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Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I achieve first close at R870m

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Kholo Capital

With a strong pipeline of opportunities, Kholo Mezzanine Debt Fund I is well positioned to advance its investment objectives, making a substantial impact in support of the real economy

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 21, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I (“Kholo Capital”) (www.KholoCapital.com), has secured R870m in commitments for long-term mezzanine debt investment in support of growth, job creation and advancement of transformation within mid-market companies with operations in Southern Africa (i.e., South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland). These first close commitments have been secured from leading institutional investors including the 27four Black Business Growth Fund, RisCura (on behalf of various clients), the Mineworkers Provident Fund, the National Fund for Municipal Workers and Thuso Partners, and represent a significant milestone in the mezzanine debt fund’s ambitions to reach a target final close of R1,5bn.

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I believe that the mezzanine debt funding approach, being a subordinated loan position that sits between senior debt and equity in the capital structure of a company, is attractive because it provides companies with a tailored, more flexible solution in support of their growth needs. Kholo Capital’s selection criteria means it will focus on investing in companies generating minimum R25m EBITDA across various growth sectors of the economy, providing access to capital within a preferred range of R50-200m per investment. The benefit of mezzanine debt funding lies not only in the ability to tailor terms like debt servicing requirements, but also it avoids the significant equity dilution which is sometimes the reality when companies try to fund their growth ambitions.  As Kholo Capital, we are excited at the opportunity to bring a solution to this part of the market and partner with businesses over a 4–7-year investment period, realising not only commercial returns, but with a focus on achieving more holistic impact.

Zaheer Cassim, founder and Managing Partner at Kholo Capital, said: “Our aim is to invest responsibly, and, in the process, create jobs and sustainable businesses. We will add value by providing strategic and financial support to investee companies including family-owned and black-owned businesses. Our assistance will help these businesses to build much needed capacity and professionalise. We would like to thank all our investors that have supported us to getting to this first close”.

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I is passionate about making investments that actively take social, environmental and economic impact into account and as such will provide financing, with a focus on growth capital, into sectors of the southern African economy with high social impact including social housing, renewable energy, healthcare, education, telecommunications and infrastructure. The mezzanine debt fund will use the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles with key focus on those linked to job creation and climate action.

The benefit of mezzanine debt funding lies not only in the ability to tailor terms like debt servicing requirements, but also it avoids the significant equity dilution

Mokgome Mogoba, founder and Managing Partner at Kholo Capital, added: “We aim to drive social change and economic growth by investing in strategic sectors of the South African economy, on behalf of institutional investors, in order to fund the development of historically disadvantaged communities. Kholo Capital wants to play a key role in addressing the massive challenges of high unemployment, inequality, poverty and low economic growth in South Africa.”

This mission is critically aligned to that of our investors with Rory Ord from 27four Investment Managers adding: “It has been a pleasure to work with the highly experienced and transformed mezzanine debt team at Kholo Capital as they have progressed to their successful first close. This type of growth capital is sorely needed in South Africa and we are proud to back the Kholo Capital team in their dual goals of strong investor returns and positive impact.”

Principal Officer, Frans Phakgadi from Mineworkers Provident Fund added: “On behalf of the Board, the Mineworkers Provident Fund is excited to support Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I, to invest directly in the local economy for growth and job creation, which are sorely needed. We are also pleased to be able to back a highly experienced team of black professionals as we continue to address transformation in the investment management industry.”

These sentiments were echoed by Leslie Ndawana, the Principal Executive Officer at the National Fund for Municipal Workers: “Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I is aligned with the vision of the National Fund for Municipal Workers to contribute substantially to high-impact areas that address many socio-economic issues confronting Southern Africa, particularly South Africa. We are proud to be an investor alongside Kholo Capital and are looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with them.”

With a strong pipeline of opportunities, Kholo Mezzanine Debt Fund I is well positioned to advance its investment objectives, making a substantial impact in support of the real economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kholo Capital.

Events

GBA Science Forum 2026 Held Across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao: Driving Collaborative Innovation to Build a Global Sci-Tech Hub

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Science Forum 2026

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2026 – Co-hosted across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao from October 31 to November 2, the 2026 Greater Bay Area (GBA) Science Forum took place with a strong focus on future industries and cutting-edge technologies. Jointly guided by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), this year’s event highlights national strategic leadership to accelerate the implementation of key policies and technological breakthroughs in the region.

