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Solid first quarter with good revenue and strong margin performance, supported by record merchant wins

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Network International

Network International has announced a solid first quarter with constant currency revenue growth of 16% y/y

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 19, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Very strong growth in Group TPV of 27% y/y in constant FX and continued progress in strategic focus areas, with Group online TPV up 43% y/y (excl. Government) and Group SME volumes up 36% y/y. Constant currency revenue growth of 16% y/y, supported by growth in credentials hosted and strong double-digit performance in transactions processed across both the Middle East and Africa. New financial institution (FI) wins including Vodacom Financial Services, one of Africa’s top mobile network operators and e& money, the fintech arm of e& life, a leading regional telecom operator.

Network International Holdings Plc, Q1 2023 trading update

Network International has announced a solid first quarter with constant currency revenue growth of 16% y/y. The business is a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, providing a full suite of technology-enabled payment solutions to merchants and financial institutions of all types and sizes.

Nandan Mer, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We have seen a solid start to the year. This demonstrates economic strength across key markets, supported by the accelerated transition from cash to digital payments and continued successful strategic execution of our growth-oriented strategy. Merchant Services performance remains very strong, with trends reflecting buoyant UAE consumer spending and the region’s attractiveness to international visitors. Merchant Services performance across Africa has improved when compared to the exit rates we saw at the end of 2022 and the launch in Egypt is progressing well. Momentum in Outsourced Payment Services has also improved, with growth supported by new business and continued strength in the existing portfolios. We are encouraged by the start to the year.”

Rohit Malhotra, Chief Financial Officer, commented: “Financial performance in the first quarter has underpinned our guidance and outlook for the full year. Revenue growth of 16% y/y in constant currency saw good delivery from across the business, with Merchant Services showing particularly strong growth and Outsourced Processing seeing an uptick in momentum compared to the exit rate in 2022. We have maintained disciplined cost control, with a corresponding strong margin position. Cash generation is healthy, and the balance sheet remains strong, with our capital allocation policy focused on deploying investment towards new growth opportunities, as well as the ongoing execution of our USD 100 million share buyback programme.”

Growing International Presence

Good progress in newly launched Egypt Merchant Services

Momentum in Outsourced Payment Services has also improved, with growth supported by new business and continued strength in the existing portfolios

Merchant Services in Egypt launched in January and is progressing well, with transactions live. Network is focused on the fragmented and underserved SME segment, enabling SMEs with digital payment acceptance methods through point-of-sale devices and ‘Tap-on-Phone’ smartphone app technology.

Strong Customer Growth Across the Business

New merchant wins remain at record levels

Following a record year of merchant wins in 2022, strong momentum in new signings continued through Q1 2023. Network secured several new merchants including Tourvest Holdings, the duty-free provider for airlines in Africa, where Network is enabling digital payments on all Kenya Airways flights. The company also became the payments partner of choice for the Namibian government, enabling digital payments for e-visas and passport applications across the country. The continued strength in Group SME TPV growth of 36% is supported by the pace of new signings which accelerated through the period, supported by Network’s fully digital onboarding process which now features 3D Secure 2.0 as a default for new merchants.

New Outsourced Payment Services customer wins

Network secured three new FIs across its markets, including Vodacom Financial Services, one of Africa’s most renowned MNOs, to provide merchant acquirer processing services in South Africa. Network also renewed an existing contract with Polaris Bank in Africa for a further five years, providing one of Nigeria’s leading retail banks with card hosting, operational and management services. Furthermore, the company’s partnership with Mastercard remains strong, with the commercialisation of many recently agreed services and capabilities, including fraud mitigating services through Brighterion and ‘Click to Pay’.

Enhanced capabilities including new payment acceptance methods and value-added-services

This quarter Network partnered with Ecocash, a Mobile Network Operator in Zimbabwe, to enable even more merchants to accept mobile money payments. The company also became the single point of contact for merchants through its expanding range of value-added services and by providing its merchant customers with additional tools to further grow their businesses.

Cross-sell and new product launches

Network’s fraud monitoring capabilities continued to gain traction this quarter, having signed a new agreement with United Arab Bank for the provision of fraud monitoring solutions, in partnership with FICO, with Arab African International Bank also extending its portfolio to include fraud monitoring.

Network remains the card issuer of choice in its markets, having strengthened its relationship with Access Bank in South Africa to issue virtual cards and launching new pre-paid cards for Blink Neobank.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Network International.

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

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Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August, convening U.S. energy leaders ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

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

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

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IsDBI

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

 

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

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

 

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