

Fascinating first day of record-breaking event

Whilst bringing the entire startup ecosystem to the UAE and accelerating the world’s most sought-after startups towards rapid growth and development, this year’s edition is also the largest and most international to date with over 100 countries participating.

Expand North Star 2024 hosts its biggest-ever European participation with over 1,000 SMEs and more than 450 startups from 35 countries across the continent. Several participated in one of the highlight sessions of “Investor Sunday” at Expand North Star – ‘Connected for Success: The Power of Cross-border Collaboration in Europe’.

Alongside panellists from France, Italy, Poland, and Portugal, Dr. Sebastian Schäfer, CEO of House of Finance & Tech Berlin, discussed the future of funding and investments.

We need real joint value propositions for tangible success and use cases that help us to work together

Dr. Schäfer called for newfound cross-continental collaboration between European nations, citing the vast “untapped potential” across the digital space. He said: “As countries, we don’t collaborate. We need real joint value propositions for tangible success and use cases that help us to work together. We have the ingredients needed to compete with the big tech companies from China and the US – but we need novelty ways to utilise advantages, harness talent, and create future unicorn factories. There’s so much untapped potential waiting to be explored.”

Expand North Star 2024 also welcomes a wide variety of new exhibiting companies from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America alongside many from the Middle East and Africa.

Bringing together 59 leading unicorns with a combined valuation of $400 billion, Expand North Star 2024 fosters startup innovation with the all-new NS scaleups (http://apo-opa.co/3U4Dvfa). This programme has been introduced to forge collaborations, stimulate business growth, and connect late-stage startups with strategic partners, venture capitalists, and clients. The opportunistic unicorn landscape was explored in another of the opening day’s standout sessions – ‘Climate Tech Unicorns: Valuation, Volatility, and Venture Capital’.

During the Sunday afternoon talk, Sean O’Sullivan, Founder of US venture capital firm SOSV – the world’s most active climate tech investor – addressed the opportunities at hand for the climate tech unicorns of tomorrow. He said: “Climate change is an urgent, existential crisis for humanity – and unsustainable, nonsensical business models cannot continue. There are opportunities for tens of thousands of startups to immediately begin solving our problems and reinventing society – becoming profitable over time. Open AI was founded in 2015 and was going nowhere until recently. Now it’s the most valuable company in the world. With perseverance, companies can suddenly be worth hundreds of billions – even trillions – of dollars.”

What to watch out for at Expand North Star 2024?

Throughout its four-day duration, Expand North Star casts a unique and insightful spotlight on the future of money, blockchain, creativity, and the planet through industry-defining events, including GITEX Impact (http://apo-opa.co/4eZh8ji), Fintech Surge (http://apo-opa.co/483f8Ex)Future Blockchain Summit (http://apo-opa.co/4f657c1), and Marketing Mania (http://apo-opa.co/4f032OG).

The inaugural Tech Transfer 3.0 (http://apo-opa.co/402LDAM) converges leading research labs, visionary scientists, engineers, tech experts, and academics to demonstrate innovation from concept to real-world applications. This event welcomes high-tech institutions for the first time – including IE University, University College London (UCL), Johns Hopkins University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The globally acclaimed Supernova Challenge 2.0 (http://apo-opa.co/3BG1JpD) also presents the best startups from Europe, Asia, and Africa, building momentum for the new and eagerly awaited GITEX EUROPE Berlin, GITEX ASIA Singapore, GITEX NIGERIA, and GITEX AFRICA Morocco in 2025. After six months of semi-finals worldwide, nearly 200 selected startups will pitch in the global grand finale for a cash prize pool of $200,000.

In a proactive and engaging way to connect the UAE’s youth with Dubai’s economic agenda, the younger generation will also be in the spotlight through GITEX YouthX Unipreneur (http://apo-opa.co/3U9LEiB) with YouthX Talks and an Educators Innovation Pitch among the schedule highlights.

Expand North Star runs concurrently with GITEX GLOBAL 2024, the world’s largest and best-rated tech and startup event taking place at DWTC from 14-18 October.

