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RS Group Partners with SolarAid to Bring Safe Solar Light to 150,000 People across Africa

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SolarAid

RS Group plc (LSE: RS1) (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com), a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, today announces a new three-year partnership with international development charity SolarAid. Together, RS Group and SolarAid aim to raise £1 million to deliver clean, safe solar lights to 150,000 people living in rural communities across Africa without access to electricity.

The partnership forms a central part of RS Group’s 2030 ESG action plan and champions the shared ambition to “make amazing happen for a brighter world.” By combining corporate donations, matched funding, RS PRO product contributions, employee fundraising, and gifts in kind, RS Group will help accelerate SolarAid’s mission to create thriving solar businesses that tackle poverty and climate change.

Just one solar light benefits every member of the household leading to a 90% reduction in kerosene, candles or torches, with a 95% saving on their energy spend and enabling a child to study safely for the first time after sunset. It also reduces carbon emissions in the transition to renewable energy.  A paraffin candle emits three times its weight in CO2 and a kerosene lamp emits over a tonne of carbon over 3 years.

Employee engagement at the heart of the partnership

RS and SolarAid are closely aligned as providers of products and solutions that support the low-carbon transition with a focus on renewables. As a leader in industrial MRO services, the RS team’s expertise will directly support SolarAid’s global and local repair programmes, helping build a circular solar economy in off-grid communities. RS employees worldwide will be encouraged to get involved through skills-based volunteering, fundraising challenges, and awareness-raising activities. Planned initiatives include:

Access to clean, safe solar light is a powerful catalyst for education, safety, and opportunity

  • Skills-based volunteering: RS experts will seek to support SolarAid projects, such as improving its Repair App, which helps communities extend the life of solar lights and reduce waste through simple repairs.
  • On-the-ground engagement: Opportunities to visit SolarAid-supported communities in Malawi and Zambia, as well as welcoming SolarAid representatives to RS markets for live demonstrations.
  • Active for Change: A global fundraising challenge where employees raise money by logging physical activity in teams.

RS employees are entitled to two annual volunteering days, and the company aims to inspire 50% of colleagues to use this time to support their communities and the SolarAid partnership.

Bridging ambition with proven impact

SolarAid’s recent remarkable achievement in Kasakula, Malawi underscores the partnership’s potential. On 26 August 2025, 100% of households, all local schools, and the health clinic in Kasakula gained solar access through the Light a Village initiative—highlighting what’s possible when communities, charities, and partners align around a bold, shared goal.

A brighter future through collaboration

Andrea Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer at RS Group, said “We are proud to partner with SolarAid on this important mission. Access to clean, safe solar light is a powerful catalyst for education, safety, and opportunity. By combining the passion of our people with the innovation of our customers and suppliers, we can make amazing happen for communities that need it most. The success in Kasakula is a living proof point: achieving 100% access in one of the world’s poorest and most remote regions shows that universal energy access is not just achievable, but scalable.”

John Keane, CEO of SolarAid, said,“We are delighted to be working in partnership with RS Group. From the very start our shared purpose and alignment has been clear. Like RS Group, we strive to innovate the best solutions for our customers, so that we can deliver sustainable energy access. We are incredibly excited by the huge opportunity we have together, to progress our mission and bring clean, safe light and power to those living in the most remote, hardest to reach communities. Together, we really will make amazing happen for a brighter world”.

Driving long-term impact

The partnership builds on RS Group’s track record of impactful collaborations, including raising nearly £1 million for The Washing Machine Project since 2020. By focusing on engagement opportunities for employees, customers, and suppliers, RS Group and SolarAid aim to create a movement of shared purpose and innovation. To amplify the collective impact, RS Group will match donations and funds raised by employees, further reinforcing its commitment to empowering communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

Business

A-ONE PACIFIC INVESTMENTS, the discreet architect of two energy agreements exceeding USD 350 million in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

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INVESTMENTS

Two major energy agreements steered by A-ONE PACIFIC INVESTMENTS reshape access to electricity in the DRC

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, April 22, 2026/APO Group/ –In a context where securing complex financing remains one of the main barriers to developing major infrastructure in Africa, two high-profile energy agreements have just been finalized in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a decisive turning point for access to electricity and the country’s economic growth.

