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Sheraton Nouakchott marks the entry of Marriott International in Mauritania

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Nouakchott

As Mauritania’s cultural and economic heart, Nouakchott offers visitors a glimpse into the serene beauty and rich heritage that define this remarkable Northwest African nation

We are proud to have brought Marriott International to Mauritania with the opening of Sheraton Nouakchott, the first internationally operated and branded hotel in the country

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, April 10, 2026/APO Group/ –Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s (www.Marriott.com) portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, recently celebrated the opening of Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel (https://apo-opa.co/4t3YGO4), marking the entry of Marriott International into a new territory, Mauritania. Since opening its doors, Sheraton Nouakchott has, positioned itself as a new hub for business, events and leisure in the Mauritanian capital.

 

Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, is a coastal city where tradition and modernity meet. Nestled between the vast Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean, it serves as a gateway to the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, from golden dunes and tranquil oases to rugged coastlines and untouched desert plains. As Mauritania’s cultural and economic heart, Nouakchott offers visitors a glimpse into the serene beauty and rich heritage that define this remarkable Northwest African nation.

Ideally located near iconic landmarks such as the Marché Capitale and the National Museum of Mauritania, as well as Nouakchott’s beaches and fishing port — and just a short distance from the desert — Sheraton Nouakchott offers an ideal base from which to discover the destination.

“We are proud to have brought Marriott International to Mauritania with the opening of Sheraton Nouakchott, the first internationally operated and branded hotel in the country. Since welcoming our first guests, the hotel has quickly established itself as a destination for both travellers and the local community. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences in emerging markets, while celebrating the culture and character of each destination,” said Sandra Schulze‑Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

Local design inspiration

Traditional crafts, from wood carving to metalwork, are woven throughout the hotel’s materials and furnishings, creating spaces that feel both rooted and refined. Every detail tells a story of local artistry, heritage and place, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by Mauritania’s cultural and natural beauty.

Inspired by the legendary landmarks along the Trans‑Saharan trade route, the hotel’s design blends regional heritage with contemporary elegance. The circular ceiling of Feast restaurant draws inspiration from the Richat Structure, also known as the Eye of Africa. Earthy tones and organic materials reference the dramatic landscapes of the Adrar Mountains, while patterns inspired by Chinguetti and Oualata are reinterpreted throughout guest rooms, public spaces and Bene restaurant.

Meeting spaces echo the stone architecture of Tichitt, one of West Africa’s oldest towns and a historic caravan hub.

Guest rooms and suites with local charm

Sheraton Nouakchott features 200 spacious guest rooms and suites, including two Presidential Suites, combining contemporary comfort with subtle local touches. All rooms are equipped with the latest technology and Sheraton signature amenities, including the iconic Sheraton Sleep Experience.

The Sheraton Club offers Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Club guests an elevated, all‑day experience, with curated food and beverage offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity and a private environment designed for both productivity and relaxation.

Local flavours meet international influence

The hotel features two restaurants, a Lobby Bar and a Pool Bar. Feast, the all‑day dining restaurant, serves locally inspired and international dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Bene offers an immersive Italian dining experience in a warm, inviting setting. The Lobby Bar provides a relaxed meeting point from morning coffee to evening gatherings, while the Pool Bar offers refreshing drinks and light bites by the outdoor pool.

 

Facilities offering a resort feel in the heart of the city

Despite its central urban location, Sheraton Nouakchott delivers a resort‑like atmosphere, centred around an expansive outdoor pool. Guests can maintain their fitness routines in the fully equipped fitness centre — featuring separate floors for women and men, hammam and sauna — or enjoy the outdoor tennis court. The Sheraton Spa features three treatment rooms, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration or meetings.

Meetings & events curated to perfection

Sheraton Nouakchott offers more than 2,600 square metres of flexible Meetings & Events space, including a Grand Ballroom, a Ballroom and four additional meeting rooms. A signature Sheraton Community Table sits at the heart of the hotel, providing a welcoming space for informal meetings, remote work and collaboration. A dedicated events team ensures seamless delivery from concept to execution.

Gatherings by Sheraton

In line with Sheraton’s global community‑centred approach, Sheraton Nouakchott hosts Gatherings by Sheraton, curated weekly experiences designed around enrichment, renewal and local stories. Guests and locals can take part in Mauritanian mixology sessions using local mint tea and fruits, or storytelling evenings inspired by Saharan traditions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Business

CGTN: Navigating the South China Sea Before GPS

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – Ten years after the South China Sea arbitration, CGTN has published an article exploring the story of the Genglubu – a handwritten navigation manual that guided generations of Hainan fishermen long before GPS, shedding light on a chapter of South China Sea history unfamiliar to many outside the region.

