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Extensive Application Options of Canon Colorado M-series with Unique UVgel Technology Create Significant Demand for the Roll-to-Roll Printer

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Canon

The Colorado M-series includes a new hassle-free, white ink option, which helps to expand the range of applications users can offer

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 16, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Building on the core, proven capabilities of previous Colorado models, the key features of the Canon Colorado M-series – its modularity, white ink capability, in-field upgradability and scalable speed configuration – have enabled customers who have installed the printer to substantially expand the range of applications they can offer. With over 700 installations globally since the device launched 12 months ago, Print Service Providers (PSPs) are recognising the value the Colorado M-series with UVgel technology can bring to their business.

Significantly more application options

The Colorado M-series includes a new hassle-free, white ink option, which helps to expand the range of applications users can offer. Using UVgel technology, a unique ‘print-then-cure’ technology with instant-dry gel inks cured with UV LED lights, the M-series delivers prints that eliminate smudging or sticking concerns with sharp details and scratch resistance. The UVgel inks now offer an even wider colour gamut than before and can print bright colours for an array of premium graphics and décor options, from wallpaper to window graphics as well as labels and more specialist applications like car wrapping. With the new white ink addition and the new media detection sensor technology for easy media handling, Colorado M-series users can expand their typical product offering and print on heavy, structured, transparent, coloured, reflective and magnetic materials.

With FLXfinish+ technology, users can print with gloss and matte, separately or at the same time, and without the need for varnish or an extra print channel, making the M-series ideal for printing luxury applications with special effects such as high-end wallpapers.

Customer success

FaberExposize, a printing company based in Amsterdam, was one of the first beta customers for the Colorado M-series to experience the new capabilities the printer brings to produce complex jobs, meaning they no longer have to outsource any printing needs. Richard Meijer, Production Manager at FaberExposize says, “The Colorado M-series has exceeded our expectations in terms of meeting our customers’ demands for 3- and 5-layer printing, printing in white and on magnetic media. The scratch resistance and ink adhesion are top-notch, and we’ve experienced zero nozzle clogging. This printer with UVgel technology truly delivers on its promises.”

One feature of the Colorado M-series that has particularly impressed FaberExposize is its ability to print on magnetic media, which is often used in retail for interchangeable price tags. The fact the printer can handle 0.3mm and 0.5mm magnetic media is, in Meijer’s opinion, “a rare feature” that gives them a competitive advantage.

The Colorado M-series has exceeded our expectations in terms of meeting our customers’ demands for 3- and 5-layer printing, printing in white and on magnetic media

Norwegian sign and printing company, Sign Production, have also found the Colorado M-series to be the perfect solution for the large volumes of small jobs they now receive. They require a printer that doesn’t compromise on quality, makes it simple for operators to change rolls, is easy to operate and capable of printing at high speed, so they can process a lot of orders throughout the day.

Thomas Fjeldberg CEO at Sign Production says, “One of the key aspects of the Colorado M-series that really sets it apart from the competition is the durability of the UVgel inks – it’s very hard to damage the ink, so you don’t need to use a laminate. For high-value applications like car wrapping, the quality of the print is really important, so it’s great to see how well the Colorado performs. I would say the quality is one of the best aspects of the Colorado M-series as it’s able to meet the expectations of end users who are going to spend a lot of money on these applications.”

Hassle-free white ink offers more possibilities

Zenith Graphics, a company based in Belgium, produces decals for use on buildings, machinery and vehicles. The benefits of the new white ink have become clear as customers can now have white ink applications printed on the Colorado M-series with the same exceptional Colorado results that they expect. With the white ink, they can now also fulfil requests to print on black film and offer a greater image variety as the white ink expands the colour gamut.

Kurt Persoons co-owner at Zenith Graphics comments, “Customers expect very high quality from us, both in terms of the image and the durability of the product we deliver. The Colorado guarantees us a beautiful product with a high quality that will last a very long time. I honestly think that our operators are Canon’s best ambassadors. When we ask them which printer they like to work with, they invariably mention the Colorado.”

Jennifer Kolloczek, Senior Director, Marketing & Innovation, Production Print, Canon EMEA, comments, “Since its launch a year ago, the Colorado M-series has taken the wide-format printer market by storm, with its exceptional quality, reliability and modularity allowing it to scale with customer’s businesses. The  hassle-free UVgel white ink option offers brighter colours on an array of substrates and has vastly opened up the application range addressable by Colorado users – from premium graphics to décor such as wallpaper and window graphics – with the same Colorado quality and finish that our customers expect.”

The Colorado M-series is a scalable wide-format printer with in-field upgradability

Part of the already successful Canon Colorado family, the new Colorado M-series has significant features that provide customers with more choice and allow them to scale the printer as needed with a number of hardware and software options. The M-series offers a choice of output speeds, Colorado M3 or M5 (with maximum print speeds of 111m²/hr and 159m²/hr respectively), with the option to upgrade from one speed to the other either temporarily for production peaks or permanently. Both printers can also be easily upgraded with the white ink option to M3W and M5W models, with FLXfinish+ matte/gloss print technology, double-sided and print-side-in printing as well as a kit for magnetic media.

For more information on the Colorado M-series, visit: https://apo-opa.co/3V3U0bh

For more information on Canon’s UVgel technology, visit: https://apo-opa.co/44HeDhN

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

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Business

Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Business

Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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