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Tony Elumelu Convenes Global Leaders and Calls for Immediate Climate Action for Africa at Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai

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Tony Elumelu

With African youth set to make up one third of global population later this century, the future of Africa’s youth, entrepreneurial, ambitious, resilient, needs to be given the highest priority

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LAGOS, Nigeria, December 8, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Tony Elumelu Foundation (https://www.TonyElumeluFoundation.org) Hosts US Administration, WTO, UNDP, IFC, UNICEF, Rockefeller Foundation Leaders; Champions equitable partnerships to catalyse a new generation of green entrepreneurs; Announces partnership to fund young African entrepreneurs in Green sector with Ikea Foundation, Dutch Government, and UNICEF Generation Unlimited; Secures commitments to support Africa’s youth to drive climate resilience from World Trade Organisation, World Bank, UNDP, Government of Sweden, IFC, US State Department, and others.

At a series of events across COP28, Tony Elumelu delivered a single message to world leaders: Africa needs to be heard, Africa’s future is the world’s future and the continent that is most impacted by and the least contributor to climate change, needs our attention. With African youth set to make up one third of global population later this century, the future of Africa’s youth, entrepreneurial, ambitious, resilient, needs to be given the highest priority.

Elumelu offered the infrastructure and experience of his own Foundation’s 10 year $100m entrepreneurship programme to partners, to catalyse a further generation of African entrepreneurs; entrepreneurs who can address climate change and drive the broader wealth creation that Africa requires. Reaching and funding young entrepreneurs in every African country, the Elumelu approach of sector agnostic seed funding, mentoring, and networking has delivered robust impact.

The annual COP UN Climate Change Conferences unites the world to assess progress in combatting climate change. Elumelu is one of Africa’s leading advocates for an equitable agenda for climate action and through the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered thousands of green entrepreneurs, shaping a more sustainable future for Africa.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation, in partnership with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), hosted a high-level session, bringing together Africans, and key players in the Gulf, Europe, and Americas, where UBA operates, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation, while fostering sustainable development, and bringing attention to Africa’s unique position.

Speakers included Dr. Okonjo Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization; Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP, Kevin Frey, CEO, UNICEF Generation Unlimited; Sergio Pimenta, VP Africa, IFC; Wendy Teleki, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Financial Initiative, World Bank; Adam Wang-Levine, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate; Joseph Nganga, Vice President, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Rockefeller Foundation; Hassan Al Hashemi, VP International Relations, Dubai Chambers; Serge Ekué, Chairman, West African Development Bank (BOAD); Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa; and Mattias Frumerie, Swedish Climate Ambassador and Head of Delegation, UNFCCC.

“Addressing climate change is the paramount challenge of our era. The urgency is unmistakable.”  Elumelu stated. “It is critical that Africa, as a continent, and African voices, play a key role in global climate conversations, as meaningful participants, and no longer as bystanders. Africa is least responsible and is disproportionately impacted by climate change. I am investing in a generation of green entrepreneurs, and we are extending the hand of partnership, so that others can benefit and use the infrastructure and platform we have created to reach entrepreneurs across Africa.”

Elumelu represented the African private sector at the 2023 New Global Financing Pact in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, and the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum in London, at the invitation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and U.S. President Biden. At the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) launched a first-of-its-kind Green Entrepreneurship Programme, the #BeGreenAfrica Initiative, in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, Dutch Government and UNICEF GenU, to support green entrepreneurship and youth development.

Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur from Madagascar in the green economy, Marie-Christiana Kola, shared a compelling impact story.  “As a beneficiary of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship programme, I was able to create a recycled and 100% biodegradable hand soap made with waste cooked oil – the number one water polluter of water in African urban cities. These soaps do not only protect the environment, but they are also solidarity soaps.  I was also able to attend the COP27 conference in Egypt, where I won the Innovation Prize. Today, I have employed over 30 people because of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.”

Africa needs to be heard, Africa’s future is the world’s future and the continent that is most impacted by and the least contributor to climate change, needs our attention

Speaking at the TEF #COP28 high-level event, Dr. Okonjo Iweala, DG, World Trade Organisation stated, “I am proud of what my brother, Tony Elumelu, has done in empowering and inspiring so many young entrepreneurs. We have no choice; the future is green. The future of growth is two things – it is green, and it must be inclusive. I am very interested in partnerships with organisations like TEF.”

Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP added, “The reason why UNDP associated itself with the Tony Elumelu Foundation years ago is because of the leadership and courage of the Foundation to trust and invest in young Africans. It was one of the first organisation to do so at that scale.”

The Foundation partnered with the UNDP to empower thousands in the Sahel, with an ambitious project to impact the lives one million young Africans.

Sergio Pimenta, VP, Africa at the IFC, also stated, “Tony, I salute you and your Foundation for what you have been doing to support young entrepreneurs in Africa. The IFC has deployed $2billion in funding for African SMEs in the last fiscal year and we are very excited to be able to do more, working with you.”

Kevin Frey, CEO UNICEF Generation Unlimited added, “With TEF, we have moved in a concerted way into the entrepreneurial space. Generation Unlimited now have a flagship programme with the Tony Elumelu Foundation called #BeGreenAfrica, launched in Kenya, and now with the support of the IKEA Foundation and the Dutch Government, we have scaled to Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, and Senegal. We will train and seed 500 green entrepreneurs this year in the pilot project across those countries. So Tony, thank you so much, you are right it is all about partnerships.”

Wendy Teleki, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Financial Initiative at the World Bank, announced, “Our women-focused initiative has been able to secure $3.6 billion to finance women entrepreneurs in 67 countries across the world, and is set to launch a new programme focused on financing African women entrepreneurs to drive the continent’s green energy transition, and we are keen to work with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.”

Mattias Frumerie, Swedish Climate Ambassador and Head of UNFCCC Delegation stated, “My Government and I commend the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s incredible impact across Africa, and will facilitate connections between the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and the Swedish embassies across Africa to drive innovation, digitalisation, and green-energy transition, which promises to bring about new jobs and growth.”

Adam Wang-Levine, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate, added” Before coming to the United States Treasury, I was working in venture capital, and I know first-hand that it is incredibly important what the Tony Elumelu Foundation is doing. I have seen two pillars of their work – financing and the mentorship – just as I have seen with Silicon Valley, which helps to drive innovation and jobs creation. We are excited to begin partnership conversations.”

Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy GMD, United Bank for Africa, announced, “For us, UBA, we give market access into 20 geographies in Africa.  Everything that we do is around Africa, and that is why we have partnered with the Afrexim Bank to launch the $6billion fund for SMEs with a focus on import substitution, working in four key areas including climate emission reduction.”

Earlier in the day, Tony Elumelu joined Ajay Banga, President of World Bank Group; Brian Moynihan, Chair of the Board and CEO of Bank of America; Ms. Ruth Porat, President, Alphabet and Google; and Ms. Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder & President of Emerson Collective as a panelist in a session titled “Big, Audacious and Green: A Convergence of Visionaries”, moderated by Børge Brende, President of World Economic Forum.

On Sunday December 3 Mr. Tony Elumelu, also participated in a fireside conversation with Ms. Teresa Ribera, Vice President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Change, moderated by Sec. Hillary Rodham Clinton, and with closing remarks from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

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GWM Day: Trailblazing in Middle East and Driving Worldwide

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TANK 700

Through the appearance of TANK 700 and second Gen H9 at the Jeddah Motor Show, GWM officially opened the curtain of its’ 3.0 strategic development Era in the Middle East

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, November 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Great Wall Motor (GWM) (www.GWM-Global.com), as the leading Chinese automotive brand in Middle East Region as well as other major global regions, released its newest initiative for the Middle East –the HOME+CARE strategy and plan a series of core activities with the theme of GWM DAY. Through the appearance of TANK 700 and second Gen H9 at the Jeddah Motor Show, GWM officially opened the curtain of its’ 3.0 strategic development Era in the Middle East, which is also a key step for GWM to deepen its global development and realize its ecological expansion overseas.

