Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Lens on Life Wins Young People Programme (YPP) Partner of the Year at Global Good Awards 2023

Published

on

Canon

This esteemed recognition highlights the remarkable collaboration between Lens on Life and Canon in empowering young individuals in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 24, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Lens on Life, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing photography and computer literacy training for marginalised youth, has been honoured as the gold winner of the highly prestigious YPP Partner of the Year Award at the Global Good Awards 2023. This esteemed recognition highlights the remarkable collaboration between Lens on Life and Canon (Canon-CNA.com) in empowering young individuals in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with vital vocational, computer literacy, and photography skills, and work experience.

In addition to Lens on Life’s outstanding achievement, Ca bouge grave, an organisation dedicated to supporting residents across Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine in France through cultural, educational, and integration projects, was honoured with the silver award. Finland’s Ilmastonmuutos lukioihini! secured the bronze award for its active support of the integration of the theme of climate change into upper secondary school education.

Founded in 2015, the Global Good Awards celebrate businesses, NGOs, charities, and social enterprises that lead the way in purpose-driven sustainability and ethical leadership. These awards recognise outstanding leaders who achieve practical, real-world impact that is both scalable and replicable, sharing inspiring stories of transformation. In 2023, Canon reaffirmed its dedication to empowering young individuals by partnering with the Global Good Awards and launching the YPP Partner of the Year Award. The introduction of this new education-focused category aims to acknowledge organisations that have played a significant role in supporting the Canon Young People Programme.

An esteemed panel of judges, including Steve Kenzi, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network UK, Katie Grace from Water Aid, and Hassan Raja, a former participant of the Canon Young People Programme, evaluated the entries for the YPP Partner of the Year Award.

“I’m delighted to congratulate all of this year’s Canon category winners on the fantastic work they’ve done to create positive, sustainable change for the world,” said Adam Pensotti, Head of the Canon Young People Programme. “This is our fourth year working with the Global Good Awards on the Canon Young Champion Award and I continue to be amazed by the creativity and passion shown by all entrants. This year we also congratulate Lens on Life as the first winners of our educational partner of the year category. Working with Lens on Life in the DRC and seeing our products used to create a positive impact couldn’t be a better example of Canon’s corporate philosophy – Kyosei, which is Japanese for living and working together for the common good.”

This is our fourth year working with the Global Good Awards on the Canon Young Champion Award and I continue to be amazed by the creativity and passion shown by all entrants

“Receiving the YPP Partner of the Year Award is testament to the transformative work carried out by Lens on Life,” expressed Sam Powers, Founder of Lens on Life. “We are honoured to be recognised for our unwavering dedication to empowering youth and providing them with the tools to express their creativity while driving sustainable change within their communities.”

In 2021 and 2022, Lens on Life partnered with Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) to conduct transformative photography and education workshops for marginalised youth in Goma, DRC. The collaborative initiative aimed to provide young people with educational opportunities, empowerment, and valuable skills. As a result, alumni of the programme can now pursue paid field-based internships through Lens on Life’s partner, the Eastern Congo Initiative, kick-starting their careers in photography.

Lens on Life’s transformative programmes have empowered thousands of young individuals by imparting vital photography and computer literacy skills. Earlier this year, Michel Lunanga, a teacher at Lens on Life, played a crucial role in the collaboration between Canon Europe and the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). By embracing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework, Lens on Life has successfully nurtured the talents and passions of youth across Jordan, DRC, and Cameroon, enabling them to address critical issues such as climate change, education, and gender equality.

For the fourth consecutive year, Canon collaborated with the Global Good Awards for the Canon Young Champion of the Year category, recognising young individuals under the age of 21 who are driving positive change across various sustainability areas and inspiring others to take action. Raheen Fatima and Manyasiri ‘Pear’ Chotbunwong were recognised as the winners of the Canon Young Champion of the Year Award in their respective age categories. Both winners will receive a Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera, Black, RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens and Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM lens to document their journeys as sustainability champions. Additionally, their stories will be showcased at The Purpose Summit in October 2023, an event also hosted by the Global Good Awards, celebrating the winners, and discussing sustainable change.

The Canon Young People Programme is a transformative initiative that empowers young individuals by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address sustainability issues. This programme has empowered over 6,750 young individuals across the EMEA region, enabling them to voice their opinions on sustainability issues that are important to them and their communities.

For full details on the winners, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/43FxZ4P 

The Global Good Awards are already accepting interest for the 2024 awards, and you can register your interest here: https://apo-opa.info/43JHfVf

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Energy

Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending