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Industry Leaders Forum at Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 to Drive Sustainable Mineral Production

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Energy Capital

The Critical Minerals Africa summit will host a dedicated forum focused on ensuring the continent’s mineral resources are used for broad-based, inclusive growth

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 31, 2024/APO Group/ — 

UN Secretary General António Guterres appointed (https://apo-opa.co/3WNr7Cg) a panel dedicated to developing a framework that ensures equity, transparency, sustainability and human rights among critical mineral extraction activities, in April 2024. Uniting government and industry stakeholders, the panel aims to encourage developing countries, including those in Africa – which holds over half of the world’s cobalt and manganese reserves and over one-fifth of aluminum and copper reserves – to leverage its critical minerals for enhanced job creation, economic diversification and export revenues.

Reflecting similar priorities, the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) summit — scheduled for November 6-7 in Cape Town — will host an Industry Leader Forum to explore strategies for ensuring sustainable mineral production and navigating external factors like geopolitical risk, digital transformation and the energy transition. It will also address recent high-level initiatives – from the African Green Minerals Strategy to the global Minerals Security Partnership – and their role in shaping best practices for building resilient mineral supply chains. 

Initiated in 2022 by the African Development Bank, the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) (https://apo-opa.co/3y8dZy4) serves as a comprehensive framework for leveraging the continent’s mineral resources for industrialization and the development of green technologies. The AGMS aims to articulate Africa’s interests in a rapidly changing world, build and retain local value, create jobs, develop new industries, and foster greener economies, as global demand for transition minerals rises. 

Meanwhile, the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) (https://apo-opa.co/3YpZf87) represents a collaborative effort among 14 countries and the European Union to bolster investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains. Through partnerships with governments and industries, the MSP provides support for strategic projects, particularly focusing on lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, rare earth elements and copper. Given Africa’s abundant mineral reserves, collaboration with the MSP is particularly relevant for the continent, enabling responsible mineral extraction and supporting local communities and economies, while advancing global clean energy goals.

In February 2023, MSP partners gathered in South Africa to establish guiding principles for global project development, emphasizing local value addition and maintaining sustainability and ESG standards. Representatives from mineral-rich nations, including non-MSP countries like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, joined the discussions. The meeting sought to ensure that the growth of critical minerals supply chains benefits all stakeholders equitably, underlining the MSP’s commitment to responsible mineral extraction and sustainable development.

Furthering efforts to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of CRMs, the EU launched its Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act in March 2023, as European demand for rare earth metals is expected to increase six-fold by 2030. As part of this initiative, the EU has engaged with several African countries including the DRC, Zambia, Rwanda and Namibia through various MOUs. These agreements aim to foster collaboration within integrating sustainable raw materials value chains, mobilizing funds for infrastructure development, promoting sustainable and responsible production practices, encouraging research and innovation and enhancing capacity building efforts.

Within this context, the Industry Leaders Forum: Driving Innovative Minerals Production at CMA 2024 will explore key trends within the African and global critical minerals landscape. Leaders will discuss how initiatives like the AGMS, MSP and European CRM Act will shape the future of sustainable mineral production and global supply chains.

CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year’s edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent’s raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

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HELI Aims for #1 Position in Middle East and Africa with New Forklift Models and Strategic Investments

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Company Expands Regional Footprint, Hosts 40 Regional Partners at Exclusive Distributors’ Conference in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 22, 2024/APO Group/ — 

HELI (www.HELIChina.net), China’s leading forklift manufacturer and a global player in the material handling industry, has unveiled three new forklift models at the opening of its UAE distributor Hala’s state-of-the-art showroom and workshop in Dubai Industrial City.

This launch marks another significant step in HELI’s ongoing expansion in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, as the company continues its drive to become the leading forklift brand across the region.

HELI’s mission, Lifting the Future, is driven by a vision to become a global leader, and a singular aim to be ranked among the world’s Top 5 forklift manufacturers. Founded in 1958, HELI has consistently delivered innovative, intelligent logistics solutions, establishing itself as a global first-class integrator of industrial vehicles and intelligent logistics systems. With a people-oriented approach and a commitment to repaying society through high-quality products, HELI’s brand proposition—Empower the World—reflects the company’s dedication to empowering industries worldwide.

Ranked among the top ten forklift manufacturers globally since 2006, HELI’s streamlined strategies in capital, industrial, and innovation chains have fueled rapid growth. Today, HELI’s products are sold in over 150 countries, and in the MEA region, the company has already secured the leading position in 15 African countries, with an expanding presence in the Middle East. With continued investment in new product launches and strategic partnerships, HELI is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming the leading forklift brand across the region.

