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Kaspersky and African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) conduct joint cybersecurity training for African law enforcement

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Kaspersky Expert Training is used by numerous organisations and academic institutions to advance their skills in battling against cybercrime

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 24, 2026/APO Group/ –As part of a joint initiative with AFRIPOL, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) provided cybersecurity training courses for law enforcement representatives from 23 African countries, unfolding the fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and advanced threat hunting techniques.

 

As cyberthreats continue to grow in scale and complexity, strengthening the technical capabilities of law enforcement agencies has become an important priority worldwide. Through knowledge-sharing programmes, technology companies can contribute practical expertise gained from real-world cyber investigations and threat analysis. Such collaboration helps equip law enforcement professionals with the skills and tools needed to investigate digital crimes more effectively and strengthen cybersecurity capabilities.

From November 2025 to March 2026, around 40 African officers from 23 countries* received “Security Operations and Threat Hunting” training, provided as part of the cooperation agreement between Kaspersky and AFRIPOL signed in 2024. During the training, African officers gained practical knowledge of Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and modern cyber-defence practices. The programme covered key aspects of threat detection and incident investigation, including how to identify malicious activity in Windows and Linux environments, analyse attacker tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and use threat intelligence to uncover advanced threats.

As part of the training, a series of online Q&A sessions were organised, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with experts and course authors from Kaspersky’s Security Services team. These sessions allowed attendees to clarify complex topics, discuss practical cases and receive additional insights, reinforcing the learning experience and ensuring a deeper understanding of key cybersecurity concepts.

We highly value this collaboration and the opportunity it creates to further develop the cybercrime response capabilities of AFRIPOL member countries

“Cybercrime today is highly sophisticated, borderless and constantly evolving, which means no single organisation can tackle it alone. This is why cooperation and knowledge sharing between the private cybersecurity sector and law enforcement agencies are so critical. Our long-standing collaboration with AFRIPOL demonstrates the value of this approach. Over the years, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL have worked together to better understand the cyberthreat landscape across Africa and to support international efforts aimed at disrupting cybercrime. By continuing to invest in training and capacity building, we aim to support law enforcement professionals with the expertise they need to investigate digital crimes effectively and contribute to building a safer and more trusted digital environment for everyone,” says Yuliya Shlychkova, Vice President, Public Affairs, at Kaspersky.

“Strengthening the capabilities of law enforcement agencies is essential to effectively address the growing complexity of cybercrime across the African continent. Initiatives such as this training programme play an important role in equipping officers with the practical skills needed to investigate cyber incidents, analyse digital evidence and respond to emerging threats. Cooperation with partners from the private cybersecurity sector, such as Kaspersky, helps law enforcement agencies stay informed about the latest threat trends and investigative approaches. We highly value this collaboration and the opportunity it creates to further develop the cybercrime response capabilities of AFRIPOL member countries,” says Dr Mohammed Benaired, Head, Training and Capacity Building Division at AFRIPOL.

In 2024, to further enhance global efforts to combat cyber offenses, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL signed (http://apo-opa.co/4taXNTz) a cooperation agreement in preventing and fighting cybercrime. Covering a period of five years, the document formalises and facilitates cooperation between the company and the law enforcement agency in sharing threat intelligence data on the latest cybercriminal activities and entails the provision of assistance and know-how in information security analysis.

Kaspersky Expert Training is used by numerous organisations and academic institutions to advance their skills in battling against cybercrime. Since the inception of this online training programme, Kaspersky experts have trained more than 3,000 specialists from 50 countries around the world. Providing their expertise with 12 educational courses, they share their insights on advanced tactics and strategies in Reverse Engineering, Threat Hunting, Incident Response and more – each divided by the level of students’ experience. Learn more here https://apo-opa.co/4bugdIL.

*Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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Tech-Driven Restoration: Saving the World’s Critically Endangered White-headed Langur

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March 27, 2026

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Through decades of careful conservation efforts, the white-headed langur population has increased from just over 300 in the 1980s to more than 1,400 across 130 groups today.
An AI-powered system covers more than 20 monitoring stations in the Guangxi Chongzuo White-headed Langur National Nature Reserve. It has logged 37,200 detections of langur activity, which provide critical data for research and conservation.
To date, 77.6 hectares of habitat has been restored, 2 drinking water sources and 18 water drinking points for the langurs have been built, and 2 ecological corridors have been constructed.

CHONGZUO, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – In the rugged karst mountains of Guangxi in Southern China, a primate species once on the brink of extinction – the white-headed langur – is steadily recovering in population thanks to a range of measures that bring together technology, law enforcement, and ecological restoration.

Found exclusively in Chongzuo, Guangxi, the white-headed langur is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red List of China’s Vertebrates. New monitoring data reveals that the “stone mountain elf”, which is even rarer than the giant panda, is no longer on the brink of extinction. Through the combined efforts of the local government, the nature reserve, academia, and the tech sector, the survival crisis triggered by habitat fragmentation has been significantly reversed for this species.

 

To address the challenges posed by the rugged karst terrain and the difficulties of traditional patrol and monitoring, the nature reserve teamed up with Huawei and the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Center to develop an intelligent monitoring platform powered by AI computing. Thanks to the video-based animal monitoring devices deployed along the cliffs, the system can collect real-time data on the langurs’ distribution, surroundings, and patterns of activity. Using AI-driven automated labeling and data analytics, the reserve has developed a complete dashboard for visualized management. This has significantly enhanced the efficiency of data retrieval and analysis. To date, the system has recorded over 37,200 instances of langur activity.

In addition to technical support, innovation in ecological protection and restoration mechanisms is also critical. The Chongzuo White-Headed Langur Habitat Protection Regulations, the first regulation of its kind in China, forms the legal framework for the reserve’s protection efforts. Under this framework, a range of measures has been implemented. To date, 77.6 hectares of habitat has been restored, 2 drinking water sources and 18 water drinking points for the langurs have been built, and 2 ecological corridors have been constructed. The white-headed langur population has increased to more than 1,400 across 130 groups. As the langur is an umbrella species of the local karst ecosystem, the growth of its population is critical to the region’s biodiversity. Wild duck lettuce, a level-II protected species in China, was recently found in the reserve for the first time, a sign of recovery in the fragile local ecosystem.

Nong Dengpan, Director of the Guangxi Chongzuo White-headed Langur National Nature Reserve Management Center, said: “The growth of the white-headed langur population can be attributed to a combination of technology, legislation, and ecological restoration efforts. Digital technology enables more precise observation of these limestone langurs and more informed management of their living environment. This integrated conservation model can serve as a reference for the protection and population recovery of other endangered primate species, such as the eastern black crested gibbon in Southeast Asia.”

Tian Yongsheng, Deputy General Manager of Huawei Guangxi, noted: “Huawei is committed to conserving nature with technology. We work with global partners to support ecosystem conservation using digital technologies like 5G, cloud, and AI. The success of the white-headed langur project demonstrates AI’s immense value in processing complex geographical data and massive volumes of species data. We will continue using innovative technologies to protect biodiversity and enable the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.”

By the end of 2025, our digital inclusion projects for environmental protection had been implemented in 65 protected areas around the world. These projects have significantly improved the efficiency of biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use and management of natural resources.

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Afreximbank Launches Inaugural Accelerator Programme Cohort to Scale Africa’s Digital Trade Ecosystem

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March 27, 2026

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The programme underscores Afreximbank’s growing role as a catalyst for Africa’s trade and innovation ecosystem, providing a structured platform to identify and scale high-impact ventures

Afreximbank is proud to be a partner, an enabler and a committed stakeholder in the success of the next generation of African trade champions

CAIRO, Egypt, March 26, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has officially launched the inaugural cohort of its “Afreximbank Accelerator Programme,” bringing together eight high-potential startups from across Africa and the diaspora for an intensive kick-off week taking place in Cairo from 23-27 March 2026.

