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SUNRATE Releases New White Paper for Travel Intermediaries at Travel Tech Asia 2024

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SUNRATE
White Paper covers practical insights for travel intermediaries to navigate the complexities of cross-border B2B travel payments
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2024 – SUNRATE, a global payments and treasury management platform, has announced the release of a new white paper titled “Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Border B2B Travel Payments: Practical Insights for Travel Intermediaries” at Travel Tech Asia 2024, Asia’s Leading Travel Technology Trade Show.
According to Statista, the online travel market’s global revenue reached just under 600 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. This figure is expected to grow steadily in the following years, exceeding 800 billion U.S. dollars by 2028. Additionally, when breaking down global travel and tourism revenue by sales channels, the leading role played by the online market is clear, with online transactions generating over two-thirds of total sales value.Despite the opportunities to maximise profits in a booming industry, travel intermediaries such as, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Travel Agencies (TAs) and Travel Management Companies (TMCs) often face high transaction costs, inefficiencies in payment processes, security concerns, cross-border payment complexities, and the need for effective working capital management. These challenges can significantly impact profitability and operational efficiency.Additionally, in a landscape where some travel intermediaries are observed to consolidate and provide payment solutions within their ecosystems, others must carefully evaluate their choice of payment providers to ensure their operations are not jeopardised due to conflicts of interest and customer data remain secure.Shawn Qin, Head of Card Business at SUNRATE said, “We are pleased to present this comprehensive white paper, tailored specifically for travel intermediaries. At SUNRATE, we understand the unique challenges associated with managing B2B travel payments. Our goal is to offer practical and actionable advice to streamline payment processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. As an agnostic and independent payment service provider, SUNRATE is committed to protecting the interests and data of its clients”In this white paper, SUNRATE shares the six pressing issues impacting travel intermediaries.Cross-border complexities. Dealing with multiple currencies and regulatory environments can be complex and costly for travel intermediaries. Cross-border transactions, in particular, can incur expensive processing fees and administrative costs.High transaction costs. High transaction costs associated with cross-border B2B travel payments pose a significant challenge to travel intermediaries. These costs become particularly financially burdensome due to the high volume of transactions and the multitude of foreign exchange mark-ups when facilitating payments across multiple pay-out corridors.Inefficiencies in payment processes. Traditional payment methods such as automated clearing houses (ACH), billing and settlement plans (BSP), Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), and cash expose OTAs, TAs and TMCs to financial risks as they are slow and error prone. Many travel intermediaries still rely on outdated practices like manual data entry for invoicing and payments, or inefficient methods such as calling and faxing for direct hotel billing—both of which increase the likelihood of errors and slow down the entire payment cycle.Security concerns. Handling large volumes of financial data comes with inherent security risks, especially for travel intermediaries dealing with sensitive payment information across multiple platforms. Cyber threats are a constant concern, with a significant percentage of businesses experiencing fraud attempts each year.Challenges in meeting regulatory compliance. The travel industry is heavily regulated, and maintaining compliance across different regions presents significant challenges. Non-compliance can lead to fines and penalties, which adversely affect the bottom line. Keeping up with regulatory changes and implementing necessary measures is essential to avoid legal and financial repercussions.Difficulties in data management and reporting. Effective data management is crucial for travel intermediaries seeking to make informed decisions and remain competitive. Inadequate systems can lead to errors, missed opportunities, and ultimately, poor business performance. A common issue in the industry involves fragmented data systems that prevent businesses from obtaining a unified view of their financial and operational performance.This white paper also provides detailed suggestions for the way forward for travel intermediaries, covering the key benefits and opportunities that modern payment solutions offer to travel intermediaries. By leveraging these tools, travel intermediaries can improve operational efficiency, boost security, ensure compliance, and position themselves to meet the demands of an increasingly global and complex market.For more information, please click here to download the white paper.

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Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Exploration and Production Limited (Explorco) Managing Director (MD) Joins Ghana Investor Briefing to Discuss Exploration Opportunities

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Kinetiko Energy

Michael Aryeetey will engage investors on the exploration opportunities emerging in Ghana’s oil and gas industry during the Invest in African Energies briefing this April

ACCRA, Ghana, April 2, 2025/APO Group/ –Michael Aryeetey, Managing Director of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation’s (GNPC) upstream-focused subsidiary GNPC Exploration and Production Limited (Explorco), has joined the Invest in African Energies: Accra Investor Briefing on April 14, 2025. Aryeetey will take part in a discussion on Advancing Exploration Opportunities in Ghana, sharing insight into Explorco’s project portfolio and expansion strategy.