 

At the heart of these operations is A-ONE PACIFIC INVESTMENTS, a discreet yet decisive strategic partner that has overseen the financial and organizational aspects of projects totaling more than USD 350 million.

A decisive month for energy in the DRC

In April, two major initiatives took critical steps forward despite a demanding environment that combines regulatory challenges, national sovereignty and international financiers’ conditions.

ANSER – Gauff Engineering (Germany)
The signing of a market contract between the National Agency for Electrification and Energy Services in rural and peri-urban areas (ANSER), represented by its Director-General Cyprien Musimar, and the German company Gauff Engineering marks a crucial milestone. The project aims to electrify 36 territories using hybrid solutions that combine solar and hydroelectric power, directly benefiting millions of people.

ANSER – Angelique International (India)
A commercial contract has been concluded between Cyprien Musimar and Ajay Krishna Goyal, Chairman of Angelique International, for the construction of the Mbombo hydroelectric power plant (approximately 20.08 MW). The project includes four production units, access roads and transmission lines to Kananga. It fully supports the national strategy set by the Congolese authorities and the President of the Republic, who view access to electricity as a priority driver of development.

As Cyprien Musimar noted:

“Access to electricity is a fundamental lever for development. These initiatives mark a significant step towards more inclusive energy coverage in the DRC.”

Tangible impacts for the DRC

Access to electricity is a fundamental lever for development

These two agreements address the strategic challenge of reliable, accessible energy tailored to the country’s needs. In the long term, they will enable:

  • the electrification of dozens of territories and rural areas;
  • support for industrial activity, particularly mining;
  • the lasting improvement of living conditions for millions of Congolese.

Beyond infrastructure, these projects initiate an economic dynamic that will have direct repercussions on growth, employment and the attractiveness of the country.

A decisive contribution behind the scenes

Although these agreements today mark a visible milestone, they result from several years of groundwork: financial structuring, coordination among public and private actors, and securing the necessary funds. A-ONE PACIFIC INVESTMENTS has acted as a strategic partner, ensuring the consistency and success of these operations.

Behind these projects are two entrepreneurs: Franck Ping and Jean-François Ping, co-founders of the company. With more than twenty years’ experience in finance, project development and international deployment across the continent, they support the implementation of high-impact projects with a rigorous, pragmatic approach. They now apply this expertise to concrete initiatives, with a strategic grounding in the continent’s economic realities.

A momentum set to continue

These two agreements are only an initial step in a broader process. A-ONE PACIFIC INVESTMENTS is currently involved in several initiatives under development, aimed at redefining the energy future of the sub-region. These operations, at different stages of progress, reflect a carefully managed rise and close collaboration among stakeholders.

In a context marked by increasing needs for infrastructure and energy, the ability to design credible projects, bring together public and private actors and secure complex financial arrangements becomes essential. This mastery is at the heart of A-ONE PACIFIC INVESTMENTS’ added value.

These initiatives are part of a long-term vision aimed at supporting the transformation of energy systems and fostering growth in the territories concerned.

Franck Ping, co-founder, states:

“Africa lacks neither opportunities nor ambition. The challenge lies in designing robust, fundable and achievable projects. That is where we focus our efforts.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of A-One Pacific Investments.

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Events

Africa Tech Festival opens registration for landmark 29th edition in Cape Town

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Tech Festival

Based on the success of last year’s event, and ongoing conversations with key stakeholders, Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect where investment is flowing, where innovation is accelerating, and where the biggest opportunities lie

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 22, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), the continent’s longest-running and most influential technology event, today announced that registration is open for the 29th edition of the event, taking place from 16 to 19 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa.

 

Based on the success of last year’s event, and ongoing conversations with key stakeholders, Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect where investment is flowing, where innovation is accelerating, and where the biggest opportunities lie: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation. Every session, speaker and experience at Africa Tech Festival 2026 is built around these pillars, which will be showcased throughout the event, on eight dedicated stages.

