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Tech Industry Ready to Roll Up its Sleeves to Fight Climate Change at Africa Tech Festival

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Climate Change

The ICT sector has traditionally been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions as data centres, for example, contribute to 2% of global GHG

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 16, 2022/APO Group/ — 

“Africa has sufficient resources to power itself entirely by clean energy. Therefore, the question for most of the continent is not one of transitioning to clean energy or reducing emissions in power generation, but how to effectively finance the development of clean energy in the continent.” Kellie Murungi Chief Investments Officer, East African Power

Each year, Africa Tech Festival (https://bit.ly/3Uj7v5I) addresses some of the most pertinent and pressing issues facing the African continent’s socio-economic future and the role that technology and communications’ play in facilitating this progression. One of the more burning issues that will be addressed is climate change, and with International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer happening on 16 September, there’s no better time than to look beneath the hood and see what is on offer at this year’s event.

There had been rumblings from scientists about the dangers of household products and appliances to the ozone layer for many years. Lined up as potential public enemies were toiletries such as aerosols and shaving foams, as well as pulsing products the likes of fridges and air-conditioners, all of which were believed to be causing damage to the ozone layer. As is the case with most warnings from the scientific community, everyone ignored it until theory became reality in 1985, when a hole was spotted in said ozone layer.

With the planet’s natural sun shield now compromised, the world (notably the corporate world) was forced to re-design aerosols, foaming cans, fridges, and air-cons.

Industry was quick to act, including adapting factories, waste systems and recycling practices, to ensure they were ready for the rafts for regulations that were to follow. Key among these was the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which came into effect on September 16, 1987. The Montreal Protocol was a significant statement of intent from the world’s leaders and marked an unprecedented turning point in the history of environmental protection and was ratified by every country in the world by 2008.

These changes have also had an impact on helping in the next great challenge faced by our planet – global warming. 

One industry that has expanded massively since the humble days of the “low-tech” 1980s, is the electronics and communications industry. Whereas in the 1980s, perhaps one in every three homes in the industrialised world had a personal computer for example, today that figure has potentially risen to two to three screens per person per household or more. The impact on global warming of all this production of screen-based equipment is potentially enormous, not to mention the energy needed to fuel them.

The ICT sector has traditionally been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions as data centres, for example, contribute to 2% of global GHG. The sector, therefore, also has a real potential to play a part in combating climate change and taking steps to reduce energy consumption and operate more sustainably.  Consequently, Africa Tech Festival will host a Fireside chat: What is the role of Green ICT in combating climate change – on Tuesday 8 November- and one on Green ICT: Building a Continent powered by sustainable energy as a route to affordable and reliable electrification for all.

The fireside chat will ask the core question of how the ICT sector can look to lower its own significant impact on greenhouse gases. The panel will discuss best practice ways to lower carbon emissions as well as the possible impact of smart electricity grids and smart cities on lowering Africa’s carbon emissions.

Regarding Africa’s development of clean energy, Kellie Murungi Chief Investments Officer, East African Power remarks that: “Africa has sufficient resources to power itself entirely by clean energy. Therefore, the question for most of the continent is not one of transitioning to clean energy or reducing emissions in power generation, but how to effectively finance the development of clean energy in the continent.” 

A keynote address at AfricaCom, titled ‘How Carbon reduction can accelerate the creation of a digital economy’, will highlight the big question for the African continent, which is how governments can help to address the climate disaster without affecting the basic needs for its population.

Our hope is that AfricaCom will play a major role in connecting entrepreneurs, big corporate and major public sector players to create homegrown innovations

“Although Africa still may have many challenges in its way, there are also many opportunities for rapid advancement if the right questions are asked, such as how the continent can get ahead of the curve and collaborate across countries to build financially viable power projects, for instance,” says James Williams, Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech.

“Africa’s economic future depends on the rapid development of ICT and related infrastructure across the continent, but it’s essential that all future projects and rollouts are in line with global best practice in terms of greenhouse gas emissions,” adds Williams. “Our hope is that AfricaCom will play a major role in connecting entrepreneurs, big corporate and major public sector players to create homegrown innovations that could help to drive these changes.”

Also worth attending:

Tuesday, 8 November 2022, 14:00 – 14:45
Panel: The Future of Africa must be driven by renewable energy
Although Sub-Saharan countries (excluding South Africa) are only responsible for 0.55% of the carbon emissions, 7 of the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change are in Africa. This session will explore how the continent can leverage its breadth of resources to become a leader in renewable energy production and reduce its vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

Tuesday, 8 November 2022, 14:45 – 15:30
Fireside Chat: Championing Sustainable Energy as a Route to Affordable and Reliable Electrification for All and As a Central Pillar of Africa’s 4IR

Wednesday, 9 November 2022, 12:50 – 13:15
Fireside Chat: Central Africa’s role in the green energy revolution
Countries across Central Africa have some of the lowest rates of electricity access across the continent with resources in the DRC, for example, covering less than 10% of the population. Given the climate, however, it is an ideal region to implement clean energy solutions to combat climate change and provide the population with a basic need

Wednesday, November 2022, 6pm-8pm

Africa Tech Festival Awards, with the announcement of the winner for the Green ICT Champion of the Year Award, an exclusive recognition of the individual or organisation leading on the development and integration of sustainable energy solutions.