For more information, please visit: www.ExpandNorthStar.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

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World Football Summit Rabat at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) Concludes with Commitment to African Football Development and Global Collaboration

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Over two days, the summit convened 1077 stakeholders from 70 countries, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a platform for sport-driven innovation and continental collaboration

RABAT, Morocco, April 10, 2025/APO Group/ –The inaugural edition of the World Football Summit (WFS) (https://WorldFootballSummit.com) Rabat 2025, held in partnership with Evosport, a subsidiary of UM6P, and in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Federation of Football concluded after two days of exchanges on the state and the trajectory of football in Africa and its links to global dynamics.

Held on April 9 and 10 at UM6P’s Rabat campus, the summit convened more than 1077 football industry leaders from 70 countries, including decision-makers from 65 clubs, leagues, and federations. Under the theme “Where football innovation meets legacy”, the event provided a platform for reflection on the evolving role of Morocco and Africa in shaping the global football landscape, particularly in light of the continent’s growing visibility ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco alongside Spain and Portugal.

“What we’ve witnessed in Rabat these past two days has been truly historic,” said Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Managing Director of World Football Summit. “The quality of discussion, the level of engagement, and the genuine commitment to collaboration have exceeded our expectations. This summit has not only showcased Morocco’s growing leadership in global football but has created tangible pathways for African football to accelerate its development through meaningful partnerships. The connections formed here between African football leaders and their international counterparts will yield benefits for years to come.”

Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, stated: “WFS Rabat is a natural extension of our commitment to rethinking development models through knowledge, innovation, and continental collaboration. Football—like science, education, and technology—requires institutions that can convene, structure, and elevate ambition. By hosting and contributing to this summit, we are reinforcing Morocco’s and Africa’s capacity to lead with ideas, shape with values, and build ecosystems where excellence is cultivated and shared.”

The quality of discussion, the level of engagement, and the genuine commitment to collaboration have exceeded our expectations

The WFS Honors Ceremony, moderated by Mimi Fawaz (MC – WFS Rabat 2025), highlighted a number of initiatives and individuals whose work reflects a thoughtful approach to football development. The Academie Mohammed VI was recognized for its Local Grassroots Strategy to develop Sport. Frederic Kanoute received the WFS Honor for Exemplary Achievements in Football & Beyond for his contributions both on and off the pitch. OCP Group received the WFS Honor for Social & Community Impact through Sport for their transformative community initiatives. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was recognized with the WFS Honor for Exceptional Development in Women’s Football for their pioneering efforts in advancing the women’s game in Morocco. Finally, the African Club Association (ACA) was granted the WFS Honor for Uniting African Football. 

Discussions throughout the two days addressed pressing challenges and opportunities in the football ecosystem. Topics ranged from talent retention and financial models to technological integration and regulatory governance. Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan Football Federation, presented Morocco’s vision for football development ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Shehu Dikko, Honourable Minister of Sports of Nigeria, reflected on how African football can become more sustainable. FIFA’s Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, discussed pathways for strengthening football governance, while CAF’s Director of Tournaments, Samson Adamu, shared innovations in continental competitions formats.

The summit drew participation from organizations such as FIFA CAF, or ECA, government ministers from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, as well as executives from properties such as LALIGA, FC Barcelona, or even the NBA, who engaged in discussions about cross-continental collaboration in sport governance and development.

Moreover, partners including Royal Air Maroc and TAQA played essential roles in the summit’s success, demonstrating the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing sports development.

The WFS global series continues with upcoming events in Monterrey (June 2025), Hong Kong (September 2025), Madrid (October 2025), and Riyadh (December 2025), creating a year-round platform for the football industry to connect and collaborate across continents.

For more information about World Football Summit’s 2025 events and registration details, visit www.WorldFootballSummit.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit

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Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 to Host Panel on Advancing Africa’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Potential

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A high-level panel at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, powered by Perenco, will explore how Africa can overcome infrastructure and investment challenges to unlock its LNG potential while advancing energy security and sustainable development

PARIS, France, April 10, 2025/APO Group/ –The upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum will feature a high-level panel on Advancing Africa’s LNG Potential: Overcoming Infrastructure and Investment Challenges, sponsored by Perenco. As global demand for natural gas rises, Africa’s abundant reserves and strategic location position the continent as a key supplier – provided infrastructure, regulatory and financing hurdles can be addressed.

