These move underscore APO’s commitment to recognising potential, fostering leadership from within, and giving team members the platform to advance in their careers

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 26, 2024/APO Group/ — 

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce a significant leadership appointment with the promotion of Senior Executive Assistant Michelle Scott to Vice President (VP) of Business Enablement and Chief of Staff.

These move underscore APO’s commitment to recognising potential, fostering leadership from within, giving team members the platform to advance in their careers, and highlight APO Group’s dedication to nurturing and elevating its internal talent.

In her new capacity, Michelle will spearhead the newly established Business Enablement Department. Her focus will be on optimising customer experience, driving operational efficiencies, and enhancing cost management. She will oversee project management, business analysis, and cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring seamless integration between the Business Enablement Team and all company departments.

“Michelle’s deep understanding of our business, combined with her strategic mindset and ability to identify areas for improvement, makes her the perfect choice to lead the Business Enablement team,” said Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group. “Her analytical approach and commitment to finding effective solutions will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and supporting our long-term goals.”

Throughout her time at APO Group, Michelle Scott has consistently shown exceptional loyalty, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence

In her dual role, Michelle will not only drive operational efficiencies as VP of Business Enablement but, as Chief of Staff, she will also serve as a trusted adviser and strategist to Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, ensuring there is seamless alignment between leadership and APO Group’s overall vision.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) stated, “Throughout her time at APO Group, Michelle Scott has consistently shown exceptional loyalty, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. From the moment she joined as my Senior Executive Assistant, it was clear that she had the potential to contribute far beyond her role and grow alongside the company.

Her sharp and decisive leadership has earned Michelle the trust and respect of her colleagues. Her leadership has already delivered meaningful improvements to our operations, and we look forward to the continued infusion of fresh energy and strategic insights that she will bring as she officially joins our Leadership Team.”

“I am deeply honoured to assume the role of Vice President of Business Enablement and Chief of Staff at APO Group,” said Michelle Scott. “The establishment of the Business Enablement division highlights our organisation’s growth, evolution, and commitment to embracing new technologies and innovations. I am thrilled about this incredible opportunity and look forward to collaborating closely with our talented teams to advance our strategic objectives, enhance operational efficiencies, and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.

I am confident that the exciting journey we embark on today will shape our future and solidify our position as the leading communications partner of choice in Africa. Additionally, I am immensely proud to be part of a company that not only values its clients but also prioritises the development of its team. My promotion is a testament to this commitment.”

APO Group is entering an exciting new chapter of innovation and growth. We are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and transforming the communications industry across Africa. We encourage our clients, partners, and stakeholders to join us on this journey as we continue to raise the bar, set new industry standards, and create a meaningful impact across the continent.  APO Group congratulates Michelle Scott on her well-deserved promotion and looks forward to the continued success she will bring in her new role as Vice President of Business Enablement and Chief of Staff.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

This two-day summit coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and is co-hosted by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and African Union Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 26, 2024/APO Group/ — 

World leaders from business, government, finance, sports, and the creative arts convened in New York for the third annual “Unstoppable Africa” event today. Organized by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (https://GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org/), this summit aims to establish the continent as the premier destination for business, trade, and investment.

Under the theme “Unstoppable Africa: Shaping Global Ambitions for Agenda 2063,” the event emphasizes inclusive participation, focused dialogue, and actionable solutions. This two-day summit coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and is co-hosted by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and African Union Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. Coordinated by the UN Global Compact, GABI provides a crucial platform for global leaders—including Heads of State, CEOs, investors, policymakers, and industry specialists—to collaborate on advancing Africa’s business landscape.

The opening day featured notable attendees such as H.E. Andrzej Duda, President of Poland; Julie Monaco, Global Head of Public Sector Banking, Citi; Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); WNBA All-Star and ESPN host, Chiney Ogwumike; Mr. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder and CEO of Dangote Group; Chido Mpemba, Special Envoy on Youth to AU Chairperson; and Mr. Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Their presence underscored the critical role Africa plays in shaping a prosperous and sustainable global future.

In his keynote video address, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to drive progress in Africa and globally. He stated that achieving an unstoppable Africa requires “collective, unstoppable efforts to foster development in areas like renewable energy, food systems, education, and digital transformation.” Guterres also advocated for meaningful reforms in the global financial architecture to ensure that all countries receive the necessary support, while promoting job creation and economic growth through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted Africa’s rich cultural diversity and the resilience of its people. “Africa’s story is one of determination, progress, and hope. Our strength lies not only in our resources but in our people—mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters—who tirelessly work to build a better future.”

Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed emphasized Africa’s emerging economic leadership, particularly with the African Union’s inclusion in the G20. This milestone enhances Africa’s voice in global governance and integrates the continent’s development priorities into broader decisions that promote equity and sustainability.

Africa’s story is one of determination, progress, and hope

Insightful Sessions and Discussions

The opening session featured a powerful panel discussion titled “The ‘Africa Youth Fix’ for a World in Crisis.” This conversation explored the immense potential of Africa’s youth, who are eager to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s and the world’s future. With Africa’s median age at just 19, the panel highlighted the opportunities in harnessing the creativity, energy, and ambition of young people across sectors such as technology, trade, energy, and the creative industries.