For the full programme to the 2022 AfricaCom schedule, visit https://bit.ly/3xqxmi9

Further information can be found on the Africa Tech Festival website here (https://bit.ly/3QM3JhW)

FREE delegate passes are available here (https://bit.ly/3QKqhj5)

MEDIA – please use this link (https://bit.ly/3xnnhT2) to register for accreditation and advance news on announcements etc

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

Business

Afreximbank supports Dangote Group as it targets US$100 billion annual revenue by 2030

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Dangote Group

To drive the growth over the five years, the Dangote Group predicts that it will require at least $40 billion in new investments to realise its continental ambitions

CAIRO, Egypt, April 8, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is proud to announce that it is supporting Dangote Group, as it seeks to expand its operations and grow its turnover to US$100 billion by 2030.

 

The Group’s leadership presented its long-term growth strategy “Vision 2030: Supercharging Dangote Group for Long Term Success” to the Afreximbank Board of Directors and its executive team on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The strategy outlines a two‑phase expansion programme spanning 2025–2028 and 2028–2030.

During the presentation, Dangote Group outlined plans to scale and optimise its existing platforms and expand capacity across all active sectors. Key initiatives include increasing the capacity of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd. Additionally, the Group intends to quadruple its Fertiliser production from 3 million tonnes per annum to 12 million tonnes per annum, a move that would position the Group as the world’s largest producer of urea fertiliser.

The expansion strategy encompasses rapid growth across other business lines, including cement, rice, and broader food production. Beyond its current portfolio, the Group identified new investment opportunities in infrastructure — including ports and pipelines — as well as gas, mining (as a gateway for semi‑processed and value‑added mineral exports), data centres to support Africa’s digital transformation and enterprise resilience, and power, described as the engine of Africa’s industrial transformation.

Our partnership with Afreximbank is more than financial support; it is about a shared dream for the continent

To drive the growth over the five years, the Dangote Group predicts that it will require at least $40 billion in new investments to realise its continental ambitions.

Recognising the strategic value of the partnership with Afreximbank, Mr. Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited said: “Our partnership with Afreximbank is more than financial support; it is about a shared dream for the continent. When we set out to build a 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery—the largest of its kind in Africa—the Bank believed in our vision when others were sceptical. Without their leadership and trust, the development of the African continent would not be where it is today. We are joined at the hip with the bank because we share the same mission: to drive local capacity, eliminate our dependence on imports, and ensure Africa’s industrial growth is led by Africans.”

On his part, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, noted that the engagements demonstrated a strong convergence of purpose to free Africa from dependency and to ensure the continent’s resources are used to the benefit of its people. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to “a formidable bond of partnership to make large-scale investments that will accelerate the changes we desire,” changes that have gained urgency amid increasing global fragmentation and protectionism.

Dr. Elombi recalled that at the onset of COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, Africa struggled to secure even the basic protective materials due to limited production capacity, adding that “even when financing was available, we could not access these essential items.”

He further pledged the readiness of Afreximbank and its Board of Directors to support the realisation of Dangote Group’s aspirations. “This is the very purpose for which our institution was created. As is deeply rooted in our DNA, we do not only listen—we execute and convert aspiration into action,”

The event also featured the signing of the agreement for US$2.5-billion facility underwritten by Afreximbank as part of a US$4-billion senior syndicated term loan in favour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Liquid C2 launches Africa’s first Google Cloud-powered Experience Centre to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption

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Liquid C2

The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the “Gemini Playspace” for rapid AI experimentation

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 8, 2026/APO Group/ –Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, has launched Africa’s first Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud in Johannesburg, South Africa. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower partners and resellers to move beyond traditional distribution, providing the immersive, hands-on environment needed to architect and deploy cloud and AI solutions tailored specifically to African market needs.

 

Through the Centre, partners will be onboarded to a structured journey that guides them in securing official Google Cloud accreditation and certification. Beyond technical training provided by both Liquid C2 and Google, the centre will also serve as a collaborative hub, allowing them to work alongside specialist engineers to architect bespoke solutions. Once finalised, these solutions will be brought to market through Liquid’s robust distribution network. This expansion not only opens new commercial avenues for partners but also acts as a catalyst for high-value job creation and the rapid maturation of Africa’s technology ecosystem.

The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the “Gemini Playspace” for rapid AI experimentation. It also provides specialist expertise to prototype, test, and scale digital solutions in real-world environments. The centre is a testament to Liquid C2’s commitment to strengthening its role within the partner ecosystem in Africa, as it supports partners in overcoming infrastructure constraints, skills gaps, and complexity barriers that often slow digital transformation efforts across the continent.

As demand for advanced digital capabilities grows, the Partner Experience Centre serves as an innovation hub where enterprises, startups, academic institutions, developers, and public-sector stakeholders can co-create locally-relevant solutions, fostering a sense of shared progress and community across Africa.