Moderated by Jacqueline Chinwe, Global Future Energy Leader, the panel brings together influential voices from the LNG value chain. Confirmed speakers include Julius Rone, Managing Director of UTM Offshore; Mario Bello, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Eni; Dominique Gadelle, Vice President, Upstream & LNG at TechnipEnergies; and Denis Chatelan, Head of Business Development at Perenco. These leaders will share strategies to accelerate LNG development, including de-risking investments, leveraging blended finance models and strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure commercial viability.

IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/4lq1VMj) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Africa’s natural gas resources – particularly in countries like Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal, Mauritania and the Republic of the Congo – are attracting growing international interest. Natural gas is expected to account for 40% of Africa’s oil and gas capital expenditures by the end of the decade, according to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report. In West Africa, major projects such as Phase 2 of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development and the Yakaar-Teranga Gas Project in Senegal are set to significantly boost LNG production and regional gas-to-power capacity, while Eni’s Congo LNG project in the Republic of the Congo is leveraging FLNG technology to fast-track exports and monetize offshore reserves.

With major LNG projects advancing across the continent, investment momentum continues to build. Floating LNG solutions – such as UTM Offshore’s facility in Nigeria and Perenco’s Cap Lopez terminal in Gabon – are offering scalable, capital-efficient models for deployment. In Mozambique, Eni is expanding on the success of its Coral South FLNG by developing a second floating facility, Coral North. Meanwhile, gas-to-power initiatives hold strong potential to address chronic energy shortages, contributing to both energy security and the transition to a more sustainable, lower-carbon energy mix. The panel will explore how to align Africa’s export ambitions with domestic industrialization and energy access goals, driving inclusive economic growth while contributing to global energy security and environmental objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power

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Aptiway Global Hosts High-Level Delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Advance Digital Transformation Agenda

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The workshop will also examine models for human capital development and institutional readiness that support long-term digital transformation

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 10, 2025/APO Group/ –Aptiway Global (https://Aptiway.com) is pleased to announce that it will host a senior delegation from L’Agence pour le Développement du Numérique (ADN) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a high-level strategic workshop in Dubai from April 14 to 18, 2025. The workshop will take place at the Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre Hotel and is designed to foster technical collaboration, share experiences, and explore scalable digital solutions tailored to the DRC’s national priorities.

Led by Mr. Dominique MIGISHA, Coordinator of ADN, the delegation will engage in an intensive five-day program covering a wide range of strategic themes, including digital identity platforms, eGovernment systems, cybersecurity, data protection, and infrastructure interoperability. The workshop will also examine models for human capital development and institutional readiness that support long-term digital transformation.

Africa’s digital future depends on bold leadership and practical collaboration

This engagement aims to identify actionable outcomes that can accelerate the implementation of inclusive and secure digital ecosystems in the DRC. These include a roadmap for deploying national digital identity systems, strategic recommendations for eGovernment rollout, and a framework for ongoing technical cooperation between Aptiway and ADN.

Speaking ahead of the workshop, Mr. Shince Thomas, CEO of Aptiway Global, said: “We are honoured to host the ADN leadership. This visit underscores a shared vision for using technology as a catalyst for development, and we look forward to co-creating solutions that deliver real impact.” 

Mr. Dominique MIGISHA, Coordinator of ADN, added: “This collaboration with Aptiway Global is a timely opportunity to deepen our understanding of effective digital infrastructure and services. We are committed to translating this knowledge into tangible progress for the Congolese people.” 

Simplice Anoh, Co-Founder of Aptiway Global, also commented on the significance of the partnership: “Africa’s digital future depends on bold leadership and practical collaboration. This workshop reflects our shared commitment to building resilient, homegrown solutions that respond to local challenges while unlocking global opportunities.” 

The workshop reaffirms the value of cross-border collaboration in achieving sustainable digital transformation and highlights the Democratic Republic of Congo’s growing momentum in building resilient, future-ready digital systems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aptiway Global

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