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Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL helps to scale startups from 180 countries

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9 months ago

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GITEX GLOBAL

As the show’s first ever official Country Partner, Brazil is well represented, with over 50 of the country’s most dynamic startups exhibiting at Expand North Star 2025

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 13, 2025/APO Group/ –Reflecting Expand North Star’s (https://ExpandNorthStar.com/) international significance as the world’s largest startup and investor event, part of GITEX GLOBAL, the show’s 10th anniversary edition has attracted over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries, including Brazil as a Country Partner, and all-new participation from Ecuador and Chile. With global venture capital investment totalling US$368 billion in 2024 [1], the show’s role in helping to scale the worldwide digital ecosystem has become increasingly important.

Expand North Star’s four-day programme, running from 12-15 October, was created to elevate funding, scaling, and deal-flow levels to new heights – catalysing new partnerships and driving inclusive digital growth across emerging AI economies.

Building Bridges to Brazil, and Beyond

As the show’s first ever official Country Partner, Brazil is well represented, with over 50 of the country’s most dynamic startups exhibiting at Expand North Star 2025. Tatiana Riera, Chief Operating Officer at the Dubai Office of ApexBrasil, Brazil’s national trade and investment promotion agency, highlighted the UAE’s crucial role in fostering innovation and building international partnerships in her opening remarks at Expand North Star on 12 October.

She said: “Today, Brazil is home to one of the world’s biggest ecosystems for startups, venture capital and private equity, with more than 20,000 in the country. ApexBrasil is at Expand North Star to build bridges between Brazil and all over the world – especially here in Dubai. Dubai Chamber is one of our greatest partners, which is why the event is so important for us. It’s not just about showcasing startups, but also about co-creating the future between Brazil and UAE, and between Brazil and the rest of the world – that’s our agenda at Expand North Star.”

New Exhibitors, New Markets

Since the inaugural edition in 2016, Expand North Star has continued to expand its global footprint and reputation, drawing founders, investors, entrepreneurs, business execs, and strategic public-private partners from across the globe, including all-new countries.

One of these first-time exhibitors is Ecuador. Speaking at Expand North Star, Mr Felipe Ribadeneira – Ecuadorian Ambassador to the UAE, said it was important for Ecuador to be present at GITEX. “We’re proud to showcase more than 22 Ecuadorian companies, including 20 startups, offering solutions from AI-driven banking to advanced medical technologies,” he said.

“Dubai and the UAE are investing boldly to become a global hub for data and artificial intelligence, and we see tremendous opportunity to build with that momentum. In February, at the World Government Summit, we expect to sign a significant memorandum to establish a technology logistics corridor – another step toward a deeper, truly win-win partnership between Ecuador and the UAE.”

Today, Brazil is home to one of the world’s biggest ecosystems for startups, venture capital and private equity, with more than 20,000 in the country

Chile is also making its Expand North Star debut, with 12 innovative service companies, spanning such diverse sectors such as mining, education, finance, construction and entertainment. In addition, the Chile-Dubai Innovation Summit, hosted at the Chilean Pavilion, will help Chile expand its presence in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries, supporting the diversification of Chile’s exports.

Expanding Capital Markets

In addition to opening access to new markets, the show acts as a magnet for leading global venture capitalists and private equity investors – all looking to discover the next unicorn. The 1,200 investors attending GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star have more than US$1.1 trillion in assets under management (AUM) – an astonishing reflection of the shows’ economic impact and worldwide influence.

Dr. Jorg Goschin, the CEO of KFW Capital, praised the UAE’s innovation focus, citing it as a natural partner to those looking to scale opportunities from European Markets. Speaking at a panel discussion during the show, ‘Driving Venture Capital Growth and Innovation with Sovereign Wealth Funds’, Dr. Goschin said: “Our goal is not only to fund European and German funds and late-stage companies, but to make the venture market more accessible – more transparency, more secondary market options, and less bureaucracy. When investors can see performance and have clear exit pathways, they invest. Here in the UAE, with its appetite for technology and global capital, we see real potential to accelerate co-investment into high-quality European innovation.”