With 17 oil and gas projects in the pipeline until 2027, Ghana is pursuing enhanced exploration and production to stabilize the market and unlock greater returns. For its part, the GNPC – through Explorco – has been at the helm of this growth, intensifying its exploration efforts to unlock new hydrocarbon reserves and sustain Ghana’s long-term energy security. In 2025, the company is seeking play-opening discoveries in the onshore Voltaian basin, with an exploration well planned this year. The onshore basin covers an area of 100,000 km² and could be a game-changer for the country. The GNPC has invested $160 million in seismic data acquisition across the basin, aimed at identifying geological structures and supporting future exploration targets.

Ghana offers significant growth opportunities for exploration and production firms, and Explorco is leading the way towards unlocking the country’s petroleum basins

Explorco was established to strengthen GNPC’s interests in exploration and production activities across Ghana. In alignment with the GNPC’s broader industry goals, the company implemented short-term objectives in February 2025 to enhance oil production and attract investment through collaboration, innovation and operational efficiency. Progress has already been seen to achieve these goals, with international oil company partnerships and GNPC-led upstream projects underway. In 2024, the country reported a 10.7% increase in oil production, with operations in the Jubilee South East project – led by Tullow Oil – contributing to a rise in output.

Energy major Eni and the GNPC also committed to strengthening cooperation in March 2025 under efforts to boost exploration and production in Ghana. The companies aim to pursue joint goals, including establishing joint ventures, integrating advanced technologies and investing in local capacity. Eni currently operates the Offshore Cape Three Points integrated project alongside Vitol and GNPC.

Meanwhile, working alongside international partners, the GNPC targets several offshore drilling programs in 2025. Tullow Oil is set to drill one producer and one injector well at the Jubilee field in May 2025. A 4D seismic survey is already underway at Jubilee and its adjacent field TEN, aimed at optimizing the 2025-2026 drilling program being implemented by Tullow Oil.

“Ghana offers significant growth opportunities for exploration and production firms, and Explorco is leading the way towards unlocking the country’s petroleum basins. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology and a commitment to local content development, the GNPC is shaping Ghana’s future as a competitive oil and gas producer,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Taking place at the Kempinsky Hotel in Accra, the Ghana investor briefing serves as a prelude to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference this September in Cape Town. The event offers a platform for investors and project developers to explore opportunities in Ghana’s upstream market. By facilitating direct engagement between Explorco and potential investors, the event aims to unlock new partnerships that will drive exploration and production activities. Investors will gain firsthand insight into Ghana’s evolving regulatory framework, licensing rounds and infrastructure development, enabling them to make informed investment decisions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber

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Siemens Enters into Historic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Deal with Miko Pharma in Ghana

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pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry is a growing contributor to the Ghanaian economy, accounting for 0.8% of GDP and 21.8% of total healthcare expenditure in 2023

HANNOVER, Germany, April 2, 2025/APO Group/ —

  • Siemens partners with Miko Pharma to develop cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Ghana. 
  • The agreement aims to create 130 jobs and produce affordable, high-quality medications for various ailments. 
  • Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is set for significant expansion, with sales forecasted to reach GH₵10.7 billion by 2028. 

Siemens (www.Siemens.com), the trusted global technology leader, has signed a landmark agreement with Miko Pharma to develop state-of-the-art facilities for the local production of life-saving generic pharmaceuticals in Ghana. This deal, one of the largest in Ghanaian pharmaceutical history, was finalized at the prestigious Hannover Messe trade show in Germany.

Siemens will be responsible for developing industrial applications, buildings, infrastructure, and utilities for Miko Pharma’s operations in Eastern Ghana, adhering to stringent World Health Organization standards.

“Our goal is to enable the manufacture of safe pharmaceutical drugs in Africa. This partnership with Miko Pharma represents a significant step towards achieving that goal. By leveraging our cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise, we aim to create a sustainable and self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry in Ghana. We are honoured to support our partners in this transformative journey,” says Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO, Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our goal is to enable the manufacture of safe pharmaceutical drugs in Africa

“Miko Pharma plans to create 130 jobs in the manufacturing of affordable and effective superior quality medications for the treatment of various ailments, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, malaria, and pain, in Ghana,” according to Dr Michael Obeng, CEO and founder of Miko Pharma, a Harvard-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. “This initiative will significantly enhance healthcare accessibility in the region.”

