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Hong Kong Ups the Game with New Incentive Playbook

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HKTB

Largest Celebration Ever with Over 110 Agents from Eight Markets to Experience Ultimate Hong Kong Adventure

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2024 – Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched a new campaign, “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook: Up the Game for Your Team”, with much fanfare at The Regent Hong Kong on 24 April 2024. The campaign curates over 100 new and authentic Hong Kong ideas to inspire and reward incentive groups in response to emerging incentive travel trends. Over 110 agents from Mainland, Southeast Asia, South Korea and India were invited to get exclusive first-hand experiences of Hong Kong’s rich and diverse incentive resources.

Dane Cheng, Executive Director of HKTB, shared his excitement, saying, “Last year, Hong Kong welcomed over 1.3 million MICE visitors, with the Meeting and Incentive (M&I) segment accounting for a staggering 65 per cent. This makes the share of M&I the most significant increase among the segments.”

“Building on this growth momentum, with the launch of the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook, we are taking it up a notch, inviting the incentive industry to experience Hong Kong like never before with the city’s newest, most authentic, and immersive incentive ideas. We are confident that Hong Kong will become the ultimate destination for incentive travel, offering unparalleled experiences for corporations to motivate and reward their teams, and create lasting memories in our city.”

Up the Incentive Game with a Playbook of New and Authentic Experiences

The “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” covers over 100 new and unique incentive ideas under five themes: “Arts & Culture”, “Wellness & Nature”, “Neighbourhoods”, Nightlife & Parties”, and “Hong Kong Signatures”.

Experience Hong Kong’s world-class art and cultural scene, create traditional handicrafts, and escape the skyscrapers to immerse oneself in nature. Explore the city’s streets and alleys to embrace the blend of old and new urban landscapes. Enjoy Hong Kong-style day and night entertainment, engage in party activities, and visit iconic attractions. These are just some of the suggestions available in the comprehensive and game-changing guidebook for incentive travel planners to customise exciting itineraries in Hong Kong.

The HKTB has launched a campaign website and themed short videos for the Playbook in English and Chinese.

Largest-ever Top Agents Celebration and Familiarisation Trip Got First-hand Experience

Alongside the campaign launch, the HKTB hosted the largest-ever celebration for over 110 agents from Mainland, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and India to recognise their contribution to Hong Kong’s tourism and offer them a first-hand experience.

The launch ceremony and celebration were also an extravagant get-together to recognise overseas MICE agents for their contribution to bringing incentive groups to Hong Kong and fostering connections between the local, mainland, and overseas tourism industries.

Unlock New and Authentic Incentive Ideas to Create Extraordinary and Unforgettable Trips

From 23 to 26 April 2024, the HKTB curated unique itineraries and team activities for agents to explore Hong Kong’s incentives first-hand; all catered to the preferences of different source markets.

They relished a handful of incentive group exclusive experiences that showcase Hong Kong’s diverse offerings from day to night. These range from a soothing singing bowl session, a Tai Chi class with a stunning view, and an immersive Chinese fan painting workshop at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Some also participated in an active team challenge at the West Kowloon Cultural District. To cap off the celebration, they enjoyed an evening of exclusive partying at a nightlife venue in Central.

Hong Kong – Delivering Wow Factors and a Top Choice for Incentives

A game-changing perspective

Zhang Yang, General Manager of Xi’an Cultural Tourism Co. Ltd. Beijing Branch, said: “Discovering Hong Kong’s exciting incentive possibilities through the ‘Hong Kong Incentive Playbook’ is a game-changer. The diverse attractions, nostalgic sites, and trendy bars offer unique experiences for all. I can’t wait for the opening of 11 SKIES, the perfect multifaceted destination for MICE travellers.”

“Must-have” incentive experiences

Maria Paz Alberto, President of Ark Travel Express Inc., said: “Beyond shopping and dining, Hong Kong offers diverse cultural encounters and unique activities like yoga and wellness events. The fan-painting workshop is a must-do for Filipino incentive travellers. We are excited to host a 50-person tour next month and introduce them to Hong Kong’s vibrant bar culture.”

An ideal destination

Aoyan Adhya, Assistant Vice President (MICE) at Thomas Cook Limited, India, said: “A city with excellent shopping, vibrant nightlife, and numerous tourist attractions, Hong Kong provides ideal conditions for hosting incentive tours from India. I was impressed by the M+ museum, while the singing bowl workshop left me feeling serene. I am enthusiastic about promoting Hong Kong’s nightlife hotspots in the future.”

Neighbourhoods a magnet

Kevin Kuswadi, Managing Director of Pelangi Tour, Indonesia, said: “Hong Kong’s new attractions, including the Palace Museum and M+, as well as its diverse array of experiences, are appealing to Indonesian travellers in search of novelty. The Neighbourhoods theme is sure to attract them like a magnet.”

From nightlife to wellness

Ji-Hyeon Ryu, Manager of Global Tour, South Korea, said: “We have seen a 1.4-fold increase in incentive travel inquiries to Hong Kong, with an insurance company planning a visit for up to 200 people. South Korean travellers like Hong Kong’s nightlife, and in the post-pandemic era, there is a growing interest in wellness and nature experiences.”

Thematic website of “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook”: https://www.hkincentiveplaybook.com
Thematic video of “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” (English version): https://youtu.be/LfTSnSaWTME
Thematic video of “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” (Simplified Chinese version): https://youtu.be/jroiU6iD3y4

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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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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