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Letshego Microfinance Bank Nigeria named Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa initiative

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Letshego Microfinance Bank

The Leshego Microfinance Bank Nigeria, also known as Letshego MFB Nigeria, received the award named after the African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) programme

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, May 27, 2023/APO Group/ — 

A Lagos-based microfinance loan solutions company that disbursed more than half of its loans to women-led micro and small enterprises last year, has been named the “Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Bank of the Year” at the African Business Awards ceremony.

The annual ceremony celebrating excellence in the continent’s banking sector, took place on Wednesday 24 May during the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

The Leshego Microfinance Bank Nigeria, also known as Letshego MFB Nigeria, received the award named after the African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) programme.

AFAWA seeks to close the estimated $42 billion finance gap for women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by unlocking up to $5 billion of financing for over 30,000 women business owners in Africa.

“We are delighted because our purpose is to Improve Lives of our customers by creating financial access and accelerating financial inclusion by providing creative funding for micro and small entrepreneurs in the region. [Being named AFAWA Bank of the Year] will enhance our brand positioning and increase trust and our reputation with women-led businesses,” said Richard Tyotule, Head of Sales and Distribution at Letshego MFB Nigeria.

In partnership with the African Guarantee Fund and the African Development Bank, the AFAWA Bank of the Year Award honours banks advancing financial inclusion of women across the continent.

Letshego MFB Nigeria is part of the Guarantee for Growth programme, administered by AFAWA and its partner, the African Guarantee Fund. Amongst other activities, the programme de-risks women portfolios of partner financial institutions, and incentivises financial institutions playing a greater role in supporting private-sector growth through women entrepreneurs. 

Participation in the program has increased Letshego MFB Nigeria’s appetite to do business with women-led businesses, Tyotule said.

Letshego MFB Nigeria’s original guarantee line was $3.5 million: Leshego MFB Nigeria leveraged that guarantee line to offer an additional $1.5 million in loans to clients. Cumulatively the bank says it disbursed about $5 million of loans — and out of this amount they disbursed $2 million to women-led SMEs in less than one year.

Letshego MFB Nigeria said that it disbursed 63% of its 5,115 loans to women-led micro and small enterprises (3,241 women-owned/entrepreneurs) in less than a year. Letshego increased its uptake of loans by women from 25% in 2020 to 51% in 2022.

This year’s award ceremony is a testament not only to the vibrancy and dynamism of Africa’s banking industry but also its increasing diversity

In her remarks, African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development Dr Beth Dunford said “through AFAWA, and with partners like the African Guarantee Fund, the Bank was helping financial institutions realise that financing Africa’s women-led start-ups isn’t charity work – it is “good business”.

“We believe that supporting Africa’s women-led businesses and catalysing private investment are crucial for inclusive African economic transformation,” Dr Dunford added.

African Guarantee Fund’s Group Chief Executive Officer Jules Ngankam said their aim was to provide a holistic solution by reinforcing human and financial capital, so that women entrepreneurs could fully contribute to the growth of our continent.

“In addition to the AFAWA Guarantee for Growth, we also provide tailored technical assistance to our partner financial institutions to develop their women SME lending portfolios,” Ngankam said.

More than 300 of the continents’ leading bankers, regulators and policymakers attended the African Banker Awards, now in its 17th edition. Another highlight of the evening was African Development Bank head Dr Akinwumi Adesina presenting the award for “Finance Minister of the Year.”

As the music played after Adesina announced the winner, both he and honouree Enoch Godongwana, South Africa’s Minister of Finance, took a moment to dance to the beat before Adesina handed over the award.

Bank Secretary General Professor Vincent Nmehielle presented an award to Afreximbank for being named “Africa Bank of the Year.”

“This year’s award ceremony is a testament not only to the vibrancy and dynamism of Africa’s banking industry but also its increasing diversity,” said Omar Ben Yedder, Committee Chairman and Group Publisher at IC Publications, publishers of African Banker

Letshego Microfinance Bank Nigeria, in Lagos, is part of the larger Letshego Group (https://apo-opa.info/3IISlT5). The Letshego Group is an African multinational, first opening its doors in Botswana more than 21 years ago by offering loans to government employees. 

Today the Group employs more than 3,000 people and operates in 11 sub-Saharan African markets including Nigeria.

AFAWA is supported by various development partners including the G7 countries (France, Canada, Italy, Germany and the European Commission), the Netherlands, Sweden, and the Women Entrepreneurship Finance Initiative (We-Fi) of the World Bank Group.

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

Events

The 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum Successfully Held in Zhongshan, Guangdong

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Sun Yat-sen Forum

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – As 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum was held in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province—the hometown of the great pioneer—from June 27 to 29 under the theme “Carrying Forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Spirit of Endeavor and Working Together for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”. This year’s forum was the largest in its history, attracting the broadest participation from Taiwan compatriots and the highest proportion of young participants to date. Around 2,000 representatives from across the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao attended the event. Centered on cultural heritage and driven by economic and trade cooperation, the forum established a multi-level platform for cross-strait exchanges and collaboration while fostering broader consensus on integrated cross-strait development.

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

 

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Business

Toblerone Presents ” The Ultimate Gift “: The Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski

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Swarovski

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.

The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.

The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.

However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.

The Story Behind the Crystal Bar

Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.

To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.

The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.

The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.

Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”

The Craft Behind the Crystal

Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
546 individually cut facets per bar
140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance

The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All

For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.

Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.

Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”

 

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Business

Kora highlights the growing importance of payment infrastructure as stablecoin adoption accelerates

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Kora

The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –As stablecoins continue to gain traction across the financial services industry, businesses are increasingly focused on the infrastructure required to support their adoption at scale. The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently.

 

This was a key theme at Money20/20 Europe 2026, where global fintech leaders gathered to discuss the future of payments. Across the event, discussions centred on artificial intelligence, regulation and reducing fragmentation across global payment systems.

Industry leaders focus on practical implementation 

As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important

Sessions such as the live Agentic AI demonstrations and the Policy20 regulatory roundtables highlighted the industry’s growing focus on execution rather than experimentation. Stablecoins featured prominently in conversations around faster settlements, lower costs and more efficient cross-border payments.

“Kora is well-positioned for where the industry is heading,” said Tofunmi, Head, Global Partnerships at Kora. “As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important.”

Connecting Africa to the future of payments 

Money20/20 Europe reinforced the importance of payment infrastructure in enabling the next generation of financial services. Throughout the event, Kora was recognised as a trusted African payment infrastructure provider, with discussions focused on the company’s expansion efforts and growing settlement capabilities.

As demand for faster and more connected payment experiences grows, Kora continues to build the infrastructure that enables businesses to collect, send and settle payments across Africa and globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kora.

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