Facing the new era of strategic development, released the HOME+CARE strategy

Parker Shi, President of GWM International, emphasized that the Middle East feels like a “second home” for GWM, which have witnessed the company’s overseas growth over the 27 years from 0 to 1. This strategy is at the core of GWM’s long-term commitment dubbed “Four Globalizations”, to creating a brand experience that resonates with local users. “HOME” symbolizes GWM’s dedication to making the Middle East a part of the brand’s extended global family. Meanwhile, “CARE” represents GWM’s promise to deliver reliable, attentive service to its users alongside its rapid growth globally. Winning global trust with user love, GWM has always been on the road to practice.

HOME is an acronym that represents GWM’s spirit of taking root in the Middle East. Each letter has a different connotation. The first and perhaps most significant pillar of the HOME+CARE Plan is “H”-(Heart). This value has driven GWM over the past 34 years, and today, GWM serves over 14 million customers with more than 1,300 sales outlets across over 170 countries and regions globally, its commitment lead to its strong sales performance in 2023. In the first nine months, GWM sold over 850,000 vehicles, with more than 320,000 units sold outside of China, representing a 53% year-on-year growth.

“O” represents Outstanding product quality, which is the base for GWM success in Middle East. Since its first pickup trucks exported to Middle East in 1997, GWM has held the title of China’s top-selling pickup brand, setting a high standard with models like the DEER, Wingle series, and GWM POER. GWM is planning to launch a 2.4T pickup model in the Middle East in early 2024, designed to exceed users’ expectations with remarkable power, performance, and durability.

The third pillar of GWM’s strategy in the Middle East is “M”-(Multiformity), reflected in the company’s efforts to provide a full range of vehicles that meet diverse user needs across all powertrains, all categories and all levels. For GWM, understanding and meeting the unique needs of Middle Eastern users is paramount. The company’s off-road expertise, honed over 34 years, is highly compatible with the demands of the Local market, and GWM is committed to adapting its offerings to suit regional preferences, and focus on “creating experiential value” for users is integral to its brand.

“E “means Enjoyment through experience. GWM’s focus on “creating experiential value” for users is integral to its brand. In addition to GWM’s modification culture, it is also set to open its largest Middle Eastern flagship store in Riyadh on October 31, being the 7th directly operated GWM store by its local partner AMDC. This new facility, combined with the new parts warehouse in Jeddah, will significantly enhance GWM’s ability to serve local customers with top-notch service and convenience.

GWM Technology Day: GWM Off-road Trailblazing in Middle East

Middle East Region has got great potential and appetite for high-end models. In GWM’s 2030 vision, out of the 1,000,000 units sold overseas, 30% of models would be high-end models. Middle East will play a pivotal part in contributing to that target. Hence, GWM decides to roll out its flagship models in Middle East Region as one of the first batch regions overseas.

As the flagship models of GWM, the TANK 700 and GWM HAVAL H9 have got global attention since its debut in China. At the Jeddah Motor Show, the 2 models boasting top notch electrification and off-road technology, i.e. the Hi4-T. It enables the TANK 700 to output 385kW power and 850N.m torque like the king of beast. Thanks to the class-leading 3.0 litre turbo-charged V6 engine coupled with the unique 9HAT electrified powertrain. The TANK 700 looks rugged outside but the refined interior including largely-covered by soft premium materials, 15mm thick seat leather surface, 1000-watt 16 speakers, ANC features and so many features that will sure won the mind and hearts for the audience.

The GWM TANK Alliance has been one of the largest off-road enthusiast carnival in this region and globally for GWM

The second Gen GWM HAVAL H9 pictures another scenario for family users as an all-Terrain 7-seater  vehicle for Middle East with extended families. Equipped with the latest generation of high-performance of the 2.0T gasoline+8AT golden power combination for the petrol version,TOD Intelligent 4WD and mechanical locking are standard option, realizing seamless switching from 0-100% torque and easy extrication from special terrain. The new generation of HAVAL H9 comes with its super solid body frame, which is made up of for 99% high-strength steel, including 83% of super high-strength steel in the body skeleton, making the whole vehicle more reliable and safe The long list of safety features make it a perfect tool to guard families who love outdoor life.