 




  

The forum features an opening ceremony, a main forum, 15 specialized sub-forums, and 10 signature events. While the opening ceremony and main forum were held on November 1 in Nansha, Guangzhou, parallel sessions are rolling out across Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Huizhou, Dongguan, and Yangjiang, demonstrating a deeply integrated and synergistic approach to the event across multiple cities.

The opening ceremony witnessed the release of new support measures for the GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center, jointly introduced by relevant state ministries and central authorities. A key highlight is the commitment to fortifying the region’s original innovation capacity by supporting the development of a world-class cluster of major sci-tech infrastructures in the GBA. Furthermore, two national key R&D projects under the 15th Five-Year Plan, spearheaded by Guangdong Province, were officially launched: the “Advanced Biotherapeutic Technologies Project” and the “GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center Project.”

The ceremony also featured the signing of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Collaborative Innovation Joint Funding Program, as well as major sci-tech cooperation agreements between CAS and Guangdong Province, marking another solid step in translating national strategic visions into concrete actions.

Since its inception in December 2021, the GBA Science Forum has been successfully held for five editions. It has evolved into a premier high-level exchange platform and a vital showcase for the matchmaking and achievements of the GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center.

This year’s forum brought together four Nobel laureates, alongside distinguished academicians from home and abroad, young scientists, and leading tech entrepreneurs.

Together, they shared their latest research findings and visionary insights on critical topics, including cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, future technological trends, and the deep integration of scientific and industrial innovation.

In recent years, the GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center has demonstrated robust innovation momentum and cultivated a thriving developmental environment. This vitality was globally recognized in September 2026, when the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published its Global Innovation Index 2026 Top 100 Science and Technology Clusters, with the “Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou” cluster securing the number one spot globally once again.

  




 

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Afreximbank Announces Speakers for Africa’s Largest Compliance Forum

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Afreximbank

Bankers, compliance specialists and fintech leaders from more than 40 countries will explore how regulatory cooperation and technology can align compliance approaches, reduce barriers and advance intra-African and global trade

CAIRO, Egypt, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced speakers for its 2026 Compliance Forum, Africa’s largest compliance-focused gathering. Discussions will address regulatory fragmentation and barriers across Africa, improve access to correspondent banking services, and explore how technology can strengthen compliance and facilitate cross-border trade

 




  

Organised in partnership with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), the Forum will take place from 16 to 18 November 2026 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre in Botswana. Discussions will focus on strengthening regulatory cooperation, improving access to financial services and using technology to support effective compliance across African markets.

Confirmed speakers include Governor Lesego Caster Moseki, Bank of Botswana, Dr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo, Ag. Director, Economic Development, Integration and Trade, and Head of Economic Policy and Sustainable Development, African Union Commission (AUC), Luis Koberg, Founder and CEO of Klearium Group; Shane Ridel, CEO of Elucidate, Sophie Barre, Global Head of Risk and Compliance at Wave Mobile Money Group; Mr Mooketsi Ramanteba, Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA), Nellie Nuyoni, Head of Private Sector, CBZ Holdings, Moira Mapundu, Head of Compliance, NMB Bank Limited and Boitumelo William of Continental Reinsurance. Compliance specialists from Dow Jones and Standard Chartered will also participate.

Mr Keletsositse Olebile, Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, said: “Strong and predictable compliance systems build investor confidence, protect institutions, and create the conditions in which trade and enterprise can flourish.”

Under the theme “Better Compliance – Better Trade: Leveraging Compliance to Promote African Regulations that Advance Intra-African Economic and Trade Integration,” the Forum will examine how African markets can make their regulatory systems work more effectively together while preserving national sovereignty.

Idrissa Diop, Compliance Director at Afreximbank, said: “Our banks across Africa operate across very different legal systems, supervisory approaches and levels of digital maturity. Africa does not need uniformity at any cost. It needs interoperability that reduces friction while preserving regulatory sovereignty.

Our banks across Africa operate across very different legal systems, supervisory approaches and levels of digital maturity

“We invite regulators, compliance specialists, banks, fintechs, trade institutions and technology providers from across the continent to come to Gaborone ready to turn shared principles into practical cooperation, because better compliance can and should deliver better trade for Africa.”

