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Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) Conversations highlight the crucial role of digital transformation for Africa’s future

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Global Africa Business Initiative

The GABI Conversations have highlighted the immense potential of digital technologies and AI for Africa, and we must continue to drive these efforts forward collaboratively

Digital transformation is not just a pathway to economic growth but a vital component for sustainable development in Africa

KIGALI, Rwanda, August 5, 2024/APO Group/ —

Digital skills in Africa need to be developed to promote economic growth and development. Additionally, a conducive environment needs to be established where these skills can thrive. This involves implementing comprehensive strategies that include infrastructure, policy support, and ecosystem development. This is one of the key highlights emerging from a recent report issued by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (www.GABI.unglobalcompact.org/). GABI is a solution-oriented global platform connecting leaders from all over the world to drive and invest in the unstoppable opportunity of Africa’s economic growth.

The report, titled ‘GABI Conversations’, captures the essence of the UN Global Compact roundtable discussions held on the sidelines of the 2024 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. Under the theme of ‘Digital Transformation’, this exclusive gathering in May 2024 brought together prominent African CEOs, representatives from global and African businesses, government officials, and key stakeholders in the digital sector to engage in targeted, solution-oriented conversations aimed at driving investment and growth on the African continent.

“Digital transformation is not just a pathway to economic growth but a vital component for sustainable development in Africa. By investing in infrastructure, fostering policy support, and empowering our entrepreneurs and workforce, we can create an environment where digital skills thrive. The GABI Conversations have highlighted the immense potential of digital technologies and AI for Africa, and we must continue to drive these efforts forward collaboratively. Together, we can ensure that Africa not only participates in the digital economy but leads it,” said Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact.

Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach (http://apo-opa.co/3WzSY7j) $180 billion by 2025, and $712 billion by 2050. This growth is fueled by a vibrant innovation ecosystem in industries like mobile financial services, telemedicine, and e-commerce.

The demand for digital skills training in Africa is also expected to surge in the coming decade as jobs that previously did not require digital skills will begin to do so.

It’s estimated that some 230 million jobs across Africa will require some level of digital skills by 2030 (http://apo-opa.co/4dvOwxn). This translates to a potential for 650 million training opportunities.

The event featured a series of panels and fireside chats that delved into critical discussions on the solutions needed to drive Africa’s economic growth. Key conversations focused on bridging the digital divide by providing skills, infrastructure, finance, and other opportunities. Key topics covered included AI governance, technology and the supply chain, the digital economy, upskilling of the future workforce, data centers, and digital infrastructure, among others.

Speakers at the event included H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President of Nigeria and Guardian of the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, H.E. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation for the Republic of Rwanda, and Mr. Alex Okosi, CEO of Google Africa representing the GABI Circle. The discussions were moderated by Dr. Acha Leke, Chairman of McKinsey Africa, and hosted by Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator to Rwanda.

Key Conversations Insights

The significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration was emphasized by participants, highlighting the essential need for cooperation between governments, private sector entities, and other stakeholders to accelerate digital transformation. This collaborative strategy is essential for overcoming obstacles and amplifying the effect of digital initiatives. Emphasis was placed on the necessity of cultivating a highly skilled workforce, described as an ‘army’ of digital professionals, to advance the digital agenda.

It was stressed that AI has immense potential for the future of Africa. However, the continent must develop the necessary infrastructure to support AI technologies.

Additionally, it was emphasized that for Africa to benefit from digital transformation, it is essential to establish data centers on the continent. The presence of data centers in only a few African countries hampers progress. It was also stated that data centers must be financially viable and sustainable to bolster digital transformation.

To ensure individuals can effectively participate in and benefit from the digital economy, the discussions stressed the critical need for comprehensive capacity-building initiatives. One of the key highlights was the call for successful entrepreneurs to establish funds dedicated to supporting emerging entrepreneurs, thereby expanding and strengthening the digital economy.

Key Recommendations

The GABI Conversations highlighted the immense potential of digital technologies and AI for transforming Africa. To unlock this potential, it is vital to bridge infrastructure gaps, cultivate collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and empower individuals and entrepreneurs. Creating an enabling environment and making strategic investments in digital infrastructure are essential steps for Africa to achieve a prosperous digital future.

The key recommendations from the conversations include GABI establishing itself as a leading advocate for AI in Africa from 2025 onwards, with a focus on promoting the necessary infrastructure for AI technologies. Additionally, it was recommended to leverage the GABI platform to build on the initiatives of the UN Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body, adapting the report’s outcomes to the specific needs of Africa.

Lastly, the recommendations emphasized the importance of using the GABI platform to engage with African governments and policymakers to advocate for the creation of legal and regulatory frameworks and policies supporting AI development.

Following the success of GABI Conversations, the UN Global Compact further engaged with business leaders at the African Union mid-year coordination meeting in Accra, Ghana. These events serve as a prelude to the 25 and 26 September 2024 ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event in New York during the UN General Assembly week. The insights and recommendations from these conversations will feed into the broader agenda of ‘Unstoppable Africa’ and inform GABI’s strategic programming and partnerships for 2025.

Under the leadership of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, GABI aims to reposition Africa as a business destination and opportunity for investment on the global stage while also contributing towards the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Interested participants can now register (http://apo-opa.co/3A5Dq3G) to request for an invitation to attend the Unstoppable Africa 2024 event in New York on 25-26 September. For more information on the Global Africa Business Initiative, please visit the website (www.GABI.unglobalcompact.org/). 

Download the GABI Conversations report here (https://apo-opa.co/4dyfAfB) and watch the highlights video of the event here (https://apo-opa.co/4dbAxwS) to explore these insights and gain actionable strategies for driving Africa’s digital transformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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