The new HELI G Series 2.0-ton lithium battery forklift, specifically engineered for the beverage industry, was also introduced at the event. Building on the proven reliability and advanced technology of HELI’s G Series, this model incorporates several innovative features tailored to the unique demands of beverage logistics. These include a flexible adjustable cab height for enhanced operator visibility and safety, an intelligent steering system that prevents sharp turns for smoother operations, and an active safety protection system that decelerates or brakes when personnel approach danger zones, reducing workplace risks. Designed with beverage industry needs in mind, it includes features like single/double pallet forks and a 360-degree vision optimization system for better maneuverability.

The G3 Series forklifts, available in 2-3.5 Ton and 5-10 Ton models, offer key shared advantages that enhance efficiency, safety, and performance. Both models are energy-efficient, with the 2-3.5 Ton version reducing consumption by 15% and the 5-10 Ton featuring a low-noise system. They incorporate advanced safety features, such as pedestrian detection, AI-powered collision warnings, and an optional reversing camera, ensuring a safer work environment. Designed for high performance and reliability, both models require minimal maintenance and are built to handle demanding industrial tasks. The 2-3.5 Ton version offers an enhanced load capacity up to 4.5 meters, while the 5-10 Ton excels in climbing performance. Additionally, ergonomic features like reduced steering effort and low-noise operation improve operator comfort and productivity.

With the increasing focus on electrification, we are providing customers with clean energy alternatives that align with global sustainability goals

Together, the G3 Series forklifts deliver a reliable, cost-effective solution for businesses seeking safety, efficiency, and durability in their material handling equipment.

“These new models reflect HELI’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for sustainable and efficient material handling solutions in the region. With the increasing focus on electrification, we are providing customers with clean energy alternatives that align with global sustainability goals and empowering our partners to achieve #1 status in their respective markets,” said Guan Lei, General Manager of HELI Middle East FZCO.

During the showroom opening, Mathew Abraham, Managing Director of Hala, HELI’s UAE distributor, emphasized the potential of the partnership, noting, “With HELI’s world-class technology and our deep understanding of the regional market, we are well-positioned to offer comprehensive solutions, ensuring the highest standards of after-sales support and sustainability.”

HELI’s growth in the region is underscored by its ongoing investment in infrastructure. The company is currently leasing between 6,000 and 8,000 square meters of space in the Middle East to expand its service capabilities and provide quicker, localized support. These efforts are aligned with HELI’s strategic goals and reinforce its position as a key player in the material handling and logistics sectors.

At a closed-door distributors conference held this week, 40 partners from across the region gathered to discuss HELI’s product innovations and regional growth strategies. The conference highlighted the company’s vision for the future and its strong partnerships with regional distributors. The theme of the conference, “Together We Thrive, Limits We Defy,” reflected the shared ambition to work harder with determination, pushing past boundaries and striving for excellence.

Recent industry data from the World Industrial Truck Statistics (WITS) shows HELI’s growing presence in the UAE, where it is now the second-largest forklift brand. This growth, coupled with a rising shift toward electrification, further positions HELI as a leader in the MEA region. The company’s success in Africa, where it holds the #1 position in 15 countries, demonstrates the strength of its offering and its ability to meet local market needs.

Chen Xianyou, Vice General Manager of Anhui HELI Co., Ltd, emphasized, “Our continued investment in the MEA region is a testament to our long-term vision. We are focused on achieving sustainable growth, backed by our strong after-sales service network, and building lasting relationships with our regional partners.”

With its leadership position in China for 33 consecutive years and a growing footprint in the Middle East and Africa, HELI is poised to become a globally recognized brand in the material handling industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of HELI.

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West Africa Deal Summit 2024 calls for regional collaboration to unlock catalytic capital, rewards outstanding organisations

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The summit closed with an invitation to the Africa Impact Summit 2025 scheduled for June 11-12, 2025, in Accra, Ghana

LAGOS, Nigeria, November 22, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The 2024 West Africa Deal Summit (WADS) (www.WestAfricaDealSummit.org) concluded on Wednesday, with a call for more regional collaboration to mobilise catalytic capital to address West Africa’s unique socioeconomic challenges. The two-day event attended by over 400 investors, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and thought leaders, focused on building innovative financing mechanisms. 

The summit themed “Actions to Deepen Catalytic Capital in West Africa” organised by the Impact Investors Foundation, Impact Investing Ghana alongside impact investing taskforces in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire highlighted several other priority actions in a joint statement issued at the event’s close. 

One of the highlights of the summit was the launch of two transformative reports – Catalytic Capital in Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/3ZiaMGL) and Context Mapping and Market Landscape for Catalytic Capital in Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/3CCKEO7),  that identified organisations deploying catalytic capital in Nigeria; spotlighted the types of investments they make and their impact; and mapped the spectrum of capital used in Nigeria. 

