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Technology and Operational Excellence: Enabler, Not a Panacea (By Michael Okwusogu)

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Technology

Create a modular platform that enables you to use the right tech tools at the right time to meet your long-term goals and objectives

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 9, 2022/APO Group/ — 

By Michael Okwusogu, Founder and Managing Partner of ValueX Partners (www.ValueXadvisory.com)

Albert Einstein said: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

It is the leadership team’s role to set the vison and boundaries as to what is practical, achievable and within what time

In the case of technology and operational excellence, it could be argued that it has taken far too long. Techno-optimism is one of the greatest misconceptions when it comes to solving problems. Many of the problems that the world faces today are more complex than looking to some technological innovation to fix them.  As a start, we must delineate technology and technological tools. The two are not the same especially in this context.  I will explain why. Technology has been with us since the beginning of time. The wheel is a marvel of invention and a tool of technological ingenuity that has served humankind for millennia and will continue to do so. It is a technological tool that has enabled humankind in addition to other tools, to build the world we live in today. Technology’s greatest asset is its applicability and utility depending on what we are looking to achieve. One should always choose wisely when using technology.

In my experience, within the confines of operational excellence, there are four key points that should form your decision making.

  1. What are your key strategic long- term goals?  Usually, the objective has been to set goals for the short-term. To “put out the fires,” or meet the yearly objective, for example. Yet, this mentality usually leads the smouldering embers to flare up at a later stage. One should build for the future. Create a modular platform that enables you to use the right tech tools at the right time to meet your long-term goals and objectives –  it is a methodical and disciplined approach to building operational excellence.
  2. Do you need a digitised environment at the initial stage? In certain cases, what is required is not digitisation, but innovation and thinking around creating an environment that will prosper in a digitised format. That means conducting a thorough rip exercise and audit. Adopt the Five Why questioning methodology if need be, or any other similar framework. I have always found this to be particularly insightful when taking on new roles or dealing with ‘business as usual’ issues. It tends to be the case that what is required, amongst other things, is training, development, organisational restructure, elimination of redundant processes, procedures and documents, a back-to-basics approach – i.e. what exactly is our core function – delivering on that, and making everyone accountable and responsible for each and every action in their respective areas and also, across the value chain which they touch.
  3. Mission: Who are we? What do we do? How are we supposed to do it? It is critical that the right technological tools be used to support the whole organisation for the long-term. Leadership has an instrumental role to set the vision and strategy of the organisation, engage and align all stakeholders to the future target operating model or achievement of the strategic goals and objectives. It may come across as elementary, but leadership’s role is to understand the technological and business environment over the course of each stage in the long-term. A structure must be put in place that allows teams to perform as best as they can in their respective roles and in their careers with the utilisation of the most appropriate tech tools.
  4. Choosing the right tech at the right time. For this to be a successful endeavour you need to align several key stakeholders. These include technology, your teams, and key stakeholders (e.g. front office/business facing) and your leadership team. Each party has a crucial role to play.
  5. Technology. Their key role is to give advice and support to the business.  Technology should account for the current business infrastructure and the proposed infrastructure for the long-term. This will give the business an idea of available opportunities and any imminent challenges.  In addition, technology should support the business in identifying suitable vendors for any infrastructure programme and be part of the selection process at contract award time.
  1. Teams/end users. The end users are regarded as the most important stakeholder.  They must be part of the journey from the time of its inception. They must be thoroughly briefed, have accountability and ownership as to the objectives and what a successful outcome is expected to look like. Smart knowledgeable, and experienced individuals with a good work ethic and an ability to think out-of-the-box should be chosen across a wide spectrum of the organisation’s areas of responsibility (depending on the scope of the initiative), to be part of the core departmental project team.
  2. Leadership team. It is the leadership team’s role to set the vison and boundaries as to what is practical, achievable and within what time.   Transparency and honesty are key here. A roadmap must be developed that has clear quantifiable and qualifiable goals. Usually, end users will compromise if they can see some sort of progress for a better future. All senior management, as the budget holders, should be regularly updated.  These updates must be short, sharp and to the point. Furthermore, they will need to include key metrics, milestones, highlights, and lowlights in their regular reports.  This builds trust and credibility within the organisation and provides transparency for external stakeholders.   

These suggestions and recommendations are not prescriptive – they are my observations over the years and what has worked in many instances, and should be considered as rough and ready solutions. I have used these in many instances to achieve my goals and objectives, and I hope I have given you some insight that may prove to be of use in your respective roles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ValueX Partners.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Energy

Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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