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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).

Business

Morocco’s First Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Top Three Finalist is Pioneering Water and Sanitation Solutions

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Africa’s Business Heroes

Her inspiring leadership, technical knowledge and commitment to making a difference have seen her rise as a business leader in the water and sanitation industry

RABAT, Morocco, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ —

In a remarkable milestone for Morocco, Dr. Salma Bougarrani has made history by becoming the first female Moroccan entrepreneur to reach the Top three finalists in the esteemed Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/ Prize Competition. Finishing as the 1st Runner-Up. Dr. Bougarrani, the co-Founder and CEO behind Green Watech (apo-opa.co/4jrjZnv), is not just pushing sanitation forward for the rural communities; she’s also blazing a trail for women entrepreneurs in an industry where females are often not noticed or heard from. Her inspiring leadership, technical knowledge and commitment to making a difference have seen her rise as a business leader in the water and sanitation industry.

The recognition from ABH, the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa, aligns with its mission to spotlight and support local talent like Dr. Bougarrani, who are driving positive change in their communities. Over a decade, the program aims to honor 100 African entrepreneurs while providing grant funding, training and broader ecosystem support to foster African entrepreneurship.

Dr. Bougarrani’s journey into the world of water and sanitation began with her firsthand observations of untreated wastewater wreaking havoc in Moroccan villages. Witnessing these difficulties sparked her passion for creating sustainable solutions, leading her to leave the world of academia and pursue a career in entrepreneurship. In 2018, she formed Green Watech to give rural communities access to reasonably priced and energy-efficient sanitation systems. She holds a PhD in Advanced Water Treatment Processes from Med V University and Leipzig University.

Impacting Lives Through Sustainable Innovation

At the centre of Green Watech’s innovation is a groundbreaking soil-based filtration system, which provides the means to treat wastewater for agricultural irrigation. Unlike expensive, energy-hungry technologies, this system is all about being low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and sustainable – perfect for rural communities that often struggle with limited infrastructure. By cutting down the need for fresh water by as much as 70%, Green Watech is transforming the water management landscape in Morocco.

Since its inception, Green Watech has changed the lives of over 30,000 people in 17 Moroccan villages and farms. The company has cleaned more than 200 million litres of wastewater, which helps with water shortages and makes farms more productive. Thanks to Green Watech’s participatory model, local communities actively participate in the process. Villagers are taught how to set up, maintain, and grow sanitation systems through training programs, which promote resilience and sustainability in the long run.

Green Watech’s soil-based filter system also cuts down on the need to use fresh water for crops. It offers a long-lasting, cheap, and easy-to-keep-up answer for people in rural areas. The company plans to grow beyond Morocco in the future. It aims to reach North Africa and other places during the year.

Breaking Down Barriers as an ABH Trailblazer

Dr. Bougarrani’s recognition as the first Moroccan entrepreneur to be placed among the top three finalists in the ABH competition is significant. Her success defies cultural expectations and gender norms in a field where male entrepreneurs predominate. Her accomplishment serves as a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs throughout Africa and highlights her technical expertise and leadership abilities.

Her work in sustainable water management has gained her worldwide recognition. She has received top honours, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Grand Prize.

The Future of Green Wateche

Dr. Bougarrani plans to put the $150,000 prize back into Green Watech to help it reach more African communities in need. She has an ambitious goal to reach 1 million end-users by 2030.  Her career is an outstanding example of how someone with a strong will and passion can break walls, challenge stereotypes and uplift entire communities.

2025 ABH Applications Are Now Open

African entrepreneurs who want to enter the 2025 edition of the competition and stand a chance to win a share of US$1.5 million can do so at https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/register.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH

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African Development Bank and Bank of Africa Tanzania sign $7.5 million facility to boost trade finance

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The facility will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates engaged in the import sector

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ –The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Bank of Africa Tanzania (BOAT) have signed a $7.5 million trade finance transaction guarantee facility to boost trade finance activities of the Bank of Africa in Tanzania.

Under this facility, the African Development Bank will provide a guarantee of up to 100% to confirming banks against non-payment risks arising from letters of credit and similar trade finance instruments issued by the Bank of Africa Tanzania. The facility will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates engaged in the import sector. The facility aligns with efforts to bolster intra-Africa trade, contributing directly to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) (https://AU-AfCFTA.org/).

This partnership strengthens our ability to support businesses across various sectors by providing seamless trade finance solutions

Speaking at the signing event on March 10, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, the Bank’s Country Manager for Tanzania, Patricia Laverley, stressed the importance of the facility in addressing Tanzania’s trade finance needs, saying that given the country’s import requirements, it will aid priority sectors such as trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. “This facility will support trade by enabling BOAT to play a more strategic role in the regional and international market.”

Representing BOAT’s management, Deputy Managing Director Hamza Cherkaoui lauded the strong partnership with the African Development Bank, emphasizing its role in expanding trade finance capabilities across the continent. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support businesses across various sectors by providing seamless trade finance solutions, expanding our confirmation network, and enabling access to top-tier confirming banks,” he said.

The new Trade Guarantee facility aligns with Bank of Africa Tanzania’s strategic priorities and the African Development Bank’s broader objectives, including promoting regional integration, increasing food security, and industrializing Africa. It also supports Tanzania’s Country Strategy paper 2021-2025, which focuses on enhancing the private sector business environment for job creation. It also aligns with the country’s development vision (Vision 2025), which aims to build a strong and resilient economy capable of competing globally.

The signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone in the African Development Bank Group’s direct engagement with Tanzania’s private sector, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the country’s financial sector and economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB

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PAC Capital Limited Named Best Transaction Advisory Firm in Nigeria at the Grand Annual Awards Ceremony 2025

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As part of the PanAfrican Capital Holdings Group, PAC Capital continues to expand its footprint across Africa and globally, with a focus on impact-driven transactions that promote sustainable economic growth

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ –PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com), a leading investment banking and advisory firm, is proud to announce its recognition as the Best Transaction Advisory Firm – Nigeria 2025 by the International Business Magazine Awards!

The award celebrates PAC Capital’s consistent track record in structuring and executing high-impact transactions across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, transport, and financial services. This international recognition highlights the firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering value-driven advisory services.

At PAC Capital, we are committed to delivering transformative financial solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations

Humphrey Oriakhi, Managing Director of PAC Capital, expressed his pride and appreciation for the recognition:

“This award is a strong validation of our efforts to lead with insight, integrity, and innovation in the transaction advisory space. We are truly honored to be acknowledged on a global platform. I dedicate this achievement to our clients who trust us with their most strategic decisions and to our team whose dedication fuels our success.”

Bolarinwa Sanni, Executive Director of PAC Capital, emphasized the importance of collaboration and resilience in the firm’s journey:

“Winning this award reflects the strength of our advisory team and the boldness of the clients we serve. At PAC Capital, we are committed to delivering transformative financial solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and shaping Africa’s investment landscape.”

As part of the PanAfrican Capital Holdings Group, PAC Capital continues to expand its footprint across Africa and globally, with a focus on impact-driven transactions that promote sustainable economic growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PAC Capital Limited

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