The opening session, “Is Better Compliance Leading to Better Trade?”, will assess how regulatory cooperation can facilitate cross-border business. Other sessions will cover anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, sanctions, cybersecurity, consumer protection and the use of artificial intelligence in compliance.

Access to correspondent banking services will be a key focus. Luis Koberg, Founder and CEO of Klearium Group, said: “Many African banks continue to face barriers to accessing correspondent banking services. The reasons given often overlook a fundamental challenge: limited visibility across the payment chain. Improved transparency gives our industry the ability to accurately assess and manage risk, on a case-by-case basis with confidence.”

Delegates will also examine how fintech and risk-based onboarding can extend access to affordable financial services while meeting compliance requirements.

Sophie Barre, Global Head of Risk and Compliance at Wave Mobile Money Group, said: “Fintechs are rewriting the rules of financial inclusion and efficiency. By combining world-class technology with intelligent, risk-based onboarding, they can deliver affordable, simple and reliable services within a compliant ecosystem.”

The Compliance Forum will also feature an exhibition of AI-enabled anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance systems. These demonstrations will let delegates engage with emerging technologies that can strengthen risk detection, monitoring, and reporting.

This Forum comes as artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, third-party risk and diverging regulatory requirements place new demands on financial institutions. These developments reinforce the need for compliance approaches that reflect Africa’s regulatory, economic and institutional realities while drawing on global good practices.

ACF2026 will provide a platform for stakeholders to redefine compliance strategies for a changing financial environment and develop practical approaches that protect institutions while enabling more efficient movement of capital, goods and services across African borders.

For programme details and registration, visit ACF2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4iVtopG)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Leadership Roundtable Brings Gas Producer Coordination to Paris

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Etu Energias

As African gas producers navigate rising domestic demand, global LNG competition and a renewed push for investment, the GECF Leadership Roundtable at the Invest in African Energy 2027 Forum will examine how greater coordination can support project development, market access and long-term gas monetization

PARIS, France, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa’s gas industry is entering a period in which cooperation between producing countries could become increasingly important. Demand is rising, LNG markets are being reshaped by geopolitical disruptions and new supply, while major gas developments across the continent continue to compete for capital.

 




  

Against this backdrop, the GECF Leadership Roundtable at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum 2027 in Paris will bring the perspectives of gas-producing countries into a discussion focused on the commercial and strategic priorities shaping the sector.

The session comes as Africa continues to expand its role in global LNG markets. The GECF forecasts LNG exports from the continent to reach about 110 billion cubic meters (bcm), or 80 million tons per annum (mtpa), by 2030, rising to 215 bcm, or 160 mtpa, by 2050. The outlook spans producers including Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Mauritania, Senegal and Nigeria, while GECF projections point to growing LNG trade with Asia and within African markets.

Recent developments have reinforced the strategic value of that supply base. Tanzania’s long-delayed $42 billion LNG project has gained renewed attention as disruptions to Middle Eastern gas supplies have increased the value of diversified LNG sources, while ExxonMobil is advancing preparations for Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project after years of delay.

For African producers, however, expanding exports is only one part of the equation. Domestic gas demand is rising at the same time that governments are seeking to use gas to improve electricity supply, support industrial development and create new revenue streams. That creates a need to balance export projects with domestic offtake, pipeline infrastructure, gas processing and gas-to-power development.

Coordination between producing countries can help address some of these challenges. Sharing experience on fiscal frameworks, project development, infrastructure and market access can help governments compete for investment while strengthening the case for regional gas infrastructure and cross-border trade.

The global market is also becoming more competitive. Reuters reported this month that gas and LNG infrastructure investment is expanding across multiple regions, with Asia accounting for the largest share of planned LNG import capacity. At the same time, disruptions to Middle Eastern supply have reinforced concerns around security of supply and increased the strategic importance of alternative producers. That creates an opening for African gas producers, but converting that opportunity into projects will require capital, infrastructure and credible long-term markets.

The GECF Leadership Roundtable at IAE 2027, taking place in Paris from May 11-13, will provide a senior-level setting to examine those issues alongside the investors and project developers needed to advance them. The wider forum is designed to connect African energy markets with global capital, with a focus on projects spanning gas, LNG, infrastructure and power.

For African gas producers, the question is how effectively its resources can be developed, connected to markets and converted into reliable energy and industrial growth. The Paris roundtable will put producer coordination at the center of that investment conversation.

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

 

 




 

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