How did generations of Chinese sailors find their way across the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest and most challenging waterways?

A new CGTN documentary, Genglubu: Charting the South China Sea, explores the answer through a little-known ancient navigation manual passed down for generations of fishermen in Tanmen, Hainan Province. The Genglubu recorded routes, compass bearings and sailing distances, helping fishermen navigate reefs, islands and open seas. The documentary follows the fishermen who crossed the sea, the families who preserved their knowledge and a maritime tradition that connected China with Southeast Asia and beyond.

The People Who Brought the Genglubu to Life

To outsiders, the Genglubu looks like a secret code. A single line of just fourteen Chinese characters can contain an entire sea route: the departure point, direction, destination, distance and estimated sailing time.

“Generation after generation, Hainan fishermen rode the waves – not to rule the sea, but to make their living from it.”

Xin Lixue, Curator, China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

The documentary follows veteran fishing boat captains whose lives were inseparable from the sea. Wang Shitao first went to sea at the age of nine. At twelve, his fishing boat was caught in a typhoon. Everyone else on board died. Clinging to a piece of floating timber, he drifted alone for three days. Four years later, another violent storm struck. Once again, he was the only survivor. Yet each time, he returned to the sea. Late in life, reflecting on decades spent sailing the South China Sea, he summed up his feelings:

“I love the South China Sea. I hate it. I miss it.”

Wang Shitao, fishing boat captain

The sea demanded sacrifice even as it provided a livelihood. A storm or mishap could wipe out an entire crew.

“Children and brothers should never sail on the same boat.”

Wang Shubao, fishing boat captain

A Maritime Tradition Connecting Asia

The documentary challenges the common assumption that the Genglubu was only about the South China Sea. Research on the Liang Family Genglubu reveals routes extending to Singapore, Malacca and Indonesia, showing that Hainan fishermen also played a role in regional maritime trade.

“Hainan fishermen also took part in overseas trade.”

Zhao Jueqi, China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

Not every route was written in words. Some Genglubu manuscripts contain mountain-and-water charts. They combine sketches of coastlines with compass bearings, water depth and sea conditions. These drawings helped sailors identify islands, reefs and coastlines and determine their position at sea.

“The Americans and the British produced their own navigational records, which identify the Chinese as being engaged very heavily in fishing on these islands and other forms of economic activity.”

Anthony Carty, International Law Sholar

Today, satellites, weather stations and lighthouses have transformed navigation across the South China Sea. But the purpose remains the same: helping sailors travel safely and return home. Genglubu: Charting the South China Sea traces a maritime tradition shaped by generations of ordinary people. It is a story of navigation, memory and resilience, one that forms part of the shared maritime heritage of Asia.

 

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Renew Capital Narrows 500+ African Companies to 15 Embedded Finance Investment Candidates

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From 48 countries, selected companies are using existing customer relationships, data and distribution to expand financial access for African SMEs

The next generation of Africa’s small business banks won’t be banks

KIGALI, Rwanda, July 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Renew Capital (http://RenewCapital.com/) has selected 15 companies from more than 500 applicants across 48 African countries to advance through its inaugural Renew Venture Lab: EmFi Series.

 

The size and breadth of the applicant pool point to a larger shift underway across Africa: some of the continent’s most promising embedded finance opportunities may come not from traditional fintechs, but from tech companies already serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Africa’s SMEs are the main creators of jobs, yet they face an estimated $330B annual credit gap. However, Africa is rapidly becoming a global center for technology innovation and currently boasts the world’s largest mobile money market. Meanwhile, SMEs are becoming more tech-enabled as smartphone adoption across sub-Saharan Africa is projected to rise from 54% in 2024 to 81% by 2030 and data costs plummet.

These trends open new opportunities to embed financial products in mobile applications to reach the world’s most capital-constrained private sectors, unlocking growth and job creation. As Africa’s startup ecosystems grow, technology companies powering digital payments, organizing smart distribution, optimizing logistics, improving healthcare, and digitizing agriculture value chains have the potential to reach millions of SMEs that banks are not serving and use their customer data to underwrite financial products.

