Connect with us

Business

Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) and APO Group Partner to Promote African Trade and Investment Between Scotland and Africa

Published

2 years ago

on

SABA

The collaboration with SABA aligns with the company’s vision of championing Africa’s narratives, amplifying Africa’s voices, and bridging Africa and the world

EDINBURGH, Scotland, March 11, 2025/APO Group/ –The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) (www.AfricaScot.com), a membership organisation seeking to facilitate commercial success by connecting Scotland and Africa, and APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, are pleased to announce a partnership in terms of which APO Group will provide strategic communications support to SABA in its activities aimed at fostering business relations and facilitating trade between Scotland and the African continent.

Strategic partnerships between Africa and Scotland are opening new markets in several sectors. The latter’s expertise in renewable energy has seen Scottish businesses active (https://apo-opa.co/4iFLhG6) in 72 countries, including African nations such as Burundi, Cabo Verde, and Mozambique. Collaborations between Scottish universities and African institutions (https://apo-opa.co/4kHgnyU) focus on research, capacity building and knowledge exchange, and there is growing interest in technological collaborations, particularly in areas such as fintech, health tech and agritech.

Turning Scotland-Africa Connections into Commercial Success 

SABA was established in response to a need by both African and Scottish stakeholders for streamlined, secure engagement with potential trade and investment partners on the continent. It aims to help deliver tangible commercial outputs that benefit African countries and Scottish companies and institutions by making executing opportunities easier for both sides. With an in-depth understanding of African sectoral needs in the energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, fintech, and other industries, and insight into Scotland’s strengths and capabilities in these sectors, SABA works closely with members, African governments, and its partners and local network to help identify, research, and define specific opportunities and potential funding options.

Our partnership with APO Group is a key step in amplifying our aims, ensuring that the opportunities we create reach the right audiences and have a lasting impact

“At SABA, we are committed to building meaningful connections that drive commercial success for Scotland and Africa. Our partnership with APO Group is a key step in amplifying our aims, ensuring that the opportunities we create reach the right audiences and have a lasting impact. With APO Group’s deep expertise in strategic communications across the continent, we can better support our members and businesses in Scotland, showcase Scotland’s strengths in key sectors, and increase trade and investment that benefits businesses on both sides. Together, we are strengthening Scotland-Africa partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and growth,” said SABA Chief Executive Officer, Frazer Lang.

A Commitment to Advancing Excellence in Africa 

With a long-standing and accomplished track record of supporting global clients on the African continent, APO Group’s multilingual, multicultural team has extensive experience and expertise in navigating Africa’s complex media and business landscape. The collaboration with SABA aligns with the company’s vision of championing Africa’s narratives, amplifying Africa’s voices, and bridging Africa and the world.

Emphasising the two organisations’ mutual goal of promoting tangible business opportunities on the African continent, APO Group Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) said, “APO Group’s unrivalled network and ecosystem, strong media relationships, and strategic partnerships open doors to diverse markets across Africa. With a shared commitment to showcasing the continent’s innovation and opportunities for economic growth, and telling the many positive stories that exist, our 360-degree consultancy approach brings the best of APO Group to SABA. We look forward to working with SABA to increase Africa’s visibility in the global business landscape while strengthening Scotland’s position as a key player in African economic development.”

In addition to initiatives like the recently launched SABA Briefings (https://apo-opa.co/3FjOGMA), aimed at equipping Scottish businesses with the tools, information, and support to successfully enter and thrive in African markets, SABA offers a diverse range of Africa-focused events (https://apo-opa.co/3XEGwo8) and trade missions to increase trade, collaboration, and business opportunities between Scotland and African markets. APO Group will work with SABA to maximise these opportunities.

“At SABA, our mission is to make doing business in Africa easier and more effective for Scottish companies.  This partnership with APO Group will strengthen our ability to support our members as they navigate the opportunities across the continent.  By enhancing our reach and engagement through APO Group, we can better connect Scottish and African businesses in these key markets,” added Seona Shand, Chief Operating Officer at SABA.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Energy

Building a Knowledge Hub for China-ASEAN Energy Cooperation

Published

4 hours ago

on

September 22, 2026

By

NANNING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 September 2026 – During the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, China Southern Power Grid showcased a range of innovations designed to support energy cooperation between China and ASEAN. These included the DaWatt – Lao Language Large Language Model (LLM) for the Energy and Power Sector V2.0 and the Flexible Grayscale Intelligent Monitoring & Analysis Platform for power system cybersecurity, highlighting expanding opportunities for cooperation in digitalization, intelligent technologies and green energy.

The Lao-language LLM has been deployed at Electricité du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T), where it can automatically analyze thousands of inspection images within a short period of time. After its algorithms were optimized for Laos’ mountainous and rainforest terrain, the model completed intelligent inspection analysis for four transmission lines, processing 26,000 drone inspection images and identifying more than 3,600 equipment defects.

 




 
 

Liu Ying, general manager of the Digitalization Department at Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd., said the company has been building multilingual professional corpora for the power sector, covering ASEAN countries including Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia. Drawing on the capabilities of the DaWatt foundation model, the company is developing energy and power models tailored to ASEAN languages and real-world power industry applications.