“Being in Germany to sign this historic agreement with Siemens was a moment of immense pride for our team at Miko Pharma. This partnership is not just about building facilities—it’s about transforming healthcare in Ghana and setting a new standard for pharmaceutical production in Africa. With Siemens’ expertise, we are confident that these state-of-the-art facilities will deliver affordable, high-quality medications to those who need them most, while also creating meaningful employment opportunities. This is a pivotal step toward our vision of a self-reliant and thriving pharmaceutical sector in Ghana,” says Mr Willard Jackson, Executive Director for Miko Pharma.

This historic agreement between Siemens and Miko Pharma marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry, promising substantial economic growth and improved healthcare accessibility. By leveraging world-class technology and expertise, this partnership aims to empower local production and create a sustainable future for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ghana.

Overview of the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana 

Currently, 30% of pharmaceutical demand in Ghana is met by locally produced products.

The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority recorded 36 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities with active licenses and over 3500 pharmaceutical shops by 2023.

The pharmaceutical industry is a growing contributor to the Ghanaian economy, accounting for 0.8% of GDP and 21.8% of total healthcare expenditure in 2023. Research by Deloitte Ghana indicates that pharmaceutical sales in Ghana reached GHS6.6bn (US$571mn) in 2023 and are forecasted to grow to GH₵10.7 billion (US$735mn) by 2028, driven by increased consumption within the generic medicines sub-sector. Statista projects that the pharmaceutical market in Ghana will achieve a revenue of US$254.88m in 2025.

The Siemens-Miko Pharma deal has the potential to significantly boost the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, surpassing previous economic forecasts.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Siemens AG

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African Development Bank-Supported Projects in Senegal, Rwanda Clinch Top Honors at 2025 Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa Awards

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African Development Bank

The awards celebrate Africa’s most innovative and transformative financial deals, highlighting exemplary execution, effective mobilization of new liquidity pools, and innovative deal structuring

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 2, 2025/APO Group/ –Two African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) -supported projects have garnered top honours at the 2025 Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa Awards (https://apo-opa.co/4li4foE) conference. A $545 million sustainable term loan facility in Senegal (https://apo-opa.co/4ldg7rV) was named Sovereign Syndicated Loan Deal of the Year, while Rwanda’s €200 million ESG loan (https://apo-opa.co/4lf3cpd) was awarded ESG Loan Deal of the Year. Both projects were supported by partial credit guarantees from the African Development Bank Group.

The awards celebrate Africa’s most innovative and transformative financial deals, highlighting exemplary execution, effective mobilization of new liquidity pools, and innovative deal structuring.

The awards shine a spotlight on these innovative transactions, marking a game-changing benchmark for leveraging sustainable financing to drive transformative and social progress

In its debut on the international sustainable finance market, announced in March 2024, Senegal raised $545 million in long-term financing – part of it in the CFA franc. The African Development Bank served as a financial advisor in addition to providing a partial credit guarantee. The pioneering transaction, which leveraged the Bank Group’s credit guarantee to secure favorable borrowing terms and attract diverse investor segments, was seen as underscoring Senegal’s commitment to financing critical sustainable development projects in climate resilience, renewable energy, and social infrastructure.

In April 2024, Rwanda secured a partial credit guarantee from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional window, paving the way for long-term funding from international commercial banks. The financing is supporting Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, which focuses on green urbanization, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and health and education infrastructure. With the African Development Bank serving as the initial mandated lead arranger, this transaction diversifies Rwanda’s financing sources and underlines the growing attractiveness of African sustainable investment opportunities in global markets, while enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

Ahmed Attout, the Bank Group’s Director for Financial Sector Development, said: “These awards underscore the Bank’s steadfast commitment to fostering competitive and sustainable financing solutions. By tailoring partial credit guarantees to the specific needs of member countries, Senegal and Rwanda now have access to competitive international capital, enabling them to mobilize long term funding from international commercial banks for green and social initiatives for the first time.”

Max Magor N’diaye, Bank Group Senior Director for Syndication, Co-financing client solutions and the Africa Investment Forum stated: “The awards shine a spotlight on these innovative transactions, marking a game-changing benchmark for leveraging sustainable financing to drive transformative and social progress. They not only benefit communities but also pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future.

Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa, held annually at the Cape Town International Convention Center, is an important event for Africa’s capital markets, bringing together the public and private sectors, government officials, financial institutions, investors, and industry experts for dialogue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

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