Catalytic capital, strong governance, regional collaboration, and innovative financing mechanisms are essential for leveraging West Africa’s potential

At the end of the two-day summit, the Impact Investors Foundation in partnership with LEAP Africa also celebrated trailblazing organisations for their meaningful contributions to environmental and social causes. Alitheia Capital Management bagged the Impact Investor of the Year 2024, FAMASI Limited was conferred with the Social Enterprise of the Year 2024 while Centre for Legal Support and Inmates Rehabilitation (CELSIR) bagged the Innocent Chukwuma Award for Social Impact, 2024.  In the Social Innovators Programme Award categories by LEAP Africa, FarmSpeak Technology and Power Wheels Electricals received the Outstanding Fellow Award; the Seyi Bickersteth Award for Financial Accountability 2024 recipient was Read To Learn Foundation while Natal Cares bagged the Innocent Chukwuma Award for Youth and Gender Empowerment 2024. 

The IIF and Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing (NPO) also jointly awarded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu with the Policy Champion for Philanthropy and Impact Investing award for his role in championing Nigeria’s first-ever legislation on impact investing and philanthropy. 

Etemore Glover, CEO of the Impact Investors Foundation, highlighted the collective commitment of summit participants to accelerating efforts in building national and regional ecosystems that drive resilience and sustainable growth. 

“We, the impact investing community, commit to building national and regional ecosystems that foster sustainable growth and resilience. Catalytic capital, strong governance, regional collaboration, and innovative financing mechanisms are essential for leveraging West Africa’s potential,” she said. 

The joint statement was issued by Mirabelle Moreaux, Board Vice Chair, Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh); Etemore Glover, CEO, Impact Investors Foundation; Amma Lartey, CEO, Impact Investing Ghana; Yacouba Ouedraogo (PhD), Member, Burkina Faso Impact Investing Taskforce and Co-founder, Africa Impact Investing Partnerships Centre and Bowel Diop, Member, Senegal Impact Investing Taskforce. 

Key initiatives outlined in the joint statement include strengthening regional collaboration and Knowledge Exchange; Mobilising Local Capital; Encouraging Innovation and Collaboration for Systemic Change; Strengthening Good Governance and Capacity-Building for MSMEs; and promoting Data-Driven Design and Execution. The summit closed with an invitation to the Africa Impact Summit 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3OleFV3) scheduled for June 11-12, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of West Africa Deal Summit.

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How 5G Transforms Life: A Foreigner’s Journey Through East China’s Digital Revolution

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HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 November 2024 – As the 2024 World Internet Conference Summit opened in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province on November 20, showcasing China’s latest achievements in artificial intelligence and digital technology, a foreigner who has called China home for 15 years witnessed firsthand how one particular technology – 5G – is revolutionizing everyday life in this eastern province.

Yegor Shyshov, who has lived through China’s digital transformation, found himself amazed by the practical applications of 5G technology beyond mere phone services. From smart manufacturing to autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare, his journey through Zhejiang province revealed how the technology showcased at Wuzhen is already improving lives in neighboring cities.

“These applications are not just exhibition pieces – they’re already changing how people work and live,” said Shyshov, as he toured various 5G-enabled facilities across the province.

In Zhejiang’s Yiwu city, blankets are being weaved in bulk by Truelove, one of China’s leading blanket makers, under the custody of 5G-empowered AI system.

“The inspection for broken threads used to be the toughest job,” Zhang Xiaomao, a chief engineer at Truelove’s smart manufacturing sector, told Shyshov. “In cooperation with China Mobile, we rolled out the 5G+AI visual quality monitoring system, after 18 months of testing.”

The system is able to monitor the threads while they are being weaved, Zhang said, adding that it could stop a warp knitting machine when a broken thread is detected, ensuring accurate quality control.

“There are 24 cameras installed on a warp knitting machine, in short, we have installed ‘electronic eyes’ on our machine, which can realize real-time monitoring of 8,000 threads,” he said.

Upon detection of broken threads, the system automatically halts production, reducing defects by 90% while processing 40 million images daily. The efficiency gains are remarkable: one worker can now manage 12 machines, triple the previous capacity of four.

While the 5G buildout brought revolution in industries, it can be better felt in people’s daily life, as phone service has long become a modern necessity. However, 5G is ready to make big changes in areas beyond that little plate of screen.

Some self-driving mini shuttle buses are currently on its trial operation around the Jinyi Lake in Jinyi New District, Jinhua city.

Shyshov went to take one of the buses — the 5.8-meter-long vehicle has eight passenger seats and can travel at a speed of 20 km/h. It is installed with five LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and five cameras, which enable it to give way to pedestrians if detected, and bring itself to halt upon reaching designated stops.

While the vehicle drives itself, a safety staff sits at the driver’s cab to ensure safe operations. These vehicles are currently on trial service for now, providing transport between seven stops along a 6.5-kilometer-long loop within a limited area

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