Global Partnerships for Growth

Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, signed exciting partnerships with international entities during the show’s first day at Dubai Harbour. The agreements cover a range of countries and include partnerships with Presight, 28 Digital, ApexBrasil, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. The partnerships serve to further cement Dubai World Trade Centre’s standing as an inclusive global platform from which 8,000+ founders have scaled their businesses over the years.

GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star reflect Dubai government’s ambition to foster innovation and attract global talent, while generating 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and creating at least 10 unicorns – companies with valuations exceeding US$1 billion – by 2031.

For more information, please visit: https://ExpandNorthStar.com/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Expand North Star.

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Paddles up! Hong Kong marks 50 Years of international dragon boat thrills

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4 days ago

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June 26, 2026

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Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – With top teams from around the world gearing up for the hotly contested Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races this weekend (June 27-28), participants and spectators can expect a bumper programme of action, fun and entertainment along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui – one of the city’s most vibrant districts known for its iconic skyline views and tourist attractions.

There is much to celebrate. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races as well as 35th anniversary of both the co-organiser, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and the sanctioning body, International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF added to the occasion by announcing earlier this year the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.

Riding on the wave of excitement, the organiser, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), extended the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival period to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), beginning on the historic Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) and concluding on July 1, which is the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

As the headline international flagship event of “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the Festival not only ran over a longer period, but also featured a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programmes than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete for top honours in the world‑renowned setting of Victoria Harbour. This year’s event also introduces the special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of dragon boat racing.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a series of thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, live music performances and a line-up of intangible cultural heritage performances, including martial art Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing, as well as its strengths as a global hub city, the IDBF has taken a significant step in its long‑term global strategy with the formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026.

“Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family,” said Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF.

As part of this new chapter, the IDBF has applied for funding under “the Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations”, which was recently introduced by the HKSAR Government’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Pilot Scheme is an initiative designed to support Asian and international sports associations establishing their headquarters or regional headquarters in the city.

The Dragon Boat Festival has a long and colourful history dating back more than two thousand years. Held each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the day commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.

According to legend, Qu committed suicide for his beliefs by throwing himself into the Luo River. The villagers nearby raced out on their dragon boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish and other underwater creatures to stop them from eating Qu’s body. The tradition continues to this day, with dragon boat competitions taking place at locations across Hong Kong, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its neighbourhood.

Traditional dragon boat treats feature prominently during the festival, notably zongzi. These glutinous rice dumplings, traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled, are widely available during the festive period.

 

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Energy

African Mining Week (AMW) to Unlock Zimbabwe’s $12B Mining Vision Through Direct Investor Partnerships

Published

5 days ago

on

June 25, 2026

By

Etu Energias

A dedicated country spotlight at African Mining Week 2026 will showcase regulatory reforms and project developments across Zimbabwe’s mining value chain

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 25, 2026/APO Group/ –African Mining Week 2026 – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – will connect Zimbabwean regulators and mining stakeholders with global investors to advance partnerships, as the country accelerates efforts to build a $12 billion mining industry by 2030.

Taking place from October 14 – 16 in Cape Town, AMW 2026 will feature a dedicated Zimbabwe Country Spotlight, showcasing lucrative opportunities across the country’s mining value chain. The country spotlight will feature high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking sessions and project showcases, connecting global investors and service providers with senior decision-makers from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and leading mining companies operating across the country.

The spotlight comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe, as the country seeks fresh capital to unlock value from more than 60 known mineral occurrences spanning gold, lithium, platinum group metals, chrome, coal and rare earths.