Talent development is another focus of the cooperation. The China-ASEAN Institute of Energy, jointly established by Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. and Guangxi University, is exploring an industry-university training model with a strong emphasis on practical experience. So far, two cohorts totaling 53 students from ASEAN countries have enrolled.

Cooperation is also evolving from one-way training toward joint innovation. Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. and the Royal Academy of Cambodia have jointly established a laboratory for artificial intelligence and safety equipment, while the company has also launched peer-to-peer exchanges with Electricité du Laos on improving power supply reliability.

To address language barriers in cross-border technical exchanges, Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. has developed an AI-powered translation platform backed by a specialized database containing terminology for more than 1,800 types of power equipment. The platform supports accurate translation between Chinese and English, Chinese and Lao, and Chinese and Vietnamese.

At a recent training program for Chinese and overseas engineers, the system supported one-click generation of bilingual course materials and real-time speech translation, helping participants navigate highly specialized power-sector terminology.

To support regular international exchanges, Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. has also established an international talent pool covering management, technical and skilled personnel. It has developed 24 hours of courses on international affairs as well as 20 short-form video courses.

“This year, we will also explore joint postgraduate programs with universities in ASEAN countries,” said Sun Xiaohua, deputy director of the Human Resources Department at Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd.

Looking ahead, Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. plans to further advance a development model featuring “R&D in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, integration in Guangxi, and application in ASEAN.” The company will continue expanding its multilingual power-sector corpora and explore a “Token Goes Global” model for power-sector AI, with computing resources and models based in Guangxi while knowledge services are delivered overseas. The effort is aimed at creating new forms of China-ASEAN energy cooperation and supporting the green development of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0.
 




 

Continue Reading

Events

24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival to Showcase Asia’s Spectacular Autumn Colors

Published

5 hours ago

on

September 22, 2026

By

BAZHONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 September 2026 – The 24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival will run from October 1 to November 18 at the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area in Bazhong, Sichuan Province, China.

Located in southwest China, Guangwu Mountain boasts a forest coverage rate of 97%, earning its reputation as a “natural oxygen bar.” Each autumn, 680 square kilometers of mountain forests burst into a dazzling palette. Over 40 tree species, including Fagus pashanica, maples and lindens, weave the mountains into a stunning autumn landscape.

Known as “Asia’s longest natural red carpet,” the Mountain has become a top autumn destination for backpackers, photographers and travelers seeking immersive cultural and nature experiences, and is widely recognized as one of western China’s signature autumn attractions.

 




 
 

The tourism area caters to international visitors who prefer slower-paced, in-depth, off-the-beaten-path travel. The new Yanziling Loop Boardwalk, launched in May 2026, winds along mountain cliffs, with a sea of clouds rolling beneath visitors’ feet and brilliant foliage unfolding alongside the trail, creating the feeling of “stepping into a painting.”

Guangwu Mountain offers a wealth of outdoor attractions. Highlights include the 1,888-meter Red Leaf Coaster and a glass water slide certified by Guinness World Record, combining thrilling experiences with stunning natural scenery.

The large-scale immersive production “New Dream of Guangwu Mountain” integrates cutting-edge light and visual technology with Bashan folklore and traditions, transforming the forest into an atmospheric nighttime experience. Visitors can also enjoy welcome performances and interactive robot activities, which offer more ways to discover the mountain’s late-autumn charm.

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the newly completed Micang Avenue. Stretching 85 kilometers, the route connects seven core scenic spots, including Guangwu Mountain, Micang Mountain, and Nuoshui River, reducing a four-hour drive to just one hour. Lined with continuous stretches of colorful forest and layered peaks, the avenue brings brand-new travel experiences for autumn foliage enthusiasts.

The festival will also feature cultural, sports and international exchange activities, including the third season of the “Sending You a Red Leaf” campaign, the China Micang Avenue International Road Cycling Race, and the “World Red Leaf Landmark” global collection campaign.

In addition, 31 scenic attractions and 18 museums and cultural venues across Bazhong will provide special ticket offers and visitor benefits during the festival.

Across mountains and seas, Guangwu Mountain invites visitors from around the world to witness one of China’s most vibrant red-and-gold autumn displays.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
 
 




 

Continue Reading

Business

DHL Invests in Greater Middle East-Africa Connectivity with New Aviation Lane

Published

5 hours ago

on

September 22, 2026

By

The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 21, 2026/APO Group/ —
  • New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service strengthens Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and supports growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) has marked an important milestone in its regional aviation network with the successful operation of the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa.

The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The route reinforces DHL’s continued investment in strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability, improving flexibility and supporting growing trade flows between the Middle East and Africa.

 




  

As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks. The new service provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighbouring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.

 

The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors. Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia make it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.

 

Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind

“Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses. Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics,” said Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

“While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers.”

 

 

South Africa is one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth. And Johannesburg remains a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets to global opportunities through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network. Through continued investment in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity, DHL is supporting customers across this dynamic lane.

 

“DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati,” said Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA.

 

“Bahrain’s position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen.”

 

DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities created by changing trade patterns and expanding economic relationships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.

 

 




 

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version