All 500+ applicants were invited to exclusive expert sessions with founders from some of Africa’s fastest-growing companies and gained advice from some of the world’s leading embedded finance and Web3 companies. Forty-seven companies were selected for a pitch competition and given a startup package valued at more than $250,000. From this group, 15 were selected to advance to deeper technical training and investment consideration. The 15 companies represented Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.

Matthew Davis, Co-CEO of Renew Capital, said: “The next generation of Africa’s small business banks won’t be banks. They’ll be startups that already understand how SMEs operate, have their data and have earned their trust. These 15 companies are building from that advantage. That’s why we’re paying attention.”

THE TOP 15 COMPANIES

Company Country Founder Website
AgroCenta Ghana Francis Obirikorang (https://apo-opa.co/4vTsP3Q) https://apo-opa.co/4vW91No
Boost Technology Ghana Mike Quinn (https://apo-opa.co/4vWkAEm) https://apo-opa.co/4vWkE74
Dots for Africa Senegal Carlos Oba (https://apo-opa.co/4peki9h) http://DotsFor.com
Fanaka Zambia Hillary Sang (https://apo-opa.co/4h7E1oS) https://apo-opa.co/4h3rkvj
Kutana Ghana Samuel Opoku (https://apo-opa.co/4vW923U) https://apo-opa.co/4fnYapA
MajibuAfrica Uganda Janis Zicans (https://apo-opa.co/4f3YGrg) https://apo-opa.co/4aGskSe
Marakisoft Ethiopia Alemayehu Seifu (https://apo-opa.co/4eSIN8o) https://apo-opa.co/3R1TAUI
Oze Ghana Meghan McCormick (https://apo-opa.co/4paWgf9) https://apo-opa.co/4vXKbN6
Regxta Nigeria Rukayat Bello (https://apo-opa.co/4vSdMaz) https://apo-opa.co/4h28bdg
Rigo Nigeria Olukayode Odeyinde (https://apo-opa.co/4aJjcfF) https://apo-opa.co/4w2UbEP
Shiprazor South Africa Lesego Tladinyane (https://apo-opa.co/3SU3hVK) https://apo-opa.co/4aGsl8K
Solimi Togo Gael Egbidi (https://apo-opa.co/3SSjZor) https://apo-opa.co/4vWkFIa
Tradevu Nigeria Nkiru Amadi-Emina (https://apo-opa.co/4aGsadA) https://apo-opa.co/4eS7dPl
Z Systems Morocco Samer Choumar (https://apo-opa.co/4bd4PQU) https://apo-opa.co/4vUQUYf
Zendawa Kenya Wilfred Njuguna (https://apo-opa.co/4pavJyx) https://apo-opa.co/4eREuKE

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Renew Capital.

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Energy

Makor Resources CEO to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 Amid $30M Copper Strategy and Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Formalization Drive

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Brooke Bibeault’s participation at African Mining Week will highlight Makor Resources’ Zambia strategy, its approach to ASM formalization and the role of copper projects in supporting long-term critical minerals growth

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Brooke Bibeault, CEO of copper-focused exploration and development company Makor Resources, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town. The event brings together global mining investors, developers and policymakers to discuss opportunities shaping Africa’s next generation of critical minerals projects.

 

Bibeault will participate in a panel discussion on Accelerating the Formalization of Artisanal Miners, where industry stakeholders will explore pathways to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) into formal mining value chains while improving productivity, environmental standards and community development outcomes.

The discussion aligns with Makor Resources’ approach in Zambia, where the company is supporting ASMntegration through its MineHive program. The initiative provides funding and technical support to ASM operators, strengthening local participation in the copper sector while creating structured pathways into formal supply chains.

Alongside its ASM-focused initiatives, Makor Resources is advancing a district-scale copper exploration strategy across Zambia, supporting the country’s long-term ambition to significantly increase annual copper output. The company is progressing the Muli Copper Project in Central Zambia, while also advancing exploration at the Kangili Copper Project in the Mkushi District.

In early 2026, Makor Resources announced plans to invest up to $3 million by the end of the year to enhance geological understanding across its asset portfolio. The program includes integrated geophysical surveys, remote sensing and systematic sampling campaigns designed to support target definition and resource delineation. These activities form part of a broader investment framework estimated at between $20 million and $30 million over the medium term.

With global copper demand projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, attention is increasingly turning to new supply sources. At AMW 2026, Bibeault is expected to outline how Makor Resources’ Zambia portfolio is positioned to contribute to both national economic development and the broader global energy transition through expanded copper supply.

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

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