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Sunbeth Global Concepts Takes to the Global Stage at Chocoa 2025, Driving Conversations on Sustainability and Farmer Empowerment

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Sunbeth Global Concepts

Nigeria’s Leading Cocoa Exporter Highlighted Transformative Solutions Aimed at Supporting Farming Communities

LAGOS, Nigeria, February 13, 2025/APO Group/ –Sunbeth Global Concepts (www.Sunbeth.net) was a proud gold sponsor, exhibitor, and panellist at Chocoa 2025, the leading marketplace for high-quality, sustainable cocoa and chocolate. The event was part of Amsterdam Cocoa Week, held from 4 to 9 February 2025.

SGC is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s cocoa industry, which is the fourth largest globally. It originates approximately 35,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans annually and collaborates with over 3000 local farmers. The company has implemented several innovative and transformative solutions aimed at improving these farmers’ livelihoods, including increasing yields through hybrid seedlings and connecting farmers to premium international markets.

As a gold sponsor, SGC exhibited at the Chocoa Trade Fair, which boasted over 100 stands and over 2,750 industry professionals from every step of the cocoa value chain. This presented a unique opportunity for SGC to ensure that the livelihoods of cocoa farmers remain a critical focus in the conversation around sustainability, particularly given the continued rise in global demand for ethically sourced cocoa.

The event provided invaluable opportunities to network and share insights with industry leaders and stakeholders at the heart of the global cocoa industry

“Chocoa 2025 presented the ideal platform to engage stakeholders on pressing industry issues such as the EU’s regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), conscious consumerism, balancing living income and wages of farmers, and the need for ethical labour practices, amongst others. Events like these enable us to advocate for solutions that directly improve the lives of farmers while addressing the many systemic challenges that exist, underscoring SGC’s commitment to creating a sustainable cocoa supply chain where farmers are empowered, their incomes are enhanced, and their communities thrive,” said SGC’s Sustainability Director, Oyinkansola Owoyemi.

“SGC’s sponsorship and participation at Chocoa 2025 reflects our company’s commitment to sustainable business practices and enhancing the livelihoods of local cocoa farmers. The event provided invaluable opportunities to network and share insights with industry leaders and stakeholders at the heart of the global cocoa industry.”

As a leading industry player in the African cocoa bean market, SGC also had the opportunity to contribute to these and other key industry discussions at the Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference. This conference brought together global leaders and authorities in the cocoa and chocolate industry as well as representatives of cocoa farmers, NGOs, service providers, and the research community.

Owoyemi participated in a panel discussion on 7 February titled “Why should we care more for invisible farmers and workers in the cocoa supply chain?”. The discussion aimed to understand more about the underrepresented cocoa farmers and workers, with topics ranging from the cocoa supply chain to wage mapping and the risks of forced labour.

“Supporting the local farmers who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s success as a global player in the cocoa bean market is a key priority for SGC. From upskilling farmers and providing hybrid cocoa seedlings to replace older trees, to connecting farmers to premium markets through our Rainforest Alliance certification programme, we aim to improve farmers’ earnings and encourage long-term environmental and social sustainability. Sharing these insights and learning from other industry specialists during the insightful panel discussion was invaluable,” added Owoyemi.

As SGC continues to lead the way in ethical sourcing and sustainability, the company is excited to build on the momentum from Chocoa 2025 and further positively impact the global and African cocoa industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sunbeth Global Concepts.

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

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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.

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

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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.

 

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

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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).

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