GWM Partner Day: Deepen local presence and consolidate distribution partnerships

GWM’s service initiative, GWM CARE, is central to the company’s commitment to after-sales excellence in the Middle East and North Africa. GWM is the first Chinese automotive brand to establish a comprehensive parts center for the Middle East and North Africa (GLOBAL) region. Located in Dubai, this center spans a service radius covering 55 countries across GCC, Iraq and Iran, North Africa, and Central and West Africa, leading the market in coverage. Known for its industry-leading efficiency, GWM’s Middle East warehouse achieves a 92% parts fulfillment rate, setting a high benchmark in availability and operational excellence. The warehouse stocks over 20,000 types of parts across more than 7,000 square meters, supporting GWM’s five main series: HAVAL, TANK, POER, WEY, and ORA. Additionally, local markets maintain a fulfillment rate above 95%, with Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah facility—the largest of any Chinese brand in the region—covering over 11,000 square meters with around 13,000 parts. All components are genuine GWM parts, sourced from certified suppliers like Bosch and ZF, and are quality-validated by GWM or third-party certifications. Efficient staffing supports same-day warehouse processing with near-zero discrepancy rates, ensuring reliable, timely service for GWM’s customers.

In just less than 3 years, by 2025, GWM will further expand its global parts warehouse by 30,000 square meters, increasing parts inventory by 1,000 types and achieving a parts fill rate of 97%. The company is also intensifying its training efforts to ensure that all of its service staff are 100% certified by 2025, enabling them to deliver high-quality, reliable service to users across the region. GWM’s local expansion strategy, in partnership with ADMC, continues to provide value-added customer experience. ADMC currently operates 7 GWM direct stores in Saudi Arabia, with GWM CARE ensuring that customers have easy access to necessary repairs and maintenance.

GWM Family Day: Providing a home-like feel for global users

GWM is also set to open its largest Middle Eastern flagship store in Riyadh on October 31, being the 7th directly operated GWM store by its local partner AMDC. Middle Eastern communities traditionally value family life. To meet their potential psychological needs, in the coming months, GWM plans to launch the “GWM Family Day” at its Riyadh flagship store, inviting GWM users and families to come together to share their experiences and celebrate the journeys they’ve taken with GWM vehicles.

At the opening ceremony, Parker Shi said, “the GWM TANK Alliance has been one of the largest off-road enthusiast carnival in this region and globally for GWM. These gatherings are part of GWM’s commitment to creating a more personal brand experience for Middle Eastern users, ensuring that each user feels part of the GWM family.” Welcoming they become the family of GWM and many happy kilometers to drive, Parker emphasized.

GWM has always been user-oriented. The logic behind it is to keep communicating with users continuously, and deepen users’ understanding of the brand so that users can gradually “know”, “be interested” and “like”. Pushing the highest-level relationship of “trust” and eventually towards global trust is not easy but it is what GWM has been pursuing.

GWM Moving Forward Together With Middle East

GWM DAY comprehensively demonstrates the strength of GWM from the dimensions of technology, partnership, TOC thought, and family-oriented business culture. That’s all the series themes of GWM DAYs conveyed. After years of accumulation and development in the Middle East market, GWM now has covered almost all countries in the Middle East Region with the most comprehensive products lineup, the comprehensive after-sale service system, the reinforced regional office, and most importantly the loyal and engaged owner communities. Since GWM understands that the brand isn’t just about cutting-edge technology, award-winning design, it’s more about people and their aspirations. At GWM, everything starts with, and evolves around people. The brand spirit tagline “Go With More” is the best interpretation of GWM’s vision for ever-pursuing for perfection.

As GWM continues to grow its footprint in the Middle East, it remains dedicated to the mission of “With the Middle East, for the Middle East.” Through its innovative products, dedication to service, and commitment to creating an enjoyable driving experience, GWM is well-positioned to become a leader in the Middle Eastern automotive market as a leading global brand. By cultivating strong relationships with users, partners, and communities, GWM is not just building a brand – it is building a community that is going with more tech, more style, more experience and more love for its 14 million users worldwide, with more generations to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GWM.

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Global Oil Demand to Hit 120.1M Barrels Per Day (BPD) by 2050, Says Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) at African Energy Week (AEW) 2024

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OPEC

Sharing insight into the recently-launched World Oil Outlook, OPEC underscored the role African producers will play in meeting the world’s rising demand for crude

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Global oil demand is projected to reach 120.1 million barrels per day (BPD) by 2050, while energy demand will rise 24% during the same period, says the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais.