In a session focused on boosting trade, Alhaji Aliko Dangote stressed the necessity of removing barriers to the movement of people, goods, and services to accelerate free trade in Africa. He pointed out the disparities in access faced by Africans compared to those holding American or British passports and emphasized that fostering business relationships requires greater freedom of movement.

During the “Unstoppable Africans” session, Faouzi Annajah, Co-Founder of NamX, shared his journey as an innovator in the electric vehicle market, discussing his ambitious project to launch Africa’s first hydrogen-powered SUV by 2027.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, outlined the company’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for Africa’s future. He emphasized Microsoft’s focus on developing world-class AI platforms and infrastructure that will benefit the continent.

WNBA All-Star and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike announced her new foundation, Queens of the Continent, during a fireside chat with Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors. The foundation aims to create opportunities for women and girls across Africa, using sport as a transformative vehicle to promote gender equity and access to opportunities.

As the event transitions into its second day, stakeholders will build on the momentum, focusing on actionable strategies to accelerate Africa’s growth agenda. The solutions roundtable will culminate in concrete commitments to address pressing challenges, including key trade and energy agreements and the impacts of climate change.

GABI remains dedicated to ensuring Africa’s pivotal role in shaping the global future is recognized and maximized. Day 2 promises more groundbreaking announcements and partnerships that will solidify Africa’s rise as an unstoppable force in the global economy. View of the photos from Unstoppable Africa event, Day 1 here (https://apo-opa.co/3ZHH3HR) and the event b-roll here (https://apo-opa.co/3ZDCu1m).

For more information on Day 2, visit the Website (https://apo-opa.co/3ZDOQGF).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.

Mauritania is on track for first gas production this year, creating strategic investment opportunities across the entire gas value chain

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The first phase of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project – situated on the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal – will begin production by the end of 2024. Ahead of this milestone, Mauritania’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Mohamed Ould Khaled has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference –  taking place November 4-8 in Cape Town. During the event, Minister Khaled is expected to share insight into the impact the project will have on the Mauritanian economy as well as the wave of investment opportunities emerging across the country’s gas value chain.

The country’s inaugural LNG development, GTA promises new opportunities for job creation and revenue generation. The first phase of the project will produce 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa) while the second phase will increase production capacity to upwards of 5 mtpa. To date, the first phase is 90% complete, with the FPSO arriving at the project site in June 2024. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Minister Khaled is anticipated to provide an update on the project.

By prioritizing investment in LNG and promoting both data acquisition and exploration, the country is laying the foundation for accelerate gas development

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Phase one of the GTA development represents just one of several planned projects in Mauritania. Given its strategic proximity to high-demand markets in Europe as well as its wealth of offshore resources, the country is quickly gaining traction as an attractive market to invest in. Leveraging this attractiveness, the country is  currently strengthening partnerships with international stakeholders to fast-track project development and unlock the full potential of its oil, gas and renewable energy resources. In June 2024, Mauritania signed an agreement with data and analytics company TGS – now PGS – to acquire subsurface data for oil and gas exploration across onshore and offshore basins. In parallel, oil and gas company Tullow Oil is conducting exploration activities offshore Mauritania under a multi-year agreement.

Additionally, Mauritania announced in May 2024 that it is seeking a new partner to develop the BirAllah gas field, following the expiration of bp’s contract. With an estimated reserve of 60 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, BirAllah represents a significant opportunity for the sustainable growth of Mauritania’s gas industry. Further bolstering its energy portfolio, Mauritania signed an exploration-production contract in April 2024 with Taqa Arabia Co. Gas Consortium to develop the Banda gas field. Slated to kickstart production in 2027, the $1.3 billion project will further cement Mauritania’s position as a major gas producer. Amid these developments, AEW: Invest in African Energy represents an ideal platform for Minister Khaled to engage with global investors and sign strategic cooperation agreements to further advance its hydrocarbons sector.

Meanwhile, in addition to natural gas development and with a target to produce 12.5 million tons of green hydrogen by 2035, Mauritania is making strides in clean energy, enhancing cooperation with global partners and positioning itself as a key investment destination through policy reform. In September 2024, Mauritania approved its Green Hydrogen Bill, paving the way for the exploitation of wind and solar resources and the development of requisite infrastructure to establish the country as a clean energy hub. Among the country’s growing portfolio of green hydrogen projects are the 30 GW Aman project led by CWP and the 10 GW Nour project led by Chariot. Minister Khaled’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energy will not only help attract fresh investments for Mauritania’s growing green hydrogen energy industry but enable the Minister to provide project updates.

“Mauritania is taking the right approach to developing its energy sector. By prioritizing investment in LNG and promoting both data acquisition and exploration, the country is laying the foundation for accelerate gas development. At the same time, Mauritania is driving projects forward across the green hydrogen sector, recognizing the vital role the resource will play in enhancing energy security,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.