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In a major move to improve investment competitiveness, Zimbabwe reduced mining-related license and permit fees in May 2026, lowering operational costs for investors while streamlining market participation. Registration fees for dealing in precious stones have been reduced from $15,000 to $10,000, while export permit fees have been cut from $1,875 to $500. New licensing categories – including permits for gold jewellery manufacturing and lithium processing plants – have also been introduced as part of a broader strategy to promote investments across in-country value addition projects. The reduction in fees for beneficiation projects follows the April 2026 introduction of export quotas for lithium concentrates ahead of a planned 2027 ban on concentrate exports. The shift is already reshaping the country’s lithium industry, with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt achieving Zimbabwe’s first export shipment of lithium sulphate salts in April 2026.

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Coming into this picture, AMW 2026’s Zimbabwe Country Spotlight will provide investors with direct insights into these evolving regulatory frameworks, highlighting emerging investment and partnership prospects in lithium processing and across the mining value chain.

Zimbabwe’s gold sector is also positioned for renewed growth amid sustained high global gold prices (averaging $5,000 per ounce). In line with this momentum, Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund, Mutapa Investment Fund, is seeking $250 million to expand gold mining operations. Against this backdrop, AMW 2026 offers a timely platform for investors to engage with one of Africa’s most prospective brownfield gold markets and explore opportunities across exploration, mine expansion and processing infrastructure.

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AMW 2026’s strong emphasis on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) formalization also aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s national mining development strategy. In May 2026, Zimbabwe certified 300 small-scale miners following completion of training programs safety, compliance and productivity. Supported by funding from Mutapa Gold Resources – a subsidiary of Mutapa Investment Fund – the initiative aims to train and formalize 1,500 ASM players.

 

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As the official platform where Africa’s mining opportunities are discussed and maximized, AMW 2026 will provide stakeholders with market intelligence on Zimbabwe’s evolving mining landscape and investment outlook.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Energy

Nigeria Accelerates $750B Mining Vision Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Published

5 days ago

on

June 25, 2026

By

Etu Energias

African Mining Week will showcase opportunities within Nigeria’s mining value chain as the country seeks capital to unlock its $750 billion worth of untapped mineral deposits

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Nigeria’s mining sector is entering a new phase of growth as regulatory reforms, downstream investments and international partnerships strengthen investor confidence in one of Africa’s largest untapped mineral markets. The country’s solid minerals sector has secured approximately $3 billion in investments over the past three years, reflecting growing investor confidence as the West African nation seeks to bridge the financing gap hindering large-scale mining development.

 

The investment milestone comes as Nigeria deepens engagement with investors to unlock its estimated $750 billion in untapped mineral resources. The country is targeting an increase in mining’s contribution to GDP to 10%, creating lucrative investment opportunities for global mining industry players.

These developments come as African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference, taking place in Cape Town from October 14-16 – prepares to showcase Nigeria’s expanding project pipeline and investment opportunities. Through dedicated country sessions, project showcases and executive networking, the event will connect international investors with Nigerian policymakers, mining companies and service providers driving the country’s mining transformation.

Nigeria’s expanding investment pipeline is a testament to its drive to strengthen partnerships. In June 2026, indigenous company Romulus Mining announced plans to increase investments across its gold and lithium portfolio from approximately $50 million to $150 million over the next three years, underscoring growing private sector confidence in the country’s mining outlook.

A partnership deal signed with Turkey in May 2026 is expected to support cooperation in geological exploration, mining technologies, digitalization and capacity building, while creating new opportunities for Turkish investment and technical expertise across Nigeria’s mining value chain.

Meanwhile, the advancement of several downstream projects – including a $600 million lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State and a $200 million lithium processing plant in Abuja – underscores Nigeria’s commitment to boosting mineral production and supporting industrialization.

Amid these developments, AMW 2026 provides a timely platform for investors seeking to capitalize on one of Africa’s most promising mining markets. The event will facilitate strategic partnerships that support exploration, mineral processing and long-term industry growth, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to develop a $1 billion economy by 2030 on the back of its mining industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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