Delivering a keynote address at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2024 conference, Al Ghais said that African producers will play a central role in meeting rising demand.

To ensure security of supply to fuel this demand, our industries need to invest and boost investment levels significantly in the years to come

“Demand will be fueled by a world economy that is expected to more than double in size to more than $360 trillion by 2050. Driving this economic growth is the rapidly expanding world population, expected to reach 9.7 billion from the current 8 billion. Urbanization globally will continue to intensify. Over 600 million people are expected to move to new cities around the world, including Africa,” he said.

Al Ghais drew insight into OPEC’s recently-launched World Oil Outlook (WOO). Launched in September 2024, the 18th edition of the WOO featured a review and assessment of the medium- and long-term prospects for the global oil and energy sectors. The publication offers a comprehensive analysis of global supply and demand dynamics while taking into account the interplay between energy security, energy affordability and the need to reduce emissions. 

For Africa, which faces an energy crisis with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity and over 900 million people lacking access to clean cooking solutions, increasing oil and gas production is a fundamental requirement. As such, Al Ghais emphasizes the need to increase investment in oil and gas.

“Oil and gas will remain the predominant fuels in the energy mix. To ensure security of supply to fuel this demand, our industries need to invest and boost investment levels significantly in the years to come,” he explained.

However, Al Ghais pointed out that “For Africa, the future looks bright. It has an estimated 125 billion barrels of proven reserves of oil. It is vital that African countries develop these resources with access to the necessary funding and technology. This is vital for the economic and social development of the continent and its people.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Oando Wins ‘Deal of the Year’ Award at Africa Energy Week 2024

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Oando

Oando won the award in recognition of the Company’s recently completed landmark $783 million acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from the Italian Energy firm Eni on August 22, 2024

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 7, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Oando PLC (“Oando” or the “Company”) (www.OandoPLC.com) Africa’s leading energy solutions provider listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is pleased to announce that the Company has emerged winner of the ‘Deal of the Year’ award at Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2024.

The Africa Energy Chamber (AEC), the  organisers of the annual week-long oil and gas conference, hosted and recognised different stakeholders at a Gala and Award night held at the Cape Town International Conference Center (CITCC), on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. In a category comprising other high-profile deals in the sector and across Africa, Oando won the award in recognition of the Company’s recently completed landmark $783 million acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from the Italian Energy firm Eni on August 22, 2024.

This acquisition, 10 years in the making since Oando’s initial entry into the ConocoPhillips/NAOC/NNPC Joint Venture (JV) in 2014 when the Company acquired ConocoPhillips Nigeria business, doubled the company’s stake in the JV to 40% and operator of the assets.

We are delighted and honoured to receive the ‘Deal of the Year’ award from Africa Energy Week

In receiving the award, the Company’s Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu CON, remarked “We are delighted and honoured to receive the ‘Deal of the Year’ award from Africa Energy Week. It’s been a remarkable year on many fronts. First, we marked our 30th anniversary as a business, then concluded our strategic plan to acquire our second IOC in a decade, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and step up to the role of operator.

This award is more than just an accolade for a successful deal closure; it represents a public acknowledgement of the culmination of 30 years of grit, hard work, resilience, and sheer belief in our vision. It is a testament to my belief that with the #HumansOfOando, impossible is nothing. I’d like to thank the dream team, the #HumansOfOando, our financiers, and partners for their belief and role in making this award a reality.”

The acquisition is the culmination of a decade of preparation, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to a vision of becoming Africa’s first indigenous International Oil Company. It is a testament to the organisation’s 30-year journey spanning the entire energy value chain, with consistent and deliberate actions at each stage that have led to the advancement of indigenous participation in the industry.

The Deal of the Year award “recognises the most transformative and impactful deal in the energy sector – honouring excellence in negotiation, strategic alignment, innovation and collaboration – and celebrates deals that drive advancements in energy and economic growth.”

With this year’s AEW theme of “Invest in Africa Energies: Energy Growth Through an Enabling Environment”, the AEC, through the AEW Awards 2024, recognised other persons, International (IOCs) and National Oil Companies (NOCs) across the continent through awards in 10 categories.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Oando PLC.

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