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Last Call! Global Startups to Get on Board EPIC 2025

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EPIC

Don’t Miss Out on the Million-dollar Opportunity at Asia’s Most Dynamic Ecosystem
Pitch Notes:

  • Countdown to 17 June for eligible startups of all economies to enter the international innovation & technology (I&T) competition.
  • Scale-enabling Investment doubled the amount from previous year—coming in a targeted funding pool of US$100M and cash prizes worth US$240,000.
  • Strategic moves to have the Grand Finale at Hong Kong Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, as a hats off to the former airport’s glory, and a perfect runway to display groundbreaking Digital Health Tech, Green Tech and FinTech solutions.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2025 – The 9th Elevator Pitch International Competition (EPIC 2025), organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), has only 3 weeks left for global startups with their anchor in FinTech, and new tech tracks Digital Health and Green Tech, respond to the call to one of Asia’s largest innovation arenas. Participants will 60-second pitch their way to business matching and investment opportunities for a lift towards success.

Supported by 20 global financial and corporate partners collectively managing an AUM close to US$100B and operating across Asia, Europe and North America, EPIC 2025 offers an unprecedented US$100M targeted funding pool, US$240,000 cash prizes, and an extensive experience for mid- to late-stage startups to grow from regional names to international labels:

Key Dates
Application Period: Now to 17 June 2025, 23:59 (GMT+8)
Online Regional Pitch: July 2025
Finalist Announcement: August 2025
EPIC Week in Hong Kong: 3 – 7 November 2025

Mid- to late-stage startups under 10 years old, focused on Digital Health Tech, FinTech, or GreenTech, and registered as businesses with plans to expand R&D or operations to Hong Kong and/or the Greater Bay Area (GBA), are eligible to enter for EPIC.

As the journey moves along, a series of highlights in the week-long EPIC Week will be made available to finalists speeding for the finish line, including Tech Spotlight for a showcase of their innovative solutions exclusive to potential investors and corporate decision-makers, in engaging instant and in-depth conversations; and the Greater Bay Area Exploration for a guided tour of a glimpse into the vast opportunities in the GBA and beyond—where complimentary flight and accommodation sponsored (*T&C applies) for contestants overseas.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP said: “Following the success of EPIC 2024 receiving applause from 47 economies, making it a more impactful event is where we’re going this year, as well as more inclusive, which is why we’re having new tech tracks, at a new location in Hong Kong, with new formats, yet one thing remains the same—it is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.”

Global application for EPIC 2025 is opened until 17 June 2025, 23:59 (GMT+8). For details, please visit https://epic.hkstp.org/ for more.

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is a statutory body leading as one of the world’s most dynamic innovation and technology ecosystems, powering through a future with the united force of over 24,000 visionaries working at more than 2,300 tech companies from 25 countries and regions, across multiple locations including Hong Kong Science Park, InnoCentre, Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, and the InnoParks.

From R&D infrastructure and investment opportunities, to industry networks and talent traction, HKSTP offers comprehensive support that translates innovative ideas to commercialisable solutions. With 13 unicorns and dozens of world-firsts, HKSTP will continue the momentum calling for global innovators to join the community with Keep Up spirits.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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