Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Series of Notable Tech Events to be held in Dakar in the days leading up to Africa Day

Published

on

Francophone Africa

Senegal’s positioning as the window into Francophone Africa has been solidified through the country’s continued success in the technology startup and innovation space

DAKAR, Senegal, April 12, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Dakar, one of Africa’s leading startup ecosystems attracts investors

All roads lead to Dakar, Senegal for a series of events happening during the Enrich in Africa (https://Enrich-in-Africa-project.eu/) week which starts on the 22nd of May with a Learning Expedition held by incubator  Bond’innov (https://Bondinnov.com/).  Key highlights for the week include the AfricArena (https://www.AfricArena.com/) West Africa Summit, VC UnConference and the highly-anticipated ASIP Accelerator Demo Day powered by Startupbootcamp AfriTech (http://bit.ly/sbcafritech) and founded by telecoms giant Telecel Group (https://TelecelGroup.com/).

Senegal’s positioning as the window into Francophone Africa has been solidified through the country’s continued success in the technology startup and innovation space. Dakar has a rapidly growing startup ecosystem that is proving attractive to investors. According to the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2022 (https://www.StartupBlink.com/), 93% of Senegal’s startups are based in Dakar’s vibrant startup ecosystem which ranks 4th in Africa.

In 2019, the country became the second African country to pass a Startup Act and subsequently, President Macky Sall established The General Delegation for the Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) (https://DER.sn/), which has partnered with AfricArena, Startupbootcamp AfriTech and Enrich in Africa in various capacities.

Partnerships in West Africa crucial to building Africa’s tech ecosystem

Partnerships such as these have led to an increase in events that bring together some of the brightest minds and innovators in Africa’s tech and startup ecosystem, creating a platform for collaboration, learning and growth.

​​”We are thrilled to be hosting this in Senegal, which is fast becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa,” said Henry Ojuor, Program Director at Startupbootcamp Afritech. “Through these events, we hope to create a platform for collaboration and growth, as well as showcase the incredible talent and potential that exists within the African tech and startup ecosystem.”

The ASIP Demo Day, which takes place during the AfricArena Summit, will showcase the most promising startups from the ASIP Accelerator Program, providing a platform for them to pitch their innovative ideas and products to investors and potential partners. The ASIP Demo Day takes place on Africa Day which is 25 May. This will be a unique opportunity for investors to discover and connect with some of the most disruptive startups in the African tech industry. Startupbootcamp AfriTech will also be having a gathering of all of its alumni straight after Demo Day.

The AfricArena West Africa Summit is a premier tech conference that will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives from around the world to explore the latest trends and innovations in the African tech ecosystem. The event, which has an overarching focus on Fintech, Mobility & Logistics will be happening at the Museum of Black Civilizations (https://apo-opa.info/41j9xW6) and will feature keynote speakers, panels, and pitch sessions, as well as networking opportunities for attendees.

We are thrilled to be hosting this in Senegal, which is fast becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa

After the Summit, AfricArena, in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech, will be running an Open Innovation & Corporate VC Unconference to take place from Friday 26 May to Sunday 28 May at the Rhino Resort Hotel and Spa in Saly, Senegal.

The goal of this VC Unconference will be to enable key players in the corporate community staked in, or planning to tap in tech innovation in Africa to participate in an exchange on best practices and knowledge around how to successfully operate on the continent to develop new products and services in partnership with startups.

“Together with Startupbootcamp Afritech and Enrich in Africa, we are proud to host the AfricArena West Africa Summit in such a historic city that is a hub of trade, investment and innovation and which positively impacts on Africa’s tech and startup ecosystem,” says AfricArena CEO and founder Christophe Viarnaud.

Corporate partnerships and bilateral agreements boost Africa’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem

The involvement of corporates in the series of events is an indication of how important it is to collaborate and learn from both facets of the ecosystem. Founding partner of the ASIP Accelerator, The Telecel Group (https://TelecelGroup.com/), who recently completed the acquisition of the Vodafone Group’s Ghana Division will be leading the fray of key players in the ecosystem.

“We are incredibly proud of all innovative startups in our accelerator program, and we believe that their success is crucial to the long-term development and prosperity of the African continent,” noted Executive Deputy at Telecel and ASIP Project Director Eleanor Azar. “That’s why we are always by their side to provide them with the guidance, mentorship, and support they need. Such events are part of our identity at Telecel, and we remain committed to supporting these startups every step of the way.”

The ASIP Program is also supported by DER/FJ (https://DER.sn/), AWS (https://apo-opa.info/3mmEqKv), Google (https://startup.Google.com/), Enrich in Africa (https://Enrich-in-Africa-project.eu/), and the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank (FMO) (https://www.FMO.nl/) through MASSIF (https://apo-opa.info/412cfiP), the financial inclusion fund FMO manages on behalf of the Dutch government.

The Enrich in Africa (https://Enrich-in-Africa-project.eu/) Learning Expedition will offer a tailored educational program for delegates seeking to deepen their knowledge of the African tech industry. The program will include site visits, workshops, and networking sessions, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the African tech ecosystem.

Registration for all events is now open, and interested participants can find more information and register at the Bond’innov (http://bit.ly/3DPkqWj), AfricArena (https://www.AfricArena.com/) and Startupbootcamp AfriTech (http://SBCAfriTech.com/) websites.

Book your seat to the AfricArena West Africa Summit here (https://apo-opa.info/40ZlIax).

Book your seat for the Open Innovation Unconference here (https://apo-opa.info/43rsOX5).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Startupbootcamp AfriTech.

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

Published

on

Debate

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.

Continue Reading

Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

Published

on

CLG

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.

 

Continue Reading

Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

Published

on

ITFC

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).

Continue Reading

Trending