 

Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 1,600 applications, the cohort represents some of the most promising ventures building digital infrastructure for intra-African trade from across the continent. These startups operate across key sectors including cross-border payments, digital logistics, agri-export platforms, AI-powered enterprise solutions, supply chain finance and diaspora investment mobilisation.

Participating in the cohort are the startups Fincart.io of Egypt; OnePort 365, which operates in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya; Timon, a pan-African entity active in 15 countries; Zowasel, also active in Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania; Gebeya, which is both Ethiopian and pan-African; Fluna, also a pan-African startup active in 10 countries; Capsa Technologies of Nigeria; and Daba Finance whose operations cover Francophone Africa.

Under the programme, which has been conceptualised, designed, and operated by Afreximbank, qualifying startups will be supported with investment of up to US$250,000, subject to standard investment criteria and due diligence, complemented by mentorship, market access, and strategic partnerships designed to accelerate their expansion across Africa.

The Cairo kick-off week, that commenced at Afreximbank’s headquarters on March 24, 2026 features a series of high-level engagements with the Bank’s leadership, industry experts, mentors and ecosystem partners. The week will culminate in an exclusive Social Mixer at the Grand Egyptian Museum, symbolically linking Africa’s rich heritage with its rapidly evolving innovation future.

Driving Africa’s Digital Trade Future

Speaking during the kickoff meeting, Mr. Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank, highlighted the significance of the event: “Today, we move from promise to execution, because we understand a fundamental truth: trade does not happen within the pages of policy documents. Trade happens through businesses. It happens through entrepreneurs. It happens through builders. What excites me the most about this cohort is not only who you are, but what you represent. You are building the digital rails that will define how Africa trades in the 21st century.”

He added: “This Accelerator Programme is part of a much broader ambition: an Africa where start-ups scale across the continent as a matter of course, where businesses trade seamlessly across borders, and where the continent operates as a truly integrated economic force.  Afreximbank is proud to be a partner, an enabler and a committed stakeholder in the success of the next generation of African trade champions.”

In addition to the core sessions, the eight startups met with Afreximbank President, Dr. George Elombi and the senior leadership team for expert-led briefings on a variety of topics.

The Accelerator Programme offers a differentiated value proposition by combining:

  • Direct access to Afreximbank’s pan-African network of governments, financial institutions, corporates, and trade partners
  • Market access and deal facilitation opportunities across key African trade corridors
  • Regulatory and policy guidance, leveraging the Bank’s relationships with central banks and regulators
  • Integration pathways into the Bank’s digital trade ecosystem, including the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) and the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS)

This approach positions Afreximbank as a strategic enabler of cross-border trade and continental scale, helping startups navigate licensing, compliance and market entry across multiple jurisdictions. Beyond this, the Bank plays a central role in shaping Africa’s digital trade ecosystem, combining market access, partnerships, and infrastructure to support the growth of scalable, continent-wide solutions.

The programme underscores Afreximbank’s growing role as a catalyst for Africa’s trade and innovation ecosystem, providing a structured platform to identify and scale high-impact ventures. Through this initiative, the Bank is actively enabling the development of the digital infrastructure underpinning the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to drive intra-African trade, market integration and economic transformation across the continent.

Collectively, the eight start-ups operate across more than 15 African countries, spanning key trade corridors in West, East, North and Southern Africa. Their traction highlights the scale and potential of African innovation. Fluna has facilitated more than US$50 million in trade across 10 countries. Capsa has processed over NGN70 billion in supply chain finance. OnePort 365 connects the Nigeria-Ghana-Kenya trade corridors. Timon supports payments in 15 countries, with plans to expand to 40 countries, and Zowasel has connected more than 4,000 verified cooperatives and agribusinesses.

