Connect with us

Business

HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will open this October

Published

on

Lighting Fair

The upgraded Hall of Connected Lighting spotlights lighting designs, innovations and solutions
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2024 –

Fair websites
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): hktdc.com/hklightingfairae/en
Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: hkotlexpo.hktdc.com/en

Hong Kong continues to solidify its status as Asia’s premier trade fair capital, drawing business professionals from around the globe for pivotal trade activities. This year, The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is set to host the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo this October. Under the theme Light & Life, the twin lighting fairs will feature some 3,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, showcasing innovative products and solutions that integrate lighting with life

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)
The 26th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) (Autumn Lighting Fair) will be held from 27 to 30 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Fair not only provides industry players with a one-stop sourcing platform, but also highlights key trends on sustainable development, healthy living and innovative design.

The Connected Lighting Zone, which made its debut last year, will be upgraded to the Hall of Connected Lighting, located the Grand Hall and Grand Foyer, 3/F, to highlight the market’s pursuit of high-quality design and smart solutions. International brands JDI from Japan and Signify from the Netherlands will move to this hall, together with returning exhibitors, LEDiL from Finland, Tridonic from Austria, TUYA Smart from Mainland China, and newcomers TOPMET from Poland and Zencontrol from Australia. The hall will gather some 50 industry elites to showcase innovative designs, smart technologies and solutions.

To showcase the latest industry trends and aesthetics, renowned designer Tino Kwan and his team, in collaboration with CM Jao from OFT Interiors, will present a demonstration area Glow and Grow – How Lighting enriches a Space at the Hall of Connected Lighting, giving the hall an artistic realm while showcasing the interaction between light and life through smart lighting systems and carefully selected fixtures that combine light and shadow with geometric structures. The lighting fixtures and systems used in the demonstration space are jointly sponsored by renowned commercial lighting brand ERCO and lighting effects expert TRAXON | e:cue.

The Hall of Aurora (located at Hall 1) is consistently one of the most popular destinations for buyers, showcasing an impressive selection of exceptional lighting products from renowned brands.

Other zones include:
The Commercial Lighting zone (located at Hall 3 and Mezzanine 4) will showcase a wide range of commercial lighting products designed to meet the diverse needs of buyers across various industries, addressing the distinct lighting needs of commercial spaces;
The LED Essentials zone (located at Expo Drive Hall, G/F) will feature a diverse collection of lighting accessories and components;
The LED Lighting zone (located at Hall 5, Expo Drive Hall, G/F, and N100 series meeting room) will display all kind of LED light sources, including the most recent and trendiest eco-friendly lighting designs available in the market;
The Residential Lighting zone (located at Hall 3 and Mezzanine 2) will showcase a stunning array of functional and decorative household lamps from around the globe, creating a captivating lighting spectacle.

Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo (Hall 6,8,10 @AsiaWorld-Expo)
The 9th Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held from 29 October to 1 November at AsiaWorld-Expo. The Expo serves as a comprehensive one-stop sourcing platform, showcasing a diverse range of outdoor commercial and industrial lighting solutions in shaping a smart city. This year, the Expo introduces a Smart Pole and Solution zone, showcasing innovative solutions to optimise energy efficiency, while enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. The Horticultural Lighting zone will feature an array of new products, including cutting-edge plant lighting technology and a selection of lighting fixtures ideal for outdoor parks and domestic gardens. The Outdoor and Public Lighting zone continues to highlight lamps designed for outdoor public spaces and advertising purposes. The Technical & Professional Lighting zone goes beyond offering various lighting fixtures tailored for professional settings such as warehouses and production facilities.

Program Activities to Get Updated Trends
The twin lighting shows will also include a series of seminars, product launches and networking events. The Innovative Lighting Design Forum will take place for the first time on 27 October at the HKCEC, focusing on two topics: Arts of Lighting: Astonishing Design for the Dynamic Future and Lighting Design Tugging at the Heartstrings: Integrating the Cultural Legacy of RCEP Markets. Renowned architects and lighting designers will share leading design cases from various regions, analysing the latest market trends. The Connected Lighting Forum on 28 October will explore interconnected and intelligent lighting applications.

The AsiaWorld-Expo will host three seminars, including Spotlighting on Architainment Lighting on 29 October. Outdoor lighting professionals will share cases of architectural lighting, festive lighting, drone light shows and more.

Providing Buyers with a Seamless Sourcing Journey
The events will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, enhanced by the “Click2Match” online smart business matching platform, available from October 20 to November 8. Furthermore, “Scan2Match” will be also available at the fairs, serving as a feature designed to bridge offline and online interactions. With the HKTDC Marketplace App, buyers can scan dedicated QR codes from exhibitors to bookmark their favorites, access product information, view electronic floor plans, and engage in conversations with exhibitors even after the fair, allowing them to seamlessly continue their sourcing journey.

Product at a Glimpse

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) Product Feature
LumiFree – Liquid Crystal Light Distribution Control Device
(Japan Display Inc.; Booth No.: GH-J03)
LumiFree is innovative liquid crystal device that allows for free control of light distribution characteristics. This technology has just won the Japan Lighting Technology Development Award and the Innovative Product Award of Asia Lighting Conference in 2024.

lichtMONITOR – Lighting Management Software (Tridonic Shanghai Co., Ltd.; Booth No.: GH-D01)
It provides live data visualisation, effectively illustrating data generated on the floor plan and highlighting the potential for data exchange through standard APIs. This innovative tool offers comprehensive monitoring, delivering a quick and efficient visual overview of the entire lighting system’s status across various areas within buildings.

Valta WP1 – Connected Wooden Pendant Lamp (Liricco Technologies Limited; Booth No.: GH-J04)
Compatible with Casambi, DALI, and Valta systems, its pendant lamp combines elegant design with smart technology for versatile lighting solutions. It is suitable for both commercial and residential environments.

Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo Product Feature
Mason Opto Co., Limited – Smart Lighting Pole (iSense Smart Control System) (Booth No.: 8-D02)
It offers advanced urban lighting solutions and serving as a central hub for various important services, including communication base stations, video surveillance systems, LED advertising screens.

Amo Technology Co., Ltd. – Solar and Electricity Hybrid Street Light
(Booth No.: 8-A05)
The street light features advanced technology, including an MPPT fast charging controller that enhances charging efficiency by 60% compared to standard controllers.

Luxgend Electronics Co., Ltd. – 40000 Lumens Rechargeable Light Tower
(Booth No.: 6-G18)
It features an electro-telescopic mast pole that extends up to 3.8 meters high and offers a 90° adjustment for optimal lighting angles. It is equipped with a four-head floodlight that provides adjustable angles and four different light modes to suit various needs.
 



 

Business

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

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Business

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

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Business

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

Published

on

PAC-Capital

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

Continue Reading

Trending