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Perilous prompts: How generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leaking companies’ secrets

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Perilous

Seemingly benign details can be stitched into detailed profiles by cybercriminals or data brokers – fuelling targeted phishing, identity theft, and sophisticated social engineering

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 2, 2025/APO Group/ –Beneath the surface of GenAI’s outputs lies a massive, mostly unregulated engine powered by data – your data. And whether it’s through innocent prompts or habitual oversharing, users are feeding these machines with information that, in the wrong hands, becomes a security time bomb.

A recent Harmonic report (https://apo-opa.co/3Sw1K4N) found that 8.5% of employee prompts to generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot included sensitive data – most notably customer billing and authentication information – raising serious security, compliance, and privacy risks.

Since ChatGPT’s 2022 debut, generative AI has exploded in popularity and value – surpassing $25 billion in 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/3Z7wOf2) – but its rapid rise brings risks many users and organisations still overlook.

“One of the privacy risks when using AI platforms is unintentional data leakage,” warns Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “Many people don’t realise just how much sensitive information they’re inputting.”

Your data is the new prompt

It’s not just names or email addresses that get hoovered up. When an employee asks a GenAI assistant to “rewrite this proposal for client X” or “suggest improvements to our internal performance plan,” they may be sharing proprietary data, customer records, or even internal forecasts. If done via platforms with vague privacy policies or poor security controls, that data may be stored, processed, or – worst-case scenario – exposed.

And the risk doesn’t end there. “Because GenAI feels casual and friendly, people let their guard down,” says Collard. “They might reveal far more than they would in a traditional work setting –      interests, frustrations, company tools, even team dynamics.”

In aggregate, these seemingly benign details can be stitched into detailed profiles by cybercriminals or data brokers – fuelling targeted phishing, identity theft, and sophisticated social engineering.

A surge of niche platforms, a bunch of new risks

Adding fuel to the fire is the rapid proliferation of niche AI platforms. Tools for generating product mock-ups, social posts, songs, resumes, or legalese are sprouting up at speed – many of them developed by small teams using open-source foundation models. While these platforms may be brilliant at what they do, they may not offer the hardened security architecture of enterprise-grade tools. “Smaller apps are less likely to have been tested for edge-case privacy violations or undergone rigorous penetration tests and security audits,” says Collard. “And many have opaque or permissive data usage policies.”

Even if an app’s creators have no malicious intent, weak oversight can lead to major leaks. Collard warns that user data could end up in:

●        Third-party data broker databases

Smaller apps are less likely to have been tested for edge-case privacy violations or undergone rigorous penetration tests and security audits

●        AI training sets without consent

●        Cybercriminal marketplaces following a breach

In some cases, the apps might themselves be fronts for data-harvesting operations.

From individual oversights to corporate exposure

The consequences of oversharing aren’t limited to the person typing the prompt. “When employees feed confidential information into public GenAI tools, they can inadvertently expose their entire company,” (https://apo-opa.co/3Hked9o) explains Collard. “That includes client data, internal operations, product strategies – things that competitors, attackers, or regulators would care deeply about.”

While unauthorised shadow AI remains a major concern, the rise of semi-shadow AI – paid tools adopted by business units without IT oversight – is increasingly risky, with free-tier generative AI apps like ChatGPT responsible for 54% of sensitive data leaks due to permissive licensing and lack of controls, according to the Harmonic report.

So, what’s the solution?

Responsible adoption starts with understanding the risk – and reining in the hype. “Businesses must train their employees on which tools are ok to use, and what’s safe to input and what isn’t,” says Collard. “And they should implement real safeguards – not just policies on paper.

“Cyber hygiene now includes AI hygiene.”

“This should include restricting access to generative AI tools without oversight or only allowing those approved by the company.”

“Organisations need to adopt a privacy-by-design approach (https://apo-opa.co/3Ze1hbj) when it comes to AI adoption,” she says. “This includes only using AI platforms with enterprise-level data controls and deploying browser extensions that detect and block sensitive data from being entered.”

As a further safeguard, she believes internal compliance programmes should align AI use with both data protection laws and ethical standards. “I would strongly recommend companies adopt ISO/IEC 42001 (https://apo-opa.co/3HmoD8l), an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS),” she urges.

Ultimately, by balancing productivity gains with the need for data privacy and maintaining customer trust, companies can succeed in adopting AI responsibly.

As businesses race to adopt these tools to drive productivity, that balance – between ‘wow’ and ‘whoa’ – has never been more crucial.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

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The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

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Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

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Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

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The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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