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Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa’s Youth Empowerment Programme is upskilling and preparing young entrepreneurs

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies

The Liquid SA Youth Empowerment Programme comes at a crucial time, with Africa facing a significant digital skills gap, which hinders economic opportunities and development

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 3, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Liquid Intelligent Technologies SA (https://www.Liquid.Tech), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, is proud to announce that its Youth Empowerment Programme is making remarkable headway, preparing young South Africans with the skills they will need to succeed in a digital future, and opening doors for a brighter future in their communities.

The Liquid SA Youth Empowerment Programme comes at a crucial time, with Africa facing a significant digital skills gap, which hinders economic opportunities and development. According to a study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) (https://apo-opa.info/3LKbvcI), by 2030, approximately 230 million jobs across the continent will require some level of digital skills, creating the potential for 650 million training opportunities and an estimated $130 billion market.

The programme in Phokeng and Gauteng, which is run in partnership with Forge Academy and the Royal Bafokeng Enterprise Development Centre, has already made a positive impact, with 40 young South Africans benefitting from the initiative. Of these, 20 youths underwent training in Phokeng, while another 20 were part of the programme in Gauteng.

“The Liquid SA Youth Empowerment Programme is aimed at equipping young people with the skills and support they need to become successful entrepreneurs in their communities and to empower them for the continent’s digital future. Along with our partners, we are dedicated to making a difference in the communities where we operate. Supporting skills development among unemployed youth is vital to improving the unemployment rate in our country and fulfilling our goal of leaving no African behind,” says Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies SA.

This transformative initiative aims to empower young people by providing them with comprehensive technical training, personal development mentorship, and coaching to unlock entrepreneurship opportunities.

“The latest iteration offers specialised technical training in smartphone and tablet repairs, fostering expertise in cutting-edge technology. Moreover, it goes beyond technical skills by offering personal development mentorship, enabling participants to grow both professionally and personally,” continued Geyser.

Supporting skills development among unemployed youth is vital to improving the unemployment rate in our country and fulfilling our goal of leaving no African behind

The programme also offers a Business Start-up Package, providing a small business grant to participants with business plans that showcase the potential of being realised into real-world solutions. This financial boost will assist in kickstarting their ventures. By nurturing and equipping young entrepreneurs, the programme paves the way for their success and contribution to economic growth and job creation.

In the next version, starting in November, the programme will see a new class enrolled as it moves to new heights by shifting focus from technical training in smartphone and tablet repairs to a cutting-edge field: artificial intelligence (AI).

The 40 brand new learners will delve into AI fundamentals, robotics, coding, and machine learning. The goal is to equip these young individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle real-world challenges in innovative ways.

The Youth Employment Programme with Forge Academy is just the latest initiative that Liquid is involved in to empower South Africa’s youth for a digital future. In June 2021, Liquid opened the Innovation and Digital Skills Centre (IDSC) in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, which offers certified digital skills courses targeted at unemployed youth from the Mthatha community.

As part of Liquid’s continued commitment to youth entrepreneurship development, it intends to extend similar programmes throughout the country, with the next intake targeted for the Eastern Cape, using the IDSC as a base. It also plans to host additional beneficiaries of the programme being run in Phokeng going forward.

These efforts reiterate the company’s belief that every individual on the African continent has the right to be connected. This forms part of Liquid’s commitment to fostering innovation and building digital skills among the youth, even in the remotest parts of the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

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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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