Together, these ventures are building the digital rails for intra-African trade, accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA and unlocking new pathways for economic integration across the continent and the wider Global Africa network.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Bridging the Digital Divide: 5G Drives Rural Revitalization in Guangxi, China

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March 27, 2026

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CHONGZUO, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 March 2026 – In the karst terrain of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Buhua Village, once a remote and economically underdeveloped community, has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction thanks to a 5G information superhighway co-built by China Mobile and Huawei. This digital leap has established the village as a model of rural revitalization, generating over CNY500,000 in annual collective village income and boosting per capita annual earnings by CNY18,000.

Chongzuo is characterized by impressive karst landforms with peak clusters and peak forests. This breathtaking terrain presents huge challenges for communications network buildout. To overcome these geographic barriers, China Mobile and Huawei have collaborated on technological innovations in a bid to achieve comprehensive network coverage. Today, all administrative villages in Chongzuo have access to 5G networks, while 99% of its natural villages have 4G coverage and 94% have 5G coverage.

Buhua Village is within the jurisdiction of Chongzuo City. The village upgraded its networks from 4G to 5G as early as 2021, offering residents digital services on par with those seen in major cities. The deployment of advanced communications networks has catalyzed the growth of Buhua’s distinctive local industries.

In Xinhe Town, where the village is situated, a digital e-commerce ecosystem has been established, featuring 65 product stores on platforms like JD.com and Douyin, which are collectively owned by the village. Furthermore, a live-streaming incubation base has been established, nurturing 27 local live streamers. These stores secure over CNY300,000 in revenue each year by selling local specialties like Buhua brown sugar. This is a handcrafted product that is recognized as intangible cultural heritage, with a 150% price premium over normal brown sugar. It is sold to tier-1 cities in China, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and is even exported overseas, including to Japan and South Korea.

Digital technology is also driving the upgrade of the local tourism industry. China Mobile has established an intelligent ticketing system at the Heishui River, which is Buhua Village’s most popular scenic spot where activities like rafting, boat tours, and paddleboarding are available for tourists. This system has reduced the average time for tourists to purchase tickets from 20 minutes to just 3 minutes, with online purchases now accounting for 30% of the total. Accommodation can also be booked through the system, which has increased the booking rate of local homestays by 30%.

Digitalization has further expanded to the ecological protection field. A safety monitoring and IT system project for modern irrigation engineering along the Heishui River has been launched, with investment totaling CNY100 million. Supported by the Bianjiang Zhizhou open AI platform, the digital monitoring system is set to cover 13 towns across four counties/districts in Chongzuo. Once up and running, it will enable the integrated, real-time monitoring of water quality and other ecological parameters of the Heishui River, and intelligently issue early warnings to guarantee safe water irrigation across 60,000 hectares of farmland in the river basin.

Digitalization has helped Buhua Village make the jump from poverty to prosperity. In 2025, the village’s annual collective economic income (generated from assets, land, or enterprises owned by the village community rather than individuals) exceeded CNY500,000. The average income of every household reached over CNY80,000, three times the average income from traditional sugarcane farming. The annual per capita income of villagers increased by CNY18,000. As a result, an increasing number of young people have chosen to return to the village and develop their careers.

Zhou Peng, General Manager of China Mobile Guangxi’s Chongzuo Branch, said, “By bridging the digital divide, we are helping remote villages like Buhua develop digital trade alongside traditional agriculture. This is transforming resources that were not fully used in the past due to geographical limitations into strong momentum for economic growth in the digital age.”

Tian Yongsheng, Deputy General Manager of Huawei Guangxi, noted, “Huawei is supporting China Mobile in building a solid digital foundation for Chongzuo with innovative solutions. We look forward to seeing technology overcome geographical limitations and enable more remote villages to achieve leapfrog development in the 5G and AI era.”

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