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#IWD2024: Impactful investment: African Development Bank support shapes scholarship graduate career in drone-enabled public health

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African Development Bank

The program aligns with the goal of the Bank’s Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa, which is to increase innovation connected to industrialization and development needs

Também disponível em Portuguêsتتوفر أيضا في العربية

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 11, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The African Development Bank’s (www.AfDB.org) Japan Africa Dream Scholarship program invests in promising African students from Bank member countries at partner universities in Africa and Japan, financing their tuition, travel, and upkeep for post-graduate studies. The program aligns with the goal of the Bank’s Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa, which is to increase innovation connected to industrialization and development needs.

Scholarship program alumna Mary Yeboah Asantewaa earned her Master of Science degree in Public Health Management from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in May 2023. We asked her about her experience.

Please tell us more about how the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship, financed by the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Finance, prepared you for your current job at SORA Technology, a Japanese firm in Ghana.

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship program was instrumental in shaping my career path, offering me the freedom to pursue internship opportunities that aligned with my aspirations, and providing monthly support to facilitate this. This autonomy was transformative. I found SORA Technology, a company whose mission resonated deeply with my goals to enhance public health surveillance across Africa by adopting innovative technology.

This pivotal choice effectively bridged my academic knowledge and the practical demands of the business world. Now, as the SORA Technology’s Head of Africa Business, I am leveraging the comprehensive educational foundation laid by Japan Africa Dream Scholarship to devise and implement innovative business strategies that advance public health technology throughout the continent. This skill is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the real-world applicability and impact of my Japan Africa Dream Scholarship-sponsored education in addressing public health challenges with cutting-edge technology.

You’d said in the past that your dream is to use drones to save lives in Africa. What does that mean? To what degree has your educational experience accelerated progress toward reaching that goal?

The dream of using drones is not just about saving lives in emergencies but also about fundamentally strengthening public health systems across Africa. Their vulnerability was starkly highlighted during the pandemic when drones emerged as a critical tool for delivering medical supplies. My internship with SORA Technology opened my eyes to the broader applications of drones beyond delivery. They are pivotal in addressing global health challenges ranging from infectious diseases to climate-related issues. The current flagship project at SORA focuses on cost-effective malaria control. It is attracting interest from stakeholders in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and other African nations. My education, supported by the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship, provided a comprehensive foundation in public health management and technology, and set me on a trajectory to explore and implement drone technology in ways that profoundly impact public health infrastructure and disease control in Africa.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Invest in women, accelerate progress.” To what degree does this theme apply to your Japan Africa Dream Scholarship experience?

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Invest in women, accelerate progress,” perfectly encapsulates my journey with the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship. (A paid) internship is a pivotal component of the scholarship program and catalyzed a series of firsts for me at SORA Technology. I became the first African woman to be officially employed and the first African woman to join the management team and advocate for public health innovation. This progression underscores the profound impact of investing in women’s education. It affirms the belief that when women get the right opportunities, particularly in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, they don’t just fill roles; they break barriers and pave new paths. My experience with the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship attests to how targeted educational investments in women can accelerate societal progress and lead to significant contributions in fields where we are underrepresented.

Some youth with similar international experience and graduates in public health management are seeking employment opportunities outside the African continent. You chose to return to Ghana per the scholarship’s conditions. How do you feel about that decision?

My decision to return to Ghana and work with SORA Technologies was driven by a singular vision: to support Africa in developing a robust public health surveillance system. As SORA’s Head of Africa Business, I wanted not only to rejoin my home country but also to pioneer the adoption of innovative solutions that could transform our healthcare infrastructure. At SORA Technology, I got a better understanding of the critical need for digitalization, reliability, effectiveness, and impact in our health structures, starting with Ghana and then expanding to other African nations. This commitment to effecting change is fueled by the knowledge and skills I acquired abroad and that I was determined to use in addressing the pressing needs of our continent. SORA is a beacon of innovation and transformation as it strives to raise Africa’s health surveillance systems to global standards. My choice reflects a deep-seated belief in the power of technology to make our healthcare systems more efficient and impactful and ensure a healthier future for Africa.

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

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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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