The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value

The facility also provides industry-specific platforms tailored to sectors including financial services, healthcare, and retail. These platforms demonstrate how AI-enabled solutions can reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new growth opportunities across African markets.

“At Cassava Technologies, we believe the future of Africa’s digital transformation will be shaped through strong ecosystems that combine global innovation with local infrastructure and expertise,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President, Cassava Technologies and CEO, South Africa & Botswana. “The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value. By combining our infrastructure, expertise, and continental reach with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies, we are helping to democratise access to AI and cloud capabilities for enterprises across Africa.”

“This is a pivotal moment in our commitment to Africa’s digital future,” said Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud EMEA. “The Partner Experience Centre is a testament to our belief in the power of a strong partner ecosystem. By combining our advanced AI capabilities, including our Gemini models, with Liquid C2’s localised expertise, we are not just building a facility; we are building a hub for innovation that will empower businesses, create jobs, and deliver the benefits of digital transformation to every corner of the continent.”

The collaboration will focus on three core pillars of transformation:

  • Accelerated Partner Enablement: The centre acts as a dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) hub designed to dismantle historical market barriers. It provides localised training, hands-on technology interaction, and business support, leveraging Liquid’s capabilities to offer local currency billing and credit to manage financial complexity for resellers.
  • AI and Technology Innovation: A primary focus is empowering partners to build and deploy advanced AI solutions. The facility features a dedicated “Gemini Playspace & AI Solutions” to certify technical staff, alongside integrated “Solutions Pods” where partners can demonstrate complete technology stacks to win complex enterprise bids.
  • Economic Growth and Job Creation: The partnership is a direct investment in Africa’s tech workforce. By strategically broadening the partner network, the initiative will foster deep, localised expertise and act as a catalyst for new economic opportunities, creating a significant ripple effect of job creation for certified engineers and other tech professionals across the continent.

As a business of Cassava Technologies, Liquid C2 has always been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge digital technologies to African businesses, both directly and through its partner ecosystem. This first-of-its-kind Partner Experience Centre is yet another milestone that reflects the company’s commitment to partnerships that leverage its continental footprint to serve a broader base of organisations.

Aligned with this, Cassava continues to expand digital inclusion across Africa through its integrated portfolio of connectivity, cloud, cyber security, and digital solutions, ensuring that a broad spectrum of organisations, regardless of size or sector, can access and benefit from advanced technologies, thereby enabling more inclusive participation in Africa’s digital economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

 

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President Mahama to headline The Africa Debate 2026 as Ghana-United Kingdom (UK) investment ties deepen

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Mahama

The announcement coincides with the launch of a strategic partnership between Invest Africa and the Ghana High Commission London, including the Ghana Investment Summit

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 8, 2026/APO Group/ –Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), the leading platform for pan-African trade and investment, is pleased to announce that H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will serve as Guest of Honour and deliver the keynote address at The Africa Debate 2026, taking place on Wednesday, 3 June at the historic Guildhall in the City of London.

 

The announcement coincides with the launch of a strategic partnership between Invest Africa and the Ghana High Commission London, including the Ghana Investment Summit.

 

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate is the UK’s foremost platform for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic future. The 2026 theme, “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition” explores what shifts in the global order and new economic and geopolitical realities mean for African economies and their international partners. Against a backdrop of uncertainty in the global economy, The Africa Debate will spotlight opportunities to accelerate investment, unlock growth, and strengthen development outcomes through a new era of collaboration.

 

I am proud to represent a Ghana that is confident, forward-looking, and ready to lead in shaping the future of Africa–UK relations

H.E President Mahama’s keynote will follow opening remarks by the UK Government and will set the tone for a day of substantive discussion focused on regional leadership and strengthening partnerships in key sectoral areas. As a recognised leader in sustainability and innovation, Ghana’s voice will be central to this year’s agenda.

 

Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa, commented: “We are honoured to welcome H.E President Mahama to The Africa Debate 2026 at a moment of real momentum in Ghana’s investment story. His leadership on green growth, regional integration, financial services and digital economy has positioned Ghana as one of the continent’s most forward-looking and investable economies. We are also proud to partner with the Ghana High Commission in London, under the leadership of H.E. Sabah Zita Benson, the High Commission is an important representative of Ghana’s economic opportunities here in the United Kingdom.”

 

H.E. Sabah Zita Benson, High Commissioner, Ghana High Commission London, added: “I am proud to represent a Ghana that is confident, forward-looking, and ready to lead in shaping the future of Africa–UK relations. It is a distinct honour to host H.E. John Dramani Mahama at The Africa Debate 2026, as we move beyond dialogue to decisive action, mobilising investment, strengthening partnerships, and delivering real impact. Ghana stands ready to work with committed partners to unlock opportunities, drive innovation, and secure a more resilient and prosperous future for our people.”

 

The Africa Debate 2026 will feature presidential and ministerial keynotes, high-level plenaries, and curated side events convening 800+ senior stakeholders from government, finance, and industry. Sessions will examine how Africa can redefine partnerships — through finance, digitalisation, agribusiness and energy security — to drive resilient and sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

 

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