For sponsors and exhibitors, Africa Tech Festival is the premier platform where enterprise buyers, technology leaders, and solution providers converge to shape the future of digital transformation across the continent. Leading brands can engage directly with C-suite executives, policymakers, and industry leaders as they showcase solutions in telecoms, AI, data centres, cybersecurity and enterprise innovation. In addition to providing a forum for generating leads and forming partnerships, Africa Tech Festival’s media exposure and pan-African reach create the ideal platforms for boosting brand reputation.

First wave of confirmed speakers announced

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is already attracting some of the continent’s most influential technology and business leaders. Confirmed speakers to date include:

Africa’s digital economy is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and Africa Tech Festival 2026 is designed to be at the centre of that momentum

  • Bunmi Cynthia Adeleye, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (Owners of Shoprite Nigeria)
  • Dido wa Kalonji, Chief Information Officer, FNB Eswatini
  • Faith Burn, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
  • Joost Pielage, Chief Technology Officer, Quro Medical
  • Lazola Ndamase, Group Executive Head: Big Data & AI/ML Technology, Vodacom
  • Mary Mahuma, Chief Information Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa, Philip Morris South Africa
  • Nina Triantis, Head: Global Sponsor Coverage, Client Coverage CIB & Vice Chair/TMT, Standard Bank Group
  • Nirvani Dhevcharran, Chief Technology Officer: Platforms and Operations, TFG (The Foschini Group)
  • Nollie Maoto, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, FirstRand Compliance Office
  • Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
  • Richard Cazalet, Executive: Strategy and Transformation, Telkom SA
  • Seaparo Phala, Chief Information Officer, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
  • Senthil Kumar Velayutham, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, African Development Bank

 

Commenting on the importance of the event in advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda, David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival, said, “Africa’s digital economy is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and Africa Tech Festival 2026 is designed to be at the centre of that momentum. Whether you’re a decision-maker looking to shape strategy, an innovator seeking investment, or an organisation ready to put your brand in front of the continent’s most influential technology leaders, this is the event for you. We look forward to welcoming the industry to Cape Town in November.”

 

Register to attend Africa Tech Festival 2026

 

General registration: https://apo-opa.co/3OvRBqv

 

For more information, as well as exhibitor and sponsor applications, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

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Energy

Typhoon Returns to African Mining Week (AMW) as Associate Sponsor Amid Regional Push to Formalize Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)

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Energy Capital

African Mining Week 2026 will connect global investors with the continent’s gold mining companies such as Typhoon for partnership formations aimed at accelerating the growth of the gold value chain

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 22, 2026/APO Group/ –Typhoon Greenfield Development (Typhoon) – Ghana’s first small-scale mining company compliant with London Bullion Market Association standards – is returning to this year’s edition of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 as an Associate Sponsor.

Typhoon’s participation highlights the company’s strategy to deepen engagement with global investors and advance Africa’s gold value chain at a time when the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. Gold prices surpassed $5,000 per ounce in March 2026, prompting mineral-rich African countries to accelerate strategies aimed at maximizing the resource’s contribution to GDP growth, employment creation, beneficiation and broader economic development.

During the event, Typhoon executives will participate in high-level panel discussions, networking sessions and project showcases, where they are set to engage with African stakeholders on strategies to advance artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) formalization. The company is expected to share lessons and best practices from Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen responsible and formalized gold production.

Held under the theme Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain, AMW 2026 – scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Gold Forum addressing key industry priorities, including maximizing Africa’s gold production, expanding local beneficiation and accelerating ASGM formalization. The forum provides a strategic platform for companies such as Typhoon to highlight their contributions to Africa’s gold sector while exploring investment and partnership opportunities.

In 2026, Typhoon is advancing the Adomanu cluster of mines expansion project, which has reached a 65% completion milestone. The company is also conducting additional exploration to unlock new production prospects within the cluster, while advancing development at its first large-scale asset – the Asempanaye concession in the Asante Akim South District of Ghana. These initiatives form part of a broader growth strategy announced in June 2025 aimed at expanding the company’s asset base from two clusters through additional exploration across its six cluster mining concessions. At AMW 2025, the company presented its in-house program designed to empower artisanal and small-scale miners, contributing to Ghana’s broader industry formalization agenda.

At AMW2026, Typhoon is expected to showcase progress made in advancing these initiatives while unveiling new investment and partnership opportunities across its growing portfolio of mining assets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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